Host Country Language Proficiency Research Articles

Migrant entrepreneurship support in Europe: a PRISMA systematic literature review

Background This systematic literature review (SLR) analyzes migrant entrepreneurship support in Europe through three research questions (RQs) to understand 1) migrant entrepreneur characteristics in the European context, 2) challenges encountered by migrant entrepreneurs in European host countries, and 3) policies supporting migrant entrepreneurship in Europe. This review addresses gaps in current knowledge in academia as well as issues that policymakers and practitioners face when addressing migrant entrepreneurship support. Methods This SLR employed a search protocol to retrieve published sources from 1970 to 2021, via Scopus (27 March 2022) and Web of Science (7 April 2022). Inclusion criteria targeted migrant entrepreneurship support studies while exclusion criteria eliminated domestic migration and non-European contexts. The authors worked iteratively, aligning the data with the RQs to reduce bias, and adapted Bourdieu's forms of capital to create an analytical framework for the sources included in the SLR, with a table for each RQ to synthesize relevant data for analysis. Results The review examined 91 peer-reviewed papers, with a focus on migrant entrepreneurship support in Europe, covering characteristics, challenges, and support policies. It classified migrant entrepreneur challenges and characteristics into financial, human, and social capital, as well as external factors. Common challenges include the local culture and language, network, funding, and adapting to local business practices. Migrant entrepreneurs' stability relates to time in the host country and local language proficiency and reflects past entrepreneurial experience and education. Supportive mechanisms involve local networks, financing, and mentoring. Conclusions The SLR's limitations encompass possible oversight of pertinent studies, along with potential bias in data extraction, analysis, and subjectivity due to thematic analysis. Nonetheless, the findings suggest the following research agenda for migrant entrepreneurship support: evaluating and enhancing human and social capital, sharing information, designing support programs, addressing in-group/out-group bias in support programs, and exploring bottom-up migrant entrepreneurship support approaches.

Migrant-Native Disparities in Obstetric Neuraxial Analgesia Use: The Role of Host-Country Language Proficiency.

Neuraxial analgesia (NA) is the most effective modality in managing labor pain with widespread availability in high-income countries. Previous research has reported a differential obstetric NA use among migrant and native women, but the contribution of language barriers is not well understood. We aimed to investigate whether host-country language proficiency among migrant women influences NA use and satisfaction with pain management during labor, when compared to natives. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from 1024 native and 1111 migrant women who had singleton vaginal deliveries between 2017 and 2019 and were enrolled in the nationwide Portuguese baMBINO prospective cohort study. Obstetric NA use, satisfaction with labor pain management, and migrants' Portuguese language proficiency were self-reported. Data were analyzed using robust multilevel Poisson regression, adjusted for maternal region of birth (characterized by the Human Development Index), age, and education. Overall, 84.4% of native women gave birth with NA, compared to 81.6%, 71.3%, and 56.9% of migrant women with full, intermediate, and limited language proficiency, respectively. Compared to native women, migrants with intermediate (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.91 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.82-0.99]) and limited (aRR = 0.73 [95% CI, 0.56-0.94]) proficiency were less likely to receive NA. However, no significant differences were observed in pain management satisfaction by language proficiency level. Compared to native women, we observed a differential obstetric NA use across migrant women with different host-country language proficiency levels in Portugal, without affecting satisfaction with labor pain management. Although defining the mechanisms underlying NA use discrepancies requires further research, our findings support systematically evaluating pregnant migrant women's linguistic skills and ensuring their access to adequate obstetric analgesia-related information and interpretation services.

The effects of host country language proficiency on the relationship between psychological contract breach, violation, and work behaviors: A moderated mediation model

As self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) often struggle to communicate in the common corporate language and/or host country language, the aim of this study is to determine if host country language proficiency (HCLP) facilitates communication. As a corollary HCLP might reduce the negative impact of psychological contract (PC) breach on PC violation, and ultimately the positive impact on counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) and the negative impact on organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). This study uses a repeated-measurement design with three measurement points from 300 SIEs. Using a moderated mediation path model, we found that PC breach at T1 is positively associated with CWB and negatively associated with OCB at T3 through PC violation at T2. Furthermore, HCLP at T1 moderates the positive PC breach–PC violation relationship. Specifically, HCLP amplifies the indirect relationships between PC breach, CWB, and OCB for participants with poor levels of HCLP. This study demonstrates the need of improving HCLP of SIEs. We discuss additional implications for theory, practice and future research.

Care arrangements between family and state – developing hybrid scripts of ageing in a context of migration

Abstract Due to demographic developments, the number of immigrant families with older members is growing across Western Europe. Poised between the different approaches to care in their countries of origin and destination, such families are treading new ground as they negotiate support for older family members. Based on semi-structured interviews with 26 older and younger family members from 20 Turkish immigrant families in Denmark, this article investigates the broad variation in how these families approach caring for older people. At one end of the scale, some families (re)create a traditional Turkish approach to care in which three generations live together and the daughter-in-law is the main care provider. At the other end of the scale, some families follow the Danish approach in which families rely on public care provision. In between these two poles, many families devise a variety of care solutions for their older members that often rely on considerable support by family. Utilising Cati Coe's concept of care-scription, the analysis shows how families negotiate – and sometimes struggle over – who will shoulder which tasks. In the post-migration context, daughters-in-law are often able to retreat from their traditional role of care provider, which in turn increases expectations of daughters' care provisions. In Denmark, which is a relatively gender-equal society, Turkish daughters may seek to make their brothers take on a greater role in the provision of care for their parents, and in some families, the children also turn towards public care provisions to share the burden of parental care. Resistance from older parents may, however, short-circuit this strategy. Overall, the study points both to the difficulties faced by older immigrants with limited host-country language proficiency when utilising public European care provisions and to the complex and unsettled nature of care provisions in immigrant families in Europe today.

Migrant and native women’s perceptions of prenatal care communication quality: the role of host-country language proficiency

BackgroundDespite the potentially significant impact of women-prenatal care provider communication quality (WPCQ) on women’s perinatal health, evidence on the determinants of those perceptions is still lacking, particularly among migrant women.MethodsWe aimed to examine the effect of women’s host-country language proficiency on their perceived WPCQ. We analyzed the data of 1210 migrant and 1400 native women who gave birth at Portuguese public hospitals between 2017 and 2019 and participated in the baMBINO cohort study. Migrants’ language proficiency was self-rated. Perceived WPCQ was measured as a composite score of 9 different aspects of self-reported communication quality and ranged from 0 (optimal) to 27.ResultsA high percentage of women (29%) rated communication quality as “optimal”. Zero-inflated regression models were fitted to estimate the association between language proficiency and perceived WPCQ. Women with full (aIRR 1.35; 95% CI 1.22,1.50), intermediate (aIRR 1.41; 95% CI 1.23,1.61), and limited (aIRR 1.72; 95% CI 1.45,2.05) language proficiencies were increasingly more likely to have lower WPCQ when compared to natives.ConclusionsFacilitating communication with migrant women experiencing language barriers in prenatal care could provide an important contribution to improving prenatal care quality and addressing potential subsequent disparities in perinatal health outcomes.

Approaching or avoiding? Mechanisms of host-country language proficiency in affecting virtual work adaptivity during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced expatriates in many organizations to do virtual work, while virtual communication is becoming a critical skill, especially for second-language speakers. We explore how expatriates with high and low levels of host-country language (HCL) proficiency use different mechanisms to improve their virtual work adaptivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing upon the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, we argue that expatriates with high HCL proficiency tend to adopt approach crafting, whereas expatriates with low HCL proficiency tend to use avoidance crafting. We further examine the role of language-related human resource (HR) practices in reducing the tendency of expatriates with low HCL proficiency to choose avoidance crafting. We tested our predictions using data collected from 994 expatriates working in eight countries during the COVID-19 virtual work period, and the results generally supported our hypotheses. Our study sheds light on the importance of HCL skills in influencing expatriates’ job-crafting behavior and adaptivity in virtual work, and the significant role of language-related HR practices. Last, we offer practical insights into improving virtual work during a crisis in relation to employees’ HCL and organizational support.

Barriers to Accessing HIV Care Services in Host Low and Middle Income Countries: Views and Experiences of Indonesian Male Ex-Migrant Workers Living with HIV.

Migrant populations are one of the vulnerable groups to HIV transmission and its consequences. They are also reported to experience delayed entry or linkage into HIV services and have poorer HIV-related health outcomes. This study aimed to understand barriers to accessing HIV care services in host countries among Indonesian, male, former (returned) migrant workers living with HIV. The study was carried out from December 2020 to February 2021. It utilised a qualitative design employing in-depth interviews to collect data from twenty-two returned migrant workers from Eastern Indonesia, recruited using the snowball sampling technique. A qualitative data analysis framework was used to guide a step-by-step analysis of the findings. Findings demonstrated that limited host-country language proficiency, lack of knowledge regarding healthcare systems in host countries and having 'undocumented' worker status were barriers to accessing HIV care services. Data also revealed the unavailability of HIV care services nearby migrants' work locations, long-distance travel to healthcare facilities, and challenges in accessing public transportation as barriers that impeded their access to the services. Other factors limiting the participants' access to HIV services were identified as the transient and mobile nature of migrant work requiring frequent relocation and disrupting work-life stability. Additionally, in lieu of formal HIV services, many participants self-medicated by using over-the-counter herbal or 'traditional' medicines, often because of peer or social group influence regarding the selection of informal treatment options. Recommendations arising from this study demonstrate the need to improve pre-departure information for migrant workers regarding the healthcare system and access procedures in potential host countries. Data from this study also indicate that social services should be available to assist potential migrants to access legal channels for migrant work overseas, to ensure that Indonesian migrants can safely access healthcare services in the countries for which they are providing migrant labour. Future studies to understand barriers to accessing HIV care services among various migrant groups living with HIV are warranted to build evidence for potential social policy change.

The local lingo: Influence of Host Country Language Proficiency on Psychological Contract Breach

The psychological contract and expatriate literatures suggest that the ability of employees to communicate with their employers will avoid misunderstandings and strengthen relationships, thereby limiting the effects of breach on negative and positive workplace behavior. Proficiency in the host country language is likely to facilitate communication for self-initiated expatriates who decide to move to another country and work there. This 3-wave study, using data from 300 self-initiated expatriates, shows that psychological contract breach at time 1 is positively related to counterproductive work behavior and negatively related with organizational citizenship behavior at time 3 through feelings of violation at time 2. Furthermore, host country language proficiency moderates the relationship between breach and feelings of violation, thereby amplifying the indirect relationships between breach and the outcome variables for those who have poor levels of host country language proficiency. We discuss implications for theory, practice and future research in the field of self-initiated expatriates.

Growing up in ethnic enclaves: language proficiency and educational attainment of immigrant children

Does the regional concentration of immigrants of the same ethnicity affect immigrant children’s acquisition of host country language skills and educational attainment? We exploit the concentration of five ethnic groups in 1985 emanating from the exogenous placement of guest workers across German regions during the 1960s and 1970s. Results from a model with region and ethnicity fixed effects indicate that exposure to a higher own ethnic concentration impairs immigrant children’s host country language proficiency and increases school dropout. A key mediating factor for the detrimental language effect is parents’ lower speaking proficiency in the host country language, whereas inter-ethnic contacts with natives and economic conditions do not play a role in language proficiency or educational attainment.

Learning language and gaining employment: problems for refugee migrants in Australia

PurposeMuslim refugee migrants are a growing ethno-religious disadvantaged minority group in several Western societies, and host-country language proficiency and employment are essential factors in reducing this disadvantage. This paper thus explores the efficacy of English training programs in facilitating the settlement and employment of a group of male Muslim refugees in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThis study is qualitative in nature, with data collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the eight participants in the study. Analysis was conducted using Bourdieu's concepts of field, capital and habitus.FindingsEnglish training programs offered to Australian Muslim men are problematic in their aim of linking them to employment. Areas of concern are identified in respect to the training hours offered, their learning environment, their content and pedagogy, their lack of focus on employment and their failure to recognise the existing work skills of the migrants.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted with a small sample of male Muslim migrants: while the findings may be similar for other refugee groups, further research is necessary to confirm this.Practical implicationsThere is a need to restructure the current English training programs offered to refugee migrants in Australia, Muslim or otherwise. This study identifies several areas where such restructuring might occur, both at the policy and pedagogical levels.Originality/valueFew studies focus on Australian male Muslim migrants. This study enhances understanding of this under-researched group and their struggles to learn English, find employment and rise above their disadvantaged societal position.

Academic achievement and wellbeing of dual language learners: Evidence from a busing program

We exploit exogenous variation from a school desegregation policy to investigate the determinants of academic achievement and wellbeing of dual language learners. The policy buses some school starters with low host-country language proficiency from schools with many dual language learners, higher total budget for dual language learning and higher per-pupil spending to schools with fewer dual language learners but lower total budget for dual language learning and per-pupil spending. Assignment to busing is exogenous conditional on three observed individual characteristics, hence we compare bused and non-bused pupils conditional on these characteristics. We find that assignment to forced busing has a negative effect on the academic performance and wellbeing of dual language learners, which is at odds with findings for school desegregation in the US.

Host country language proficiency and identity: Spanish self-initiated expatriate nurses in Germany

PurposeDespite over 50 years of expatriation research, the implications of expatriation for identity remains an under-researched topic in mainstream international human resource management (IHRM) literature. Expatriation can cause disruption to expatriates' familiar sociocultural environment, which can often pose challenges to their self-concept and identity. The study underpinned by identity and social identity theories explores the perceptions of Spanish self-initiated expatriate (SIE) nurses living in Germany and other Spanish nurses who repatriated from Germany to understand the influence of expatriation on their self-concept and identity.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with Spanish SIE nurses in Germany (n = 20) and others who had repatriated from Germany (n = 10). Data analysis was assisted by NVivo software.FindingsThe study identified that low proficiency in the host country language (HCL) and the problematic workplace interactions that ensued, challenged the participants' self-conceptions as competent professionals and prompted their reliance on social networks of fellow Spaniards for social validation.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough focused on a specific context, the study not only enhances practical understanding of Spanish SIE nurses in Germany but also offers valuable insights to organisations working with SIEs. It adds to extant knowledge on language and identity in the expatriation context and discusses the implications for global HRM related to underutilisation of SIEs' knowledge and skills within organisations.Originality/valueThe study contributes to theory building on the under-researched link between expatriation and identity, while adding to the growing literature on SIEs.

Language Proficiency and Migrant-Native Disparities in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms.

Migrant women have a higher risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) than do native women. This study aimed to investigate the role of host-country language proficiency in this disparity. We analysed the data of 1475 migrant and 1415 native women who gave birth at a Portuguese public hospital between 2017 and 2019 and were participants in the baMBINO cohort study. Migrants’ language proficiency was self-rated and comprised understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. PPDS were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a cut-off score of ≥10. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the association between language proficiency and PPDS. PPDS were experienced by 7.2% of native women and 12.4% among migrants (p < 0.001). Increasing proportions of PPDS were observed among decreasing Portuguese proficiency levels; 11% among full, 13% among intermediate, and 18% among limited proficiency women (ptrend < 0.001). Full (aOR 1.63 (95% CI 1.21–2.19)), intermediate (aOR 1.68 (95% CI 1.16–2.42)), and limited (aOR 2.55 (95% CI 1.64–3.99)) language proficiencies were associated with increasingly higher odds of PPDS among migrant women, compared to native proficiency. Prevention measures should target migrant women at high risk of PPDS, namely those with limited language skills, and promote awareness, early detection, and help-seeking, in addition to facilitating communication in their perinatal healthcare encounters.

Refugee Reception Re-examined: a Quantitative Study on the Impact of the Reception Period for Mental Health and Host Country Language Proficiency Among Syrian Refugees in the Netherlands

In many European countries, refugees spend their first period after arrival in the receiving country in reception centers. Though this reception period has been heavily criticized, especially in relation to mental health, few scholars examined its impact on refugee integration. Since host country language learning is the main focus for most recent arrivals, this study re-examines the impact of the (renewed) reception period on both refugee mental health and host country language proficiency. Using a unique dataset including 3209 Syrian permitholders in the Netherlands, we test a structural equation model to examine those relations directly and indirectly. Results partly replicate previous findings, showing the negative impact of the number of relocations on mental health as well as the negative impact of both length of stay and relocations on host country language proficiency. Nevertheless, we did not find support for a negative relationship between length of stay and mental health. Moreover, the image of the reception period is not as gloomy as before; activities asylum seekers can engage in during their stay is positively related to both mental health and host country language proficiency. The relationships between both relocations and activities and host country language proficiency can partially be explained by mental health. These results indicate that the reception period can be seen as both an obstacle and a facilitator. Since the context of reception is a post-migration stressor, these findings should inform receiving societies and inspire them to accommodate their refugee reception accordingly, ensuring a smooth(er) start for future refugees.

Je ne parle pas français—So what? The impact of language on skilled German migrant women’s employment in France

This paper uncovers language-related issues that skilled female migrants face and what their strategies are to (re-)build their careers after migrating. Using an inductive, interpretative research methodology, the author conducted 19 in-depth interviews with skilled German women who had migrated to France. Contrary to the findings of extant research, the study revealed that host country language proficiency played a minor role in the migration motivation, choice of destination, and labor market integration in this sample. However, the informants’ mother tongue (German) and their proficiency in English were perceived as competitive advantages when it came to integrating into the labor market. For some, these particular language skills even led to a conscious change of career. The findings demonstrate that language proficiency goes beyond grammatical mastery but relates, more importantly, to culture-sensitive communication skills underlining the importance of investigating language associated with the concept of culture. This study contributes to the language-related literature on international migration by combining different strands of research and levels of analysis to obtain a more holistic picture of the complex impact of language and its culture-relatedness.

Factors affecting immigrants’ host country language proficiency: Focusing on the differences between migrant workers and marriage-migrant women in South Korea

This study aims to reveal significant factors affecting the Korean language proficiency of immigrants in Korea by comparing the two immigrant groups, migrant workers and marriage-migrant women, that constitute the largest sector of the foreign-born population in Korea. A comprehensive survey was conducted on a total of 136 migrant workers and 136 marriage-migrant women. A statistical analysis was followed adopting stepwise multiple regression on six independent variables (age at arrival, length of residence, education level, linguistic distance, intensity of target language use, and learning time at institutions) and one dependent variable (self-reported language proficiency). Results show that length of residence in Korea and intensity of target language use significantly contributed to the Korean language proficiency of marriage-migrant women, whereas age at arrival, intensity of target language use, and education level played a significant role in the development of language proficiency of migrant workers in Korea. Educational implications are discussed, and suggestions are made for expanding language educational support for migrant workers.

Birds of a Feather Fare Less Well Together: Modeling Predictors of International Student Adaptation

Sociocultural adaptation to the host country is an important corollary to the psychological well-being of international students. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a model of sociocultural adaptation and psychological wellbeing. International students in Ankara, Turkey (N = 161, mean age = 22.35) completed online surveys. Consistent with our hypotheses, interpersonal connections with host nationals predicted greater sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.250, p = 0.001) and interpersonal connections with co-nationals resulted in poorer psychological adjustment (β = −0.171, p = 0.025). Host-country language proficiency led to better sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.262, p &lt; 0.001), and perceptions of greater cultural distance had a negative impact on both psychological (β = 0.314, p &lt; 0.001) and sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.328, p &lt; 0.001). Thus, students who were able to engage in relations with host-country nationals fared better. Our results provide insight for sending and receiving institutions regarding the preparation (e.g., exploring cognitive frames for immersion, language skills, reviewing coping strategies) and supportive services (e.g., connection with host country nationals) that will facilitate the adjustment of international students.

When more is not better: A curvilinear relationship between foreign language proficiency and social categorization

Expatriate host country language proficiency is predominately assumed to have a negative linear relationship with expatriate social categorization – as outgroup members – by host country national (HCN) employees in foreign subsidiaries. Departing from this assumption, we use social identity theory (SIT) and SIT-based sociolinguistics to hypothesize that expatriate host country language proficiency, due to identity threat, has a curvilinear U-shaped relationship with HCNs’ expatriate outgroup categorization: at first, outgroup categorization decreases with increasing expatriates’ language proficiency, but, from a certain point onwards, it increases because “too good” language proficiency violates salient intergroup boundaries between HCNs and expatriates. Due to their key roles in social categorization, we also examine whether HCN allocentrism and uncertainty avoidance moderate the proposed curvilinear relationship. Results from data collected from 1166 HCN employees in 956 foreign subsidiaries in Japan provide support for the main curvilinear relationship and the moderating curvilinear relationship of uncertainty avoidance. Our results suggest that the language-proficient expatriate social categorization relationship is more complex than previous international business research has evoked. Our study contributes to the international business literature by casting doubt on the widely held assumption that expatriate adaptation towards the host country always carries beneficial effects. Our study cautions, in particular, against the common assumption that higher proficiency in the host country language will automatically lead to better relationships with HCNs in foreign subsidiaries.

Modelling healthcare access for migrants and refugees in Europe: identifying the major health issues

Abstract The Mig-HealthCare systematically searched to identify the key health areas of refugee/migrant health in order to facilitate interventions that help access to care services for migrants and refugees. The literature review was carried out in March 2018 using 3 large scientific databases using a combination of search terms following the PRISMA methodology and a standard set of items used to report on systematic reviews. Based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 118 publications were used for data extraction. It is important to note, that in almost all of the sources identified, the following cross-cutting factors were described as influencing access to healthcare: Continuity of Information, how it relates to policy, how it differs between health services and across-borders. Furthermore, the organizational coordination among social and health care providers in the host country determinates the successful access to healthcare of migrants/refugees.Language &amp; Communication takes into consideration both the healthcare service and its provision of translators and cultural mediators, and the host country language proficiency of the migrant/refugee.Organizational improvement of access and delivery of health care services for migrants and refugees in addition to Cultural Competence of the healthcare providers meaning the ability to maximize their sensitivity in the service of care to culturally diverse groups.Health literacy understood as the motivation and competences of the migrant population to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. Additionally, the health issues of particular importance for migrants/refugees as emerged from the systematic review, including mental health, maternal/child health, health promotion, NCDs and chronic diseases, Oral/|Dental health, and Vaccinations should be included in planning future needs and healthcare access.

Self-Initiated Expatriates: Psychological Contracts and Host Country Language Proficiency

Self-Initiated Expatriates: Psychological Contracts and Host Country Language Proficiency