Language, migration and social wellbeing
What is it about?
This article is a narrative inquiry into the lives of a small sample of low-English proficiency Bangladeshi migrants in Australia that aimed to understand their social integration and sense of well-being in the host society in relation to their perceptions and valuations of English. Based on the findings, it can be argued that language proficiency, employability or labour market outcomes, well-being and social integration have complex relationships, which defy any simplistic or straightforward conclusions.
Why is it important?
This article shows how low-English proficiency Bangladeshi migrants in Australia navigate through their work and social life and develop social and communicative strategies to survive in the host country where English is the dominant language. Findings of the study suggest that despite their limited English proficiency, these migrant workers were able to find ways to contribute to the host country as skilled workers in their fields and they felt satisfied with their lives in Australia. Although not generalizable, the findings call for taking a critical look at the prevailing assumption that without English language proficiency migrants cannot enjoy a successful life or ensure their social and economic well-being in the host society.