‘Speaking another language is like having a super power!’
That’s what I tell my sons, Dean (8) and Max (5). And they believe me – thankfully! I grew up in a traditional Greek household, an only child doted on by my late father, Dino and my mother, Barbara. From a very early age my mother insisted I speak only Greek at home. Occasionally I’d break out into English with Dad – which miffed my mother no end. But I thanked her firm approach when I travelled to Greece for the first time in my 20s and was able to enjoy intelligent Greek conversations with my peers. They often complimented me on my vocab. Thanks Mum! Greeks from Egypt, my parents speak five languages and over the years I’ve admired the way they can have a conversation with just about anyone using their command of English, Greek, French, Italian and Arabic. Language is a super power because it makes communication possible – more importantly it connects us as human beings. So regardless of what my sons choose to do with their second language, it’s theirs always. And no amount of Kryptonite can ever destroy it (!).
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Daniel Ednie-Lockett
Daniel Ednie-Lockett is the founder of Language Connection, a not for profit which runs language exchanges and conferences for native speakers and learners of English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Daniel speaks fluent Japanese and Mandarin and has worked as a TV presenter in Mandarin in China for the last two years.
Helen Kapalos
I began my career as a reporter on ABC Radio in Newcastle in 1994 before moving to SBS after winning a national scholarship. In 2001, I was approached to join the Nine Network as a reporter on National Nine News where I covered breaking news events such as the Waterfall train disaster and the historic Sydney Gang rape trial. I played a key role in the 2004 Athens Olympics coverage, where I reported for several news and current affairs programs from the Greek capital and across Europe. Upon my return I was appointed host of the Late News program Nightline. In addition to that role, I presented a weekly news segment on the Network's flagship current affairs program Sunday, alongside host Jana Wendt.
GARANG DUT
First Sudanese refugee to obtain a Medical degree in Victoria
Dr Linny Phuong
State Finalist Young Australian of the Year 2013
Fablice Manirakiza
Maintaining language culture is very important not just to me but to all the diversity communities as well as the wider community of Australia, English is my second language, I understand the importance of it, not just in our everyday life but also in connecting with the world politicly, economically and other aspects, but to most of us this wouldn't slow us in maintaining our main language, the world of today is about creating and sharing we should all be proud of who we are and share our cultural across the world, but it all start with your own identity of where you come from, I believe maintaining language is important to achieve all the desire of making this world a better place.
Robert DIPIERDOMENICO
"I was born to play in Grand Finals," says Robert DiPierdomenico, somewhat humbly.
Phyllis Pic
