Integration of Refugees and Acquisition of Second Language- a Case of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the strategies used in language acquisition by refugees, how language proximity and diversity influences second language acquisition, how second language competence affects integration of refugees and the role of government in acquisition of second language and integration. Integration entails giving some freedom to refugees to shape their livelihoods in ways suited to the environment. It is not akin to assimilation or naturalization. The study used multiple sources of data, which included desk reviews and primary data collected from the field. Data was analysed through the use of descriptive statistics and presented in charts and tables. Key findings of this study were that successful SLA is an important enabler for successful integration in any local community. The study also found that the government does not have laws and policies on language requirements for refugee integration. Other findings from the study indicate that language proximity and diversity determine how fast and efficient SLA occurs and that there was direct relationship between language acquisition and refugee integration. The findings above showed that there is need to mainstream language requirements of refugees as a way of making their existence in camps bearable and in order to promote controlled interactions with host community. These were deemed to be ideal strategies of enhancing language acquisition for refugees. Further, the government needs to take the leading role in promoting and protecting language needs of refugees. By building synergies with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), camp administration, refugees and host community geared towards promoting language needs of refugees