How useful is the term 'Culturally And Linguistically Diverse' (CALD) in Australian research, practice, and policy discourse?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that CALD, like NESB, has developed negative connotations because it also has many (more) conflicting definitions, and it continues to group together people who are relatively advantaged and disadvantaged. We also aim to propose a new, more ideal, term that: • Refers to all of Australia's visible minority ethnics but not be so broad as to include people who have a western European heritage; Acknowledges the diversity within this sub-population, but also the fact that all these minority groups share some experiences of Australian society; and • Is positive and affirming rather than referring to people because they lack a certain attribute.