Languages in Australian Schools
Why Not Quality Teaching of a Second Language for All
Each child in Australian schools needs quality teaching of a second language. The current Australian education debate must clarify this and find ways of meeting the need
The Australian Primary Principals Association and the Australian Government under John Howard both advocate a core curriculum for schools that excludes the learning of Languages Other Than English (LOTE). Kevin Rudd’s Labor Opposition specifically includes Languages as a core subject in its policy. Australia needs to embrace languages. There seem to be two mistaken beliefs and one hard fact obstructing the establishment of universal, effective language teaching in Australian schools.
First Delusion: English Rules the World
Many say that English will be the world-language and so learning other languages is no longer as important. This is very debatable. However if, as researchers like David Graddol predict, basic English becomes a world-wide skill by 2020, then those proficient in two or more languages will have the edge in competition.
On the other hand there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the use of Chinese, Spanish, Arabic and some other languages is growing at a rate faster than that of English. In commerce, industry, professional communication and other fields it therefore makes sense for Australians to be fluent in one or more LOTE.
Second Delusion: English Literacy Must Come First.
Another common objection to introducing a second language to children is that it would detract from their English literacy development. According to Australian authority Professor Michael Clyne, research around the world indicates the opposite. Children can acquire literacy in more than one language simultaneously and can also transfer literacy skills from one language to another.
According to Clyne, psychologists at Monash University in Australia have shown that learning a second language from the beginning of school significantly enhances a child’s reading readiness. A LOTE component in the school curriculum should therefore be seen as a contributor to literacy development, not an obstacle.
Minister for Education Julie Bishop apparently has not grasped this. She is adamant that children’s English literacy development must have the highest priority and implies that LOTE education would hinder it.
The Real Problem: Shortage of Quality Teachers of Languages
Careful discussion with primary principals reveals that their main gripe seems to be that for many years few people have been available with the expertise and commitment necessary to provide quality teaching of LOTE – even if it is a compulsory part of the school-week. This is a fact.
The Value of Bilingualism
The Australian Council of State School Organisations found recently that about 70% of parents want LOTE it to be compulsory up to Year 10. About 90% of parents and 70% of children thought having more than one language would help them to understand the world better.
Their opinions are justified. Bilingual children will be better thinkers and communicators in the visual and aural modes of both languages. As life rapidly becomes global they will be better able to comprehend the viewpoints of people in other cultures. Commerce, industry, national security and international relations will benefit from the ability of Australians to use foreign languages.
What Must Be Done?
The Group of Eight research universities in Australia urge government to make a second language compulsory up to Year 10 in all schools. They propose that all Australian universities should give a 10% bonus to the university-entrance scores of high-school graduates if they successfully complete a second language in Year 12. These measures seem laudable.
Above all government should fund universities to produce more quality teachers of LOTE. And among the highly diverse Australian population there must be plenty of potential LOTE teachers awaiting the right opportunities and support: 27.9% of Melbourne residents and 31.4% of Sydney residents speak a LOTE at home, and there must be many more who do so outside of the home.
