THE DYNAMICS OF LANGUAGE ADAPTATION: INSIGHTS FROM UKRAINIAN REFUGEE PRESCHOOLERS IN POLISH EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of language adaptation among Ukrainian preschoolers with refugee backgrounds navigating the educational landscape in Poland. Focusing on the acquisition of Polish language skills through structured learning and interactions with native speakers, the study underscores the pivotal role of family language policies and the linguistic milieu within migrant households. Central to the analysis is the linguistic background of Ukrainian preschoolers, predominantly characterized by Ukrainian-Russian bilingualism, thus fostering early childhood trilingualism amidst the accelerated pace of language adaptation in the host country. Emphasis is placed on the significance of balanced language input to mitigate potential challenges associated with trilingualism, ensuring the preservation of active speaking abilities. 
In this article examines how their existing bilingual proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian serves as a springboard for navigating the complexities of acquiring a third language, Polish, within the Polish educational environment. By exploring the cognitive and linguistic advantages that bilingualism confers, the study sheds light on how these preschoolers leverage their linguistic repertoire to facilitate the acquisition of Polish while simultaneously maintaining their proficiency in their first language(s). Furthermore, it addresses the importance of fostering a supportive linguistic environment that encourages the development and enrichment of multiple languages from an early age, thereby laying a solid foundation for lifelong language learning and intercultural communication skills.
By shedding light on these nuanced processes, this research contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of language adaptation among forced migrant communities, offering implications for educational policies and practices tailored to support the linguistic development of young refugees.