Immigrant women, English learning, and social interactions: a qualitative study in Vancouver, Canada.

Abstract: Immigration and language learning are topics of interest to many people around the world; it is a daily concern for immigrants and for people who are welcoming immigrants to their country. Canada has experienced a lot of immigration for many years, and is therefore a suitable location for research on language learning and language use. Canucks English Centre (CEC) is an education centre where mostly women attend to improve their English skills, as well as take other courses that are relevant to their situation as low income parents. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 13 women that have at some point taken classes at CEC, information about female English learners' subjective experiences were examined. The aim of this research project was to learn more about English learners' language use, and how social interaction in English was experienced by the individual. This study also set out to learn more about individual action and choices made by the women in an effort to learn more English. This research project describes the reality for women that are learning English and living their lives at the same time. The interviews revealed many challenges faced by women in their situation, for example lack of time, money and support to attend classes. On the other hand, the research describes active choices made by the women to improve their English skills, such as volunteering or choosing neighbourhoods where people speak English. A factor that has a big impact on the women's motivation to learn English was the desire to help their children with their school and to communicate with their children's teachers. A major finding was that almost all women were unsatisfied with their ability to use English. This finding is something that needs more attention, as every woman should feel confident and competent enough to communicate in the official language of the country in which they live.