Two is better than one- languages a pathway to the future

As globalization rapidly spreads to the educational sector of Australia, the concept of bilingual students becomes more relevant. Multiculturalism and school micro publics indicates an extremely diverse cultural group attending secondary schools in Australia, and yet language study does not in any way reflect this level of culture. Through making key policy changes and promoting a rewarding atmosphere for those who are willing to further their language studies in their secondary schooling career, those who identify with secondary or multiple cultures are capable of claiming a key aspect of their identity. The process of externalizing our thoughts is vital to the dichotomous relationship between education and culture, and the support of students who are willing to embrace the need to develop further language skills is a large step towards a positive educational experience for students with multiple cultural backgrounds.

Students who study a language for their HSC could be given bonus Australian Tertiary Admission Rank points and all primary school children would undertake some form of language education under proposals to address the low levels of foreign language study in NSW (Tovey, 2013). Fairfax Media reported last week that the proportion of HSC students studying a language fell to 8 per cent this year, an historic low. ''We want universities to say if this is national priority and you've studied a language, we think we can afford to give you a bonus of three or four points because we recognise the importance of language acquisition in general intellectual activity,'' said board president, Tom Alegounarias. The discussion paper, available on the Board of Studies website, found the availability of qualified language teachers was arguably the most important factor influencing the teaching of languages, noting a lack of qualified teachers, particularly in primary school (Meier, 2013 pg 40). This lack of trained teachers is further reflected in the teaching of Aboriginal languages as a second language.

The proposal of strengthening the teaching of Aboriginal languages, including introducing it as a HSC subject will be a positive step towards an inclusive multicultural policy within the educational sector (Tovey, 2013). Indigenous and multicultural discourses are often quite different, revolving around the difference between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous members of society, where as immigrant discourse focuses primarily on diversity (Dunn, Kemp, Shaw et. Al, 2010 pg 20). A survey conducted revealed that eighty percent agreed that a lack of respect was primary factor in Indigenous disadvantage and educational policy is a viable way to instigate change from this disturbing perceived disrespect. The continuing support of aboriginal culture is vital in more positive cultural relations, and language and customs are important to this (Wadham, Pudsey, Boyd, 2007 pg 9)

The acquisition of a second language not only assists in academic development but also adds to a sense of cultural complexity. Language is a key factor in identifying with a particular culture, and closely associated with the development of a cultural identity (Wadham, 2007 pg 11). The move to make a positive incentive in secondary language studies will not only assist in the development and nurturing of a positive cultural identity, but will allow for academic growth and development.       

Bibliography
Dunn, Kevin, Alanna Kemp, Wendy Shaw, James Forrest, and Yin Paradies. "Indigenous Australians’ Attitudes Towards Multiculturalism, Cultural Diversity, ‘Race’ and Racism." Lournal of Australian Indigenous Issues 13.4 (2010): 19-31. 
Meier, Deborah W.. "The Coleman Report."Equity & Excellence in Education 5.6 (1967): 37-45. Print.
 Trovey, Josephine (2013) Bonus Points Plan to raise low level of languages study, Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/bonus-points-plan-to-raise-low-levels-of-language-study-20131008-2v6e3.html#ixzz2iJfOcAZ1
Wadham, Benjamin Allan, Jason Pudsey, and Ross Boyd. "What is Culture?." Culture and education. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Education Australia, 2007. 1-34.