“All of my problems are related to language”: assessing the linguistic needs of refugees and asylum-seekers in Northern Ireland since 2015

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the language needs of refugees and asylum-seekers who have arrived in Northern Ireland since 2015 following the arrival of the first Syrian refugees under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme. Since this point there has been an increase in the number of newcomers seeking refuge in Northern Ireland who face acute language barriers on a constant basis. Recent migration has fundamentally altered the linguistic environment and demands some policy attention to accommodate the linguistic needs of newcomers in the six counties who have fled their own countries.

The study is underpinned by the concept of linguistic justice, drawing on Nussbaum’s (2011) capabilities approach to establish the extent by which Northern Ireland policy and public services can be considered linguistically just. As a model of best practice, this thesis recommends the use of policy interventions, or supplementary inclusion measures (SIMs) (Shorten, 2022) as a means of mitigating linguistic barriers and facilitating inclusion, integration, and a sense of belonging. The thesis is situated in Northern Ireland’s ethnonationally divided political system and a post-conflict segregated society and explores the impact of this unique situation on newcomers and their languages.

The findings of this research are informed by ethnographic qualitative research and earlier research in the field. Informed by semi-structured interviews and focus-groups with public service providers, Key Support Workers, Social Workers community leaders, interpreters, and refugees and asylum-seekers, the thesis aims to provide recommendations to policymakers. The main objective of this thesis is to promote the concept of linguistic justice for refugees and asylum-seekers and provide recommendations to policymakers on how this can be achieved.

Date of Award	Oct 2024
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Michele Gazzola (Supervisor) & Philip McDermott (Supervisor)