Körkraft – learning Swedish through singing

Körkraft is one of those non-governmental organizations whose methods include creating various types of language choirs for asylum seeking youths and women. They see learning Swedish through singing as a way to break the new arrival’s isolation, a way to meet Swedes and build up a social network and a stepping stone towards being integrated into Swedish society.

Unlike the rigid immigration process, the only thing you need to join the choir is to show up.

As one informant in this study says, music transcends languages and has the power to break down fears and walls, enabling a sense of compassion and camaraderie. This can mean everything to a newly arrived refugee with no social ties to their new country or cultural capital in the form of language or otherwise.