Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Australia changes national anthem to reflect indigenous past
Australia had been inhabited for over 65,000 years before Europeans arrived in the 17th century. It was colonized by Britain in 1788 and became independent in 1901. Of the 26 million population, approximately 800,000 are indigenous Australians or First Peoples of Australia. English has been regarded as the de facto national language since European settlement even though there still are over 300 language groups.
Advance Australia Fair is the national anthem of Australia. It was first composed in 1878 and replaced "God Save the Queen" as the official national anthem in 1984. In the first verse, there is a phrase, “for young and free.” Indeed, the nation was young for the European settlers when the lyric was written but it wasn’t for indigenous people. So, in order to recognize all the national ancestries and language groups, the Austrian government announced a word change at the end of the last year. Now, “young” is replaced by “one.”
Full lyrics of Advance Australia Fair (Verse one)
Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one (<= young) and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
Indeed, it is time to be more united to cope with the novel virus pandemic and foreign pressures from its largest trade partner.
Enjoy reading the article about Australia’s attempt to unite the nation.
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