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Abstract
Refugees represent a disadvantaged demographic encountering numerous challenges upon resettlement in their host countries. Among these challenges, refugee women, in particular, face heightened vulnerability. In addition to economic, social, cultural, and health obstacles, the language barrier emerges as a significant concern. This study aims to explore the firsthand experiences of refugee women who have temporary protection status residing in the Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye, specifically those attending Turkish language courses at a public education center, with a focus on language proficiency and social integration. In this study, designed as a case study using qualitative research methods, data was collected through face-to-face interviews. A total of 14 refugee women were interviewed, with each interview lasting approximately 40 minutes on average. Following the face-to-face interviews, the data obtained was systematically classified into different categories or conceptual themes. Responses sharing similar meanings or aligning with common conceptual themes were grouped. The findings indicate that acquiring the language of the host country has a positive impact on the integration process for women with TPS. However, participants perceive that refugee men exhibit a faster rate of language acquisition due to greater involvement in social activities. Delays in language course enrollment are primarily attributed to family roles assumed by refugee women upon their arrival. Furthermore, some participants report instances of discrimination in their daily lives. Overall, this research sheds light on the challenges faced by refugee women in terms of language acquisition and social integration, highlighting the need for targeted support to address their unique needs.
