Ukrainian refugees in the Nordic and Baltic countries are highly motivated to participate in working life and society. At the same time, language barriers and trauma can make integration more challenging. These are among the preliminary findings of the research project Linguistic Integration of Refugee Children and their Families (LINC).
The ongoing LINC research project examines how Ukrainian children and their families learn and use languages in their new home countries. By comparing experiences in Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Lithuania, the researchers are exploring how different systems and measures affect linguistic integration. The aim is to develop advice and guidelines for professionals and policymakers.
Children often learn the language faster
Age is one factor that affects language learning. Children are often exposed intensively to the new language through school and preschool and therefore tend to progress faster than their parents. Preliminary findings show that children who, for example, arrived in Norway at a young age and attended preschool often develop Norwegian language skills comparable to those of their Norway-born peers. At the same time, progress varies considerably from one individual to another.
English can also influence language learning. It can make it easier to participate quickly in education, working life and social life, but at the same time it may reduce the motivation to learn the language of the new country.
Trauma can affect learning
Previous experience of language learning, educational background and the languages a person already speaks also play a role. Experiences of war and trauma are another important factor.
Project leader Olga Urek at UiT The Arctic University of Norway therefore emphasises the importance of trauma awareness among those working with integration and language education.
Language and identity
The researchers are also studying participants’ relationship with Ukrainian, Russian, English and the languages of their new home countries. Since the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians have begun using Ukrainian more, both at home and in public. For some, their choice of language is a personal response to the war and aggression. Others primarily see language as a practical tool for accessing services, employment and social contacts.
Want to work and contribute
A recurring theme in the interviews is the desire to contribute to society. Participants talk not only about the support they receive in their new country, but also about wanting to work, be useful and give something back.
According to statistics cited by the researchers, around 70 per cent of newly arrived Ukrainians have either started or completed higher education. Many had established lives and professional careers in Ukraine. When language barriers, slow recognition of qualifications or a focus on what they lack prevent them from contributing fully, this often leads to frustration.
The LINC project therefore aims to contribute to a shift in perspective: from focusing primarily on newcomers’ temporary limitations to also recognising their professional skills, experience, goals and ambitions.
Read more on the NordForsk website: Linguistic Integration of Refugee Children and their Families (LINC) | NordForsk
The project is funded by NordForsk through the Nordic research initiative on migration and integration.
Publicerad
02 Nov 2026
