Comments on: Can English skills help end migrant exploitation?

By: Eumira Guillermo

Eumira Guillermo — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 01:53:54 +0000

Thank you for posting such an interesting article. Without a question, knowing English and Arabic could make it easier for migrant workers to get by in the Middle East. We should be careful, though, not to imply that learning a language by itself is enough to get through the challenges that many migrant workers face. When examining the extent to which migration and language skills can be economically, personally, and socially transformative for everyone. I hope to read more blogs about this from you, Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth.

By: Laurance Cathyryn C. Grona

Laurance Cathyryn C. Grona — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:12:43 +0000

Thank you for this discerning post Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth. Indeed, migrants are susceptible to abuse and exploitation due to cultural differences and the probable partiality of one’s race against others. Language incompetency and communicative hindrances impedes understanding amidst diversity, and this is why language barrier could be considered a major factor that contributes to migrant exploitation. Relatively, insinuated is the power and significant functionality of language, most especially of English in the global context. In consideration, English proficiency and ability to utilize a respective country’s common language, should be a specification for migrants prior to being granted with an authorization to work abroad. With this, it would be ensured that each migrant would be capable of effective communication and would be able to let themselves be understood.

By: Jose Daniel Cabrera

Jose Daniel Cabrera — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:33:34 +0000

Thank you for your insights, Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth! This article showcases just how powerful language is. Language isn’t just a tool for communicating with others, as being well-versed in a language and being able to communicate properly will allow for more opportunities, thus eliminating prejudice and cultural differences. There might be other factors to help alleviate the experiences of people like Afia, but I consider language and improving on it as a very strong solution.

By: Zion Bishop Ortiz

Zion Bishop Ortiz — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:58:53 +0000

Such an insightful post, Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth. Indeed, this situation is still prevalent, especially among Filipino migrant social workers. Like what Kaela has stated, I also believe cultural indifference and prejudice, which stem from linguistic and communication barriers, are the leading cause of such exploitations. To solve such phenomena, I would like to concur with the idea of having migrant workers sent to pre-departure language training. Apart from being able to learn the actual language, the aforementioned training may perhaps allow migrant workers to grasp some of their employer’s culture. In this way, they could further prevent or completely avoid being put into such a situation.

By: Kaela Madrunio

Kaela Madrunio — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 08:22:34 +0000

Interesting read, Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth. Cultural differences and prejudice, which also stem from linguistic or communication barriers, have always been a challenge encountered by ESL and EFL speakers working abroad. This is indeed one thing that is inevitable to happen hence, I believe that language has become the solution to all these dilemmas. I then concur with Asst. Prof. Qumrul and Prof. Elizabeth’s views that it is necessary for workers to attend pre-departure language skills trainings to improve their communication skills, eventually mitigating the possible [negative] consequences that could occur to them.

By: Francis Gozon

Francis Gozon — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 07:54:33 +0000

Thank you for sharing your interesting insights regarding this research. As a Philippine citizen myself, this has enlightened me about the exploitations or potential dangers of migrant workers in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, or any country for that matter. I also understand that the language barrier might be involved with the exploitation of the migrant workers, thus enhancing the migrant workers’ English and Arabic language skills can improve their situation. Weakening the language barrier can help the migrant communicate with their employer and negotiate, hence they can take control. However, we must also consider that this might not be enough to ensure the safety of the migrant workers and more people need to be aware. Thus, research such as this one is quite essential for migrant workers.

By: Pauline Mae Lim

Pauline Mae Lim — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:13:10 +0000

Coming from the Philippines, one of the migrant-sending countries mentioned, this blog is very eye-opening to me. I’ve heard and seen many stories of exploited migrant workers – some from our mainstream media, while some from stories of people that I am acquainted with. While the exploitation of these migrant workers is discussed, the language barrier as a contributing factor is not explicitly recognized. This post reminds me that as language researchers, one of our shared responsibilities is to shed light on such issues by using our resources in making these migrant workers heard.

By: Hanna Irving Torsh

Hanna Irving Torsh — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 02:24:57 +0000

Thank you both for this fascinating insight into a very meaningful research which as you point out has been largely neglected in the English-language media. The story you start with seems to suggest that linguistic difference can be part of the systematic disadvantage and lack of power that these Bangladeshi women domestic workers have in places like Saudi Arabia. It shows that linguistic repertoires have different value across different spaces and this can have serious and long-lasting consequences for social power and access to justice. I am looking forward to reading your article in Multilingua on your research and wish you all the very best with it.