Language Skills
In this section, you will find information about the following:
why it is important to learn a new language
the importance of culture in communication and language learning
difficulties people with a refugee background might encounter when learning a new language
practical tips and stories related to language learning
Learning language.mp4INTRO
This video introduces the experiences of Ukrainian refugees in Finland, highlighting how Finnish language skills play a vital role in successful integration. As they navigate a new culture and community, learning the language has helped them connect, find work, and feel at home. Watch to see firsthand why language learning is challenging, yet such a powerful tool for building a new life in a new country.
Why Is It Important to Learn Languages?
Language skills and non-verbal communication are the basis of communication in all cultures. Language also plays an important role in understanding the many dimensions of an individual's identity. Ethnic identity, i.e. belonging to a certain ethnic group, is decisively based on mastery of the language. The inability to master the language, on the other hand, increases exclusion from the community or, more broadly, society.
Language is an important part of people's lives. Through a fluent understanding of the language, it is possible to be heard and experience a sense of security.
Learning the language of the new home country is important to support integration. Language skills have a significant impact on refugees' well-being and adaptation. For this reason, it would be good to start learning a new language as soon as possible after immigrating.
Benefits of Learning the Local Language
Our host countries invest significantly to provide free, accessible language courses tailored to Ukrainians' needs, recognising the state languages as central to integration.
Integration & Social Participation
Language proficiency facilitates communication, fosters connections with locals, and allows for smoother interactions with government services.
Education & Employment
Language skills open doors to educational programs and improve employment prospects, as many roles require local language proficiency. In Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, many educated refugees are limited to low-skilled jobs due to language barriers.
In Latvia, nearly a third of war refugees from Ukraine have higher education, and almost 40% possess secondary or vocational education. However, almost 40% work in low-skilled occupations that do not require high qualifications, primarily due to limited Latvian language skills and strict language requirements in certain professions.* The situation is similar in Estonia and Finland, where language barriers also impact refugees’ access to jobs matching their qualifications.
*Ukrainian refugees in Latvia: available data, experiences and public attitudes. Providus 2024.
Self-Reliance & Daily Life
Speaking the local language supports independence and confidence, enabling easier navigation of daily tasks like shopping, healthcare visits, and public transport.
Personal Growth & Cultural Connection: Language learning promotes cognitive development and offers deeper cultural understanding, enhancing refugees' personal and social experiences in their new communities.
Language Use Compared
Official Languages
🇪🇪 Estonian
🇫🇮 Finnish and Swedish
🇱🇻 Latvian
Common languages of everyday communication
🇪🇪 Estonian. Russian is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas like Tallinn and the northeast. English is increasingly common, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.
🇫🇮 Finnish. Swedish is primarily spoken in coastal areas and by the Swedish-speaking minority. English is widely spoken, particularly in urban centres and among younger generations.
🇱🇻 Latvian. Russian is commonly spoken, particularly in larger cities like Riga. English is also widely understood, especially among younger people and in urban areas.
Language classes
The governments and organizations in Estonia, Finland, and Latvia offer free or subsidized language courses to refugees from Ukraine.
Language in education
Finland has a more robust system of language support for Ukrainian refugee children compared to Latvia and Estonia. Schools offer preparatory education for primary and lower secondary education, where refugee children learn basic Finnish or Swedish language skills and get familiar with the school culture. However, integration to a regular class begins early, first in subjects such as physical education and music, where knowledge of the language of instruction is not as important as in some other subjects.
Latvia is encountering substantial resource challenges in transitioning Ukrainian children into Latvian-speaking schools. Currently, many children study online through Ukrainian schools, but the government plans to make enrolment in Latvian schools mandatory for refugee children. In Estonia, some schools initially provided Ukrainian-language education but are now shifting to Estonian, potentially reducing native language learning options for Ukrainian children. While there is discussion about creating Ukrainian private schools, their implementation remains uncertain.
It's important to note that education is highly valued by Ukrainians. Therefore, ensuring adequate language support and resources is crucial to facilitate the successful integration of Ukrainian refugee children into the education systems of these countries.
Importance of language integration
Language skills cannot be assessed solely on the basis of residence time or whether a person was born in Finland (or Latvia, or Estonia). Instead, it is important to consider the home languages used, exposure to Finnish or Swedish (or Latvian, or Estonian), and opportunities to use them. Knowing the language is key to managing everyday life, understanding culture and opportunities in communities, education, and working life. Lack of language skills can make it difficult to find employment, but in some situations, English language skills can be enough for integration, employment, and well-being in our countries, while Russian can initially ease communication in Latvia and Estonia.
In all countries, language skills are essential for social integration and securing employment that matches a refugee's skill and knowledge level.
Knowing Russian in Latvia and Estonia
Dear Ukrainian Mentors in Latvia or Estonia,
As you embark on the journey of guiding fellow refugees, it's crucial to grasp the unique language dynamics that unfold in this new environment. Latvia and Estonia, with their historical ties to Russia and the Soviet Union, present distinct challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding language integration.
Understanding the Language Landscape
In major Latvian and Estonian cities, the predominant use of Russian in daily communications can be a notable challenge. Many locals, shaped by the historical Soviet occupation, are fluent in Russian. This linguistic history can create both hurdles and advantages for Ukrainian refugees, especially those who are proficient in Russian. While it may ease initial integration, it's essential to navigate these linguistic waters with cultural sensitivity.
Navigating the Complexities
The historical context has given rise to tensions and ideological differences within the local population. Some individuals still strongly identify with Russian language and culture, maintaining support for the Russian government. This can lead to perceptions of being "occupants" if they resist learning the local language. As mentors, you may encounter resistance or reluctance to the use of Russian, and it's crucial to approach such situations with understanding.
The Role of Language in Integration
For Ukrainian refugees who have fled due to Russia's invasion, survival, safety, and rebuilding their lives in a new country are primary concerns. In this context, language might initially take a back seat, and the use of Russian could be a practical necessity rather than a deliberate choice. However, as mentors, encourage the gradual exploration of the Latvian or Estonian language. It opens doors not just for communication but also for a deeper understanding of local culture and smoother integration into society.
Importance of Culture in Communication and Language Learning
The importance of culture in communication and language learning
Language, speech and non-verbal communication are strongly linked to the cultural environment. Therefore, good language skills require familiarity with cultural expression.
Culture-specific behavior is also implemented through language. Language is present everywhere in people's lives, and its importance is central to creating social relationships and strengthening cultural identity.
It is good to remember that different cultures have different ways of communicating. This can affect, for example, conversations with the authorities or talking about mental health.
It is also important to understand that cultural differences in nonverbal communication can affect the communication that language helps clarify. A culturally sensitive approach is the key to a successful encounter between a professional and a client.
Language Learning As a Process
Learning a language is a long-term process that may even last a lifetime. The learner's skills are significantly affected by how actively he uses the language in practical situations.
Communication can be successful, even if it is grammatically imperfect, because the key is the intelligibility of the message. The goal of learning a foreign language is not only the mastery of structures, but also the ability to communicate in different situations.
Language learning is individual, which is why some people find it easier to learn languages than others. Others quickly learn to pronounce a foreign language and the grammar seems easy, while for others the pronunciation and grammar of a foreign language can cause the greatest difficulties. Some may sound like native speakers, while others will never get over the struggle.
Learning a language is an individual process. Many things affect this process.
Linguistic talent: An innate ability that indicates how easy it is for an individual to learn a language.
Motivation: Internal (internal interest in other cultures and languages) and external (e.g. getting a job or school position)
Temperament : A person with a shy or cautious temperament may find it difficult to get involved in social situations that promote language learning. A person with an active and energetic temperament, on the other hand, may quickly get excited about learning a new language and seek out different interaction situations.
Learning style: Each individual learns in different ways. Others learn most easily by listening (auditory), i.e. benefiting best from discussions and lectures. Others learn by seeing (visual), i.e. absorbing information from pictures and reading text. The third group learns by feeling (kinesthetic), i.e. using physical activity as the basis of their learning.
Difficulties in Learning a Language
People with a refugee background may experience various difficulties in learning a new language.
Learning a new language is influenced by many individual factors, but the importance of society and the environment is also important, because language is learned in interaction between people.
Learning a language with a refugee background can be difficult for many reasons, and it can be difficult to find out about them. The background can be:
learning difficulties
psychological burden (e.g. trauma experiences)
neurological disorders
emotional or social difficulties
attention disorders
various symptoms resulting from physical ailments.
little schooling background, for example due to the country's conflict situation.
Example: Learning Finnish with a Mentor
How can a mentor support learning the Finnish language?
Discussion meetings: Organize regular discussion meetings where you can practice casual everyday language. This will help you get to know the use of the Finnish language in practical situations.
Language exercises in everyday life: Encourage the use of Finnish in everyday situations, such as in a shop, on the bus or in a cafe. This is how learning takes place in a natural environment.
Language teaching in practical situations: Encourage practicing the language in practical situations, such as cooking, shopping or planning routes. This gives a concrete context for language learning.
Sharing cultural knowledge: Discuss the traditions and habits of your own culture while teaching the Finnish language. This can make language learning more interesting and meaningful.
Shared hobbies: Participate in hobbies together, such as sports groups or art circles, where Finnish is used. This combines language learning with enjoyable activities.
Discussions about grammar: Discuss the rules and exceptions of the new language together. A mentor can help clarify grammar concepts and answer questions.
Writing and reading exercises: Try reading the text together using newspapers, periodicals, various bulletins or advertisements. Also try writing short messages. In this way, both speaking and writing skills can be developed.
Language help through technology: Take advantage of language teaching apps and online resources. As a mentor, you can recommend useful applications and help you use them effectively.
Encourage independent study: Provide information on self-study materials and encourage studying independently, for example at home.
Positive feedback and encouragement: Give positive feedback about progress. A positive atmosphere encourages the learner to practice more and improve their language skills.
Video: How to Learn a New Language?
In the video, you'll hear why it's important to study a new language and you'll get tips for language learning and hear other people's experiences of studying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JGKvBm6kYU (in Ukrainian, duration 9:10)
Video: Tips to Learn a Language
You can learn a language in different ways. In the video, listen to the best tips from people who moved to Finland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knjc9yLwrUI (in Ukrainian, duration 3:00)
Summary
Language skills and non-verbal communication are the basis of communication in all cultures.
Language skills have a central effect on well-being: through language, a person becomes understood.
Language learning is affected by individual and non-individual factors.
The challenges of language learning for people with a refugee background can be due to many reasons: schooling background, lack of reading and writing skills and psychological stress.
Different cultures have different concepts and norms about how language is used in human interaction.
Language skills affect survival in everyday life.
Self-Assessment Questions
Sources to Support Language Learning
Language Course Offerings
Finnish
Latvian
On http://www.palidzibaskarte.lv, you can find the nearest place to learn Latvian. In the "Filter" section, select "Latvian language lessons," choose the location closest to you, and contact the respective organisation. In Latvia, Ukrainian civilians aged 17 and older can apply for free Latvian language courses. Information about educational institutions offering free Latvian language courses for Ukrainian civilians can be found on the Society Integration Foundation's website. See also here: https://livelatvia.lv/living-in-latvia/learn-latvian/
Estonian
https://www.integratsioon.ee/en/eestikeel
Independent Language Study
Finnish
https://kotisuomessa.fi/web/site-155213/state-jurdkmbrei/front-page
Latvian
https://valoda.lv/informacija-par-latviesu-valodas-apguvi-ukrainu-berniem-un-pieaugusajiem/
https://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/
http://www.sazinastilts.lv/language-learning/texts/
Estonian
https://lingvist.com/course/learn-estonian-online/
Finnish: A website for volunteer language tutors and instructors.
https://suomenkielisanootervetuloa.fi/
Compilations of links for multilingual materials about Finnish society