English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): Improving English Language Acquisition for Preliterate and Nonliterate Adult African Refugees

Abstract

Language barriers lead to unemployment, poverty, diminished health status, and social isolation. Since some African refugee populations are often not literate in their own language as well as English, they experience difficulty integrating into their new community. Structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with African refugees regarding the effectiveness of English for speakers of other languages(ESOL) programs. Several factors were identified as impeding the participant's success in the program: (a) lack of peer education; (b) short duration of classes; and (c) lack of consideration for native languageilliteracy. Recommendations are offered to improve the effectiveness of ESOL programs for this target population.