In the heart of Australia's ongoing debate over immigration and social cohesion, the story of Marziyah Razi stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Razi's journey from a refugee camp in Indonesia to becoming a lawyer in Australia is not just a personal triumph; it's a narrative that challenges the very assumptions at the core of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party's rhetoric.
Hanson's recent speech, which painted a picture of a nation struggling with a 'language problem' due to immigration, has sparked a national conversation. She argued that the presence of non-English speakers threatens social cohesion, advocating for stricter immigration policies and an end to government-funded translation services. But what Hanson fails to acknowledge is the profound impact of language learning on the integration and contribution of migrants to Australian society.
Razi's experience is a microcosm of this larger debate. Growing up in Afghanistan and Iran, she arrived in Australia with little English, yet her determination to resume her education and contribute to society was unwavering. The makeshift English and maths classes in the refugee camp were the foundation of her learning, and the intensive English course in Melbourne was the catalyst for her success.
"Learning English is not that difficult," Razi reflects. "It’s not like flying a jet or something." Her words are a powerful rebuke to the notion that language barriers are insurmountable. They also highlight the importance of targeted language support for new arrivals, which is often overlooked in the rush to tighten immigration policies.
The idea that migrants, regardless of their English proficiency, are a burden on society is a dangerous misconception. Razi's story, and the stories of countless others like her, demonstrate that migrants bring with them a wealth of skills, values, and experiences that enrich the fabric of Australian society. Her work with the gambling harm prevention program for multicultural communities is a testament to the positive impact she can have, even with limited English.
The 2021 census data, which Hanson cited, shows that while English is the dominant language, there are significant numbers of non-English speakers. However, this diversity is not a threat to social cohesion; it is a strength. As linguist Prof Catherine Travis points out, "allowing other languages to be spoken can enhance social cohesion because people feel better received in Australia. We know that people whose language and culture is acknowledged feel more committed to the society."
The One Nation party's policy to halt government-funded translation services and tighten English language requirements for incoming migrants is short-sighted. Translation services are not just about facilitating communication; they are about empowering citizens, informing them of their rights and responsibilities, and enabling them to engage fully with their new society. As Dr Zareh Ghazarian explains, "Translation services can have a really important impact across the community. They can provide important health information. This is a very important part of engaging with a wide community."
The personal stories of migrants like Ramya Assaad and Ann Liao further underscore the positive impact of language skills. Assaad, who migrated from Lebanon, used her Arabic language skills to help promote government support schemes during the Covid pandemic. Liao, an advocate for climate change, speaks Mandarin to her parents, who are participating in federally funded English classes, and volunteers at a soup kitchen using her limited English to ask how she can help.
In my opinion, the debate over immigration and social cohesion in Australia is not about language barriers but about opportunities and inclusion. The success of Razi and others like her demonstrates that with the right support and resources, migrants can not only integrate into Australian society but also contribute to it in meaningful ways. The challenge for policymakers and the public is to recognize and embrace this diversity, not to fear it.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the interplay between language, education, and social cohesion. It raises a deeper question: How can we create a society that values and celebrates diversity, while also ensuring that all members have the tools to participate fully? The answer lies in investing in education, language support, and community engagement, not in imposing restrictions that limit the potential of migrants like Marziyah Razi.
From my perspective, the story of Marziyah Razi is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. It is a call to action for policymakers and the public to embrace diversity and invest in the future of all Australians, regardless of their language or background.
