Preparations are underway for the global celebration of the Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Day on May 21, but in Australia it seems learning another language has taken a back seat for many.
With about 29 per cent of Australians born overseas and a further 48 per cent having a parent born overseas many will be joining in the worldwide event next month in the spirit of multiculturalism in the country.
Australia’s cultural landscape is rapidly changing, as globalisation spreads, with the nation becoming increasingly linguistically diverse.
After Harmony week concluded in March and World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development upcoming, it is important to highlight the diverse languages spoken in Australia.
University of Wollongong Spanish lecturer Catherine Seaton has discussed the advantages of learning a different language.
“Language learning opens doors and offers pathways to understanding the ways that different linguistic and cultural groups live, work, play, celebrate and connect. It acts as a portal to a whole new way of experiencing the world,” Dr Seaton said.
Source: 2021 Australian Census, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Languages spoken in Australia have evolved and changed over the past two decades.
Census data suggests that the number of people who speak languages other than English in Australia has increased over 20 years, with 24.8 per cent of Australian households using a language other than English, compared to the 2006 census’ 21.5 per cent of households.
Dr Seaton said education can play a role in unifying Australia’s linguistic community.
“In an increasingly globalised world where making meaningful contact with our international neighbours and partners is vital, communication is central to these relationships and foreign language education offers the key to building bridges with communities near and far,” Dr Seaton said.
Even though the overall percentage of the population that speaks a language other than English at home is rising, data shows education surrounding languages is at a low, creating a gap between immigrants whose first language is other than English, and students learning languages.
“Language learning opens doors“ and is important to link communities and cultural groups,” Dr Seaton said.
Dr Seaton said the majority of languages spoken other than English are thanks to an influx of immigrants from countries where the languages originate, but education can also play a key role in establishing connections between communities.
As of 2023, only 8.2 per cent of Year 12 students, as a proportion of total enrolments, were enrolled in a language subject other than English, the lowest of all learning areas and representing a record low for enrolments in languages.
Source: Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority
“Foreign language education in Australia is vita,” Dr Seaton said.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is on May 21st and will provide a platform to celebrate language diversity. Resources are available here.
Additional reporting by Portia Johnson
