Activity as a tool in language training for immigrants and refugees

Area of Science:

• Sociolinguistics
• Adult Education
• Immigration Studies

Background:

• Immigrants and refugees often possess valuable skills from their native countries.
• Integrating these skills into language training can facilitate adaptation and employment.
• Current language programs may overlook the significance of prior life experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how everyday life skills acquired in the native country can be utilized in language training and employment for immigrants and refugees.
• To investigate the impact of activity and participation in activities on language acquisition for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing fieldwork at an adult education center.
• Interviews conducted with 11 illiterate adult immigrants and refugees (ages 20-65) with interpreter assistance.

Main Results:

• Individual immigrant activity histories were largely ignored in language training.
• Previous everyday life and work experiences were rarely discussed.
• Incorporating familiar activities would better highlight immigrant resources and backgrounds.
• Culturally relevant activities aid communication when language proficiency is low.

Conclusions:

• Language training for immigrants and refugees should actively incorporate their life experiences and cultural activities.
• Recognizing and utilizing existing skills can significantly improve language acquisition and integration outcomes.
• Activity-based learning offers a pathway to make immigrant backgrounds visible and valued in educational settings.