Abstract: Muslim women rarely access their entitlements and benefit from the multicultural policy of Australia because they are bound by the strict rules of Islam.
The disadvantages faced by migrant Muslim women in Australia in trying to acquire proficiency in English may result from their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as the ethnic, religious and cultural barriers based on gender discrimination.
Due to their religious and cultural beliefs the needs of the Muslim women are different from other NESB (non English speaking background) communities in Australia. Not being able to access their English language entitlements isolates these women and limits them from participating in the general Australian community.
Muslims from Asia first started migrating to Australia from the 1860s as divers from Malay and Afghan cameleers who went to Australia to work for the European settlers. In those days it was difficult for non European immigrants to migrate to Australia because of the White Australia policy. There was an influx of displaced Turkish immigrants to Australia after World War II.
More than 10,000 Turkish Muslims migrated to Australia and settled in areas around Melbourne and Sydney between 1967 and 1971 after the two countries had a bilateral agreement. Immigration to Australia became easier from the 1970’s as the government abandoned the policy of assimilating immigrants through compulsory adoption of Australian culture and way of life for a more liberal policy that encouraged multiculturalism in Australia.
Status of Muslims in Australia
Muslims were encouraged to migrate to Australia in large numbers from 1970 due to the policy of multiculturalism adopted by the Australian Government. The major reason for Muslims from all over the world, particularly from Asia and the Middle East, to migrate to Australia was their desire for safety and political asylum. In many cases, particularly those of Muslim women, their migration to Australia was often forced or brought on by their circumstances.
In case of Iraqi Muslim women, many of them migrated to Australia with their husbands, leaving their extended families behind in order to gain security and stability in financial, political and social contexts. Muslim men who work with the Australian army in Iraq were considered to be espionage agents and unpatriotic and were often treated with suspicion. As Islam considers men to be the guardians of their wives, the women also leave the country and migrate with their husbands to Australia seeking protection, freedom and a better life.
Challenges Faced by Immigrant Muslim Minorities
One of the major challenges for Muslims living in Australia is adjusting their traditional Islamic practices to modern western contexts. The problems faced by Muslim minorities in Australia are very similar to those faced by Muslim minorities anywhere in the world or for that matter any immigrant anywhere. Though most immigrant Muslims are proficient in the English language and have adapted well to their surroundings there are sections of the Muslim community that feels that they must establish Islamic law and Islamic state wherever they go.
However, we must keep in mind that Muslim minorities in Australia have more freedom to practice their religion and are given more protection than in some Muslim majority states. As faithful and devout Muslims, they must ensure that they implement the tenets of Islam and maintain their cultural identity in their individual lives. That way the clash of interests will be minimized and they will not be perceived as aggressive extremists and a threat to peace.
Major adjustments that have to be made by the Muslim community are in areas that include food, banking, clothing and prayers. For a devout Muslim woman wearing the niqab or the burqa is important just as it important for a Muslim to have financial dealings with organizations like banks that do not charge interest on loans or mortgages.
Importance of Learning English for Muslims in Australia
It is important for immigrant Muslims to learn English because English is the native language of the people and the land where they have chosen to settle down. Not knowing the local language can marginalize and isolate entire communities from making the process of integration smooth and seamless. The three main languages spoken by Australian Muslims are Arabic, Turkish and English.
There is a huge difference in the cultural orientation between the natives and the immigrants as they follow different religions, speak different languages, and have different traditions and customs. However, since language plays an important role in imparting education, which in turn helps in shaping future generations, it is important for Muslims to be proficient in English.
Need for Immigrants to be Bilingual in Order to Communicate Better
For migrant non native speakers of English, bilingualism may be a matter of importance as their mother tongue is usually reserved for the domestic and social domains while English speaking skills are acquired for use in the public domain. For Muslims, the issue of bilingualism is much more complex as language for them is not only tied to culture and tradition but also has strong links with religion and religious practices. These religious practices impact both the domestic as also the public realm.
For Muslims who do not speak Arabic as mother tongue, the language of religion is different from that of the private space where the mother tongue is still retained. This is further complicated by the impact Islam has on the public and private domains with its strict doctrines on the roles of men and women in domestic and social life. Thus bilingualism is not a matter of choice but is more a compulsion in the interests of functionality and efficiency.
Related Reading:
Professor Abdullah Saeed: Muslim Australians: Their Beliefs, Practices and Institutions
Vered Kahani-Hopkins & Nick Hopkins: Representing British Muslims: the strategic dimension to identity construction.
Muslims are so grateful I'd loved their cultures and religious making.
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