Sentiments of Nationalism among Nigerian Students Attending an American University
In: Canadian review of studies in nationalism: Revue canadienne des études sur le nationalisme, Band 18, Heft 1-2, S. 145-164
ISSN: 0317-7904
Using bivariate correlations derived from interviews with 52 Nigerian students attending Indiana State U 1984/85, focus is on correlates of 3 indicators: Nigerian unity optimism, African unity salience, & Third World solidarity. The strongest associations with Nigerian unity optimism centered on traditional outlooks, complementary religious & regional background variables, pessimism about democratic prospects in Nigeria, & a lack of enthusiasm for eliminating government corruption there. African unity salience & Third World solidarity were strongly associated with each other, but the meaning of their other correlates is elusive. Negative experience in the US was related to both of these variables, as well as to time. A number of relationships suggested the impact of cross-cultural contacts. Country-specific associations with other international students were of unexpected strength, with Malaysian friends reinforcing the culturally conservative correlates of country unity optimism. Having Saudi friends was notably associated with both of the transnational affiliations. Indicators of cross-national contact tended to be more strongly associated with one or more of the variables of primary concern than were indicators of cross-ethnic contact among Nigerians. The perception that international students have a good deal in common was strongly related to the variety of international student contacts the interviewees had experienced. 6 Figures. Modified AA