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Understanding the Link Between Pre-Arrival Education and Trauma and Language Learning: A Case Study of Yazidi Women in Canada

Abstract
The ability to communicate in the dominant language of the host society is essential to the short- and long-term integration of all newcomers. Research has shown that experiencing trauma may affect the speed at which a new language is learned by some newcomers. Other research shows that pre-arrival education has an influence on the language learning abilities of newcomers. Unfortunately, there is little research on the two issues and how they may combine to affect language learning among refugees. Our paper addresses the following question: How does pre-arrival education and trauma influence the ability of refugee women to learn a new language? Through narrative interviews with 35 newly arrived Yazidis in Toronto, Calgary, London and Winnipeg, we examine refugee women's experience learning English from their point of view. Our evidence supports the idea that increasing support for timely access to address trauma, more funded time in Stage One language learning, and additional educational supports may accelerate the integration process.
Authors: Pallabi Bhattacharyya,Annette Riziki,Labe Songose,Sally Ogoe,Lori Wilkinson Publication Date: 1/1/2020

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://DalSpace.library.dal.ca//handle/10222/79386
Notes

Key recommendations

The implication of the findings of this research is that low/zero literacy among Yazidi refugees hinders their ability to learn English language in Canada. Hence, the authors make the recommendation that Yazidi refugees with low literacy should be provided with training in their local language of ‘Kurmanji’ prior to learning English. Another recommendation made in this paper is to incrase the eligibility period for language training and to provide onsite childcare in order to increase participation of Yazidi mothers in English learning classes.

Gaps identified

The gaps identified in this paper are: (1) limited access to mental health support for refugees who come to Canada with trauama; (2) and limited English languaqge training due to lack of certified EAL and AEAL professionals

Key findings

The study looks at the impact of pre-arrival trauma and education on English language learning abilities of newcomers. The key finding is that both trauma and low education together limit the learning abilities of Yazidi refugees in Canada.

Key populations

Yazidi refugees

Community organizations

“Multiple organizations in Calgary, Winnipeg, London, and Toronto” (names of orgnaizations not mentioned; see the footnote on p. 89)

Location

Toronto, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; London, Ontario; Winnipeg, Mannitoba

Integration timeline

At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?


Accepted: 2020-06-10T14:36:12Z
Collections education-students-teachers , language , physical-and-mental-health , refugee-experiences , women

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