Language, Education and Training

Abstract

Proficiency in the language of the country of asylum is key to the successful settlement of refugees. Research has consistently identified English language as a key variable explaining different rates of employment, occupation mobility and wage levels among migrants (Robinson, 1993a; Schellekens, 2001; Wooden, 1991). In addition English language is important for facilitating social interaction with the wider community (Schellekens, 2001) and so those who have difficulty communicating in the language of the host society are more likely to be excluded (Bach and Carroll-Seguin, 1986; Thomas, 1991; Wooden, 1992).