INTERCULTURAL TRAINERS KIT

INTERCULTURAL TRAINERS KIT
FOR MIGRANTS’ EDUCATORS

Promoting mutual understanding and cultural dialogue

Theory: Language needs of adult migrants

In the last decades, knowing the language of the host country has become a sensible subject for European countries. This is being reflected by the number of public policies and legislations that emphasize the need for knowing the language in order to apply for residence and for the acquisition of nationality. Politicians are constantly describing language as a need for a proper and successful integration.

One must not forget that people migrate with their own educational and language background. In the case of a group of adult migrants, people are different at the social, educational and cultural levels.

So there is no single answer for the language needs of migrants. Language training should focus on giving the results expected for each single case, being able to help migrants to accomplish social integration.

Taking into account cultural specificities of migrants and needs in the learning process will motivate and encourage adult migrant learners to quickly achieve progress in adaptation and language learning.