An ecological, multilingual approach to language learning with newly reunited refugee families in Scotland

Cox, S. and Phipps, A. (2022) An ecological, multilingual approach to language learning with newly reunited refugee families in Scotland. Journal of Educational Research, 115, 101967. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijer.2022.101967)

Abstract

Although academic literature and Scotland's refugee integration strategy recommend multilingual, decolonising approaches, language classes for refugees in Scotland usually focus only on the target language (English) and are predominantly teacher-led. This paper argues that newly reunited refugee families can be better supported through an ecological, multilingual approach by presenting empirical data from a five-month teaching study using qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, observations, autoethnographic fieldnotes). Using Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) and decolonising methodology, the teacher/researcher became a learner of the participants’ languages to explore the shift in learner/teacher power dynamics created through mutual language learning sessions as linguistic hospitality. The findings illustrate the participants’ increased feelings of confidence and empowerment in their learning. The approach complements existing community language classes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Phipps, Professor Alison and Cox, Dr Sarah
• Authors: Cox, S., and Phipps, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Culture, Literacies, Inclusion & Pedagogy
• Journal Name: Journal of Educational Research
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0022-0671
• ISSN (Online): 1940-0675
• Published Online: 30 June 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Journal of Educational Research 115: 101967
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy