'The English language enables me to visit my pain'. Exploring experiences of using a later-learned language in the healing journey of survivors of sexuality persecution. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cook, Sally Rachel; Dewaele, Jean-Marc
• Is Part Of: International journal of bilingualism. Volume 26:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Multilingualism -- therapeutic community -- LGBTI -- emotion -- emotional resonance; Bilingualism -- Periodicals; Bilingualism -- Research -- Periodicals; Language acquisition -- Periodicals; 306.446072
• DOI: 10.1177/13670069211033032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-0069

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This qualitative study explores the experience of using a later-learned language, English (ELX), in the therapeutic journey of refugee survivors of sexuality persecution to enhance understanding of the role of language in their rehabilitation. Design/methodology/approach: This is a multiple case study of three refugees, persecuted in their home country because of their sexual orientation, who are regular attendees of a therapeutic community, Room to Heal, based in London. A qualitatively driven mixed-method research design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and ethnography was employed. Data and analysis: Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with the first author. They consisted of questions about the relationship between the participants' languages, emotions and sense of self. Findings/conclusions: Participants shared common positive experiences characterised by feelings of the ELX being a liberating tool that empowered them and enabled them to bear witness to their trauma, express their same-sex love more easily and be more self-accepting, and contributed to the (re)invention and performance of a 'new' self. Originality: The originality resides first in the unique profile of the participants – victims of persecution because of their sexual orientation; second in the unique context – a therapeutic community supporting refugees; and third in the methodology – a qualitatively driven mixed-method design combining IPA and ethnography. Significance/implications: The findings support an embodied perspective of languages and highlight the need for therapists to be aware of multilingualism and its effects. The reduced emotional resonance of a later-learned language may offer its users a way to access trauma and build a new self within the therapeutic process.