Language Proficiency and Migration: An Argument Against Testing

Astrid von Busekist (1) , Benjamin Boudou

1 CERI - Centre de recherches internationales (Sciences Po, CNRS)

This paper aims at questioning the rationale for language testing in immigration policies. Although we consider knowledge of the host country’s language(s) useful and desirable for both the migrant and the host society, we argue that mandatory language testing cannot be justified. Our purpose is to offer justifications for rejecting language as a legitimate tool for controlling state borders and to regulate (access to) citizenship of a liberal democracy.

Mots clés: languages; immigration policies; liberal democracy

Domaines: Science politique; Linguistique

Astrid von Busekist, Benjamin Boudou. Language Proficiency and Migration: An Argument Against Testing. Michele Gazzola; Torsten Templin; Bengt-Arne Wickström. Language Policy and Linguistic Justice. Economic, Philosophical and Sociolinguistic Approaches, Springer, pp.189 - 208, 2018, 9783319752617. ⟨hal-03393853⟩