Linguistic Racism and Its Impact on International Students, Immigrants, & Refugees
Prepared by: Shoko Omori, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Linguistic racism occurs when people are judged or excluded based on how they speak, write, or use a particular language. Language is deeply connected to a person's identity, and being excluded for speaking differently can cause lasting psychological damage. Linguistic racism denies individuals their fundamental linguistic rights, leading to what some scholars call a “linguistic inferiority complex.” Students, immigrants, and refugees may feel ashamed or insecure about their language abilities, even if their language skills are proficient. This constant judgment based on how someone communicates creates emotional scars that can parallel racial discrimination.
Here are some common signs of linguistic racism:
Non-native English speakers or those who speak with regional accents may face ridicule or be imitated in a derogatory way. This reinforces stereotypes and makes individuals feel inferior due to their manner of speech.
People may be perceived as less intelligent, capable, educated because they speak with an accent or make grammatical errors. This can result in dismissing or undervaluing their opinions or contributions.
Constantly correcting non-native speakers’ grammar, pronunciation, or word choices in a way that seems overly critical or unnecessary can signal linguistic prejudice. This can make individuals feel embarrassed or inadequate, reinforcing power dynamics.
Non-native speakers may be ignored or excluded from discussions because others assume they won’t understand or be able to contribute effectively. This can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder integration.
Individuals with strong accents or limited English proficiency may face discrimination in hiring or promotion, as some employers wrongly associate accents with a lack of professionalism or competency.
The Devastating Effects of Linguistic Discrimination
Many of international students, immigrants, and refugees experience linguistic inferiority complexes, which often make them feel isolated, inadequate, and hopeless, leading to depression, suicidal thoughts, and engagement in harmful behaviors like eating disorders or substance abuse.
A heartbreaking example is that of Zhikai Liu, a Chinese international student at the University of Melbourne. After only three months in Australia, Liu took his own life. The report highlighted the overwhelming language barriers and academic challenges Liu faced, which contributed to his mental health struggles.
Zhikai’s case is just the tip of iceberg. Almost all international students encounter linguistic racism and experience depressive symptoms. Living in a foreign country, far from family and friends, they must navigate not only the academic pressures but also the social isolation that comes with language struggles. The constant challenge of understanding lectures, writing papers, and even engaging in simple day-to-day interactions can leave them feeling excluded and overwhelmed. For many, the fear of making mistakes or being judged for their accent or fluency often leads to anxiety, further deepening their sense of isolation and helplessness.
Adding to this burden is the immense pressure from family expectations. Many international students come from families that have made significant financial sacrifices, expecting their children to succeed, support their family, and eventually repay expensive tuition fees. The weight of knowing they cannot afford to fail increase their stress, often forcing them to push through their struggles silently. This pressure can exacerbate feelings of guilt and isolation, making it even harder to seek help when they need it most.
How to Face Linguistic Racism
Here are the tips for those facing linguistic racism. First, recognize the symptoms, then connect with those who support you and focus on self-care. Make sure to place yourself in a non-judgmental and safe environment, where you can express yourself without worrying about your language ability. It’s okay to make mistakes! Enjoy connecting with others!
Symptoms
Feeling of Isolation: Being marginalized due to language barriers can lead to feelings of loneliness and social exclusion. Individuals may struggle to connect with others, participate in conversations, or feel understood, leading to deep sense of alienation.
Low Self-Esteem: Constant correction, ridicule, or being judged for language mistakes can erode a person’s self-confidence. Over time, this can contribute to low self-esteem, making them feel inadequate or “lesser” than native speakers
Anxiety and Fear of Speaking: Fear of being ridiculed or misunderstood can cause significant anxiety, particularly in social or academic settings. This may manifest as a reluctance to speak up in class, participate in group discussions, or even engage in casual conversations, which further isolates the individual.
Chronic Stress: Experiencing linguistic racism can contribute to chronic stress, as individuals are constantly trying to navigate their environment while being conscious of potential discrimination. This prolonged stress can have lasting impacts on both mental and physical health.
Hopelessness or Despair: Over time, being subjected to linguistic discrimination may lead to a sense of hopelessness, where individuals feel that no matter how much they improve their language skills, they will never be fully accepted. This can increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, or lack of motivation.
Social Withdrawal: Individuals may begin to withdraw from social interactions or avoid situations where they feel vulnerable to discrimination. This isolation can exacerbate depressive symptoms, creating a cycle of avoidance and deeper emotional distress.
Cognitive Impacts: Depression can also affect cognitive functioning, making it harder for people to concentrate, make decisions, or perform academically. For international students, this can be particularly harmful, as language barriers already present academic challenges.
Coping Methods
Self-Care
Employ healthful nutrition and exercise
Talk about feelings and limit exposure to news media and viral videos relating to racial/linguistic discrimination
Engage in prayer, mindfulness, and spiritual practices
Connect with Supportive People
Connect with family, friends, and other communities to support people
Engage in activism
Avoid relationships with people who dismiss the seriousness of linguistic racism
Recognize the Symptoms
Understanding what linguistic racism looks like
Learn to be aware and recognize the symptoms of linguistic racism
Make a list of situations, people, or places that trigger your symptoms of linguistic racism
Recognize when you are not able to perform optimally because of the symptoms
The Butterfly Hug
I would like to introduce a simple and effective self-compassion exercise called the Butterfly Hug.
How to do the Butterfly Hug:
1. Cross your arms over your chest so that your fingertips rest on the opposite shoulders, like you're giving yourself a hug.
2. Gently tap your hands alternately on each shoulder. This tapping mimics bilateral stimulation, which helps in calming down the nervous system.
3. Take slow, deep breaths as you continue the alternating taps. Focus on the rhythm of the tapping and your breathing to feel more present.
4. Do this for a few minutes until you feel a sense of calm and relaxation.
The gentle alternating taps are believed to engage both sides of the brain, promoting a sense of balance and soothing during stressful situations. It’s often used in trauma therapy to help regulate emotions, but it can also be a helpful tool for anyone needing a quick way to reduce anxiety or stress.
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References
Artigas, L., & Jarero, I. (2014). The butterfly hug method for bilateral stimulation. EMDR Research Foundation. https://emdrfoundation.org/toolkit/butterfly-hug.pdf
Dovchin, S. (2020). The psychological damages of linguistic racism and international students in Australia. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 23(7), 804-818.
Dovchin, S. (2022). Linguistic racism can take a toll on international students. Times Higher Education. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/linguistic-racism-can-take-high-toll-international-students
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. (2019). Teen things you can do to support immigrants and refugees. https://www.ilcm.org/latest-news/five-things-you-can-do-to-support-immigrants-and-refugees/
Rezaie, H. (2021). Language impact on the integration of refugees. Themesarray. https://blogs.fasos.maastrichtuniversity.nl/EUS2516/refugeeimmigrationtoeurope/2021/11/29/how-does-language-proficiency-affect-the-integration-of-refugees-into-the-society/