Acculturation and Dietary Acculturation among Arab Muslim Immigrants in Canada

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to assess Arab Muslim immigrant mothers’ acculturation level, to explore apparent links between acculturation level and experiences of dietary changes, and to gather information on factors affecting dietary acculturation. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews focusing on food choices were conducted with 24 mothers who had been in Canada 5 years or more. An adapted version of an existing acculturation scale was used to assess participants’ perception of their own acculturation. Results: Arab Muslim mothers retain traditional food preparation. However, several factors led to changes in their daily food consumption such as children’s preferences, time concerns, and availability of Arabic food. No significant relation was found between measured levels of acculturation and the adoption of Canadian food behaviour or the retention of preparation and consumption of traditional foods (dietary acculturation); however, a greater length of stay in Canada was somewhat associated with limitations on preparing traditional food. The findings indicated that many of the Arab Muslim mothers interviewed retain important aspects of their traditional cuisine. Conclusions: Dietary acculturation for Arab Muslim immigrants to Canada involved a balance between carrying forward food-related traditions and adapting to Canadian culture, including Canada’s food culture.