The role of language for integration – Strengthening second-language development in the Nordic languages among students from migrant backgrounds

Based on a Nordic research review and expert insights from a 2025 Nordic Welfare Centre webinar, the report shows that strong skills in the host country language are key to learning, participation, and social inclusion. The results highlight major differences among learners and approaches, the strong impact of age of acquisition, and the importance of focused support for older students. Experts emphasize that successful language development depends not only on individual effort and motivation, but also on systemic factors such as opportunity, strategy, school organization, and teacher competence. The report calls for coherent, evidence based language policies, a wholeschool approach, strengthened pedagogical leadership, and individualised learning plans. Recognising the student’s multilingualism as a resource. The researchers concludes that tailored strategies and improved data are essential to support second language learners and foster inclusive education across the Nordic countries.