Language and Migration

Abstract This study focuses on the role of language in the inclusion of migrants, specifically refugees, in host countries. The study aims to propose new guidelines to help refugees in Europe to reach their aims, by reviewing language resources made available by public institutions. To do so, it will provide a brief historical outline of the concept of migration, addressing refugees’ prospects, the current European system of receiving refugees and some interviews with refugees about challenges that they face in the inclusion process. The crucial point of this study consists in exploring education for refugees, who need to be included and to be an active part in the host country’s society, by developing new knowledge and abilities. The linguistic resources that migrants and refugees need for this purpose are often available and accessible in most of the European Union, but national models of social inclusion vary greatly from one country to another. Therefore, the study will investigate how migrants and those helping them must collaborate widely and deeply. For this reason, this study will include three main elements needed for refugees in order to be included in the host country, considering the educational level of each refugee. Learning the language, work placement and cultural heritage are keywords for social inclusion. However, achieving inclusiveness in new societies is often hindered by many factors. To explore this issue, this study will give a brief outline of the first, second and third stages that refugees pass through when they arrive in a host country. In particular, it will focus on the third stage, in which learning the host language is definitely an essential requirement for work placement, social inclusion and personal ambitions. In fact, this academic study aims to answer to the following questions: 1) What are the specific challenges of learning the host country’s language(s)? 2) Does the learning the host country’s language(s) contribute to a sense of belonging? 3) What other possible effects does learning the host countries language(s) have on refugees’ lives?