Setting the Scene: Researching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Migrants and Their Communities in Multicultural Societies

In multicultural countries with high proportions of ‘first generation’ migrants, why is it becoming increasingly important to know how to understand culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants and their communities? Why are well-used theoretical and conceptual frameworks sometimes not appropriate for providing deep and nuanced knowledge of CALD migrants and the communities they belong to? What methods can we use, which are culturally both sensitive and aware, to provide new knowledge about migrant CALD communities? This chapter discusses these questions by reflecting on a project I conducted with colleagues on COVID-19 vaccine uptake with Arabic and Chinese speakers in Australia. The chapter makes observations on current methodologies, particularly in the digital space, by examining the methodologies we use to understand CALD migrants and the communities they belong to. This chapter suggests it is important to reflect on the ways in which we conduct our own research, and to question existing methodologies, particularly if they are a ‘good fit’ for unpacking the CALD migrant experience.