Discussion Board 2

Subject: ENGLISH AND AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP  
Author: Minjia ZHANG
Creation date: Friday, October 1, 2010 10:16:55 PM EST
Date last modified: Friday, October 1, 2010 10:16:55 PM EST
Total views: 5  Your views: 5
Parent Post--by Rita AZAR
 When you migrate to another
country, it's very important to speak the language of this
country.  People who receive the Australian citizenship must speak English
in my opinion.  I'm not talking of a high level of English but at least
the common language that will help you when you go at the grocery store, when
you have to call for an emergency or when you have to explain to your doctor
what's your problem...  Speaking the minimum language of the country where
you migrate gives you more independence and self confidence to face every day’s
life situations.  It's also a sign of respect for the people of this
country to understand and be able to communicate with them.  If you want
to go to University or work, you will then need a higher level of English.
Some people are afraid to loose their traditions or even forget their first
language if they speak English.  I think you can do both: speak the language of
your new country and keep your traditions.  This can only make you a more cultured person.

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Well I saw your great opinion and actually I partly agree with you. But I 'm afraid I've got the different view with you on " People who recieve the Australian citizenship must speak English ...". It sounds quite strong and unreasonable and also it has not been legislated into a law. I think it's necessary for a people who wants to immigrant to get the language skills of the country they choose which is important and necessary in their daily lives no matter public service or private needs. For the case of Australia, everybody who wants to be a citizen has to get a ILETS mark over the standard and know about the history and culture here as well. That means they do need to speak English and get preparation of being a Australian. However, language is just a tool of communication which assists people to live well, not the stuff that drives people's lives. For example, if a person can talk with his/her friends in another common language, they do not need to speak in English even they are in the English-speaking country. It's the personal rights everyone does have. In addition, the biggest feature of Australia is multicultrual, everyone can share what they have which is interesting and amazing. That's the stuff that make Australia be more attractive.