Emerging communication practices and how they affect immigrant adolescents in their developmental process

This article analyses peer to peer communication practices mediated by digital technologies. Particularly, the forms of this kind of communication have been analysed in depth among adolescents of foreign origins living in Milan. Aims of the research were: 1) outlining communication and socialisation practices technologically mediated (such as the use of cellular phone to exchange photos, videos etc. or the participation in social network), typical of the target group; 2) highlighting the role of these new communication practices in shaping peculiar relationship between migrants and indigenous culture, in terms of integration/differentiation processes; 3) defining if and how such behaviours enable a space of creativity, self-determination and cultural mediation between multiple belongings; 4) identifying any strategy of identity constructing in transnational terms. The sample was collected in two high schools in Milan (Italy) and consists of 20 subjects, male and female, age between 15 and 19 years old. All of them attended Italian school from the first year of secondary school at least. Data was gathered through individual interview, focus groups and virtual shadowing. The last method offered the possibility to get multimedia items produced by subjects themselves, which have been analysed too. Data was analysed according to qualitative methods; results are presented and discussed from the point of view of flow theory, acculturation processes and transnationalism. Results outline specific communication behaviours in which socialisation processes can bring about change in the traditional categorisation Italian/foreigner. The consequence is a new symbolic space for self representation and construction of identity.