Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 11120050
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED166971 AUTHOR: Ingram, D. E.
TITLE: The Case for a National Language Policy in
Australia.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1978
NOTE: 29 p.; Paper presented at the State Conference of the
Modern Language Teachers Association of South Australia
(Adelaide, Australia, October 27, 1978)
ABSTRACT: The present state of language programs in
Australia, the lack of a coherent language policy,
important considerations for developing a national language
policy, and long-term outcomes of a language policy are
considered. Australia needs to consider the role of
languages in society and the society's need for language
skills. Among the present conditions are: declining
language enrollments, lack of bilingual education
instruction, poor translation and interpreter services, and
reduced employment opportunities for adults who lack
English skills. There has been a failure to respond to the
nation's linguistic diversity. The interaction of cultures
will be affected by the country's language policy. It must
be decided whether multiculturalism also means
multilingualism, and ways of developing favorable
cross-cultural attitudes must be analyzed. In planning, a
clearly defined and nationally accepted proficiency scale
is needed. Adoption of the national language policy entails
a statement of national belief in certain cultural,
linguistic, and social values, and the policy must be
embodied in legislation to guarantee linguistic and
cultural rights. Adoption of a national language education
policy is necesssary for the success of a national language
policy.
(SW)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Bilingual-Education; Cultural-Influences;
Educational-Policy; Elementary-Secondary-Education; Higher
Education; Interpreters-; Language-Programs; Language
Skills; Multicultural-Education; National-Programs;
Official
Languages; Public-Policy; Social-Influences; Translation-
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Cultural-Pluralism; *Language-Attitudes;
*Language-Planning; *Language-Role; *Multilingualism-;
*Policy-Formation
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