English as a Lingua Franca and Its Impact on Social Integration in Conditions of Global Migration

Authors

  • Haitham M Altaany

    Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology, Umm Al Quwain University, Umm Al Quwain P.O. Box 536, United Arab Emirates
  • Raba'a T Abadel

    College of Arts and Science, Umm Al Quwain University, Umm Al Quwain P.O. Box 536, United Arab Emirates
  • Maan Youssof Al Saati

    Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology, Umm Al Quwain University, Umm Al Quwain P.O. Box 536, United Arab Emirates
  • Ahmed Mohi Khalaf Sakr

    Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, Minia University, Minya 61519, Egypt

    Department of Sociology, Umm Al Quwain University, Umm Al Quwain P.O. Box 536, United Arab Emirates
  • Osama Abdelbary

    Department of Sociology, Umm Al Quwain University, Umm Al Quwain P.O. Box 536, United Arab Emirates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11338
Received: 28 July 2025 | Revised: 22 August 2025 | Accepted: 11 September 2025 | Published Online: 3 November 2025

Abstract

Multicultural and migrant-receiving societies rely on the English language to integrate their populations. As the world's dominant language, English is essential for gaining access to employment, public services, and supporting community life—all crucial for successful integration. This review analyzed 32 published studies and policy reports from 2003 to 2025 to assess how English proficiency affects social inclusion for immigrants, refugees, and minority groups. Using systematic literature review methods, the authors employed thematic content analysis to identify recurring themes in employment, education, peer involvement, and identity development. The findings indicate that strong English skills help individuals engage more actively in their communities, improve employment prospects, participate in politics, and foster social cohesion. However, numerous challenges hinder language acquisition, including the high cost of schooling, cultural and mindset barriers, and social hostility. The study emphasizes the importance of a whole-school approach to language learning, incorporating culturally sensitive teaching, diverse learning experiences, and necessary policy reforms. Ultimately, the authors provide recommendations for educators, policymakers, and community organizations to enhance the role of English in promoting equal and inclusive societies. Despite widespread recognition of English's global role, its urgent relevance lies in the increasing migration flows and the need for effective integration strategies. The novelty of this study is its focus on the social impact of English proficiency for migrants, particularly in terms of inclusion and empowerment. The core problem addressed is the lack of equitable access to language education and its consequences for immigrant, refugee, and minority populations.

Keywords:

English Language Proficiency; Social Integration; Immigrants; Refugees; ESL Programs; Community Engagement; Language Education Policy

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How to Cite

Altaany, H. M., T Abadel, R., Youssof Al Saati , M., Khalaf Sakr, A. M., & Abdelbary, O. (2025). English as a Lingua Franca and Its Impact on Social Integration in Conditions of Global Migration. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11338

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Haitham M Altaany, Raba'a T Abadel, Maan Youssof Al Saati , Ahmed Mohi Khalaf Sakr, Osama Abdelbary

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.