New research shows sense of belonging is growing stronger among multilingual Australians – A new report released today by SBS and the University of Canberra highlights an overall increase in multilingual audiences’ sense of belonging compared to the first wave of research published in 2023, and also demonstrates the powerful role of inclusive media.
Across four measures of belonging, the most significant increases were in the proportion of multilingual audiences that say their needs are being met (69%, +8pp) and that members care about each other (64%, +7pp) in their local communities.1 Additionally, those who feel their culture and language are represented fairly in news feel a stronger sense of belonging (63%) than those who don’t feel fairly represented (32%).
The Sense of Belonging and Media Representation among Multilingual Audiences in Australia study surveyed 1,876 respondents across seven languages – Arabic, Cantonese, Italian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Vietnamese and English. The research was co-led by Rebecca Griffiths, SBS’s Audience Research Lead, and Professor Sora Park, University of Canberra’s Director of News & Media Research Centre.
Together with news and media representation, other contributing factors to belonging were found to be residential status, length of time in Australia, and English language confidence.
Punjabi speakers, included for the first time in this research, reported the highest sense of belonging across all the cohorts surveyed, while Mandarin speakers feel the least connected.
The study also found that media representation plays a key role in communities’ confidence to participate in society, which can lead to a greater sense of belonging. Overall multicultural audiences feel less fairly represented by Australian media compared to the general population, particularly among Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin speakers. Multilingual audiences, however, feel more fairly represented by SBS News (56%) versus general Australian news (46%), with variances across the different language communities studied.
Director of News & Media Research Centre, Professor Sora Park, said:
“Cultural representation in the broader Australian media is a key factor in fostering a sense of belonging within society. Multilingual audiences also expressed a strong desire for more media content in their language, and we found that each community holds nuanced preferences regarding how their culture and language are portrayed.’’
SBS Acting Managing Director, Jane Palfreyman, said:
‘’SBS has been contributing to a sense of belonging for all Australians for 50 years by driving an inclusive and multicultural media landscape. This second wave of research shows positive outcomes, demonstrating progress while recognising there is more to be done. By platforming diverse voices and perspectives, we can continue to build connection and a more socially cohesive Australia.”
The full report can be accessed here: Sense of Belonging and Media Representation among Multilingual Audiences in Australia.
1 Compared to Sense of Belonging among Multilingual Audiences (2023)
Media Release – SBS
TV Central SBS content HERE
New research shows sense of belonging is growing stronger among multilingual Australians
