Date of Graduation

8-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Communication

Advisor/Mentor

Allen, Myria W.

Committee Member

Aloia, Lindsey S.

Second Committee Member

Amason, Patricia

Keywords

Attribution; Intercultural Communication; Intercultural Communication Competence; Japan; Job Satisfaction; Microaggressions

Abstract

This thesis reports the results of a mixed method study investigating the microaggressions that Americans working as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) experience in popular English as a Second Language jobs such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET Program) and Interac. Utilizing a survey, this study identifies the types of microaggressions American ALTs experience and at what frequency, in both the general and workplace environment, the emotional valence of these utterances, how ALTs respond verbally and emotionally, how they cope, their job satisfaction, intercultural communication competence, and relational intimacy with Japanese Teachers of English. A series of interviews portrays a deeper look at the specific microaggressions ALTs experience, as well as its uniqueness compared to other studies that focus on microaggressions in America. Ultimately, this study aims to find the differences and similarities in microaggressions through the lens of the American expatriate. Using this, recruiters can see what their employees face while working abroad, and future ALTs can learn strategies when they face similar encounters in their future field of work.

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