Australia is multicultural, but only a few can speak a second language. A report released by the Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) found that students studying Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean are decreasing significantly. This is due to the lack of time allotted to language learning in schools, the negative impact of studying language on tertiary entrance scores, and the fear of competing against a native speaker.

1. Australia Pushes Plans to
Let Children Learn a
Second Language
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2. Australia is multicultural, but only a few can speak a second language. A report released by the
Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) found that students
studying Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean are decreasing significantly. This is due to the
lack of time allotted to language learning in schools, the negative impact of studying language on
tertiary entrance scores, and the fear of competing against a native speaker.
Open High School principal, Stephen Murray, says that language education in schools – or the lack
of it – is a significant concern in the Australian community.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released a draft of the
“Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Languages,” which aims to make the country a multilingual
society. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, they’re willing to give students hours of language
education from kindergarten to year 12.
The draft noted that learning a second language can strengthen cognitive and general learning
abilities, like critical thinking, and improve analytical and intellectual capabilities. As a result,
students boost their career and employment opportunities.
Lost in Translation

3. Start Young
Children can use and understand another language without confusion and inhibition, while
having a good accent. They have the ability to imitate additional languages and recognise
learning patterns faster and easier. Teachers only have to guide them with the necessary
learning materials, like textbooks. The Federal government recently launched a pilot
program that delivers foreign language apps to preschools. As such, they learn while
playing educational games on mobile and tablet devices.
Dr. Robyn Moloney, a senior lecturer at Macquarie University for pre-service teacher
education in languages, says that learning a second language is also beneficial for the
literacy ability of their first language.

4. Teaching children a second language help stimulate their minds. This can improve their
brain development and build a solid foundation for academic and career achievement.
Sources:
http://www.news.com.au/national/federal-government-to-launch-trial-program-to-
teach-kids-languages/story-fncynjr2-1227059596776
http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/achtung-baby-the-future-is-bilingual-
preps-20140914-10axsc.html
http://www.ricgroup.com.au/