The Power of Language Skills in Navigating a Foreign Country
The Power of Language Skills in Navigating a Foreign Country

Summary/Abstract: Language is an incredibly powerful tool, especially when you live in another country. It serves as the primary means of communication, and certainly goes beyond this practical benefit. Fluency in a local language demonstrates the willingness to integrate into the host culture and the effort to be accepted by the local community. Fluency in a local language provides for the enhancement of employability and career opportunities. In addition, it demonstrates respect towards the local community, creates a friendly atmosphere and leads to mutual understanding. Learning the Lithuanian language can help Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania in many ways, facilitating their integration into Lithuanian society and improving their overall quality of life. In this context, it is worth distinguishing between practical benefits, social and psychological benefits, and civic participation benefits. The practical benefits of learning Lithuanian include orientation in daily life, opportunities for education and skills development, integration into the labour market. Social benefits include building relationships with locals, making friends, participating in social activities that help share one’s own culture and learn about Lithuanian traditions and values. They play an important role in stabilising the emotional and psychological state of Ukrainian refugees. Civic participation allows refugees to advocate for their needs and the needs of their community making their voices heard and addressed. Together, learning Lithuanian is a powerful tool for Ukrainian war refugees to integrate, improve their quality of life and make a positive contribution to their new community

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