Linguistic Challenges and Adaptation Strategies for Migrants: The Case of IDPs in the West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

          Internal displacement due to violent conflict has been a persistent challenge in Cameroon's West Region. Beyond the physical and economic upheaval, displaced populations often face significant linguistic barriers when integrating into host communities. This makes communication difficult thereby resulting to communication breakdown. (Chiatoh & Tchakote, 2020). In this regard, this paper seeks to examine the linguistic challenges encountered by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the West Region and the adaptation strategies they employ to navigate their new linguistic environments, to determine whether culture influences linguistic acquisition. Hinged on Berry’s (1997) Acculturation theory, 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) within the ages of 20-35 were purposely selected as respondents for the questionnaire. This paper contributes to a more holistic understanding of the challenges and adaptation strategies surrounding internal displacement in a linguistically diverse context like Cameroon's West Region. The findings reveal that 88% of IDPs in the West Region face significant linguistic challenges, primarily because the majority are English speakers residing in areas dominated by French and local dialects. This barrier results in a lack of information and restricted access to essential services. To overcome these obstacles, most respondents (89%) use translation apps and digital tools. These findings hold important implications for designing more effective and multilingual approaches to support the integration of displaced persons.