Final answer:
Boswell believes that immigrant women need to learn the English language as it is essential for better communication, assimilation into American society, and professional success. English fluency impacts various aspects of life, including socioeconomic status and the ability to adapt to new cultural norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boswell believes that immigrant women need to learn the English language for better communication. This is important for their assimilation into American society, where English serves as a common and unifying language. Learning English is critical as it affects immigrants' ability to adjust and integrate into new environments, with fluency in English directly impacting their socioeconomic advancement, educational opportunities, and ability to engage fully in their communities.
Furthermore, knowing English is essential not just for basic communication but also for professional success, as seen in the case of Lucy Alvarez, who achieved success due in part to her bilingualism. In addition, the ability to speak English enables immigrant women to better navigate cultural norms, form new social groups, and achieve economic independence. It adds to their skill set and marketability, making them more adaptable and resilient in the face of new challenges.
Understanding and adapting to cultural norms also forms part of what immigrant women need to learn, as seen in the case of South Asian women in Kuwait. They are required to learn a new language, adapt to different household dynamics, and respect local practices, which demands cultural integration. However, the primary focus remains on language learning as a building block for further integration.