Language Analysis for the Determination of Origin (LADO): Is it a gatekeeper?
Date / Time: Wednesday 25th January 2023, 6:00-7:30pm GMT
Venue: University of Greenwich, Queen Anne 080 and Online
Tickets: BOOK HERE
Speaker
Dr Mohammed Ateek, University of Leicester
With discussions from Dr Elena Vacchelli, Centre for Applied Sociology and Dr Erika Kalocsányiová, Centre for Thinking & Learning & CREL, University of Greenwich
Abstract
The issue of Language Analysis for the Determination of Origin (LADO) has been well documented in linguistic research over the last decade (Eades et al. 2003; Maryns 2004; Spotti and Detailleur 2011; McNamara, Van Den Hazelkamp and Verrips 2016). LADO is used by immigration departments in different countries, including the United Kingdom, to assist in identifying an asylum seeker’s place of origin or nationality. This is often used in cases where asylum seekers lack valid identification documents through which their origin or identity can be verified, or when there are doubts about the validity of those documents. Research on LADO have shown the pitfalls of the language test, but the relevant literature lacks research on the asylum seekers’ experiences with LADO. In this talk, Mohammed will discuss asylum seekers’ views and experiences with LADO based on his research with them. Mohammed will also show how LADO is used as a gatekeeper by the Home Office based on his investigation with the Guardian on this issue.
About the speakers
Dr Mohammed Ateek is a Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and Language Education at the University of Leicester. Mohammed came to the UK in 2013 to complete his PhD in Applied Linguistics and TESOL after fleeing the war in Syria. As a refugee academic and social justice activist, his research focuses on language and migration, language and identity, linguistic issues affecting refugees and migrants, minority language education and others. Mohammed has also worked as a TV journalist and was involved in making different investigatory reports on international contemporary stories, as well as researching emerging news stories.
