“Language alludes to everything”: A pilot study on front-line worker experience with newcomer integration
Abstract
There remains an ongoing need to address not only the post-migration experiences of newcomers settling in Calgary but also to understand how systems that serve them perceive, make sense of, and contribute to these experiences. By hearing from those who work with newcomers within the institutional settings that support newcomers, we can begin to understand some complexities of newcomer integration. The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to explore the perceptions that front-line workers hold regarding needs and experiences of newcomers. This study involved a series of eleven semi-structured interviews with workers at an immigrant-serving language-learning agency which were analyzed using thematic coding. The findings highlighted: front-line workers perception of their newcomer cli-ents’ identity in connection to language; the clients’ emotional burden and sense of belonging; and the challenges clients faced balancing everyday commitments. Moreover, this study explored the front-line worker’s role in cultural brokerage and promoting wellness. This study provided reason to value the practices and interpretations that front-line workers have of the newcomer experience due to the role they play in creating a sense of integration for newcom-ers. The interpretations that surfaced in this study sheds light on the complexity that both front-line workers and newcomers face and implies that further research and interventions are needed to ensure successful integration
Notes
Key findings
There is a need for cultural brokerage and language acquisition for newcomers
Living in a new country/culture resulted in difficulties surrounding integration and identity, especially under situations of stress
Learning English led to more ease in integration, and not understanding English led to difficulties with day-to-day life, as well as accessing services
Expectations surrounding immigration frequently do not line up with experiences after immigration, due to a plethora of different issues (i.e. childcare, recertification, family back home), and make it difficult to attend classes provided by service providers
Participants emphasized the importance of creating a safe space with their clients, as well as building trust
Key populations
Front-line workers of agencies serving newcomers
Gaps identified
Look into further long term and short term initiatives to help with integration for clients, as well as workers
Look into the role front-line workers have on integration for newcomers
Community organizations
Integration timeline
Key recommendations
Location
Calgary
Alberta
Open-access – Yes