Revised_Yemsrach Cover letter and Questionnaire.pdf

Diaspora tourism and cultural preservation of Ethiopian migrants living in Johannesburg. I, Yemsrach Mekonnen, an Honours student at the University of Johannesburg under the supervision of Prof T.M Tichaawa and Dr M. Mpotaringa, am conducting research on Diaspora tourism and cultural preservatio...

Diaspora tourism and cultural preservation of Ethiopian migrants living in Johannesburg. I, Yemsrach Mekonnen, an Honours student at the University of Johannesburg under the supervision of Prof T.M Tichaawa and Dr M. Mpotaringa, am conducting research on Diaspora tourism and cultural preservation of Ethiopian migrants living in Johannesburg. Invitation This is an invitation to participate in the study if you are an Ethiopian living in Johannesburg and over 18 years old. Introduction The study’s main aim is to examine the motivational factors that influence Ethiopians to migrate to Johannesburg and investigate the ways in which Ethiopians keep in touch with their cultural heritage. Procedure For this study, you will be required to participate in a survey by completing a paper-based questionnaire that will take no more than 8 minutes to complete. The records will be kept for 5 years in a secure location and will only be accessible to personnel involved in the study. Participation right Your participation is voluntary and no penalty or loss of benefits is entitled. You have the right to withdraw from this research study at any time without any penalty, loss of benefits or reprisal. Benefits Your participation will help as collecting data on how the Ethiopian migrants preserve their traditions enables the documentation of Ethiopian cultural practices, which could potentially showcase how Ethiopians who live in Johannesburg preserve their culture. This would also contribute to the academic world by providing a foundation for further studies that focus on diaspora tourism and cultural preservation. As a participant, this study gives you a platform to let people in on your experiences and cultural identity as migrants who reside in Johannesburg, which managers and policymakers can use in the promotion of cultural exchange between the diaspora community and the host community. Risk There is no known risk associated with your participation in this study. Reimbursement There is no reimbursement for your participation in this study. Confidentiality Your responses will remain anonymous, confidential and will not be linked to any identifiable information. Contacts Should you have any questions or concerns regarding completing this questionnaire, you may contact: Yemsrach Mekonnen [email protected] or my supervisors Prof. T.M. Tichaawa on 0115591597 or at [email protected] or Dr. M. Mpotaringa [email protected] 1  Diaspora tourism and cultural preservation of Ethiopian migrants living in Johannesburg. This survey forms part of the data for an Honours study at the School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg. The study examines the motivations for maintaining cultural connections of Ethiopians living in Johannesburg. You are kindly requested to participate in this survey. Your information will be treated confidentially, and your identity will remain anonymous. You are welcome to discontinue at any given time should you feel uncomfortable. The data collected will be used to present the results for publication purposes only. Please answer the following questions by crossing (x) on the relevant block or by writing down your answer in the spaces provided. Section A: Demographic profile A1. What is your gender? 1. Male 2. Female 3. Non-binary 4. I prefer not to say A2. What is your age group? (Please select the appropriate range) 1. 18-30 2. 31-40 3. 41-50 4. 51-60 5. 61year and older A3. What is your highest education level completed? 1. Primary school 5. Master’s degree 2. Secondary/High school 6. Doctorate (PhD) 3. Diploma 7. Other: Specify 4. Bachelors’ degree A4. What is your current employment status? 1. Self-Employed 2 Employee 3 Unemployed 4 Student A5. How long have you been staying in Johannesburg, South Africa: 1. Less than 1 2. 1-5 3. 6-10 4. 11-20 5. More than 20 year. years years years years Section B: About your migration B1. I decided to migrate to Johannesburg because of……… 1. Economic opportunities a. Better job opportunities b. Better business and investment opportunities c. Career growth d. Further my studies 2. Safety and security a. To escape the political instability in Ethiopia b. To escape persecution (based on race, religion, or political opinion) 3. To join family and friends 4. Vibrant Ethiopian culture in Johannesburg 5. Other (please specify): Section C: Cultural preservation C1. How often do you participate in cultural events, festivals, or community gatherings related to your home country as a way of preserving your culture? 1. Rarely 2. Occasionally 3. Frequently 4. Very frequently 2 C2. I usually participate in the following cultural activities to preserve my culture (multiple responses permitted)? Yes No Yes No 1. Festivals and celebrations 5. Arts and crafts 2. Religious ceremonies 6. Language classes 3. Traditional music and dance 7. Community meetings 4. Food (Cooking and cuisine) 8. Other Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements. (Use scales 1 strongly disagree, 2 disagree, 3 neutral 4 agree 5 strongly agree to rank your level of agreement or disagreement). C3. In preserving my culture, I attend cultural events, festivals, or community gatherings related to my home country to… 1. connect with my cultural heritage 1 2 3 4 5 2. meet other Ethiopian diaspora members. 1 2 3 4 5 3. celebrate Ethiopian traditions. 1 2 3 4 5 4. promote tourism in my home country. 1 2 3 4 5 5. strengthen my connection to my roots. 1 2 3 4 5 6. enhance my pride in my cultural background. 1 2 3 4 5 7. foster a sense of belonging. 1 2 3 4 5 C4. In trying to preserve my culture while living in Johannesburg, I face challenges like… 1. Language barriers 1 2 3 4 5 2. Lack of time 1 2 3 4 5 3. Distance from cultural events 1 2 3 4 5 4. Lack of awareness of cultural events 1 2 3 4 5 5. Influence of South African culture 1 2 3 4 5 C5. To better preserve my culture, I would need support in … 1. Language classes 1 2 3 4 5 2. Cultural exchange programmes 1 2 3 4 5 3. awareness of Ethopian cultural events 1 2 3 4 5 C6. Have you ever recommended cultural events or festivals to non-diaspora friends or colleagues to preserve and promote your culture? 1. Yes 2. No Thank you for your participation! 3