Do Italian Australians Still Speak Italian?
The Italian language has a long history in Australia, with over 600,000 people speaking Italian at home, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This article explores the current state of Italian language preservation among Italian Australians, with insights from personal experiences and cultural trends.
The State of Italian in Australia Today
While many Italian Australians still speak Italian, especially among the older generations, the fluency of the language is declining with each passing generation. The reasons behind this shift are complex and multifaceted, reflecting broader cultural and social changes.
Generational Differences in Language Fluency
The first generation of Italian Australians, who immigrated as adults, still speaks fluent Italian or their specific dialect. The second generation, born partly in Italy and partly in Australia, is more proficient in Italian, but many feel more comfortable in English. The third generation, raised predominantly in English, has only a few words of Italian left, with some exceptions. The fourth generation, born and raised in Australia, has never learned Italian and often only knows the language through school.
Personal Insight
My experience with Italian language preservation in Australia provides a vivid illustration of these generational differences. My first generation relatives, often referred to as "uncles and aunts," were born in Italy and thus speak fluent Italian. However, their attempts at speaking Italian can result in a curious blend of dialect and English-infused Italian, such as using "carro" for car and "grasso" for grass.
Their children, who were born in Australia, fall into the second generation category. These individuals, though in their 50s or 60s, show a range of proficiency in Italian, from fluent to barely fluent, and are more at ease with English. The third generation, my second-degree cousins, were raised in English and have only a handful of Italian words from their grandparents. The fourth generation, now in their 10s or 20s, has been raised in English and often doesn't speak Italian at all, except in some cases where they learn it as a foreign language in school.
Historical Context: Cultural Attitudes and Integration
The decline in Italian language proficiency is not just a linguistic issue but also a reflection of cultural integration. In the past, there was a strong sense of inferiority among Italian Australians towards British Australians, fueled by a form of not-so-covert racism. The desire to integrate into mainstream Australian culture was so strong that Italian heritage was often hidden, if not actively suppressed.
Changing Attitudes and Recognition
Fortunately, this mentality has shifted. Today, Italian culture is well recognized and celebrated as part of Australian heritage. Italian Australians can now take pride in their cultural roots without feeling ostracized or inferior. In fact, many cultural organizations and events promote the language, ensuring that it remains alive and valued within the community.
Modern Trends and Education
With the recognition of Italian heritage, there has been an increase in Italian language schools and cultural programs. Some younger Italians are reintroducing themselves to the language, either through formal education or family connections. The use of technology, such as language learning apps and online resources, also aids in the preservation of the language.
Conclusion
While the fluency of the Italian language among Italian Australians is waning with each generation, there is still hope that the language will continue to thrive. Efforts by cultural organizations, schools, and individuals are helping to preserve and promote Italian heritage in Australia, ensuring that future generations can connect with their cultural roots.