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• VCVIC027

  Reflect on own ways of communicating in Vietnamese and English, recognising that intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning-making

  Elaborations

  • comparing appropriate ways of communicating in Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese contexts, for example, using different forms of address such as addressing a teacher by their first name in Vietnamese but by their family name in English (Thầy Tùng/Mr Nguyen), or different ways of showing politeness, and discussing why each way is appropriate in the right context, and how they enhance intercultural communication
  • reflecting on own language choices and communicative gestures in different cultural contexts, considering how ways of behaving and communicating might be perceived by people from different backgrounds, and making necessary adjustments to establish, maintain and improve relationships with immediate contacts such as family, teacher and peers, for example, addressing extended family members by their order within the family rather than by their name (chú ba, cô hai, bác tư versus ‘Uncle John’, ‘Aunty Lucy’)
  • discussing reasons for different interpretations of meaning in intercultural exchanges, for example, knowing that to avoid offence Vietnamese people may give an indirect answer to a question or request whereas Australians prefer to say what they really think or mean
  • exploring the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication, the two-way process of noticing and responding to differences in perceptions, understandings and behaviours, for example, degrees of formality and politeness, and use of personal space and physical contact
  • identifying moments of embarrassment or communication breakdown in own intercultural interactions, exploring reasons for these and suggesting adjustments to language and/or behaviours that could be made to enhance mutual understanding
  • discussing elements of successful intercultural communication, for example, flexibility, attitudes to privacy or different levels of directness in discussions, and awareness of differences in cultural values and religious practices (such as filial piety, respect for elderly people and education)

  VCVIC027 | Languages | Vietnamese | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCZHC216

  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

  VCZHC216 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCZHC071

  Translate a range of Chinese texts and identify how some concepts can be readily translated between Chinese and English and some do not

  Elaborations

  • identifying core values implicit in interactions in Chinese and explaining these to English speakers, for example, describing the language of celebration, including the origins, significance and meanings of commonly used expressions such as 福如东海、年年有余
  • describing interactions, showing consideration of 面子, and discussing the differences in the significance of 面子 when the interaction occurs interculturally
  • interpreting key ideas conveyed in Chinese texts, discussing how to maintain the sentiment and intention of authors when retelling or summarising these in English, and understanding why this is important in translation
  • reading everyday Chinese texts encountered in shop brochures, product packaging and advertising; identifying challenges involved in conveying meaning in English; and explaining word choices and textual features employed to enhance meaning

  VCZHC071 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCARC027

  Reflect on how conventions of speech and Arabic cultural concepts can influence own communication style when using both English and Arabic

  Elaborations

  • comparing the ways in which they communicate in Arabic and non-Arabic contexts, for example, using different forms of address or different ways of showing politeness, and discussing why these choices are appropriate and how they enhance intercultural communication
  • reflecting on own language choices and communicative gestures in different cultural contexts, considering how own ways of behaving and communicating might be perceived by people from different backgrounds, and making necessary adjustments to establish, maintain and improve relationships with immediate contacts such as family, teacher and peers
  • exploring the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication, the two-way process of noticing and responding to differences in perceptions, understandings and behaviours, for example, degrees of formality, politeness and directness, use of personal space, and attitudes towards physical contact
  • identifying moments of embarrassment or communication breakdown in own intercultural interactions, exploring reasons for these and suggesting adjustments that could be made to enhance mutual understanding
  • discussing elements of successful intercultural communication, for example, flexibility and awareness of differences in cultural and religious practices such as respect for elderly people and attitudes towards privacy or directness

  VCARC027 | Languages | Arabic | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCARC180

  Reflect on how meanings vary according to cultural assumptions that Arabic and English speakers bring to interactions, and take responsibility for contributing to mutual understanding

  Elaborations

  • considering how being bilingual offers additional ways of interpreting the world and representing experience
  • challenging cultural assumptions and offering different perspectives to new cultural contexts or situations, for example, the idea that all Arabic-speaking people dress the same or eat the same food, many Arabic speakers speak more than two languages, every Middle Eastern country has its cultural uniqueness
  • identifying moments of embarrassment or communication breakdown in own intercultural interactions, exploring reasons for these and suggesting adjustments that could be made to enhance mutual understanding, for example, explaining to a non-Arabic speaker that exposing the sole of your foot/shoe to a person’s face would be considered extremely bad manners and interpreted as a grievous insult
  • discussing elements of successful intercultural communication, for example, attentive listening and objectivity when discussing social issues, and understanding that mediating and negotiating differences in perspective can prevent and resolve interpersonal problems and conflicts

  VCARC180 | Languages | Arabic | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCARC178

  Translate and interpret texts from Arabic into English and vice versa for different audiences and contexts, and reflect on how cultural values, attitudes and perspectives are represented in each language

  Elaborations

  • translating texts such as advertisements and letters from Arabic into English and vice versa, with the assistance of print, electronic and online translators, identifying cultural elements and reflecting on how they are encoded in common words and expressions, for example,

    هيّا أسرعوا؛ لا تدعوا الفرصة تفوتكم؛ إنها رحلة العمر؛ صديقتي الغالية على قلبي؛ سلام حار أرسل لك من أستراليا؛ أشواقي وقبلاتي لك ولجميع أفراد العائلة؛ ودمت لصديقتك ...

  • reflecting on the difficulty of achieving equivalence in translations of creative texts such as poems, songs and video clips, identifying and explaining words and phrases that require particular elaboration or explanation, for example,

    والله ولي التوفيق؛ رافقتك السلامة؛ على ما يرام؛

  • experimenting with interpreting and translating popular Arabic expressions, proverbs or idioms, and reflecting on the social and cultural values that may be embedded in them, for example,

    الجار قبل الدار؛ من جدّ وجد ومن زرع حصد؛ في التّأنّي السلامة وفي العجلة الندامة؛ الوقاية خير من العلاج

  • analysing existing translations of texts, such as subtitled short films, making comparisons with own translations and reflecting on why versions may vary

  VCARC178 | Languages | Arabic | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCARC179

  Create bilingual texts that reflect aspects of culture for Arabic- speaking and English-speaking audiences in the school and wider community, for example, pamphlets, travel brochures or road directories

  Elaborations

  • considering how to maintain the integrity of original texts when translating into Arabic or English, for example, explaining culture-specific concepts relating to Arabic-speaking communities, such as التّحيات والسّلامات والسؤال عن الأهل والأقارب , or to the Australian context, such as ‘the bush’ or ‘the outback’, and representing original ideas and meanings bilingually
  • producing bilingual texts, such as video clips with subtitles, explaining cultural practices in Australia for Arabic-speaking viewers, for example, bushwalking, Anzac Day commemorations
  • producing digital and online texts in both Arabic and English, such as brochures and leaflets, for different contexts, purposes and audiences, such as Arabic-speaking students studying in Australia, Arabic-speaking tourists, or Australian schools hosting Arabic-speaking visitors, and reflecting on the process of working in both languages
  • creating captions or commentaries in Arabic and English to accompany texts such as song lyrics, video clips, film extracts or parts of a television program, exchanging and comparing bilingual texts with peers using online forums and discussing the best ways of achieving consistency in meaning

  VCARC179 | Languages | Arabic | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCGRCE020

  Translate a range of texts that incorporate complex sentence structures and extensive vocabulary from Classical Greek into Standard English, representing the style and purpose of the texts

  Elaborations

  • reading holistically to deduce the context and content of Classical Greek texts, by identifying key words and phrases
  • applying expanded knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and problem-solving skills to translate compound sentences and complex sentences with nested clauses
  • conveying shades of meaning of a range of subtle vocabulary, for example, inferring the different connotations of a word in a particular context, such as δίκη
  • inferring the meaning of new words and expressions, using knowledge of the text type and the author’s purpose and technique, for example, ὁ λόγος (word, speech, argument, reasoning, story, computation)
  • expanding the variety of English translations for verb tenses or moods, for example, to express aspect in a command, παύου (general/ongoing) compared to παῦσαι (once)
  • deducing the meaning of new words, by drawing on prior knowledge, derivatives and connections with familiar words, for example, σαρκοφάγος, κακοδαίμων
  • recreating mood, tone and dramatic impact in English translations by selecting appropriate vocabulary, comparing and contrasting potential choices, for example, τύχη (chance, luck, fortune), συμφορά (event, circumstance, mishap, misfortune)
  • refining translations by exploring print and online Classical Greek and English dictionaries and thesauruses to consider a variety of meanings and synonyms
  • conveying emphasis and tone, such as indignation, anger or suspense, embedded in Classical Greek word order, for example, χρυσόν τε καὶ ἄργυρον φέρει ὁ Ὀδυσσεύς ἐν τῷ ἀσκῷ
  • translating complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses and indirect speech, for example, causal, purpose, result, indirect questions, commands, conditionals
  • rendering the precise meaning of tenses in Classical Greek into idiomatic English, for example, ἐλάμβανον/ἔλαβον
  • conveying the meaning of idiomatic expressions and culturally specific terms, for example, ἀρετή, δαίμων/δαιμόνιον/εὐδαιμονία, τα πρόβατα θόρυβον ποιεῖ, γλαύκ’Ἀθήναζε/γλαύκας εἰς Ἀθήνας, by choosing appropriate English terms and expressions
  • constructing and editing translations collaboratively with peers, using a range of ICT
  • correcting own translations to increase accuracy and better reflect register, tone and relationships
  • translating, independently or in collaboration with peers, unseen texts with compound or complex sentences, drawing on familiarity with the style and language of texts already studied

  VCGRCE020 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Engaging with texts | Translating

• VCHIC118

  Reflect on their own language choices and communicative behaviour when using Hindi or English, including adjustments they make between languages and strategies they adopt to support intercultural communication

  Elaborations

  • discussing differences they are conscious of when interacting in Hindi or English, for example, when expressing feelings such as anger or sadness or when talking about personal issues
  • reflecting on the importance of non-verbal elements of communication, such as hand gestures, head movements and facial expressions, and on how these are sometimes used to mean different things in different languages
  • identifying elements of successful interaction when communicating with speakers of different languages, for example, being responsive and flexible, picking up on cues that indicate misunderstanding, respecting different perspectives and traditions
  • identifying differences in the interpretation of conversational strategies such as the use of pauses or silence when speaking in Hindi as compared to English, for example, to signal disapproval, respect for an elder, waiting for consensus, reflection or waiting for the end of a turn
  • reporting on moments of intercultural miscommunication, discussing possible reasons why they happened, repair and recovery strategies and what they learnt from these experiences
  • reflecting on language choices they make when interacting with friends who also speak both Hindi and English, identifying instances when they move between languages for practical or cultural reasons

  VCHIC118 | Languages | Hindi | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCHIC080

  Compare translations and interpretations of literary, community and social media texts, including those that mix Hindi and English words, expressions and sentence structures

  Elaborations

  • identifying and translating texts produced within the media and entertainment industry that use ‘Hinglish’ for different purposes, for example, Life ho to aisi!, Youngistaan ka wow!
  • exploring the language of Bollywood by translating short excerpts that include code-mixing and code-switching between languages and dialects
  • critically evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of subtitles used in movies, video clips and documentaries, identifying examples of ‘meaning lost in translation’
  • translating parts of conversations recorded between family and friends that involve the mixing of Hindi and English, discussing the relationship between code switching and domains of use
  • considering challenges involved in translating texts by contemporary poets and songwriters who incorporate English words or stylistic features into their texts
  • identifying how translation sometimes involves literal exchange of word-for-word meaning, sometimes involves interpreting and expressing meaning in appropriate forms, and sometimes involves cultural meaning that cannot be translated

  VCHIC080 | Languages | Hindi | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCHIU123

  Identify variations in the use of Hindi that relate to social roles, contexts and modes of expression, considering similar variations in language use in English or other known languages

  Elaborations

  • explaining variations in language use between people of different ages, gender or relationships that reflect attitudes and values, for example, ways of expressing authority or humility or inclusivity or exclusivity
  • identifying differences in terms of language features and register between spoken and written forms of texts such as apologies, invitations or narratives माफ़ कीजिए, क्षमा कीजिए
  • noticing and explaining differences in text structure and grammar between formal and informal Hindi use, for example, between the structure of a business letter and an informal email, आपको सूचित किया जाता है..., मैं तुम्हें बताता हूँ....
  • analysing non-verbal elements of communication between Hindi speakers, such as gestures, facial expressions and the use of space and silence, discussing to what extent they contribute to the exchange of meaning and whether they vary in formal and informal contexts
  • finding examples and explaining variations in style, content and intention of different expressions of wishes for a particular event or occasion such as Diwali, for example, हर घर में हो उजाला, आए न कभी रात काली हर घर मनाए ख़ुशियाँ, हर घर में हो दिवाली compared to an sms message such as शुभ दिवाली

  VCHIU123 | Languages | Hindi | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCIDC110

  Translate informative and imaginative texts from Indonesian to English and vice versa, comparing own interpretations with others and discussing what differs and why

  Elaborations

  • translating texts such as signs, announcements, notices, songs, advertisements, or extracts from stories and films, and then comparing own translation with peers’, discussing differences between versions and considering reasons for these
  • analysing texts for culture-specific terms and expressions (for example, masuk angin, kerok, nasi sudah menjadi bubur) and considering how best to represent these in another language
  • analysing a familiar text in its translated form (for example, a nursery rhyme, children’s story, advertisement or web page translated into Indonesian), noticing what has or has not been effectively translated, and considering what the challenges are and how the text could be improved
  • finding ways to represent culture-specific expressions — for example, geography (‘suburb’, RW/RT, tanah air), food (‘wheat/dairy free’, halal, gurih), and values (‘equality’, gotong royong) — such as by adding a brief description or explanation, for example, ‘pendopo, a kind of outdoor meeting area or pavilion’
  • using print dictionaries and electronic translators to support the translation process, including doing ‘back translations’, noticing when a word or expression does or does not translate readily and considering why

  VCIDC110 | Languages | Indonesian | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCLAE020

  Translate a range of texts that incorporate complex sentence structures and extensive vocabulary from Latin into Standard English, representing the style and purpose of the texts

  Elaborations

  • reading holistically to deduce the context and content of Latin texts, by identifying key words and phrases
  • applying expanded knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and problem-solving skills to translate compound sentences and complex sentences with nested clauses
  • conveying shades of meaning of a range of subtle vocabulary, for example, inferring the different connotations of a word in a particular context, such as virtus; causa; gero; ago
  • inferring the meaning of words and expressions, using knowledge of the text type and the author’s purpose and style, for example, res publica; rem gerere; se gerere
  • deducing the meaning of new words by drawing on prior knowledge, derivatives and connections with familiar words, for example, actores in scaena fabulam Graecam hilare agebant; dormire, obdormire; ferre, inferre, offerre
  • expanding the variety of English translations for verb tenses, for example, to express indignation, clamavit as ‘she did shout’, compared to ‘she shouted’ or ‘she has shouted’
  • recreating mood, tone and dramatic impact in English translations by selecting appropriate vocabulary, comparing and contrasting potential choices, for example, o tempora! o mores!
  • refining translations by exploring print and online Latin and English dictionaries and thesauruses to consider a variety of meanings, for example, manus, and synonyms, for example, contentus, felix, laetus
  • conveying emphasis and tone, such as indignation, anger, suspense, embedded in Latin word order, for example, effugere conati sunt, sed frustra
  • rendering the precise meaning of tenses in Latin into idiomatic English, for example, cotidie ibat; si veneris
  • expressing the meaning of idiomatic expressions and culturally specific terms by choosing appropriate English expressions and terms, for example, flocci non facio (I could care less); orationem habere (deliver a speech)
  • constructing and editing translations collaboratively with peers, using a range of ICT
  • improving own translations to increase accuracy and better reflect register, tone and characterisation
  • translating, independently or in collaboration with peers, unseen texts with compound or complex sentences, drawing on familiarity with the style and language of texts already studied

  VCLAE020 | Languages | Latin | Levels 9 and 10 | Engaging with texts | Translating

• VCLVC181

  Translate and interpret texts from the language to English and vice versa, comparing their versions and considering how to explain elements that involve cultural knowledge or understanding

  Elaborations

  • translating and interpreting texts from the language to English and vice versa, comparing own interpretations with those of others and discussing what differs and why
  • translating and interpreting texts such as narratives, song lyrics, dialogues or posters, considering how to explain elements that involve cultural knowledge or understanding, and using resources such as dictionaries and grammars
  • using and explaining words and expressions that do not easily translate into English and considering choices made when conveying equivalent meaning in English
  • identifying and explaining concepts, practices and expressions in the language which do not easily translate into English, for example, the number system, terms for colour, language associated with time, daily and seasonal cycles, kinship terms
  • understanding and applying culturally appropriate and ethical behaviour when interpreting and translating

  VCLVC181 | Languages | Victorian Aboriginal Languages | Levels 7 to 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCNRC111

  Create bilingual texts that draw on the language being studied and English for different purposes, such as menus or product instructions designed for both language contexts

  Elaborations

  • creating a range of bilingual texts to entertain and inform others, such as video clips, cartoons, posters and brochures
  • creating a shared website with a group of students who speak the language, posting items of interest, comments and questions in both the language and English
  • creating a storyboard outline which brings familiar English-speaking characters to contexts from the language being studied
  • creating a glossary of key vocabulary and expressions used in informative and persuasive texts
  • creating bilingual captions for tourist attractions in target language speaking countries or Australia to explain their significance and cultural references, for example, the bush
  • creating bilingual texts to provide information and instructions to others, for example, a bilingual brochure about the school for a visiting group of exchange students
  • creating a menu in the language with footnotes in English about the ingredients

  VCNRC111 | Languages | Non-Roman Alphabet Languages | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCTRC075

  Create a range of imaginative or expressive texts that reflect elements of their experience of living in Turkish- and English-speaking communities, and using language for humorous or emotive effect

  Elaborations

  • collaborating with peers to create their own dramatic or humorous representations of people, situations or events encountered in their own lives that reflect their experiences of living in a multicultural and multilingual society
  • composing and performing poems, songs or dramatic monologues that incorporate elements of either contemporary or traditional literary or musical forms
  • composing expressive texts, such as protest statements, personal letters or persuasive speeches, selecting emotive or powerful language and noticing the basis for this selection
  • creating riddles to compete with and entertain each other, imitating the use of meter, rhythm, rhyme and metaphor exemplified in riddles from Turkish literature and folklore
  • creating English language commentaries to an observed Turkish language sitcom, discussing how to transfer or explain humour or dramatic effects of the original text for non-Turkish speaking Australian viewers

  VCTRC075 | Languages | Turkish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Creating

• VCTRU117

  Understand that variations in the use of spoken and written Turkish relate to roles, relationships and contexts, and consider how and why these differ from similar interactions in English

  Elaborations

  • demonstrating the use of different language styles, features and levels of formality that characterise different types of spoken and written texts, for example, futbol maçındaki tezahürat: En büyük Fener, başka büyük yok! compared to Okul karnesi: Murat ödevlerini hep zamanında tamamladı
  • identifying variations in the use of both Turkish and English according to context, purpose and intended audience, for example, considering differences in exchanges such as ‘apologies for any convenience caused’, ‘I am so sorry’; ‘sorry mate –no worries!’ and kusurumuza bakmayın lütfen, çok özür dilerim anneciğim, rica ederim, lafı mı olur!, ne olur affedin beni
  • identifying features of spoken and written language that reflect the purpose of the interaction and the nature of the relationship between the people involved, for example, tercih etmiyorum-hiç beğenmedim, bana göre değil- bana yaramaz, Daha iyi olabilirdi-Ay, çok iğrenç! Bunları niye yıkamadın oğlum? Şunu da alır mısın yavrucuğum?
  • recognising differences in the use of quotations, proverbs and idioms in different text genres or modes of delivery, for example, fıkralar, masallar, öyküler, resmi veya okul konuşmaları, mektuplar
  • analysing the use of appropriate language in different contexts and situations, for example, using rica ederim, başka bir arzunuz var mı at a shop or restaurant as opposed to başımızın üstünde yeriniz var, ne zahmeti canım!
  • recognising characteristic differences between spoken and written forms of Turkish, for example, by identifying colloquialisms and expressions used mainly in spoken conversation, for example, the non-standard abi in place of the more formal ağabey, or the use of ya at the beginning of spoken utterances

  VCTRU117 | Languages | Turkish | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCVIC025

  Translate and interpret texts from Vietnamese into English and vice versa, compare different versions of translations, explore differences and identify strategies to overcome challenges in translation

  Elaborations

  • explaining the terms used to describe common features of schooling in Vietnam, for example, terms related to the curriculum or to assessment and reporting, such as chương trình, sách giáo khoa, bài kiểm tra, học bạ, bằng cấp, and comparing these with similar terms used for Australian schooling
  • translating simple school documents into Vietnamese, considering language choices and cultural expressions to suit a particular audience, such as Vietnamese parents
  • translating and interpreting short texts, such as announcements, advertisements, articles, reports, or extracts from stories or films, considering audience and context, and reflecting on how cultural elements are encoded in common words and expressions, for example, use of family terms, titles, and terms of address such as anh, chị, cô, chú, tôi and em
  • interpreting and translating a range of texts from English into Vietnamese and vice versa, using and evaluating translation resources such as web-based translation tools and print and digital dictionaries
  • comparing and discussing various translations (including print and electronic translations, own and peers’ translation work) of common words, phrases, expressions and texts, explaining the reasons for possible differences and similarities, selecting the most appropriate version and negotiating any necessary adjustment
  • identifying and applying translation strategies used in bilingual texts to manage the translation of difficult words and concepts or instances of non-equivalence, for example, expanding descriptions or explanations, providing examples to assist meaning, or connecting to context to identify the appropriate meaning if a word can have different meanings or interpretations, for example, cà phê đậm (‘strong coffee’) but người khỏe mạnh (‘a strong person’); thời tiết nóng nực (‘hot weather’), vấn đề gây tranh cãi (‘a hot issue’) and khu vực nguy hiểm (‘a hot zone’)
  • examining and interpreting idiomatic expressions, for example, đẻ bọc điều, có chí thì nên, dạy con từ thuở còn thơ, including expressions that cannot be translated literally and culturally specific terms such as chữ hiếu, tôn sư trọng đạo, and discussing possible equivalent terms in English

  VCVIC025 | Languages | Vietnamese | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCVIC183

  Reflect on how meanings vary according to cultural assumptions that Vietnamese and English speakers bring to interactions, and take responsibility for contributing to mutual understanding

  Elaborations

  • considering how being bilingual offers different ways of interpreting the world and representing experience
  • explaining how cultural assumptions influence meaning, for example, the action of hugging as an indication of friendliness in English-speaking contexts versus gender intimacy in Vietnamese-speaking contexts
  • challenging cultural assumptions and bringing different perspectives to new cultural contexts or situations, for example, using the personal pronouns anh/em to indicate informality between colleagues rather than to define husband–wife or brother–sister relationships as traditionally assumed
  • considering own and others’ responses and reactions in Vietnamese–English intercultural exchanges and discussing reasons for different interpretations of meaning, for example, knowing that Vietnamese people like to please and therefore may give an inaccurate answer whereas Australians would prefer to say directly what they really think or mean
  • identifying moments of embarrassment or communication breakdown in own intercultural interactions, exploring reasons for these and suggesting adjustments to language and/or behaviours that could be made to enhance mutual understanding
  • discussing elements of successful intercultural communication, for example, flexibility, awareness of differences in cultural and religious practices, respect for elderly people and other traditions, attitudes to privacy or different levels of directness in discussions

  VCVIC183 | Languages | Vietnamese | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCZHC185

  Reflect on how conventions of speech and particular Chinese cultural concepts can influence communication style when using both Chinese and English

  Elaborations

  • differentiating language when engaging with participants from different cultural backgrounds, for example, opening a speech in Chinese with 中国有一句俗语… when in English they would open a speech with a joke
  • describing appropriate ways to engage with others in different contexts, for example, ‘I socialise with my friends who speak Chinese in … ways, but I socialise with my friends who speak English in … ways’

  VCZHC185 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting