Syrian voices: an exploration of the language learning needs and integration supports for adult Syrian refugees in Ireland

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a research project investigating language and intercultural support for adult Syrian refugees in Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). Learning the language of the host community has been identified as a crucial factor in resettlement satisfaction for adult refugees, with particular difficulties reported in relation to older refugees, women, and those with low levels of literacy. This paper focuses on the voices of twenty-six adult Syrian refugees concerning their ongoing acquisition of English and interactions with members of the local community in the one to two years since their arrival, exploring their views regarding the importance of learning English and their perceptions of what constitutes both useful language learning supports and particular challenges for them. Findings point to the importance of language acquisition for adult refugees not only in relation to their prospects for employment, social interaction, and access to accurate information but also in relation to their sense of personal well-being, dignity and autonomy. The research highlights the need for a flexible approach to language learning and teaching in this context, utilising a range of technological and bilingual supports, which respond to the particular circumstances, complex needs and previous learning experiences of the learners.

KEYWORDS:

• Refugees
• language learning
• integration
• intercultural support ESOL
• resettlement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Dr Bronagh Ćatibušić has a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin. She lectures on the teaching of English as an Additional Language in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University, and is a Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin. She has also taught English in Japan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and to refugees in Ireland. Her publications and research relate to language acquisition and pedagogy, plurilingual and intercultural education, and refugee and migration studies. She is actively involved with the Bosnian and Syrian communities in Ireland and has volunteered with refugees in the Balkans.

Fiona Gallagher has taught EFL / ESOL in the Sudan, Italy, Spain, Australia, Portugal and Ireland. She currently lectures in ESOL, English for Academic Purposes and Multilingual Education in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), Dublin City University. Her publications and research interests relate to English Language Teaching and Learning and Bi/Multilingual educational contexts. https://www.dcu.ie/salis/people/fiona-gallagher.shtml.

Dr Shadi Karazi completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Automated Control of Laser Systems) at Dublin City University DCU in 2013. He is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and works as an educational technologist in the Teaching Enhancement Unit in DCU. He has significant experience in developing, coordinating and delivering professional development to academic staff. He also has expertise in using new learning technologies to enhance student learning and supporting individuals, schools and programme teams with the implementation of appropriate technological solutions to learning challenges. Dr Shadi Karazi is a prominent member of the Irish Syrian community in Ireland. His personal, technical, engineering and IT skills, together with his native Arabic language allowed him to be actively involved with the developing Syrian community in Ireland and to support their integration in the Irish state. His publications and research interests relate to Engineering, Engineering education, technology-enhanced teaching and learning. http://tiny.cc/shadikarazi.