Latest news with #Nyssa
ABC News
25-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Why are non-migrant families sending their children to bilingual schools?
Nyssa has never been to China. She hasn't even stepped foot in Chinatown. But when the 6-year-old is with friends at school, she speaks Chinese. "It's like I know how to speak every language in the world," she said. Nyssa studies at a "bilingual school", where staff and students jump between languages in the classroom and the playground. And these institutions — both public and private — are not just for migrants. At Richmond West Primary School in Melbourne's inner suburbs, up to 90 per cent of the students do not speak Chinese at home and some do not have any cultural connection to China. But grade 4 student Heidi has brought Chinese into her home, occasionally speaking it with her sister. "It's quite fun doing Chinese. You don't need to know every single word because you learn," she said. "When I started, I could only count up to 10 and now I can make a conversation." Bilingual schools are not language schools; they are places where ordinary lessons are taught in multiple languages. Entire days or various subjects are dedicated to different languages; a student may learn history in English but science from a teacher speaking in French. Richmond West executive principal Trevor Strolla said his faculty examined the curriculum to determine what "make sense" in English and what can be covered in Chinese. "And bringing those together so we can build a seamless experience for the kids," he said. Monash University bilingual education researcher Marianne Turner said integrating languages into education had a broad range of benefits, from improving literacy and problem solving to "appreciating and understanding difference". "In Australia, it's still relatively niche but it has been increasing in popularity," she said. "In Europe, they have this mentality where multilingualism is really, really prioritised and it would be wonderful if Australia could understand the value of multilingualism." Bilingual education exists in various forms across Australia, from "language immersion" at Queensland high schools, to the French "binational" program run in South Australia. Richmond West is one of 11 "bilingual" primary schools funded by the Victorian government but Mr Stolla said not everyone was convinced of the benefits. "There is a misconception that kids are missing out on something when they're learning through another language," he said. Ms Turner said education was "not a zero-sum game" and teaching in a foreign language could make teachers more effective. "Often teachers think that students are understanding a lot of what they say," she said. "But when you know that students might be having trouble understanding what you say, you're a lot more careful and you can give a lot more scaffolding in your lessons." Michelle Andersen sends her daughters to the Sydney Japanese International School, an independent school in the northern beaches. She said other parents were "really excited" when they discovered she did not have Japanese roots or speak the language. "But the kids love it. They think it's hilarious." Ms Andersen was impressed by the school's smaller class sizes, strong community and student-teacher dynamic. Having grown up with parents born overseas, Ms Andersen wanted her children to have the benefits of a second language and "not just another culture but other ways of learning". "It's really difficult to learn a language here in Australia. Take Asia or Europe for example, kids are pretty much born learning two languages," she said. "Being part of the cultural community has really provided [for] our family. The kids, they've made lifelong friendships and learning a language, especially here in Australia, is really a gift and an opportunity." The cross-cultural experience at the Sydney Japanese International School extends not only to students, but staff. Their philosophy is to unite Australian and Japanese culture, according to head of the international division Melita Abraham. "In Japanese, we say 'takahashi', which is a bridge," she said. Ms Abraham said the schools hosted "a real eclectic group of parents from various backgrounds" who all understood the importance of a global perspective. "In today's world, that is very important to parents," she said. "Students do leave here being culturally aware and [having] an understanding of different cultures and how to interact with each other." Education reform is complex and contested; even educators do not always agree on how to improve outcomes. While state and territory government are experimenting with more bilingual education, most language remains siloed away in separate language classes. Ms Turner said despite Australia's multicultural society, "we don't necessarily take language education as seriously as other countries". "The messaging for children really is that English is the only real language that they need, and we need to change that messaging," she said. "It's a real opportunity that we're missing in Australia. "If we speak other languages, we can see how people think a lot more clearly." Ms Turner said along with the benefits for students, these schools could also help stop "language attrition". "We have a lot of migration from different countries. People speak different languages but by the third generation, that language is generally lost," she said. "And that's a real shame." At least for grade 4 Richmond West student Heidi, her connection to culture will not be lost. "I really like how I get to learn two languages," she said. "One of the languages is the same as [the one spoken by] my mum's family."
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
18 People Shared EXACTLY How They Want Democrats To "Fight Back" And Finally Start Taking Action
In the last 12 months especially, people have repeatedly expressed fatigue with the Democratic party and what they perceive to be a lack of effort displayed by its leaders. Knowing this, it's not shocking that NBC News just dropped data from a poll showing the party has reached a new low in popularity as left-leaners are practically BEGGING leadership to fight back against the Trump administration's unfavorable actions. But what exactly does "fighting back" look like? Well, to find out, I asked our BuzzFeed Community what actions they'd like to see Democrats take. Here's what they said: 1."Every Democratic leader needs to get on TV and start speaking the truth about the damage being done and what it means." "They need to hold town halls, talk to newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc. absolutely everywhere information goes should be used to re-educate the American public since it's become apparent that we are one of the most ignorant countries considering the access to information we have yet don't use." —sassytable32 2."Every single time Trump violates the law, the Democrats need to offer Articles of Impeachment. Every time." "No, he won't GET impeached. What will happen is crystal clear proof of which members of Congress uphold the rule of law and which will support a dictator. That would be crucial in changing things in the midterm elections." —Nyssa 3."Be as rude and uncivil as they are." "Match the energy and watch them fall apart. Trump, in particular, cannot handle being insulted. USE THAT." —flinnchristian 4."Leadership needs to retire — anyone over the age of 60 should not be a member of Congress." "They're out of touch and know nothing about what it's like to live in today's world. It's time for a much-needed (and regularly scheduled) changing of the guard." —flinnchristian 5."The problem I have observed is that when Bernie had some momentum in the early 2010s, liberals who liked him were told they were too idealistic and too far left. They were basically told to get realistic and compromise. Well, over the course of the past 15 years, the far right hasn't compromised for shit." "So the left had to move completely to the center to balance the ever-further-right-creeping Republicans. So now we have some watered-down, toothless Democrats versus the Hitler youth. Good work done by all." —hampster 6."Need them to take control of the narrative, and stop taking the bait and responding to every bit of chaos thrown out by the Trump admin. Most of it is spin, and a lot won't stick. They need to unite on what is important and get a new strategist that listens to younger generations!" "There were people that voted MAGA and AOC. I can't wrap my head around that, but can a new strategy tell us how to reach those people? How to reach the over 1/3 of voters that did not bother to show up?" —braveelephant411 7."Democrats (and Republicans) were elected by the people to do a job. They get paid to do this job. Instead of quietly acquiescing to a narcissistic dictator, they need to represent their constituents." "We have a Constitution. Uphold it! We have laws and procedures. Enforce them! If each part of our government will do their job, our country will survive. Sit back and do nothing — and you will see the end of the United States!" —wittycat706 8."We need better comms aimed at the working class and educational reform STAT." "Support defunding police/ICE. We need to spend on things that create a strong civil society." —flinnchristian 9."Stop being tolerant when a MAGA does something uncivil in your presence. Bigotry should not be rewarded with tolerance." —Trent 10."Look to Jasmine Crockett, AOC, Bernie Sanders. Get out there and call him a liar, do town meetings in the Republican districts that have representatives too afraid to face their constituents and tell them what he's doing to them, it's brass knuckles time." "It's time to replace Schumer and Jeffries. Let the young lead. Never miss an opportunity to tell the truth. Shut down FOX News. Call the courts out for not holding Felon 47 to defying their orders. HIT THE STREETS EVERY DAY." —spiritedprincess634 Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images, Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images 11."They need to create some actual policies and not just have the policy of 'Well, Trump's evil, and we're not him.' That didn't work the first time Trump was elected, and unfortunately, they didn't learn that time around, so he was elected again." "Stop just focusing on what you're not, and start convincing the undecided voters with what you are. Oh, and most importantly, don't just go chasing for celebrity support. Most normal people don't give a shit which famous people you've got behind you, they just want to hear some policies. Look at the shower of shite famous people Trump had behind him — Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan — and he still won." —bucephalusbouncingball 12."Dems need to attack every single crazy ass thing he does and says. My God, the man is an endless supply of lies, fantasies, and conjectures that come from his little magical made-up mind." "We have become so numb to him bombarding us with crazy stuff, that we just shrug and say that can't happen — then it does! We cannot be indifferent to a person like him. We have to stand up to the lunacy." —mushyhawk59 13."Enough with decorum, playing nice, and 'taking the high road.' Start using plain language and call out fascism for what it is." "Speak out and push back on harmful behavior and narratives. Stop censuring and dogpiling people who DO speak out. Fight the fuck back with everything you've got. Start actually holding your MAGA/MAGA-adjacent coworkers accountable." —maskedpuppy66 14."They need to stop acting like these are normal times and normal things that call for normal diplomacy. This is the time to be getting in the streets and getting folks riled up." "We are past the point of educating those who don't agree with us. You can't educate them until you deprogram them. Get LOUD." —maskedogre635 15."They need to get more information out to the people. Less about emotions and more about concrete, easy to understand facts." "Economy worse, people getting fired, cost of living increasing, etc. Please do not stoop to the level of Republicans; we don't want the party turning into what we dislike and then have no leg to stand on, no right to complain or achieve better if we do what they do." —agonza 16."Not only increase the number of their own town hall meetings but be present at town hall meetings held by the opposition, and if one of those is canceled, announce they will be at that location at the same time. Alert the press about what you're doing and when, even if the meeting's duly elected rep is there." "Go to town hall meetings held by fellow Dems, so there's more show of unity... Discuss what you will or want to do for us, not what you will do for 'them.'" —fancykid446 17."They need to get out of their own way and stop their, 'This is the way we've always done it' nonsense. We need actual change because there were so many people who simply didn't vote." "Now we are heading somewhere that will be a cross of The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, and when the Kens took over BarbieLand." —dellarock finally, "Find all the loopholes and use them. Fight back and fight just as dirty as they do. Unfortunately, now is not the time to keep to the higher ground." —cooldolphin923 Regardless of where you stand, what would you like to see Democrats do going forward? Share your thoughts in the comments or, to remain anonymous, use this Google form. Your response may be featured in an upcoming post.
Buzz Feed
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
18 People Shared EXACTLY How They Want Democrats To "Fight Back" And Finally Start Taking Action
Hot Topic 🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Politics In the last 12 months especially, people have repeatedly expressed fatigue with the Democratic party and what they perceive to be a lack of effort displayed by its leaders. Knowing this, it's not shocking that NBC News just dropped data from a poll showing the party has reached a new low in popularity as left-leaners are practically BEGGING leadership to fight back against the Trump administration's unfavorable actions. Here's what they said: 1. "Every Democratic leader needs to get on TV and start speaking the truth about the damage being done and what it means." "They need to hold town halls, talk to newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc. absolutely everywhere information goes should be used to re-educate the American public since it's become apparent that we are one of the most ignorant countries considering the access to information we have yet don't use." — sassytable32 2. "Every single time Trump violates the law, the Democrats need to offer Articles of Impeachment. Every time." "No, he won't GET impeached. What will happen is crystal clear proof of which members of Congress uphold the rule of law and which will support a dictator. That would be crucial in changing things in the midterm elections." — Nyssa 4. "Leadership needs to retire — anyone over the age of 60 should not be a member of Congress." "They're out of touch and know nothing about what it's like to live in today's world. It's time for a much-needed (and regularly scheduled) changing of the guard." — flinnchristian 5. "The problem I have observed is that when Bernie had some momentum in the early 2010s, liberals who liked him were told they were too idealistic and too far left. They were basically told to get realistic and compromise. Well, over the course of the past 15 years, the far right hasn't compromised for shit." "So the left had to move completely to the center to balance the ever-further-right-creeping Republicans. So now we have some watered-down, toothless Democrats versus the Hitler youth. Good work done by all." — hampster 6. "Need them to take control of the narrative, and stop taking the bait and responding to every bit of chaos thrown out by the Trump admin. Most of it is spin, and a lot won't stick. They need to unite on what is important and get a new strategist that listens to younger generations!" "There were people that voted MAGA and AOC. I can't wrap my head around that, but can a new strategy tell us how to reach those people? How to reach the over 1/3 of voters that did not bother to show up?" — braveelephant411 7. "Democrats (and Republicans) were elected by the people to do a job. They get paid to do this job. Instead of quietly acquiescing to a narcissistic dictator, they need to represent their constituents." "We have a Constitution. Uphold it! We have laws and procedures. Enforce them! If each part of our government will do their job, our country will survive. Sit back and do nothing — and you will see the end of the United States!" — wittycat706 8. "We need better comms aimed at the working class and educational reform STAT." "Support defunding police/ICE. We need to spend on things that create a strong civil society." — flinnchristian 9. "Stop being tolerant when a MAGA does something uncivil in your presence. Bigotry should not be rewarded with tolerance." — Trent 10. "Look to Jasmine Crockett, AOC, Bernie Sanders. Get out there and call him a liar, do town meetings in the Republican districts that have representatives too afraid to face their constituents and tell them what he's doing to them, it's brass knuckles time." "It's time to replace Schumer and Jeffries. Let the young lead. Never miss an opportunity to tell the truth. Shut down FOX News. Call the courts out for not holding Felon 47 to defying their orders. HIT THE STREETS EVERY DAY." — spiritedprincess634 11. "They need to create some actual policies and not just have the policy of 'Well, Trump's evil, and we're not him.' That didn't work the first time Trump was elected, and unfortunately, they didn't learn that time around, so he was elected again." "Stop just focusing on what you're not, and start convincing the undecided voters with what you are. Oh, and most importantly, don't just go chasing for celebrity support. Most normal people don't give a shit which famous people you've got behind you, they just want to hear some policies. Look at the shower of shite famous people Trump had behind him — Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan — and he still won." 12. "Dems need to attack every single crazy ass thing he does and says. My God, the man is an endless supply of lies, fantasies, and conjectures that come from his little magical made-up mind." "We have become so numb to him bombarding us with crazy stuff, that we just shrug and say that can't happen — then it does! We cannot be indifferent to a person like him. We have to stand up to the lunacy." — mushyhawk59 13. "Enough with decorum, playing nice, and 'taking the high road.' Start using plain language and call out fascism for what it is." "Speak out and push back on harmful behavior and narratives. Stop censuring and dogpiling people who DO speak out. Fight the fuck back with everything you've got. Start actually holding your MAGA/MAGA-adjacent coworkers accountable." — maskedpuppy66 14. "They need to stop acting like these are normal times and normal things that call for normal diplomacy. This is the time to be getting in the streets and getting folks riled up." "We are past the point of educating those who don't agree with us. You can't educate them until you deprogram them. Get LOUD." — maskedogre635 15. "They need to get more information out to the people. Less about emotions and more about concrete, easy to understand facts." "Economy worse, people getting fired, cost of living increasing, etc. Please do not stoop to the level of Republicans; we don't want the party turning into what we dislike and then have no leg to stand on, no right to complain or achieve better if we do what they do." — agonza MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images 16. "Not only increase the number of their own town hall meetings but be present at town hall meetings held by the opposition, and if one of those is canceled, announce they will be at that location at the same time. Alert the press about what you're doing and when, even if the meeting's duly elected rep is there." "Go to town hall meetings held by fellow Dems, so there's more show of unity... Discuss what you will or want to do for us, not what you will do for 'them.'" — fancykid446 17. "They need to get out of their own way and stop their, 'This is the way we've always done it' nonsense. We need actual change because there were so many people who simply didn't vote." "Now we are heading somewhere that will be a cross of The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, and when the Kens took over BarbieLand." — dellarock
