Understanding the role of language in integration journeys: ESOL from refugees' perspectives

Abdelghany, Sawsan (2023) Understanding the role of language in integration journeys: ESOL from refugees' perspectives. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on refugees and asylum seekers’ needs in the context of learning English, and how language acts as a facilitator to their integration process. Drawing on an ethnographic research approach across Scotland – which included interviewing New Scots and ESOL practitioners and attending a variety of language classes for asylum seekers and refugees – the thesis presents an in-depth account of refugee integration and language in the Scottish context. In addition, the thesis draws on my own experience as a refugee in Scotland, which has assisted the research process. The research is timely as the Scottish Government is in the process of developing a new iteration of the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy and reviewing ESOL provision in Scotland.

The thesis presents key research findings and argues that the current ESOL provision available to New Scots does not always meet their learning needs, as they have different experiences and circumstances from other language learners. The thesis identifies specific needs as well as barriers that New Scots encounter and argues for innovative approaches in ESOL teaching to be adopted more-widely, such as an ecological multilingual approach, and a trauma informed approach for dealing with refugee learners. Indeed, participants in the research believed that contextual learning not only improves New Scots’ language acquisition but also supports better integration with their local community. Policy recommendations are included in the conclusion of the thesis, with the hope that these will assist New Scots in the future.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of education
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Supervisor's Name: Phipps, Professor Alison, Fisher, Dr. Dan and Ryan, Dr. Sadie
• Date of Award: 2023
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2023-83805
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2023 11:04
• Last Modified: 07 Sep 2023 11:07
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.83805
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/83805