Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
Volume 9, Issue 4, 2011, Pages 416-433
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): Improving English Language Acquisition for Preliterate and Nonliterate Adult African Refugees (Article)
Tshabangu-Soko T.S. ,
Caron R.M.
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a
School for Health Studies, Simmons College, Boston, MA, United States
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b
College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, #319 Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States
Abstract
Language barriers lead to unemployment, poverty, diminished health status, and social isolation. Since some African refugee populations are often not literate in their own language as well as English, they experience difficulty integrating into their new community. Structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with African refugees regarding the effectiveness of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs. Several factors were identified as impeding the participant's success in the program: (a) lack of peer education; (b) short duration of classes; and (c) lack of consideration for native language illiteracy. Recommendations are offered to improve the effectiveness of ESOL programs for this target population. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
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https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84859348846&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2011.616812&partnerID=40&md5=551bdf5e5e7930ed5e468d50d27b71c6
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2011.616812
ISSN: 15562948
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English