Foreign Backgrounds Research Articles

Perceptual learning alters effects of foreign language backgrounds in speech-in-speech recognition.

The effect of training on linguistic release from masking (LRM) was examined. In a pre-test and post-test, English monolingual listeners transcribed sentences presented with English and Dutch maskers. During training, participants transcribed sentences with either Dutch, English, or white noise maskers and received feedback. LRM was evident in the pre-test (performance was better with Dutch maskers) but was eliminated after training (masker conditions did not differ). Thus, the informational masking driving LRM can be ameliorated through training. This study is a basis for future research examining the specific aspects of informational masking that change as a function of experience.

High-Throughput Next-Generation Sequencing of the Kidd Blood Group: Unexpected Antigen Expression Properties of Four Alleles and Detection of Novel Variants

Background: The blood supply for patients with foreign ethnic backgrounds can be challenging, as they often have blood group and HPA patterns that differ from the variants prevalent in the German population. In addition, hemoglobinopathies requiring regular blood transfusion may be more common in such populations. High-throughput genotyping tests can facilitate the identification of the most compatible blood products, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion reactions. The present study reports the results of a molecular study for the Kidd (JK) blood group. Allele frequencies and antigen prevalence data are presented for >8,000 individuals of various origins. Material and Methods: More than 8,000 blood donors were genotyped for 22 blood group systems and 5 HPA genes using an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. As part of the test system, we focused on the JK system in more detail. Double-ARMS PCR analysis was performed for the haplotype phasing of the JK1/JK2 and two more common synonymous polymorphisms. We performed transcript analysis to detect potential alternative splice products. For a subset of samples, a comparison between serotype and red cell genotype was conducted. Allele frequencies were determined for geographically different panels of individuals. Results: We successfully genotyped the JK blood group for 99.6% of the samples. Haplotype phasing revealed 96 different alleles. For several alleles that carry one of the synonymous SNVs c.588A>G and c.810G>A, we could not confirm the reported JK phenotypes. We found a higher frequency of JK:1 alleles for all populations except Iraqis. JK*01W.01 alleles were more common in the Asian groups and sub-Saharan Africans. A variant of the allele JK*02N.01 was present exclusively in Southeast Asians. Conclusion: Genotyping for JK antigens with a targeted NGS assay can easily be performed in routine. The interpretation that c.588A>G leads to a weak phenotype and c.810G>A to a null phenotype is questionable. IDs as well as the descriptions of alleles carrying these SNVs should be revised in the ISBT JK table.

Finnish dentists’ experiences with foreign-background patients—a qualitative study

Objective The population in many countries is becoming more diverse. The number of people from foreign backgrounds is growing in Finland as well. The aim of this study was to better understand how the foreign background of a patient affects the dentist’s work. Methods The research was carried out as a semi-structured interview. Six dentists from Helsinki municipality public dental care were interviewed between December 2019 and January 2020. After the interviews were transcribed verbatim, two members of the research group read individually the interviews to find emerging themes. Results The most common problems that arose in the interviews were problems within communication and interpretation. Periodontal diseases and the importance of self-care in treating them were observed to be unfamiliar to many foreign-background patients. The dentists also noticed different expressions of pain among foreign-background patients compared with native Finnish patients. The interviewed dentists thought that the length of time a patient had lived in Finland affected the experienced difficulties and the prejudice that the patients and dentists faced. Conclusion In this qualitative research, we were able to identify some of the common difficulties that the dentists experience while treating patients from foreign backgrounds, despite the small number of participants.

The diversity continuum: Blurring the boundaries between internal and external others among Italian children of migrants

In recent years, studies on nations and nationalism have experienced a rapid growth prompted by the so-called ‘new nationalism’, which has been interpreted, in the Western world, as the product of white majorities and their anxiety towards a demographic change caused by international migration. This article switches focus and explores the impact of demographic change on the nation from the perspective of its non-white population. Using Italy as a case study, the article relies on the voices and online comments of young Italian adults with foreign backgrounds who, like their parents, are often perceived by the white nationalist rhetoric as in need of integration or assimilation. Data rely on 38 individual semi-structured interviews with representatives of ‘second generation’ associations (ReteG2, Associna, Giovani Musulmani d’Italia and Yallaitalia), as well as forums, blogs and videos posted on the webpages of these associations since their creation until June 2015. The article reveals how the existence of an internal other (the Southerner) is discursively mobilised by these young adults to question the ethno-racial unity of the nation and to draw a diversity continuum between their ascribed foreignness and the internal other. This discursive move allows children of migrants to justify their national belonging and to re-write the nation in relation rather than in opposition to alterity. The relevance of these findings is discussed in terms of the re-making of the nation in times of demographic change and the decline of white majorities.

The Factors Associated with Multiple Physical Illnesses and Disabilities in Elderly from Foreign Backgrounds, Focusing on Japanese Returnees from China and Settled Koreans

The Factors Associated with Multiple Physical Illnesses and Disabilities in Elderly from Foreign Backgrounds, Focusing on Japanese Returnees from China and Settled Koreans

Network for Supporting Education of Foreign Children During Covid-19: Language Assessments as a Tool for Promoting Community Integration

The rising number of foreign residents in Japan has caused the number of children with foreign backgrounds in Japanese schools to increase. The present Japanese education system does not adequately support children whose mother language is not Japanese, and their educational problems have turned into social issues. We have conducted an action research project in collaboration with several schools and one university to determine how to develop a support system through online media that would soften the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that language assessment is the key to driving the project and sharing the results of the assessment analysis with all project participants works effectively to promote collaboration between schools, families, and the university.

A Qualitative Assessment of the Determinants of Faculty Engagement in Internationalization: A Chinese Perspective

Faculty is the key agent for internationalization. This interview-based study explored faculty views about the internationalization understanding, rationales, roles, engagement, and motivation in a research-centric, double-first class university in China. Faculty motivation was analyzed using the lens of the motivation systems theory (MST). The main findings concerning the five main themes emerging from the analysis of documents and interviews of twenty-eight faculty members are as follows. First, Chinese faculty’s understanding, rationales, roles, engagement, and motivation were significantly influenced by the national and university policies. Second, they mainly understood internationalization as activities, openness, and cross-cultural exchange. Third, unlike other countries, Chinese faculty espoused a broader scope of internationalization in their rationales, spanning from personal to university, higher education, China, and world development. Fourth, faculty perceived roles in internationalization included main drivers, role models, liaisons, and coordinators. Fifth, faculty motivation comprised goals, beliefs, and emotions. Faculty, among other goals, aspired to improve teaching content and expand students and self-abilities, yet they had mixed context and capacity beliefs. For example, they appreciated the university and national support for international travel, funding, and research but criticized complex travel procedures and teaching evaluation methods. They also felt concerned about their teaching, research, and communicating in a foreign language with students and international peers, except those with foreign backgrounds and experience. Faculty experienced different emotions when undertaking international activities, for example, joy, interest, and excitement to explore and learn. Finally, there was a high-medium level of faculty engagement in teaching and research than service internationalization (low or no engagement).

Commuting patterns of preschool children in metropolitan Stockholm

AbstractThis full population study of travel‐to‐preschool patterns of the youngest children (< 6 years old) in metropolitan Stockholm analyses how school markets, even at an early stage, reproduce inequalities related to social and geographical distances. Our findings show that families with foreign backgrounds tend to convert educational capital into social capital by sending their children to preschools in more socio‐economically favourable neighbourhoods. Furthermore, we detect avoidance behaviour among the majority population in ethnically mixed neighbourhoods, which indicate that some native families are inclined to avoid preschools with high shares of non‐native peers.

Supporting Parents with Foreign Backgrounds: The Results of a Survey of Childcare Workers

Supporting Parents with Foreign Backgrounds: The Results of a Survey of Childcare Workers

School outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy in Sweden.

AimTo study school outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with a matched comparison group from the general population, and to observe to what extent sociodemographic and disability‐specific factors are associated with school outcomes.MethodThis was a register study of persons with CP in Sweden, born between 1990 and 1999, with a matched comparison group. Logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between CP and disability‐specific factors and school outcomes (receiving final grades, grade scores, fulfilling the requirements for progressing to secondary school/university, and attending secondary school).ResultsChildren with CP had substantially lower school achievement compared with a general population sample. Much of the difference can be attributed to intellectual disability; however, CP remained strongly negatively associated with school outcomes. Ability to communicate in an effective manner explained most of the variation in children with CP, whereas motor function played a smaller role.InterpretationThe results suggest that school achievements might be improved if the communication barrier could be reduced, for example by ascertaining access to appropriate communication devices and by educators being aware that communicative difficulties do not necessarily imply intellectual disability. This might enhance the school experience and create an environment where children with CP can reach their full potential.What this study adds There are reduced educational outcomes associated with cerebral palsy.Negative outcomes are mainly driven by reduced communicative and intellectual ability.Gross motor function is associated with outcomes, but plays a smaller part.

Analyzing factors for an optimum play environment through children’s subjective well-being indicators

Although children’s play environments are known to be linked to their subjective well-being (SWB), this is not a topic that has been thoroughly studied. The present article has three aims: to identify factors that can ensure an optimum play environment in relation to children’s SWB; to analyze the most relevant groups of children that share similar play environments; and to focus on social inequality according to gender, background, and conditions of poverty and disability. The cluster analysis was performed using the indicators included in the Children’s Worlds international research project, and the participants comprised 3,962 children living in Barcelona (Spain) in 2017 (mean age = 10.7). With regard to the results, overall most children reported four deficits: a lack of age-appropriate rest, not being free from peer discrimination, not feeling safe within the local neighborhood, and not having enough freedom of choice. On the positive side, children displayed low stress and boredom, high satisfaction with their free time, and reported being able to spend time or play outside almost every day, all of which contributing to a high SWB. Girls, children living in poverty or from foreign geographical or cultural backgrounds experienced this in a lesser extent. The conclusions contribute new knowledge to psychosocial interventions to improve children’s play environments and well-being.

千葉県における地域日本語支援活動と子ども・若者支援への展開─『あなたの町の日本語教室』を手がかりに─

千葉県における地域日本語支援活動と子ども・若者支援への展開─『あなたの町の日本語教室』を手がかりに─

The association between employment status and QOL among foreign origin populations in Finland

Abstract Introduction In Finland the employment rate of people with foreign origin backgrounds appear to be 10% lower than in general population (73.7%). Contradictory, higher levels of self-perceived quality of life (QOL) has been reported among the same population. This secondary data analysis aims to examine the association between level of employment and quality of life from the survey on work and well-being among people of foreign origin in Finland (UTH, 2014). Methods People of foreign foreign origin, living in Finland were included in statistical analysis (n = 2,987). Pearson Chi-squared (χ2) and likelihood ratio (LR) testing as well as logistic regression analysis were used to study the association between independent variable 'employment' and the dependent variable of 'quality of life'. Results Employment showed increased odds for 'good' QOL. However, when comparing the two gender groups, the odds of having 'good' QOL in employed men were higher (OR: 2.17 CI 2.11 - 2.24) compared to employed women (OR: 1.50 CI 1.45 - 1.53) respectively. When adjusted for sociodemographic and confounding factors, the levels of strength of the association between employment and quality of life remained. Conclusions Women with foreign origin backgrounds seem not to have equal benefits of employment and/or equal access to labour markets in Finland. Validation about barriers of entering the labour market in Finland are further needed. Policy implications and actions are needed to improve equal access and benefits of employment for better well-being for women with foreign origin backgrounds. Key messages Women with foreign origin backgrounds seem not to have equal benefits of employment and/or equal access to labour markets in Finland. Policy implications and actions are needed to improve equal access and benefits of employment for better well-being for women with foreign origin backgrounds.

外国につながる子どもの学習支援の現状と課題 ―外国人散在地域・新潟の事例より―

外国につながる子どもの学習支援の現状と課題 ―外国人散在地域・新潟の事例より―

生涯発達の視点を踏まえた日本における外国にルーツを持つ人への支援―保育・教育・子育ての視点から―

生涯発達の視点を踏まえた日本における外国にルーツを持つ人への支援―保育・教育・子育ての視点から―

Comparison of offenders in forensic-psychiatric treatment or prison in Germany

PurposeArrangements for the management of mentally disordered offenders vary widely across countries, as do rates of imprisonment and detention in forensic-psychiatric settings of such individuals. This study aims to quantify the characteristics of offenders detained in forensic-psychiatric settings in Germany over a 15 year period from 1995 and compare these with those sentenced to imprisonment over the same period. MethodsUsing official national statistical data, the index offences, demographic characteristics and criminal histories for all individuals convicted to forensic-psychiatric detention during the study period are described together with changes over time. This group was then compared with offenders convicted to a prison sentence of at least two years in the same time period for equivalent offences. ResultsRelevant differences and similarities between the two treatment groups were identified. Compared to offenders in prison, those in forensic care were older, with a higher proportion of women and a lower proportion of those with foreign backgrounds. Significant previous offending and levels of diminished responsibility were present in both groups. ConclusionsThese findings provide data for future comparative research and indicate potential opportunities for earlier intervention to prevent trajectories into more serious offending, particularly in young people and those with mental disorder.

Self-perceived mobility in immigrants in Sweden living with the late effects of polio

Purpose: To investigate outdoor mobility of immigrants in Sweden who are living with the late effects of polio.Materials and methods: A total of 145 patients with late effects of polio born outside the Nordic region were identified at an outpatient polio clinic. Of these, 74 completed a questionnaire about their mobility and independence in daily life, self-perceived pain and depression, vocational status, mobility assistive devices/aids, transportation modes and driving. Patient characteristics were based on medical records supplied by physicians.Results: Twice as many patients had lower extremities that were affected by polio than upper extremities. This affected their use of different transport modes and caused mobility and transfer problems. Indeed, 39% needed mobility aids and help from another person to move outdoors. Those who reported dependence for outdoor mobility were more often unemployed and more often depressed.Conclusions: Many respondents reported having difficulties with transport mobility, but a large proportion, 57%, were independent and active drivers. It is important to consider outdoor mobility when planning rehabilitation for patients with late effects of polio and foreign backgrounds. In addition to psychosocial factors, dependence on mobility-related activities can lead to dependency and isolation.Implications for rehabilitationOutdoor mobility and access to transport modes are important for independence and an active life and need to be included in the rehabilitation process.Both personal and environmental factors, can contribute to mobility problems of people with foreign backgrounds, who are living with the late effects of polio.Factors such as cultural, social and gender aspects are important when planning suitable and individualized rehabilitation.

Selective parenting programs for parents with foreign backgrounds: cultural imperialism or democratic practices in social work?

ABSTRACT In focus of this article are two selective parenting programs, both developed locally by Social Services and by a Women´s Shelter organisation in Sweden. Parents with a foreign background is the target group. Their needs are formulated in terms of `change values based on patriarchal beliefs in honour´. In the article the programs are described in relation to universal evidence-based parenting programs and a also a three-part dilemma of 1; offering preventative but also normative interventions to 2; selected target groups and 3; based on the idea that migrant parents have special needs due to cultural differences. The aim is to investigate in what ways the practices of conducting parenting programs for this target group could be framed as cultural imperialistic practices or democratic practices in social work. Cultural imperialism leads to oppression while democratic practices are emancipatory. A conclusion is that both practices are apparent and concurrent. Yet the dualism dismantles the risk of reproducing oppression of the selected target group. Another conclusion is that instead of defining parents with foreign backgrounds as culturally different the target group could be defined as a group with migration experience e. g. experience of leaving the home country and family and finding ways of resettlement in a receiving country. Selective parent programs are relevant but an alternative definition would promote democratic practice, where authorities and social workers meet the demands of the participating parents on their own terms, and with the goal, not to change ‘unwished cultural differences’ but to support empowerment.

The enabling role of institutional entrepreneurs in the adoption of IPSAS within a transitional economy: The case of Estonia

SummaryIn the light of neoinstitutional theory and by adopting case study research methodology, this article explains the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards for modernizing public sector accounting in Estonia. This article reveals that the smooth—yet gradual—adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards‐compliant accounting systems was enabled by the involvement of powerful actors (i.e., institutional entrepreneurs) with foreign and/or business backgrounds. In addition, the change in public sector accounting in Estonia was facilitated by the developments in its international positioning, characterized by the transition from a Soviet communist to a market economy and subsequent European Union membership and by the absence of past accounting practices, which could potentially hinder the change.

Translanguaging pedagogy in multilingual early childhood classes

Abstract This paper investigates translanguaging practices and pedagogy with very young children in the trilingual country of Luxembourg. Recent research has shown that in early childhood education in Luxembourg there is a focus on Luxembourgish to the exclusion of other languages and that this appears to exclude children with foreign language backgrounds from everyday institutional life. Our research asks how and in which forms can a translanguaging pedagogy offer young multilingual children opportunities to engage in literacy practices. Our empirical qualitative pilot study carried out among children aged 2 to 6 in Luxembourgish early childhood programs clarifies forms of translanguaging when instruction is accompanied by pictures and reading in German. The findings suggest that gesture and body language are part of translanguaging, providing multiple resources that enable the young multilingual learner to make meaning.