Music listening and cultural adaptation: How different languages of songs affect Chinese international students’ uses of music and cultural adaptation in the United States

ABSTRACT This study investigates music listening of Chinese international students and examines: (1) how listening to music in different languages (English or Chinese) affects Chinese international students’ uses of music, and (2) whether listening to music in a different language (English or Chinese) predicts their cultural adaptation to host culture. Using a self-reported survey, the study found that Chinese international students listened to more English songs than Chinese songs in the US. Listening to English songs more often in the US is also related to higher uses of music for identity, and higher rates on cultural adaptation; whereas listening to Chinese songs more often predicts higher uses of music for negative mood management. The results indicate the important role of the languages of song in the functions of listening to music and suggest the potential of English songs in helping Chinese international students better adapt American culture during their enculturation process.