Intercultural and Professional Communication in Migration Law Education

Intercultural communication is an integral part of migration law practice. Not only do those providing immigration advice and assistance often have very different linguistic repertoires and social identities from their clients, but they must also assist them in navigating the unfamiliar cultural and linguistic norms of the relevant institutions. Moreover, the complexity of the law and strict procedural requirements make it crucial that practitioners successfully obtain complete and accurate information from their clients to best advise them and prepare compliant visa applications.

However, little is known about how migration law practitioners develop the specialised communication skills needed to conduct consultations successfully and advise their clients.

This presentation shares findings from a digital ethnography of the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice, the qualification required for non-lawyers to be authorised to offer professional migration advice and assistance in Australia. It explores the production and navigation of (mis)understanding through an examination of simulated migration law consultations, situated within the larger context of the learning environment.

The presentation demonstrates how misunderstandings are produced through the interaction of multiple participants and are affected by both linguistic and extra-linguistic factors. It finishes by offering suggestions about using such research to improve communication-related education further.

Date

Friday 18 October 2024

Time

1 to 2 pm

Location

Online via Zoom

Speaker

Dr Laura Smith-Khan
University of New England