(From my experience while working with
different Culturally And Linguistically Diverse communities)
Over 200
languages are spoken in Australia and in addition, non- verbal communication,
different communication styles, use of family or a third person (interpreter)
for communication support and differing in understanding of English words and
phrases often makes communication ineffective in different walks of life. Many
refugees and migrants who come to Australia know limited, if any English.
Limited English speaking skills is a major problem that has significant
implications which includes unemployment, social isolation and exclusion and
ultimately health.
Developing
appropriate written and verbal language skills is often difficult when migrants
and refugees come from countries where their native language is not English. In
some cases where English writing and reading skills are proficient, listening
and speaking skills may be weak, especially Asian language speakers. Conversely
many Africans have strong English speaking skills with weaker reading and
writing skills.
Some
migrants and refugees who are arriving in Australia already have qualifications
and/ or a high level of education from their home countries but are unaware of
the process within Australia for the recognition of overseas qualification and
experience. Some mature age migrants
find it too difficult or time consuming to go through the entire process of
skills/qualification recognition to meet their career aspirations. This
restricts in obtaining professional employment. Thus, an inability to gain work
experience in a new country means that they miss out on potential training and
work opportunities through which they can utilise their skills, or have career
choices or control over their health and wellbeing.
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