The role of trauma and psychological distress on motivation for foreign language acquisition among refugees

Abstract

As a way of facilitating a positive development with regard to adaptation, all refugees are expected to go through the foreign language training programme as soon as possible after settlement. This is seen as a way to help refugees gain a greater participation in the host society. The current study aimed at evaluating the role of trauma and psychological distress on motivation for foreign language acquisition among refugees. A total of 12 schools participated in the study. The schools were situated in Middle of Norway. In all, 239 questionnaires were handed out, of which 191 (80%) were completed. It was found that, the most violent traumatic events seem to be negatively related with motivation for foreign language acquisition. Coping strategies came out as a positive predictor of motivation for language training. Continent of origin appears to make a difference, showing that Asian refugees were more motivated for language acquisition than Africans. The current study suggests that refugees' past traumatic experiences influence their motivation to learn a foreign language. If successful foreign language acquisition is to be achieved, the refugees must be given the opportunity to deal with their traumatic past while embarking on acquisition of foreign language.

Keywords:

• refugees
• traumatic events
• psychological distress
• language acquisition

Notes on contributors

Valentina C. Iversen, M Phil, PhD, Associated Professor and Head of Research and development department, St. Olav's University Hospital Olav's Hospital/ Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Gunnar Morken, Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science And Technology Senior Consultant Head of Bipolar Unit, Østmarka Department of Psychiatry St Olav Hospital, University Hospital of Trondheim.

Nora Sveaass PhD, Associated Professor at The Social Science Faculty, Department of Psychology, Oslo, Norway.