Helsinki – The IOM produced handbook, Supporting integration with one’s own language, is now published in English.

The handbook provides perspectives on interaction that supports integration for professionals across service sectors. It introduces models for early integration which utilize the language skills of the people who are integrating in the new society.

Early integration requires utilizing the language skills of the person who has migrated to Finland, right from the beginning of the integration process. In addition, the interaction between the professionals and clients in basic services should support integration.

One’s own language is an asset in integration and can be utilized at the beginning of integration. Language is an important tool also for professionals. The handbook covers a language-aware approach to client work and working with a public service interpreting.

This publication has been created to support the work of professionals in municipal basic services, and for anyone interested in supporting integration. Download the handbook here. Read more about the handbook on this article.

Supporting integration in one’s own language has been produced as part of the joint Navigator project of the Finnish Refugee Council, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Finland and the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.

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