Language

• Language barriers often make it difficult for immigrants to adapt and thrive in a new environment.¹

• Immigrants report feeling helpless in everyday situations, such as asking for help during emergencies, due to language limitations.¹

• Poor language proficiency can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and fear of discrimination.¹

• Language barriers impact immigrants while accessing health care.²

• Migrants with low language proficiency often experience more psychiatric symptoms and mental health issues.³

• Low language proficiency is linked to disorders such as psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, and PTSD.³

• As language skills improve, the severity and frequency of mental health problems tend to decrease.³

• Language challenges are something many people overcome with time, support and patience. These resources can help make a difference:

  • How to translate webpages

    Google Chrome (Desktop or Mobile)

    1. Open the webpage you want to translate.

    2. Chrome will usually offer to translate it automatically — click Translate in the pop-up.

    3. If you don’t see a prompt, right-click anywhere on the page and choose Translate to [Your Language].

    4. To change languages, click the Translate icon in the address bar, then select Choose another language.

    Safari (Mac or iPhone/iPad)

    1. Open the webpage in Safari.

    2. If translation is available, you’ll see a Translate button in the address bar (a small speech bubble or “aA” icon).

    3. Click it, then select your preferred language.

    4. To change or manage translation settings, go to Settings › Safari › Languages.

    Microsoft Edge

    1. Open the webpage.

    2. Edge will show a Translate prompt at the top — click Translate.

    3. If not, select the Translate icon in the address bar.

    4. Choose your desired language.

  • Free guide to real-world English skills for adult learners:

    • https://www.usalearns.org/Access-America

  • Free beginner-friendly English lessons for daily life

    • https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/emw

  • Interactive and fun ways for children to learn English

    • https://lingokids.com

  • Free online English lessons

    • https://www.duolingo.com/course/en/ar/Learn-English

  • Free English classes for a range of English proficiency levels

    • https://www.coursera.org

  • Free tools and tips for citations, resumes, cover letters, and writing support.

    • https://owl.purdue.edu

  • Free English practice tests to help you prepare for school and work exams.

    • https://www.examenglish.com

  • Helps edit your writing

    • https://www.grammarly.com

  • Google translate

    • https://translate.google.com/?sl=es&tl=en&op=translate

  • Learn a language with AI

    • https://www.jumpspeak.com

¹Li et al., 2017
²Pandey et al., 2021
³Montemitro et al., 2021