Canada Versus Australia: Multiculturalism Edition
De Courcy, Michele. (2005). Policy Challenges for Bilingual and Immersion Education in Australia: Literacy and Language Choices for Users of Aboriginal Languages, Auslan and Italian. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 8, 178-3), p.178-187.
Bilingual Education In Australia
This paper takes a deep look into the author’s researched opinions on the political landscape, social integration, economic and academic features of bilingual absorption in the Australian educational curriculum and education department, One of the study cases reviewed in the article is progression of occupations that would help raise the bilingual agenda in Australia.
Hayday, M. (2013). Canada's Bilingual Education Revolution: The B&B Commission And Official Languages In Education. Canadian Issues, 29-33.
Bilingual education in Canada
After establishing a Royal Commission that would handles all matters entailing Bilingualism and multiculture, the objective of the entire commission is in disarray after failure to live up to the expectation of many people. Even though the government made significant leaps in terms of acquiring two national languages, English is still a dominant language utilized by many. Thus, French-speaking people have to conform to the traditions without question. In 1971, enactment of multicultural guidelines indirectly affected the application of bicultural Canada pushed and promoted by the Bilingual Commission. For example on had to use qualifiers if he or she wants Canada to be a bilingual, However, it is obvious that majority of Canadians cannot converse in both French and English. In the end, the politicians and lawmakers shifted the attention to education system and its ability of making Canada a bilingual country.
Herzog, B. (2014). Being Canadian: Dual Citizenship in Historical Perspective. American Review of Canadian Studies, 44(4), 448-466.
Dual citizenship in Canada
Citizenship is similar to an identity of each person living in a specific nation. The definition above reflects on Canada’s 1949 laws, which puts into perspective the country’s opinion on its own principles pitted against the rest of the globe. The citizenship enacted in 1977 aimed at bringing together Canada’s policies on immigration and existing naturalization rules with multicultural concepts shared by many people across the globe. Furthermore, via endless debates on citizenship laws, media’s outlook and influence, politicians’ stand and diplomatic ties on dual citizenship, the author of the article suggests that the function and patriotic aspect of citizenship laws is essential for political purposes consequently assisting the country achieve its short and long term objectives. Besides pursuing national goals, enacting citizenship laws is a strategic way of integrating the English world with the French and as a result, opening the country to new doors of opportunity and friendship. Thus, putting in place independent laws and permitting dual citizenship opens the gates to other people. A country cannot live in isolation from the rest of the world.
Taking a closer look at the debates pertaining citizenship laws within Canada presents an important agenda to any observer. First, even though legislators over the passing years accepted citizenship laws as an emblem of integrity, progression, and coming of age, the judicial mitigations and measures failed in the quest of preserving the national identity of the people. This failure comes out whenever the country handles a task concerned with national adherences.
In fact, when politicians refused to pass the dual citizenship bill in 1946, it was not to retain the exclusivity that comes with nationality status but they had a negative attitude toward the bill and dual citizenship.
. Levett, C. (2015). The value of Australian citizenship. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 22(8), 48.
Dual citizenship in Australia
On 26th of each month of January, Australians get the opportunity to reflect on their loyalty and love for their country. The day has different meanings to everybody. Thus, whether one became an Australian by birth or other means, they get a chance to appreciate the country and the benefits that come as a result of being a citizen. The bottom line or aim of setting apart this day as a holiday is to show loyalty to the country. Whether Australian or not, respecting the country’s values and freedoms it upholds automatically makes you an ally because you have their interests at heart. Accepting the Australian citizenship means, that one has confidence in committing to the country and the rule of law governing the country. Citizenship means that Australia is home and one has to take responsibility to make the country a better place for him or herself and other Australians.
Mann, J. (2012). The introduction of multiculturalism in Canada and Australia, 1960s–1970s. Nations and Nationalism, 18(3), 483-503.
Country Has an Official Policy of Multiculturalism
This article has a strong standpoint on development of dual citizenship laws and multiculture. Canada and Australia have common elements of multicultural reforms. To emphasize further, it discusses issues on enactment of multiculturalism and compares values and policies. Canada and Australia share a similar background in terms of their viewpoints on multiculturalism and citizenship. The only notable difference is the Frenchmen living in Canada. After the arrival of various nationalities in Canada, Canada experienced an alteration in national identity due to French and British people. In other words, Canada had to accommodate its friends by creating multicultural policies.
Ng, E., & Metz, I. (2015). Multiculturalism as a Strategy for National Competitiveness: The Case for Canada and Australia. Journal of Business Ethics, 128(2), 253-266.
Adoption of multiculturalism in school curriculum
In this particular article, the author introduces a concept the other articles failed to include in their works and that is the benefits of multiculturalism in a country. Multiculturalism can serve as an effective tool in enhancing competitiveness in all sectors of a country including schools. Consequently, benefits of integrating school curriculum with multicultural policies would naturally entrench the values and beliefs of foreign cultures with Canadian traditions hence making students tolerant toward other cultures. To put it simply, integrating with other cultures increases talent incorporates tolerance increases the political stability of a nation.
