The Meaning of Multiculturalism in a Culturally Diverse Urban American Area

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Abstract
A crisis in North America revolves around how immigrants, established ethnic groups, and aboriginal people accommodate, and are accommodated by, the majority groups in society. Ethnic minorities appear motivated to retain their heritage culture and language, and this objective is often perceived as a threat to majority groups and to national unity. In the present study, the precise meaning that ethnic groups in Miami (Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Haitian women) attach to heritage culture and language maintenance and the views of the key majority groups (Black and White women) were examined. An unanticipated level of consensus emerged. All agreed that it is appropriate for heritage cultures and languages to be maintained in the home. Also, there was a consensus that groups should retain their distinctiveness in contexts outside the home when their group is in the majority. However, there was also unanimity in the belief that in the public domain, U.S. culture and the English language should predominate.

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