Language and Identity Development Among Syrian Adult Refugees in Canada: A Bourdieusian Analysis

Abstract

Framed by Bourdieu's work, this article focuses on the intersections between language learning experiences, capital, and identities of Syrian refugees now living in Regina, Saskatchewan. In this qualitative study, data were collected during a series of focus groups with Syrian women and men. Based on the study findings, we contend that the participants' multiple identities as hardworking, employed, independent, Muslim mothers or fathers, and wives or husbands developed in Syria were gradually eroded or altered by the realities they experienced in Canada, yet they had a strong desire to re-establish their identity constructions from back home in the new context. We assert that the loss of their linguistic capital from back home limited their employment prospects, impacted their abilities to form social relationships with native English speakers, and led to a shift in traditional gender roles. It is imperative to adapt language training programs in order to support refugees in re-establishing themselves in their professional fields and daily living activities.

Accommodation, empowerment and disinvestment—Typical second‐language learning trajectories of Syrian refugees in Germany

“…Those following the empowerment and accommodation trajectories participate in something that could be called a second-language normalisation spiral: The more proficient learners on these trajectories are, the more they move into German-speaking contexts, study in German or engage in everyday small talk in German. Language acquisition becomes a way to fend off identity threats and re-establish identities previously cultivated in their home countries (Ghadi et al, 2019). Importantly, language proficiency and use, identification and position-taking as students and colleagues work together to stabilise this passage.…”

“…A second strand of research complements the first strand by addressing these questions with a qualitative methodology. Ghadi et al (2019) show how adult Syrian refugees in Canada suffer from the multidimensional devaluation of their resources, including their linguistic capital, that is the value of their Arabic native language. These refugees' new living situations challenge long-held identifications as parents and as hardworking, deserving members of society.…”

Developing a Badge System for a Community ESL Class Based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks

“…We encourage other programs to consider developing a CLB-based badge system to help increase motivation and self-regulation among immigrant learners. Even though adult learners face many obstacles in their pursuit of a new language, they need language training that builds their confidence in the new language and culture, which will also rebuild their identities as contributing members of local and national communities (Ghadi, et al, 2019). A CLB-based badge system can provide them with greater direction and empowerment through their language learning journey.…”

Supporting Adult Syrian Learners With Refugee Experience in Canada: Research-Based Insights for Practitioners

“…Research has shown that learning a language and attaining needed proficiency are key challenges for newcomers in gaining access to employment, pursuing further education, and integrating into the host community (Ghadi et al., 2019). As Masri and Abu-Ayyash (2020) stated: “The most important step in language acquisition is to understand the factors that lead to SLA [second language acquisition] and that lead to successful integration within a new society” (374).…”