Communication in the migrant community in Malta

Abstract

The study aimed to obtain information about communication in the migrant community in Malta. The objectives were to identify the communication skills of the migrants in terms of language use and exposure; to verify whether members of the migrant community have access to participation, education, socialization and opportunities for gainful employment, and to identify if the migrant community is willing to share insights. A questionnaire was specifically devised to collect data via structured interviews. The project targeted candidates seeking refugee status. Forty immigrants consented to participate and were interviewed with the help of interpreters and carers. Results indicate that migrants seem to experience different levels of adaptation and assimilation into the host cultural and social network. Some feel marginalized, while others seem to be adjusting to the new culture; these individuals also reported minimal to no difficulties with communicating with the local people. Communication among themselves was reported to be difficult for some, even though most of the migrants hailed from North Africa. The study provides an overview of challenges identified and highlights the need for service providers to identify cultural and linguistic characteristics to optimize their interpretation of behaviour.