Cultural and Social Perspectives of
Lao Adolescents: Developing Voices Through Writing
Rassamichanh Souryasack
San Francisco State University, USA
The purpose of this study was to investigate how Lao-American adolescents become
skilled readers and writers while developing their sense of ethnic identity and
personal voice. This study examines the issues of empowerment, family, race,
poverty, inequities, and voices through dialogue, guided questions, and the
process of writing.
Out of the ten students who initially participated in the study, there were only
three girls who completed the study. Through the dialogue and writings of these
three girls and the researcher’s field notes, the researcher collected data to
demonstrate how the issues of empowerment, family, race, poverty, inequities and
voices make it difficult for them to be part of the mainstream academic
community.
During the nine weeks of writing sessions, the three Lao-American adolescents
shared their perspectives on the academic, social, and cultural life. By sharing
their perspectives with one another, the students were able to develop their
sense of ethnic identity and personal voice. Even though the writing process was
a major obstacle for the students, their writings revealed common themes related
to family, community, isolation, loneliness, race, and poverty.