Y.*, 42, from Lebanon moved to Larnaka in September 2020 with her two sons now aged 16 and 18 respectively. As the situation was growing more and more precarious in Beirut, Y. – as a middle to upper-middle class person – has been one of those fortunate few who have had the opportunity as well as socio-economic base to emigrate from the war-torn, corrupt reality of her home country. Moving to Cyprus, Y. chose to attend the state program for Greek language learning, otherwise compulsory for political refugees and asylum seekers, so as to manage with daily interactions. Upon a closer look, however, she appeared eager to own the Greek language in order to unlock her place in the local community and truly immerse herself. Following extensive discussions with her, Y. might be able to spot the few similarities to home in terms of climate and hospitality, but she nonetheless feels deeply foreign and estranged in her new context. Language seemed to her as the decisive key to adaptation- both practical as well as emotional. Questions related to word tracing and the deeper understanding of language, which is itself unavoidably underpinned by cultural qualities, have further enabled Y to inquire about her structural surroundings, local history and infrastructure, and even about subtle religious inferences reflecting the local community. In the end, Y. is living -naturally and evidently- in the culture of Cyprus but also living through her cultural, linguistic endeavor as she finds solace in becoming more and more conscious and aware of the zillion subtle hues of the sphere that hosts her.
In the same vein, POEME underscores the valuable contribution of culture as an element swaying into adaption, with language as the vehicle. Specifically focused on the integration of immigrant populations and in this process, POEME also revitalizes second-language teaching as the latter is itself informed by the experiences of diverse participants and a scope which extends beyond that of academic knowledge. Further, as POEME makes use of novel tools involving the digital sphere, educators benefit from upskilling and an overall update od their knowledge base. With both the target group as well as intermediaries to integration benefiting, POEME surely stands as far more than merely a noble effort.
Note: Y’s identity is concealed for privacy reasons
Article by: C.I.P. Citizens in Power
