Chinese: Background Language Learner 7–10 Sequence / Levels 9 and 10 / Understanding / Role of language and culture
Content description
Explain how languages shape the communicative practices of individuals and groups and identify ways to enhance understanding across cultures
Elaborations
considering ways in which being a bilingual speaker of Chinese and English could impact on and enhance their future life and career
examining how language is used to marginalise groups in society, such as how labels are used to simplify identification of groups and influence how such groups are perceived by others, for example, 蚁族、80后/90后
considering their own perceptions of the Chinese-speaking world and identifying the influences on their perceptions, for example, trips to China when younger; stories from grandparents
exploring how concepts such as modesty, individual responsibility and respect for authority influence communication styles, and how they may be interpreted by English speakers as lack of confidence, engagement or initiative
exploring what assumptions are inherent in one language and how the same cultural assumptions may not exist in another language, for example, analysing how the terms for ‘getting married’ differ for women (嫁出去) and men (娶妻) and the gender-neutral 结婚
