You say this because you only understand English. That's why the government start the project to teach Australian more languages.

English is a working language in Australia. I speak English to you only because you do not understand other language. However, It's not necessary to speak English to live in Australia.

Like the Freedom of Religions, to speak in my favorite language is my human rights.

Soren wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 7:53pm:

That's why I suggest to use the native language to host the test. The candidate can understand more when they prepare the test. To make the people join the community, you need to make them understand more with their favorite language. That's why I use English to discuss with you here.

I look Australia as my new home. You are right, I should understand you. On the other hand you should understand me too. To force people to use a second language to understand you is not a really good idea.

The most important thing is the content of the test, not English.

Soren wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 8:46pm:

I learn English from 10 year old despite I like or not. I came here because Australia need me; the political structure of Australia is better than China and Australia government convince me that Australia is a multi-culture society. I'm a technology immigration, not a refugee. It is a fair covenant that I pledge to be an Australian citizen. I read the pledge many times to consider if I can accept it. I am happy there is not content that I can not accept. At the same time Australia give me the citizenship for my pledge. 

Yes, no one invited me to come. Similarly, no one invited your forefather to come too. At least I came here in peace under the law and the covenant between Australia and me is fair.

Based on your logic, you should speak the language of Aborigines instead of English.

As a citizen, I believe the citizen test in only English is unfair and stupid. I will try to change it with my rights in law.





Soren wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 9:12pm:

Actually, I believe the test is to make the candidates deeply understand the content of the pledge. There are more knowledge they need to know.

Not all the people are ready to join the democratic political system. They need to know their rights, freedom and the limitation buy the law. You need to teach them how to become a member of Australia society. Trust me, the agreement for rules is more important than the languages.

If you test so many things in English, it will be too hard. If you test in their native language, you can teach them many things to help them join Australia.

It's similar to the driver license test. The rules are more important than the language.

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 5:05am:

I understand. My reply is to provide more details of my idea.



Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 5:46am:

Soren wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 7:31am:


BS it comes from the government deciding what they think is right for the ppl.

SOB

Bowen wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 9:32am:


FFS. It is not for any Australian to learn Chinese or any other language. You have to learn English because you want to live in Australia. I don't want to live in China, so why should I learn Chinese?


Think about what you're expecting of us. You want us to learn your language to make your life better here. Should every Australian also learn Arabic? Indonesian? Greek? Korean? Unless we are learning the language of every immigrant here how the hell are they going to feel welcome?

It is not our job to learn your culture. You have come to Australia, you have to learn our culture. If you think that is racist, maybe you will feel happier back in your own home. 

Quote:


No. It is because people come here and refuse to integrate with society. If you don't want to live like an Australian, don't come here.

You want to wear a Roosters jersey and wave their flag in the South's league club under the cover of freedom. Then you want the club to take down all their green and red Rabbitohs posters because you feel discriminated against. Common sense would say if you don't like the team, don't join their club.

Bowen wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 11:00am:


If we are talking from a geography point of view, China is not Australia's only neighbour, and certainly not our closest. So what makes them so great that we should all learn Chinese. I assume you know Korean, Japanese, Russian, Indonesian, etc etc? Surely you know all your neighbours languages right? Do you even known all the Chinese languages and dialects, or just Mandarin?

If we are talking from a local neighbour point of view (as in the people who live in your suburb) then there a more Koreans, Vietnamese, Sudanese, Lebanese, Italians, and Greeks, than Chinese in the area I live. Why the hell should I learn Chinese, and Should I be learning all their languages as well?

Funny how in the other thread you don't think people coming here have to learn English, but those born and living here should waste there time learning Chinese to make the Chinese living here happy? Are you coming to Australia to live or conquer?

Australia is an English speaking country. If people coming here learn it, then everyone can communicate. Why and how can the Australian people learn the hundreds of different languages of people coming here?

If you want to come into our home, the responsibility in on you to take the time to learn our culture. It is not for us to take the time to make your life easier by doing Chinese studies. In fact, it is arrogant, selfish, and even offensive to suggest that 20000000+ Australians should all learn Chinese to make life better for you. If you love China so much, stay there. Don't turn this country into mini-china.