English First: Helping or Hindering Multiculturalism?

​Strathfield City Council recently voted for a motion that states:

Independent Councillor Matthew Blackmore, who initiated the proposal said ‘the change to the policy is designed to set a standard in the presentation of signs in shops’ and that it would ‘improve our commercial streetscapes and improve communication.’

On the surface, the policy is purported to be inclusive and to ensure a welcoming environment. Strathfield Council states that “this is an inclusive policy that recognises English and the linguistic diversity that exists in Strathfield,” and that it “aims to improve the visual amenities of our town and local centre”.

​However 68.5% of the Strathfield households speak one of 58 languages in addition to English with the biggest language groups being Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Tamil and Arabic. It must be questioned if limiting the translation space to 30% is in the interests of the inclusivity and multiculturalism.

​English is sometimes described as the  “main” or “common” language but Australia has no policy designating English as an official language.

“Mandating English signage and allowing limited translation amounts to a de facto policy of English as an official language. It signals, in effect, an attitude of multicultural tolerance, not a policy of active multiculturalism.” Alice Chik Senior Lecturer in Literacy, Macquarie University

​This is not the first time that councils have required English to be put up on store fronts.

Other councils (Rockdale, Auburn, Marrickville and Hurstville) have already ordered businesses to use English signs, which has previously sparked debate.

The City of Sydney not only demands that signs in Haymarket (including Chinatown) are written in both English and Chinese, and must also be in traditional Chinese colours “in keeping with the usage of the building”.

In November 2017, Parramatta council investigated a sign at a northern Sydney apartment complex written in Chinese, with no English translation. The developers of the apartment block admitted the sign was a deliberate tactic to attract Chinese investors.

Former Mayor Lorraine Wearne says that many Epping locals have complained to her about the sign. “I think it offends the community, because it doesn’t include the community,” Ms Wearne said.

It should be noted that under 50% of Epping residents speak English only, with Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) being the next most prominent language as well as the most common ancestry.
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There is actually no law in Australia requiring signs such as these to be in English. The developer was required to cover up the sign due to an improper application (not actually because of the lack of translation on the sign).

​The Strathfield proposal was open for public consultation but closed on the 15th of June this year.