Chinese: Background Language Learner 7–10 Sequence / Levels 9 and 10 / Communicating / Translating
Content description
Create texts in Chinese and English, explaining the linguistic and cultural challenges of achieving equivalence of meaning
Elaborations
viewing documentaries on historical events and figures and determining appropriate English equivalents for key terms with multiple meanings, for example, translating 运动 as ‘(political) movement’ rather than its more familiar meaning, ‘sport’
reading bilingual signs from a range of places, such as restaurants, shops, pools, schools, hospitals and construction sites, and evaluating the effectiveness of the English translations, and possible reasons for such interpretations
comparing word choices for signs across languages and discussing ways language is used to convey rules, expectations and permission, for example, comparing 闲人免进 to ‘Staff Only’
observing others involved in interpreting meanings in bilingual contexts and identifying challenges and potential issues in mediation
expanding their own linguistic repertoire by exploring available choices to translate unfamiliar ideas when moving between languages, and reflecting on their own choices and preferences
experimenting with translations of extended texts, using a range of print and digital dictionaries and translation tools
