The role of locally-produced foreign-language media in the migration experiences of lifestyle migrants in the algarve

Abstract

This study explores the relationships of northern Europeans living in the Algarve (Portugal) with locally-produced foreign-language media. For such “lifestyle” migrants, these media play an active role in their migration and post-migration experiences. Besides their functional role, they may also contribute to community-making processes. Findings from a survey and focus groups indicate that respondents are familiar with these media, using them as sources of information regarding local news, events, and services. However, the findings also reveal ambivalence about the extent to which these media are useful in providing cultural understanding as aid to intercultural communication or to feeling integrated in local society.