Some familiar words in a strange place

This handy little book is intended to provide practical support in everyday communication for Albanian speakers from Kosovo with English speakers in the UK. It consists of four sections: a phrase collection and a word list, both divided into Albanian-English and English-Albanian sections. Under themes such as greetings, documents, school, health, shopping and travel, useful words or phrases are given with their translation plus a phonetic spelling. Simple diagrams illustrate, for example, the English school system.

The themes selected reveal the experience the bi-national editorial team has had with asylum seekers and of English officials dealing with them. The book will not substitute for a comprehensive language course, but it deserves to become an indispensable tool for teachers, medical staff, council workers and others who need to communicate with refugees. In its own small way, the book will contribute to welcoming the newly arrived.

Stephanie Schwandner-Sievers is fellow for Albanian studies, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London.