The rise and fall of indonesian in australian schools: implications for language policy and planning

Abstract

The history of Asian language study in Australia has been about a struggle for recognition. For much of the twentieth century, xenophobia and racism ensured that few Asians were even allowed into Australia, while in the education system, the Euro-centric focus of the British-based education system only allowed for minimal study of Asia within the curriculum. In recent decades, Australia’s realisation of the political, economic and strategic importance of Asia has dramatically changed its relationship with the region. Within this evolving context, Asian languages and studies have slowly taken a greater role in the Australian education system. The National Asian Languages and Studies Strategy ..