social cohesion or assimilation?

Arjay seems to have had an overdose of bitter pills. Australia has an official language - English (as does Indonesia - Bahasa). Both nations, however, are enriched by cultural diversity, which is often expressed linguistically.

While I agree that a common language is necessary for the construction and maintenance of a national identity, it's not necessary to try and impose it on people in order to try and 'assimilate' them. Since English is the language of commerce, education and government in this country, the vast majority of immigrants learn it at least at a functional level in order to be able to take part in employment and to access goods and services.

Second-generation immigrants generally speak English as well as most native-born Australians, except that they are advantaged by their bilinguality. I for one am grateful for the reciprocal enrichment of our language and culture that diversity in immigration has brought us.

Heaven forfend that our language be limited to the 'strine' that is lampooned by e.g. 'Kath & Kim' (not to mention the lovely Di)!!

Arjay, Je pense que le racisme est la raison fondamentale de l'appui de Corby, et des thats assez bons pour moi!

Shapelle Corby! now there's a name that hasn't had a mention in a while, strange..... that's what this forum is about.

Garra, merci bon ami. Rainer, jes nest ca pais? Viva la difference bellas!
Mais tu est bon ami!

So Garra,our humour and Aussie character is reduced to "strine" and Rainer retreats to France,the most arrogant of our linguists who have shot themselves in both feet with a laisse faire immigration policy.

Language is the soul of your culture since it takes years to learn all the nuances.Cultures should evolve and not be swamped by overwhelming change that creates distrust and division.I think we have past the point of no return and will become more a country of conflict,rather than co-operation.Just look at the Laws against vilification of religions now in Victoria that they are trying to introduce into NSW.Even if you speak the truth about a religion you can be fined and goaled.This is a serious precident, since using the same logic Govts can gaol us all for speaking facts.This has all happened because we are afraid of offending the Muslims, in the name of racial harmony.The NSW Dept of Education buckled to the wearing of Muslim headress which had no bearing religious beliefs.[ie it isn' compulsory]Can Papuans now wear only penis gourds to school since this is part of their culture.Where is the common ground?Can we go to Saudi Arabia and open a Christian or agnostic school and please ourselves?Not if you value your life.Just produce a half decent argument or admit defeat.