Language learning and migrant 'integration' in Scotland
Language learning and migrant 'integration' in Scotland: exploring infrastructure, provision and experiences
What is the relationship between language learning and migrant ‘integration’? Is it understood in the same ways by the different stakeholders involved: learners, teachers, providers and policy-makers? How are migrants’ needs and experiences of language learning shaped by location, migrant status and/or gender? This project explores these questions through a qualitative study of ESOL provision in Scotland. The research involves multi-sited fieldwork in Glasgow and rural Aberdeenshire; we are conducting semi-structured interviews with learners, teachers and policy-makers, and participant observation in both formal and informal spaces of language learning. The project will provide new insights into the complex landscape of ESOL provision in Scotland, at a point when it is undergoing significant changes in terms of governance, funding and co-ordination. The project findings will be of interest to academic audiences, policy makers and practitioners in Scotland, other parts of the UK, and wider European contexts.
Research team
- Dr Francesca Stella (PI)
- Professor Rebecca Kay (Co-PI)
Funder
British Academy/Leverhulme Small Grant
Dates
September 2019- August 2022
Outputs
Workshop ‘Language Learning and Migrant 'Integration': Perspectives from Scotland and England’
On 23rd March 2023, we held an online workshop where key findings from the project where shared and put into conversation with research and practice from other parts of Scotland and England. The workshop included panel presentations from an exciting group of speakers, and a presentations of key findings and recommendations from the LLAMI project.
Panel ‘Critical perspectives on language learning, citizenship and migrant ‘integration’
Pauline Blake-Johnston, NATECLA Scotland, ‘Welcome and Introduction’
Mel Cooke and Rob Peutrell, ‘Brokering Britain, Educating Citizens: exploring the potential of the notion of citizenship in ESOL.’
Steve Brown, ‘Enabling Compliance? Scottish ESOL and Comfort Radicalism’
Jodi Watson and Sheila Macdonald, ‘Interrupting hierarchies: the subversive politics of kindness and joy’
Panel presentations video recording
LLAMI project findings and recommendations
Francesca Stella and Rebecca Kay
Project findings and recommendations video recording
Project findings and recommendations podcast
Final project report
Stella, F. and Kay, R. (2023) Language learning and migrant ‘integration’ in Scotland: exploring infrastructure, provision and experiences. Final Project Report. Glasgow: University of Glasgow. http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7885964
Stella, F. and Kay, R. (2023) Language learning and migrant ‘integration’ in Scotland: exploring infrastructure, provision and experiences. Executive summary: key findings and recommendations. Glasgow: University of Glasgow. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7886010
Articles
Kay, R. and Stella, F. (2023) Fit for purpose? Insights on the present and future of ESOL and migration in Scotland. ESOL Matters, pp. 18-21. https://issuu.com/iatefl/docs/esol_matters_september_2023_1_?fr=sYjcyNTY0MjYxODA
Stella, F. and Kay, R. (2023) Perspectives: Fit for purpose? Insights on the present and future of ESOL and migration in Scotland. Migration Policy Scotland blog. https://migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/publications/perspectives-fit-for-purpose-insights-on-the-present-and-future-of-esol-and-migration-in-scotland/