Cultural Adaptation and Resilience Dynamics in Somali Migrant Communities of Southern Africa: A Mixed Methods Inquiry

Somali migrants in southern Africa face unique cultural challenges as they navigate host societies with varying levels of Somali diaspora presence. The study employs a mixed methods design integrating ethnographic interviews, focus group discussions, and survey questionnaires to gather rich contextual insights and empirical measures of community adaptation and resilience. Findings indicate that while over 60% of respondents reported improved language proficiency after five years in the host country, cultural assimilation pressures remain significant, influencing daily interactions and social cohesion. The research underscores the complex interplay between cultural integration and community resilience among Somali migrants in Southern Africa, highlighting the need for tailored support interventions. Policy makers should consider fostering culturally sensitive programmes that recognise both the challenges of cultural adaptation and the importance of maintaining cultural identity. Somali migration, Cultural adaptation, Resilience dynamics, Mixed methods study