Research in linguistic Research in linguistic situation,situation,EstoniaEstonia

Keit KiisselKeit KiisselTallinn University of TechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyEstoniaEstonia

Research of linguistic Research of linguistic stiuationstiuation

1. Shortly the origin and history of Estonian language2. Quantitative part3. Qualitative part

• Definitions• Collection of materials supporting immigrants in language learning and integrating to Estonian society

Data for Quantitative partData for Quantitative part Statistics Estonia (www.stat.ee) Statistics of Tallinn City Government and its

Offices (www.tallinn.ee) Estonian Citizenship and Migration Board

(www.mig.ee) The National Examinations and Qualifications

Centre (www.ekk.edu.ee) Estonian Ministry of Education and Science

(www.hm.ee) Estonian Migration Foundation (www.migfond.ee) Integration Foundation (www.meis.ee) Estonian Migration Foundation (www.migfond.ee) Language Immersion Centre (www.kke.ee)

2. Quantitative part2. Quantitative part2.1. General overview 2.1.1. Ethnic minorities - number, nationalities,

regional differences, changes in time in Estonia and in Tallinn (differences by areas)

2.1.2. Legal status of ethnic minorities - citizens, stateless people, citizens of other countries etc

2.1.3. Residence permits – purpose of permits (work, studies etc), number, country of origin

2.1.4. Citizenship courses – requirements,exam of Constitution, Estonian language exam

2. Quantitative part2. Quantitative part

2.2. Socio-economic conditions

2.2.1. Labour market – unemployment rate, positions, income differences, long term unemployment

2.2.2. Cultural aspects – media consumption: Estonian/Russian/other Radio and TV channels, newspapers, theatres and other institutions 2.2.3. Usage of languages in everyday life – language of communication for Russian speaking population, attitude towards the importance of Estonian language

2. Quantitative part2. Quantitative part 2.3. Languages at schools 2.3.1. Language of instruction at

different school levels (Estonian, Russian, other), statistics about schools with different languages of instruction 2.3.2. Proficiency of Russian speaking pupils taking Estonian language exam

2.3.3. Language immersion – number of schools, pupils, three levels of language immersion 2.3.4. Foreign languages taught at schools

2. Quantitative part2. Quantitative part 2.3.3 Newly arrived immigrant children –

number, countries of origin, study language, learning mother tongue, statistics, regulations – interview carried out with Integration Foundation

2.3.4 Higher Education – language of instruction (Estonian, Russian, English), number of international students, countries of origin, students studying in Russian, interest in foriegn languages and in Estonian language, usage of languages in international communication – survey conducted

3. Qualitative part3. Qualitative part1. Interviews with:• Integration Foundation – Department of

Multicultural Education; Department of Civil Education

Language Immersion Centre Estonian Migration Foundation – now part of

Integration Foundation

• Language Centre of Tallinn University of Technology and Tallinn University

• ERASMUS Office of Tallinn University of Technology

• International Study Center of Tallinn University of Technology

Faculties dealing with international students and Russian speaking students

2. Survey for international students

3. Findings of interviews:3. Findings of interviews:Integration and language learning has been

focused on Russian speaking population – here the key is language immersion (big regional differences, but more and more schools implement it, state policy)

Newly arrived immigrants is a new topic:10.11.2009 – 188 newly arrived immigrants in basic and secondary schools, 234 in kindergartens (newly arrived immigrant – been to Estonia less than 3 years). That number has been about the same for years (not influenced by joining EU)

3. Findings of interviews3. Findings of interviewsSeveral problems concerning newly

arrived immigrant children:◦ Schools lack of knolwedge and experience◦ Lack of neccessary materials – same ones are

used as for language immersion classes◦ Problems in communicating with parents◦ No statistics, surveys available, only about

Russian speaking populationSolutions/what have been done:

◦ Individual approach – no grading, individual teacher, case by case

◦ Teacher training◦ Different projects

3. Findings of interviews3. Findings of interviewsAdults – focus mostly on Russian

speaking adults and their language learning. ◦ Private language courses, possibility to apply

for some compensation if certain exams are passed.

In Universities it´s possible to study in Estonian, English or Russian

International students have the possibility to study Estonian language and culture, not obligatory

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!