JOURNAL ARTICLE

Insights into Language Integration Programs: Perspectives from Adult Learners in a Bilingual Context.

  • Published In: Instructed Second Language Acquisition, 2025, v. 9, n. 2. P. 284 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Gauci, Phyllisienne 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the I Belong Maltese language integration program, a mandatory course for non-EU nationals seeking long-term residence in Malta, designed to support adult migrants' linguistic and social integration. Drawing on survey data from 359 adult learners, the study highlights the program's strengths, including skilled educators, relevant content, and a supportive learning environment, while also identifying challenges such as the complexity of Maltese, limited practice opportunities due to the prevalence of English, and insufficient instructional hours. Participants valued the course for meeting legal requirements and enhancing cultural understanding and community belonging but recommended extending course duration, improving tailored resources, and increasing opportunities for real-life language use. The findings contribute empirical insights into language integration in a bilingual society and offer recommendations for refining adult language programs to better meet migrants' needs.

Additional Information

  • Source:Instructed Second Language Acquisition. 2025/07, Vol. 9, Issue 2, p284
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Language and Linguistics
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2398-4155
  • DOI:10.3138/isla-2025-0007
  • Accession Number:189830256
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Instructed Second Language Acquisition is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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