Understanding Second Language Acquisition for Syrian Refugees in Wales: Challenges and Identity Issues

There are many Syrian refugees and asylum seekers who found a warm welcome in Wales (UNHCR 2020). However, they are facing a barrier in English language that prevents them from communicating effectively daily, which has a negative impact on their education and job search.
Thus, my research proposal aims to explore how Syrian refugees are learning English in Wales and what challenges they are experiencing, especially among learners with low literacy skills in their first language (L1). Also, I am keen on understanding how learners' identities develop
during this journey and most importantly how their second language (L2) learning outcome is affected. It excites me to help these learners as I myself is an asylum seeker and an English teacher. As we share the same language (Arabic), culture and experience, it is very likely that
Syrian refugees will volunteer to participate in this project.