In 2017, Australia’s federal government proposed controversial changes to the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship. Among other changes, the government proposed introducing an English test, to ensure future... [ view full abstract ]
In 2017, Australia’s federal government proposed controversial changes to the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship. Among other changes, the government proposed introducing an English test, to ensure future citizens have a suitable level of English to integrate into Australian society (Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill, 2017). This requirement is already met, to some extent, with the Australian values test, which is conducted in English, that applicants are required to pass to receive citizenship. Australia’s narrative since the mid-1980s has been one of a multicultural nation and the proposed introduction of an English test for citizenship contradicts the country’s multicultural identity. It indicates that English is a marker by which a person’s “Australianness” is measured, despite the fact multilingualism is a key facet of a multicultural society. An ANU poll found 92% of respondents believe the ability to speak English is important to identifying as Australian. English placed higher than birthplace or citizenship in the poll (Sheppard, 2015). While English is Australia’s national language and therefore knowing the language is essential to participating in Australian society, the extent to which Australians speak English and how much of an accent Australians have heavily impacts on their place within Australian society, particularly in regards to employment opportunities (Harrison, 2012). This paper explores the role of English within Australia’s multicultural society through an analysis of some of Australia’s key language policies: the Dictation Test, bilingual education policies and the proposed changes to eligibility for Australian citizenship. A common language can bind multicultural societies together. Yet the role English plays in Australia not only brings the community together, but also fragments the community, as those within Australian society without an accepted level of English are ostracised and othered.
References
Sheppard, J. (2015). Australian attitudes towards national identity: Citizenship, immigration and tradition. Retrieved from: http://politicsir.cass.anu.edu.au/sites/politicsir.anu.edu.au/files/ANUpoll-national-identity-042015.pdf
Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 (Cth)
Harrison, G. (2013). “Oh, you’ve got such a strong accent”: Language identity intersecting with professional identity in the human services in Australia. International Migration, 51(5), 192-204. doi: 10.1111/imig.12005
