On 9 October 2023, a unique gathering unfolded in Australia, one that could set the stage for the preservation of linguistic diversity for years to come. Nearly 200 volunteer teachers of languages from the Indian sub-continent convened to address a pressing issue: the gradual loss of native languages among immigrant families. The event, organised by the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, served as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for community-led initiatives to keep these languages alive.
The conference kicked off with an opening address by Mr. Thiru Thirunanthakumar, the Vice President of the Federation. Teachers representing languages like Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Nepalese, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sinhalese, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu were in attendance.
Emeritus Professor Joseph Lo Bianco from the University of Melbourne School of Education captivated the audience with his keynote speech. He discussed the phenomenon of ‘language shift,’ wherein a language gradually loses its hold over successive generations. This isn’t just an isolated issue; it’s a global concern. According to Lo Bianco, the antidote lies in keeping languages active and precise across multiple spheres of life—home, study, business, and social interactions.
A/Professor Peter Friedlander of the Australian National University brought another angle to the conversation. He underscored the importance of keeping these languages contemporary, urging educators to teach the current conversational forms prevalent in their respective homelands. By doing so, children will be able to discuss their Australian experiences in an up-to-date manner when communicating with speakers from their countries of origin.
Friedlander also touched upon the dilemma facing many youngsters. Caught between assimilation into Australian society and maintaining links with their grandparents, who may not speak English, children often find themselves at a crossroads. He advocated for making language learning ‘cool’ and enjoyable to solve this quandary.
Mark Buttigieg, MLC, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism in NSW, weighed in with a personal angle. He expressed regret for not having learned his family’s native Maltese language, attributing it to a past belief that English sufficiency was all that mattered.
On a similar note, the Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, urged educators to amplify their efforts in teaching second and third languages. As he pointed out, we live in a globalised world, and multilingualism is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The conference concluded at the Bankstown complex of Western Sydney University, where attendees were greeted by Dr. Maree Skillen, Director of Academic Programs, School of Education, Western Sydney University.
As Australia continues to diversify, preserving the rich tapestry of languages that immigrants bring with them is becoming increasingly significant. This gathering was a seminal moment, not just for the teachers who participated but also for the future generations who stand to benefit from a culturally rich and linguistically diverse Australia.
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