Resource bank

Free resources on all aspects of work-related language learning for adult migrants. Filter the resources to find exactly what you are looking for.

Coping with language differences in a super-diverse context (2015)

Wessendorf S. (2015), 'All the people speak bad English’: Coping with language differences in a super-diverse context’, IRiS Working Paper Series, No. 9/2015, Institute for Research into Superdiversity, Birmingham.

Drawing on an ethnographic study undertaken by the author in the London Borough of Hackney, the paper presents examples of how language differences are skilfully bridged in public-space social interactions, for example at markets or in shops. The paper also shows how language differentially influences the kinds of social relations people form when it comes to more intimate social relations, and how knowledge of English as well as cultural capital shape the way in which both long-term residents and newcomers form such closer social relations.
Country: UK
Language: English
Date: 2010s
Criteria: Scientific

Resources

 NEW  Quick Guide to work-related language skills

Available in Bulgarian, Croatian, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Irish, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish

Find out more

Would you like to translate the guide into your language? If so, please let us know via the contact form.


Do you want to
• Add items to the resource centre (e.g. work you have been involved in)?
• Rate and discuss items in the resource centre?
Then please...

Join our community

Are you involved / interested in 

  • work‐related second language learning?
  • linguistic integration of adult migrants?
  • related policy and/or administration?

Join the network now to share and develop your practice – it’s free and it only takes a minute

Why join the network?

  • Find partners for collaboration 
    View profiles and contact other members
  • Disseminate your work 
    Post news, add links and publications to our resource centre