Terminology and Concepts

Principles of Multiculturalism

The NSW Government was the first to include Principles of Multiculturalism in State law. These principles are the policy of the State, and their implementation is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officers of all NSW public sector agencies to implement.

The principles, as included in the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000.

Community Relations

New South Wales is the most culturally and linguistically diverse of all the Australian states with a vibrant and progressive outlook. In New South Wales, this ethnic, religious, linguistic and racial diversity is recognised as one of our greatest and most positive assets.

The year 2001 was very exciting for community relations in the State. The establishment of the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW by Parliament was a significant step towards the protection and promotion of our unique culturally diverse society.

The change of name from the Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW to the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW conveys a spirit of community harmony and inclusiveness.

The call for a new name was in response to changes that took place in Australia and in many countries overseas about how ethnic communities are to be regarded within the overall community. The term 'community relations' recognises that our society represents a 'community of communities' and thus emphasises inclusiveness over the singling out of particular groupings of people.

In addition, the double meaning of community in this context reinforces the equal standing of all people and their corresponding responsibilities as citizens.

The concept of 'citizenship'

One of the key features of the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 is its recognition of a broader definition of the term 'citizenship'. The definition in the Act does not limit the concept of citizenship to the naturalisation process, but rather focuses on civic participation and responsibilities of the people of NSW.

The Act states that '…citizenship is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society in which there is a recognition of the importance of shared values within a democratic framework governed by the rule of law, and a unifying commitment to Australia, its interests and future'.

This broader definition of citizenship is closely related to the concepts of multiculturalism and cultural diversity. Adherence to democratic values must encompass a respect for individual differences and a commitment to freedom and equal opportunity. These values are strongly espoused in the new legislation.

Globalisation, trans-national corporations and the interconnectivity that is a by-product of the recent technological explosion are all relatively recent changes which have contributed to the need to redefine the concept of 'citizenship'. National borders are becoming blurred, and the notion of an individual having only one homeland is fast becoming outdated.

Use of the term Non-English Speaking Background

Whilst there are contexts where the term 'non-English speaking background' is accurate, agencies should also bear in mind that there are other terms which may better describe aspects of cultural diversity.

The term 'non-English speaking background' is appropriate, but only when it accurately describes the person or group. For example, it may accurately describe:

• the clientele of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs;
• clients who need, or may need, the service of interpreters, bilingual workers etc;
• a person whose first language is not English, when that is relevant to the issue at hand, for example, when there are communication difficulties.

Problems with the term 'non-English speaking background'

The term 'non-English speaking background' is not fully inclusive, as shown in the following examples:

• the term is not fully accurate, as many immigrants to Australia come from countries where English is widely spoken, or is a lingua franca e.g. India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Fiji or parts of Africa.
• The term 'non-English speaking background' disguises the fact that immigrants from these English-speaking countries may also suffer disadvantage, for example, in employment.
• Some people see 'non-English speaking background' as a negative term, as it implies that English is the desirable norm from which English speaker's deviate.
• In common usage the term 'non-English speaking background' does not always include Australian-born children from ethnic communities.

Alternative Terms

Any language and terminology used should reflect as accurately as possible the target group that is being defined. Some target groups are described below:

• For the whole population or clientele of a Department, which will invariably contain people from diverse cultures useful terms are:
  culturally diverse population, culturally diverse backgrounds; culturally and linguistically diverse people.
• For people who may have communication difficulties and need interpreters useful terms are:
  from language backgrounds other than English; from backgrounds other than English-speaking; non-English speaking background; overseas-born of non-English speaking background; first generation non-English speaking background.
• For people who are recent arrivals in Australia useful terms are:
  immigrants; migrants; first-generation immigrants, people who are overseas-born.
• For people who are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants, and who define their own cultural identity partly or wholly on this basis useful terms are:
  ethnic community members; people from ethnic communities.
• For people with skills in languages other than English useful terms are:
  bilingual people, speakers of languages other than English.

The important point to bear in mind is that a blanket use of the term 'non-English speaking background' should be avoided, and that the terminology used should be appropriate to the target group.