Language Learning: Student Stories II (Penner, 2013)

There were 4 major findings in this study of Refugee and Immigrant students in a language learning classroom (Penner, 2013).  While students used their first languages for understanding and pronunciation, they also spoke of their first languages and their identities, in the interviews.

2.  First Languages and Identity

There was a recurring statement made throughout the interviews with the students.  John* arrived from Croatia, seven months prior to the study.  He was hesitant to use his first language in the classroom, but talked about his first language in a very personal manner, throughout the interviews:

"I speak Croatian, my language..."  (John*)

 "My language help me a lot of times in English...and it will help me, me all times.  If we can't use our language for, in school, for me that might be hard." (John*)

Another student, Manmeet*, who arrived in Canada from India, seven months prior to the study, also identified strongly with her first languages;

"My first language Punjabi, it's good. 

I can't read Urdu because it's not my first language." (Manmeet*)

(*Names have been changed to maintain the confidentiality of the students.)

1st Languages & Identity in Language Learning (Penner, 2013)

For more information regarding Refugee and Immigrant Language Learning, 

contact Cynthia Penner M. Ed. at the following:

pennerconsulting@gmail.com

or 

Penner Consulting