Understanding the settlement experiences of newcomer adult EAL students as they seek belonging within their new communities in urban New Brunswick

Year of Publication: 2021

Author: Andrea Maria Dias

Publication Source: University of New Brunswick

Journal Volume/Issue: MEd thesis

Category: ,

DOI: https://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/37387

Language: English

This study explores the settlement experiences of newcomer adult EAL students as they seek belonging within their new communities in one urban New Brunswick city. In adopting a critical multicultural education framework, which uses a critical and transformative meta-orientation, identity work, anti-racist education, and culturally responsive teaching, I explore how social interaction and belonging are understood by nine participants in one urban New Brunswick city. Using a case study methodology, I triangulate my findings using a focus group, a participatory map-making activity, and individual interviews. Three themes emerge from the research and are discussed as: attachment and community, comfort and security, and local knowledge and local language. I suggest implications for teachers, policymakers, settlement language organizations, and the larger community, including newcomers themselves.