Language and migration in rural areas: Experiences of migrants and refugees with language learning and use in Ireland’s rural communities

Ciribuco, Andrea, Rodrigues, Pilar Luz, & Andrusiak, Iryna. (2024). Language and migration in rural areas: Experiences of migrants and refugees with language learning and use in Ireland’s rural communities. Galway: University of Galway. https://doi.org/10.13025/29161

Abstract

The present report seeks to contribute to our understanding of migrants’ experiences in different rural communities, across different regions of Ireland. The study had a specific focus on language and its impact on the everyday lives of migrants in these areas. This report is part of a four-year (2022-2026) research project titled “Rural Villages, Migration, and Intercultural Communication” (VICO), funded under the Irish Research Council. The VICO project explores different aspects of migrant integration and intercultural communication in rural communities, which have received comparatively less attention than urban areas in migration research, but that nevertheless present unique challenges and opportunities (Morén-Alegret and Wladyka 2020; Patuzzi, Andriescu and Pietropolli 2020; Skaptadóttir et al. 2024; Woods 2016). Between May 2023 and June 2024, VICO researchers conducted fieldwork in 11 counties of Ireland, through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, reaching 165 migrants and refugees. This particular study concentrated on the languages spoken by migrants in rural areas, both at home and in the community. It underscores the importance of English language education as a vehicle for better employment opportunities, and for creating connections in the community. The study also underlines some of the challenges that derive from migration in rural areas, such as the lack of infrastructure, or difficulties in accessing translation and interpreting services, which makes accessing other services, like healthcare, more difficult.

Funder

Irish Research Council

Publisher

University of Galway

Collections

Italian (Reports)