What role does language play in the integration of migrants into your community?

Being able to communicate is key to all aspects of life, integration and building inclusive lives within communities. Without relevant language skills, individuals cannot become active members of society nor will they be able to contribute to anything in a meaningful way. Not being able to access language learning opportunities causes isolation, poverty and far reaching mental wellbeing issues.

Whether a migrant or an expat, learning the local language creates a different bond with local people and culture. Of course, sometimes an intermediate language is all we have. But being able to learn and use the local language hits different. Understanding humor, nuance, expressions allows the migrant or expat to know the real, most authentic side of locals. In the case of migrants specifically, it blurs the line between "us" and "them" as it aids in integrating the newcomers into society in a very visceral manner.

There exists a division between the word migrants and expatriates ('expat'). 'Migrants' refers often to working class migrants, usually from a developing country. I ask: why do we only encourage migrants and not expats to learn the local language for better integration? Because high-salaried professional expats in metropolitans like Hong Kong, Singapore, Berlin and Cape Town can work and live well, using perhaps only English without the need to learn the local language. However, Nelson Mandela says this: "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

Language plays a crucial role in the integration of migrants in any community, including yours. Here are some ways it impacts integration: Communication: Language is the primary means of communication. Proficiency in the local language helps migrants interact effectively with locals, access services, and participate in community activities. Employment: Many jobs require a certain level of language proficiency. Being able to understand and communicate in the local language opens up more employment opportunities for migrants. Education: Language skills are essential for migrants and their children to succeed in the education system.

Let me offer a counter-example. Many Chinese migrants all over the world run restaurants, businesses or factories, without speaking much or well the local language, why? Because they can speak Mandarin or Chinese dialects with the overseas Chinese communities to get help and information on employment and businesses. And for an overseas Chinese who can speak both Chinese language(s) and the local language, they can be the bridge, the language mediator, and serve both worlds. Languages open doors.

Employment access is a major issue in the UK which cannot just be overcome by securing sufficient language skills or adequate qualifications. A large percentage of UK employers are either insecure in employing migrants as they know little about their previous experiences and cannot judge adequately if these experiences live up to their expectations or they lack general knowledge of employment equivalents in order to make informed decisions on employing individuals with a migration background. Very often this results in choosing applicants who can prove work experience in the UK on their cv.

Social integration is a huge issue as language learning opportunities needed in order to be integrated are often not readily available, certainly not in the amount and structure need to encourage social interaction and intercultural learning from the first day onward. Individuals then naturally seek integration in networks that are familiar and the language for communication is not a barrier; this is how social and ethnic ghettos develop and remain.

This is a big issue for migrant families. Migrants want their children to acquire the local language ASAP to succeed in school; but they may also want to maintain their heritage language. Some big communities manage to organize heritage schools, while some do not. Assisting with maintaining their heritage language, while helping the migrant children to transit to local schools with a new medium of instruction are both important. In non-English speaking countries, migrant children even need to learn a third language - the global English language. The government and communities need to work hand-in-hand so that migrant children can succeed and contribute in the host country, and work as language meditators for their communities.

It is important that educational institutions understand the difficulties that migrants face when settling in a new place. Integration cannot be a one way street but requires an intercultural approach so that both sides can learn from and with each other. Language skills play a key role in this but they are by no means the solution to all problems. The culture in the UK is very much one of not knowing much about other cultures, not recognising different cultural values and needs. Organisations and institutions offering educational opportunities have huge potential to create a learning environment which benefits both sides and support individuals to become the best version of themselves.

Cultural understanding and intercultural learning opportunities for all members of society are they way forward to create healthy, productive and inclusive communities. Only through learning from and with each other can we fully understand experiences, differences and views on various aspects of life.