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¡®It¡¯s Like You Are Trapped in a Small Place¡¯: Language Skill Acquisition and Settlement Outcomes of Ageing Cambodian Refugees

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  • Shamette Hepburn

Abstract

Language skill acquisition is one of the main challenges encountered by refugees and immigrants entering and transitioning to a new society. In Canada, adult newcomers¡¯ language education is primarily tasked to English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. These programs aim to provide English language training, preparation for the labour market and integration into Canadian society. This paper presents findings of a larger qualitative study that explored the experiences of 15 community-dwelling Cambodian Canadians (aged 55 and older) in northwest Toronto. Drawing on critical transnationalism and postcolonialism, it examines Cambodian Canadians¡¯ reflections on their language skill acquisition and integration vis-¨¤-vis the education and migration regimes which form part of the resettlement bureaucracy supporting these activities and processes. Decades after participating in language education programs, ageing Cambodian Canadians¡¯ narratives reveal that inadequate resources and support have resulted in lower than desired language skill acquisition and differential inclusion within their communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shamette Hepburn, 2020. "¡®It¡¯s Like You Are Trapped in a Small Place¡¯: Language Skill Acquisition and Settlement Outcomes of Ageing Cambodian Refugees," International Journal of Social Work, Macrothink Institute, vol. 7(2), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:mth:ijsw88:v:7:y:2020:i:2:p:1-16
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feng Hou, 2017. "The resettlement of Vietnamese refugees across Canada over three decades," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-188, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    2. Chiswick, Barry R. & Miller, Paul W., 2013. "The impact of surplus skills on earnings: Extending the over-education model to language proficiency," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 263-275.
    3. Feng Hou, 2017. "The resettlement of Vietnamese refugees across Canada over three decades," WIDER Working Paper Series 188, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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