The language barrier in migrant aging

Abstract

Studies on aging and migration often note a 'language barrier' for older migrants when communicating in a (medical) second language (L2) context. Yet how a limited L2 proficiency impacts the aging process of migrant adults has, so far, not been systematically investigated. This question is important given that having a limited L2 proficiency may pose immediate drawbacks on one's ability to maintain independence. Through a combination of qualitative interviews and quantitative language and cognitive measures, this study investigates if and under which circumstances a 'language barrier' may be detrimental for the aging process of a group of older female Turkish migrants in the Netherlands. Findings suggest that a limited L2 proficiency reciprocally fuels feelings of L2 insecurity, which impacts the formation of social relationships in the L2, feelings of belonging and lower wellbeing levels. A firm embedding in an L1 network positively impacts wellbeing levels, yet results in a heavy dependence on others in L2 situations. We conclude that limited L2 skills may steer the aging process in a detrimental direction for those older migrants who lack a social support network in the L1 and cannot communicate effectively in the L2.

Current Research on the Impact of Foreign Language Learning Among Healthy Seniors on Their Cognitive Functions From a Positive Psychology Perspective—A Systematic Review

“…As Narushima et al (2018) point out, continuous participation in life-long learning courses, such as foreign language courses, can develop social cohesion and improve the sense of community participation, which may lead to improved social performance and enhanced well-being. Pot et al (2018) expand that it is partly through the stimulation of social well-being that the cognitive effects of FLL might be observed.…”

“…In this paper, the learning process focuses mostly on the journey, i.e., the process itself is sufficient when seen from a positive psychological perspective (Pot et al, 2019). The essential, and most positive, thing about the learning process is that the seniors are motivated to study a language for the sheer pleasure of learning (MacIntyre and Mercer, 2014), for the expressed purpose of learning another language and knowing about another culture, and for improving their social status as immigrants (Pot et al, 2018). The crucial point from a positive psychology perspective is that the outcomes of this learning process are significantly different from standard basic school or high school language education because in the older population the focus is on (1) the joy of lifelong learning, (2) their satisfaction with time well-spent in learning a new language, (3) their sense of belonging to a community of learners, and (4) the significant improvement of their cognitive functions, including memory, retention, and an enhanced sense of cognitive control (cf.…”

What Influences Language Impairment in Bilingual Aphasia? A Meta-Analytic Review

“…A related question is whether the cognitive and neural representations for L1 and L2 are shared or depend on different cognitive and neural mechanisms (e.g., Chee et al, 1999, 2000; Abutalebi et al, 2001; Ullman, 2001; Green, 2003; Perani and Abutalebi, 2005; Giussani et al, 2007). In our view, answers to these questions can be revealing for theories of the neurobiology of language (e.g., Libben, 2017) as well as for the design of intervention for language impairments in multilingual speakers in a variety of contexts, including immigrants and refugees across the globe (Pot et al, 2018).…”

The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam: cohort update 2019 and additional data collections

“…It was expected that these groups would face a number of additional challenges in older age, relative to their Dutch age-peers. Many face language barriers [44], unemployment [45], poverty [46], discrimination and prejudice [47]. On average, they are expected to experience more rapid health decline than their native peers [48,49], have higher levels of loneliness and depression [50], and are in greater need of care [46].…”