Syrian Refugees’ Participation in Language Classes: Motivators and Barriers

Abstract

Resettlement country language literacy facilitates integration and counteracts social and economic marginalization. Thus, access to language learning is a social justice issue. Resettled refugees in Canada are eligible for free English/French language training. Between 2015-2017, Canada resettled 47,735 Syrian refugees. We explored predictors of language class participation for Syrian refugees, examining data from 1915 adult Syrian refugees in government-funded language classes in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Findings suggest access to language programs are shaped by provincial policies. Factors hindering participation varied by province and included gender, physical/mental health, education, English/French literacy, and employment. Practice and policy recommendations are discussed.

Procedures for claimant asylum within Canada, acceptance and rejection

“…Gender roles intersect with programs and policies to the extent that these create different barriers or opportunities as a function of gendered expectations or activities. For example, language programs that do not take childcare responsibilities into account have been found to play a role in women's ability to participate in language learning (Ives et al, 2022). Given the central role that language ability plays in access to education, employment and social networks, this can have pervasive gendered effects.…”

Adult Refugees Learning Greek as L2 for Social Inclusion in Non-Formal Educational Settings: The Case of Volos Immigrant Center

“…It is not only immigrant and refugee newcomers that have to make changes to promote social inclusion and smooth integration. Policies, institutions, and social environments pose social and structural barriers to their integration (Ives et al, 2022). Hanemann's research on educational services for refugees and migrants (2018) indicates that provision for youth and adults, especially those with low education levels is not a priority in most countries hosting those populations.…”

“…Acquisition of a second language (L2) is essential for new arrivals, as it facilitates migrant/refugee integration in the job market but is also essential for their general well-being. At the same time, literacy in the host country's language promotes integration and counteracts social and economic marginalization (Ives et al, 2022;Morrice et al, 2021). The reason why labor market participation is of the utmost importance is mainly because of the pressure many immigrants/refugees are under to send money home (Plasterer, 2011).…”

Self-esteem and Social Media Dependency: A Comparative Analysis of Welsh- and English-Medium Pupils’ Perceptions

“…Numerous studies undertaken within an array of different contexts (e.g., deaf community, international students exposed to host alien languages, and refugees) have each demonstrated a positive association between communication problems and perceptions of isolation and loneliness (Canizales & O'Connor, 2022;Silvestri & Hartman, 2022;Alazzi & Al-Jarrah, 2016;Wang et al, 2022a;Bulford et al, 2022;Ives et al, 2022;Casimiro, Hancock, & Northcote, 2007). Taken together, these studies show that whenever an individual experiences a communication barrier, perceptions of social isolation and loneliness can occur.…”