How Do Language Barriers Affect Refugees?

Migrants often travel through multiple countries before they reach their destination; each has its own customs, cultures, and languages, which play a significant role in hindering or facilitating their journey. Being able to understand and communicate in a certain language allows you to access important information and make appropriate decisions.

Volunteers delivering clothes

People who live in transit or refugee camps have to face the difficulties of language barriers in their everyday life. Local authorities, volunteers, and humanitarian aid workers don’t usually speak their languages, so they have to rely on their friends or other refugees who have been through the same journey.

Here’s how language barriers affect refugees:

Loneliness and depression

Language barriers can make refugees feel hopeless, anti-social, and isolated, leading to depression. Struggling to comprehend or speak a certain language makes it difficult for refugees to find friends, which can often make them a victim of bullying.

Living in a neighborhood where no one else understands your language also promotes the level of the loneliness felt by a refugee who struggles with language barriers. Simple tasks such as going grocery shopping or getting help for certain chores can be difficult.

Missed future opportunities

It also leads to a lack of confidence, which inhibits many young children from participating or speaking up in class, eventually leading to missed educational or job opportunities. Children often have to serve as their parent’s interpreter if they struggle to speak English as well, making them take on much more responsibility than they can bear.

Difficulty in finding employment

Communication is an important aspect of a work environment, and being unable to comprehend your coworkers or clients can make it challenging to provide your best performance. Many refugees struggle to find well-paid work opportunities that can help them support their livelihoods.

Self-volunteer project organizers on a street


Somali refugee education funding in Columbus 

Central Ohio has a significant number of refugees from Somalia that often struggle to find work or make a living in this foreign country. The Somali Community Link is a Youth Initiative that provides top-notch immigration services to the Somali community in Columbus, such as setting up a Somali education fund. They also provide housing development, health finding, and finance funding to Somali refugees.

Your generous contribution can make a big difference for the people of this community. No amount is too small! Learn more about our services here.

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