Diverse languages and dialects

One of the principles of Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Framework for Australia (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], 2009) is respect for diversity. This includes respect for linguistic diversity. This principle of respect underpins pedagogical practices and is reflected in educators' responsiveness to children and the practice of cultural competence (DEEWR, 2009). When practices are underpinned by respect for diverse cultures and languages, educators acknowledge and build on the strengths that children and families bring to the educational setting, including their multi literacies. Similarly, the Australian Curriculum (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2011), designed for used in schools, acknowledges the diversity of learners, including their different languages, cultures and socioeconomic circumstances and promotes intercultural understanding. The Australian Curriculum: English encourages educators to acknowledge and build on students' home languages to support their literacy development in English. It is critical for children's sense of belonging and their learning now and in the future that educators acknowledge, support and extend children's linguistic repertoires.