Integratie in actie: Taal en contact tussen nieuwkomers en vrijwilligers. Een sociaalpsychologische analyse van het project ‘Kletsmaatjes’ voor de stichting Het Begin Met Taal

Participating in (online) language buddy programs can make a significant contribution to the integration of newcomers. Alongside formal instruction, informal language initiatives offer newcomers the opportunity to practice everyday language through social contact with a volunteer. The project ‘Kletsmaatjes’ is an example of such an informal language initiative. For six months, newcomers have regular online conversations with a Dutch-speaking volunteer which enables them to improve their speaking skills and to get to know the Dutch culture. This report describes a study about the project ‘Kletsmaatjes’. The main findings based on three questions are summarized below. Method. 331 volunteers and 167 newcomers have participated in an online questionnaire with closed and open questions. The volunteers were on average 48 years (83% women). A majority did not have previous experience as a language buddy (68%). The newcomers were on average 36 years (52% women), and a majority came from Turkey (34%) or Syria (13%). Main findings. 1. What are the experiences of volunteers and migrant newcomers with their Kletsmaatje? Volunteers and migrant newcomers are both satisfied with their conversation partner and evaluate the contact as positive. In addition, volunteers and migrant newcomers talk about a range of different topics, such as their daily life, the culture and cultural differences, and free time, hobbies and interests. They engage in different language specific activities, for example by using practice material (SpreekTaal, Gezonde Taal) or texts. 2. What are learning effects on volunteers and migrant newcomers by participating in Kletsmaatjes? Volunteers and migrant newcomers learned about each other’s culture. One third of the volunteers gained a more positive view of refugees. Regarding the integration of migrant newcomers: those who have positive contact with their volunteers give themselves higher scores on four integration aspects (language proficiency, knowledge of Dutch culture, social network and sense of belonging). The quality of contact between migrant newcomers and volunteer is therefore relevant for integration. 3. How are the pairs of volunteers and migrant newcomers currently made? What preferences do they have regarding their Kletsmaatje? Currently, volunteers and participants are matched in terms of gender and shared interests. Volunteers and participants prefer to talk to a Kletsmaatje who has similar interests. In addition, female volunteers and participants prefer a Kletsmaatje who is also female, and young volunteers and participant prefer someone of the same age. Conclusions 1. Positive contact between volunteers and migrant newcomers is essential. 2. Informal language contact stimulates language development and cultural exchange. 3. Making pairs based on certain characteristics is relevant for volunteers and migrant newcomers: they display certain preferences. Recommendations 1. Since positive contact between volunteers and migrant newcomers is essential, it is important to stimulate the development of a close and friendly relationship between volunteers and migrant newcomers. 2. Make pairs based on shared interests, but also take individual preferences into account.