Topic 5

Language Diversity in Australia

• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

  • Increasing complexity and ethnic diversity observed in Australia based on 2021 census.

  • Growing number of languages other than English spoken in homes.

  • Decline in the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking their native languages at home (16.4% in 1991 to 9.5% in 2021).

  • Increase in those speaking English at home (from 78.9% to 84.1%).

• Implications for Education

  • Recognize that all teachers are teachers of language and literacy.

  • Examine how linguistic diversity influences teaching practices.

  • Consider strategies for integrating diverse language backgrounds into classroom environments.

Understanding Language Variation

• Difference vs Deficit Hypothesis

  • Language is a social practice, dynamic, and agreed upon by users.

  • Importance of acknowledging context in language use, moving away from rigidity of 'right' or 'wrong'.

  • Language should be understood as ‘appropriate’ to its context rather than correct or incorrect.

• Social Attitudes Towards Language Use

  • There is a tendency to judge non-standard language as deficient when it should be seen as different.

  • Each language variety is a fully developed system, providing equal communication means.

  • Social attitudes play a role in labeling language varieties as normal or correct based on historical and cultural reasons.

Language Acquisition Concepts

• First Language Acquisition (L1)

  • The process by which children acquire their native language.

• Second Language Acquisition (L2)

  • Acquisition of an additional language beyond one’s native language.

  • Influenced by cognitive and environmental factors; typically takes about 7 years for proficiency in favorable conditions.

  • Refugee and limited schooling students may require up to 10 years for proficiency.

• Code Switching

  • Transition between different languages and dialects within conversations.

  • Often misinterpreted as a language deficit but reflects a higher-level language skill.

Educational Strategies for Language Learners

• Teaching Considerations

  • Create a welcoming and educationally fruitful environment for diverse language learners.

  • Emphasize valuing different language uses (difference, not deficit).

  • Implement strategies to promote bilingualism and multicultural awareness within educational settings.

• Factors Influencing Second Language Proficiency

  • Broad factors affecting L2 acquisition: cognitive ability, motivation, socio-economic status, and family support.

  • School-related factors: previous L2 experience, student attitudes towards the host culture, and overall school attendance experience.

Bilingualism and Language Education

• Global Context of Bilingual Education

  • Many educationally disadvantaged youths do not speak the language of instruction.

  • Bilingual education models show effective transitions from mother-tongue literacy to second-language literacy.

• Indigenous Language Preservation

  • Indigenous languages are deeply tied to cultural identity; preserving them is vital for community health and cohesion.

  • Traditional languages have unique complexities, and new language varieties arise from colonial interactions.

Challenges for EAL/D Learners

• EAL/D Definition

  • Students whose first language is not English and who require support in developing English language skills.

  • Include both local and overseas-born students from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous students.

• Role of Teachers

  • Teachers are responsible for language and literacy demands across all curriculum areas, catering specifically to the needs of EAL/D students.

• Support and Strategies

  • Foster effective communication in Standard Australian English.

  • Support students in integrating their language backgrounds with learning in English.