The Academic Events Group, 14TH WORLD CONFERENCE ON LEARNING, TEACHING AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

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The Shaping of Australian Identity: An Examination of Language Policy and Its Impact on Second-Generation Chinese-Australian Children
Jun Song

Last modified: 2024-09-06

Abstract


This article critically examines the Australian Language Policy (ALP) and its impact on the national identity of second-generation Chinese immigrant children (CSIC) in Australia. Despite their Chinese heritage, these children often identify strongly as Australian due to the ALP's emphasis on English as the official language. The policy shapes their self-perception and societal integration, leading to a preference for English over Chinese in various aspects of life. The study explores how ALP in classrooms, its role in a diverse society, and language policies within Chinese-Australian families contribute to CSIC's inclination to embrace an Australian identity. The analysis reveals that while English proficiency is crucial for societal participation and success, it also creates a cultural gap between CSIC and their parents, who may hold onto their original cultural identity more firmly. The article concludes that the ALP plays a significant role in reinforcing CSIC's Australian identity, influenced by their educational experiences and societal interactions in English.


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