Are you literate in cultural diversity?

The Calgary Herald Project Calgary examines community multiculturalism this week. Using maps of the city, they outline the ethnic diversity of Calgary communities. Questions are asked about trends and people profiled. It is important in any society for people to talk about ethnicity, culture and communities. But, are we literate in the language of culture?

Immigrants – people who move or migrate to another country – made up 24% of Calgary’s population according to the 2006 Census. Visible minorities – those not of the majority population group – made up 23% of the population, with Chinese, South Asian and Filipino the largest of these groups. In some northwest Calgary communities, more than 32% of respondents were Chinese.

People are examining the impact of ethnic enclaves – areas populated primarily by one ethnic group. The fabric of Calgary, like many Canadian cities, is changing – and with it the language that describes it, is used within it and needed to communicate about it in the future.

For those who are interested in developing dynamic communities the words integration and social inclusion are important. With Calgary’s population growing, ethnic landscape changing and social issues topping agendas, diversity is going to continue to be discussed. If you are starting, joining or listening in to one of these conversations, being literate in the lingo of multiculturalism will make the whole experience more satisfying.

 Learn more by visiting Project Calgary - calgaryherald.com/projectcalgary  -all this week to find out more.