Selection and Settlement of Citizens: English Language Proficiency Among Immigrant Groups in Australia

Abstract

Australia draws immigrants from many diverse countries and this paper reviews variations in levels of English-language proficiency among immigrants from non-English-speaking countries. Data on 27 of the largest birthplace groups are used from the 1996 Census. These immigrant groups comprised 20,000 or more individuals at that time. There are marked differences in levels of English-language proficiency, and factors such as birthplace, gender, age, qualifications and length of residence are associated with the observed variability. The data are set within the context of a discussion of theoretical perspectives on the motivations of immigrants to learn English and to become included in Australian society, as well as host society responses and policies such as immigration selection procedures, settlement policy, and the availability of formal tuition.