ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of a key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book embraces themes which are central to any debate on the role of language in the migrant experience. It has to be universally acknowledged that language and identity are entwined. For immigrants whose skin colour and physical characteristics are no different to that of the majority society, language and voice are the first means of identifying difference. The book illustrates that language deficiency frequently acts as a catalyst for tension and racism, imposing behavioural pressures on the immigrant. It have been compartmentalised in order to prioritise their dominant theme. However, it is immediately obvious that such a division is purely academic. Alice Bloch's refugees suffer as much from language deficiency as unemployment. The book explores the themes of language and labour as they impact upon the lives of migrants.
