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| Down Under |
| Council wants all foreign shop signs translated into English |
| 2006-10-22 |
| A Sydney council wants to force local businesses to translate all shopfront signs in foreign languages into English. Marrickville Council in Sydney's inner west is the latest local authority in the city to look at introducing the requirement. Marrickville has a large foreign-born population and is well-known for its ethnic restaurants. Local councillor Victor Macri said having shop signs only in foreign languages promoted segregation. "If they are offended by the English language, they should seriously consider where they live," he told Sky News. "Marrickville is an open and friendly place, and that's what we're showing. We're friendly to everyone." Mr Kerkyasharian said it was sensible for businesses to have signs in English as well. "Commercial signs send an important commercial message and it makes sense to have it in English as well so that it maximises commercial opportunities," Mr Kerkyasharian said. "In some cases, eg a recent requirement by a Korean restaurant that only Koreans are allowed in their establishment, or any signs which send a signal that people of a particular linguistic background only are welcome in a shop, could be seen as bordering on racism." Not all Marrickville councillors support the proposal, with Greens member Saeed Khan condemning it as a "very bad idea" that could even be illegal. "Our area is a very diverse area, and language diversity is part of the area," he said. "Not only does it add to the overall look and feel of the area, it also adds a sense of belonging. Nearly half of the population of the area was born overseas." Marrickville Council's development and environmental services committee will discuss the proposal again early next month. |
| Posted by:Oztralian |