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• VCFRC063

  Create bilingual texts such as glossaries, menus, captions or brochures, identifying words or expressions that carry specific cultural meaning in either language

  Elaborations

  • creating glossaries for French-speaking friends to accompany Australian images or texts, explaining, for example, outback lifestyle, inner-city markets, abbreviations such as ‘barbie’ and ‘brekkie’
  • composing menus or programs for French-themed events, including footnotes in English to explain key terms or items, for example, le plat du jour, service compris, l’entr’acte, la mise en scène
  • creating tourist brochures or itineraries for young Australian travellers to French- speaking regions or countries, supplying key words, phrases and cultural protocols, for example, Encore une fois, s’il vous plaȋt; je vais prendre ceci, ça coûte combien? où sont les toilettes? Je vous remercie, Madame — Je vous en prie, Madame

  VCFRC063 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRU033

  Understand that different ways of using French reflect different regions and countries, different relationships and different ways of making meaning

  Elaborations

  • recognising that there are many different varieties of French spoken in different countries and regions, involving different accents, dialects and vocabulary, for example, un pain au chocolat/une chocolatine in the south of France
  • reflecting on how they communicate with their own family and friends and with people less close to them, noticing differences in language use and communicative behaviour
  • understanding how changes in voice and body language can change the meaning of words, for example, Tu aimes les devoirs? (simple question) versus Tu aimes les devoirs? (expressing surprise, disbelief); C’est mon petit frère (statement) versus C’est mon petit frère! (pride)
  • finding examples of shortened noun forms in colloquial French (such as le resto, le frigo, le foot, le prof), comparing with the use of abbreviations in Australian English (such as ‘brekkie’, ‘ambo’ and ‘arvo’), and considering when or how they are used

  VCFRU033 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCFRU085

  Analyse how grammatical elements such as tenses and verb moods impact on the making of meaning

  Elaborations

  • noticing how grammatical choices can shade meaning, determine perspective and establish relationship, (for example, an imperative verb mood can indicate authority or enthusiasm (Arrêtez! Allons-y! Donnez-moi votre billet, Mademoiselle); shifting from the use of vous to tu can signal a more informal, friendly relationship)
  • exploring how choices of words such as nouns and adjectives can indicate values and attitudes, (for example, c’est un bon à rien/c’est un brave jeune homme; ce sont des illégaux/ce sont des réfugiés)
  • understanding the function of verb tenses to situate events in time (for example, ils vont partir demain matin, je suis allée au ciné hier soir) and to express intention or desire, (for example, je voudrais bien aller à Tunis avec toi!)
  • recognising variations in conjugation for verbs such as nettoyer, envoyer, essayer, appeler, acheter, manger, (for example, nous mangeons, j’essaie)
  • using l’imparfait, understanding how to distinguish between a completed and a continuing action in the past, (for example, nous étions déjà au lit quand Papa a téléphoné)
  • using le passé composé verb forms, recognising verbs conjugated with être as the auxiliary that involve agreement between subject and past participle, (for example, elles sont parties)
  • understanding and using in simple constructions le futur, le conditionnel and le plus-que- parfait tenses
  • being exposed to le subjonctif verb forms used in set phrases such as il faut que tu partes, il faut que je finisse mes devoirs
  • understanding the function of the reflexive pronoun and practising using the reflexive verb structure, (for example, je me suis levée à sept heures, je me suis entra?née…)
  • understanding the function and use of relative pronouns such as qui, que, dont
  • understanding that past participles agree with the preceding direct object when the verb is conjugated with the auxiliary verb avoir, for example, J’ai acheté une tartelette aux fraises — je l’ai mangée trop vite!
  • understanding and using infinitive verb forms and phrasal verbs, such as avoir besoin de faire quelque chose, commencer à faire…
  • using relative, emphatic and direct/indirect object pronouns, for example, qui, que, elle, eux, lui, leur, le, la, les
  • understanding the use of the si clause and how to coordinate meaning through various tenses, for example, si j’avais voulu, je serais partie de bonne heure
  • further developing a metalanguage to discuss and explain grammatical forms and functions, for example, ‘conditional tense’, ‘relative and emphatic pronouns’, ‘impersonal expressions’

  VCFRU085 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRC117

  Create bilingual texts such as glossaries, footnotes or captions to interpret cultural aspects of texts

  Elaborations

  • providing bilingual captions for images of French or Australian scenes to explain cultural references, for example, bush, beach or city images
  • creating websites or printed guides for intending international students to French or Australian schools, highlighting key terms and expressions associated with traditions, curricula, schedules or routines
  • providing vocabulary lists and annotated cultural explanations for French-speaking visitors to events such as Australian sports days, swimming carnivals or family barbecues, explaining elements such as abbreviated language or team barracking
  • creating a shared website with a group of French-speaking students, and posting news items, comments and questions in both French and English
  • creating parallel bilingual captions for a display or exhibition, and comparing how meanings are conveyed in each language

  VCFRC117 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC082

  Reflect on the experience of learning and using French, considering how intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning making

  Elaborations

  • considering how learning and using French and other languages offers different ways of interpreting the world and representing experience
  • keeping a record (for example, journal, log, posting on forum) of critical incidents in the course of intercultural language learning across different levels, (for example, breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, repair and recovery strategies, and responses and insights to interactions)
  • comparing understandings of the relationship between language, culture and identity, using symbols, graphic representations, images and metaphors to represent how the relationship works
  • discussing how intercultural communication involves being flexible, responsive and open to alternative ways of communicating, (for example, responding to different levels of emotionality or confrontation in debate, or different levels of respect in casual exchanges or service encounters)
  • reflecting on how their own language use and communicative style might be perceived by French speakers, considering concepts such as ‘culture’, ‘attitudes’, ‘assumptions’ and ‘values’

  VCFRC082 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCFRC080

  Consider the nature of translating and interpreting and the role of culture when transferring meaning from one language to another

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with literal translations of popular French expressions or idioms, noticing when this creates confusion (for example, être bien dans sa peau, dans son assiette, avoir le cafard, revenons à nos moutons) and recognising the nature and function of cultural elements of language and communication
  • finding examples of words, expressions and behaviours used in Australian English that do not translate literally into French (for example, ‘bush tucker’, ‘surf’s up’, ‘schoolies’), and providing cultural explanations for French speakers
  • experimenting with different resources to assist in translation, including monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, encyclopaedias, electronic dictionaries and translators, for example by comparing individual translations, back-translating, swapping useful references
  • considering the nature of translation, with reference to different strategies such as decoding literal meaning (word for word), reading for meaning (sense for sense) and cultural reading (between the lines)
  • interpreting gestures used by French speakers to signal meanings such as Parfait! J’ai du nez! c’est fini, comparing with gestures used in Australian English and other known languages, and incorporating some of them into own language production and communicative interactions to appropriate effect
  • recognising the need to sometimes recast language, and considering why one language may use more words than another to communicate a particular meaning, for example, Je vous prie, Monsieur, de croire à l’expression de mes sentiments distingués versus ‘Yours sincerely’

  VCFRC080 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC118

  Interact with French speakers and resources, recognising that intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning making

  Elaborations

  • exploring the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication, the two-way process of noticing and responding to differences in perceptions, understandings or behaviours, for example, attitudes to interruptions, personal space and physical contact, and degree of formality or directness
  • using personal journals and discussions to reflect on critical incidents in the course of learning and using French, such as breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, and discussing repair and recovery strategies and insights gained
  • discussing ways in which the experience of learning and using French challenges preconceptions, stereotypes or attitudes
  • exploring the process of ‘decentring’ from own linguistic and cultural standpoint and considering how ways of behaving and communicating might be perceived by people from different backgrounds

  VCFRC118 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCFRC116

  Consider the nature of translating and interpreting and the role of culture when transferring meaning from one language to another

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with the translation of popular French expressions or idioms (for example, être bien dans sa peau; ne pas être dans son assiette; revenons à nos moutons), and explaining the potential for misunderstanding
  • experimenting with various resources to assist in translation, including bilingual and monolingual dictionaries, electronic translators, encyclopaedias and other reference materials, for example, by comparing translations, back-translating and swapping useful references
  • analysing translations of familiar texts such as children’s stories or advertisements, considering the context in which they are produced and whether meaning is sometimes changed or lost in the process
  • finding examples of expressions in Australian English that do not translate easily into French (for example, ‘mad as a cut snake’, ‘the bush’, ‘a formal’, ‘schoolies’), explaining reasons for the lack of equivalence, why this may be the case and referencing sources of information that would help French learners understand or appreciate the context of use
  • viewing excerpts of French/English subtitled films and evaluating the effectiveness of the translations (literal translation, non-translation, adapted translation)

  VCFRC116 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC008

  Translate simple French words, phrases and gestures for family and friends, noticing how they may have similar or different meanings in English or other known languages

  Elaborations

  • recognising that every language has its own words, sounds and gestures to make meaning, and using French and/or English to name familiar objects and conduct simple conversations, translating when necessary to help others understand
  • sharing and interpreting simple expressions and songs with friends and family, for example, showing them how to sing Joyeux anniversaire or explaining how to use appropriate greetings for different times or occasions, such as Salut, Bonsoir or Bonne fête
  • demonstrating and explaining hand gestures, intonation patterns or facial expressions that accompany language or stand alone, for example, shrugs or exclamations such as Bof! Mais non! Ouf! Oh là là!

  VCFRC008 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRU066

  Recognise individual elements of spoken and written words, phrases and non-verbal forms of expression, and notice how they combine to make or to change meaning

  Elaborations

  • recognising the function and form of commonly used morphemes, suffixes and prefixes (for example, la camionette, désordre, désagréable, irrégulier, inacceptable, la danseuse), and collecting groups of words that share a common stem (for example, la bouche, la bouchée; le jardin, jardiner, le jardinage)
  • recognising the impact of non-verbal elements of French expression such as hand gestures to replace words (for example, c’est nul, ça suffit!, quoi encore?), or sounds and facial expressions to reinforce spoken language (for example, oh là là! Aïe! T’as fait quoi?)
  • revising the pronunciation of the alphabet, practising spelling out words and using the correct terms for letters and symbols, for example, g, h, j, w, accent aigu, accent cédille
  • distinguishing vowel sounds, for example by recognising distinctions between nasal vowel sounds (cinq, sympa/manger, entre/dont, des bonbons)

  VCFRU066 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRU122

  Analyse and compose different types of texts using appropriate linguistic, textual and cultural elements

  Elaborations

  • identifying how grammatical choices, words and images combine in a text to achieve particular intentions and effects, for example, the positioning of the reader by the use of personal pronouns, imperative/interrogative verb moods and emotive language in advertisements
  • comparing French and English versions of texts with easily recognisable language features (for example, love songs, recipes or horoscopes), noticing differences or similarities in imagery or focus that might be culturally significant
  • interpreting, explaining and using textual conventions popular with young French speakers, for example, the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messaging (bjr = bonjour; A+ = à plus; biz = bisous; 12C4 = un de ces quatre)

  VCFRU122 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRU068

  Analyse the structure and organisation of a range of texts created for purposes such as information exchange or social interaction

  Elaborations

  • identifying elements of different types of text (for example, le courriel, la météo, les slogans), and explaining the relationship between the language and structure used and the purpose of the text
  • creating sample texts for a genres resource base, identifying key features and functions, for example, la publicité: les messages directs: n’attendez plus! profitez de…, ou indirects: vous rêvez de… vos enfants méritent…
  • analysing and using informal styles of communication associated with social media texts and texting, such as emoticons and abbreviated language, for example, le sigle MDR (mort de rire)

  VCFRU068 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRU051

  Understand that language is used differently in different contexts and situations

  Elaborations

  • explaining why speakers use French differently in different situations (for example, in the classroom and in the playground), among different groups (for example, girls/boys, young people/older people) and in different relationships, for example, close friends or strangers
  • understanding the importance of using appropriate forms of address when interacting with different people, for example, using tu when speaking with close friends, family members or other young people, and using vous for other adults
  • reflecting on the use of colloquial or abbreviated language by young people in informal, written and technologically mediated contexts (for example, G for j’ai and pa for pas in text messages), as well as the use of borrowed words from other languages (for example, ciao, cool, super), hybrid terms (for example, allez-bye!) or verb contractions in informal spoken language, for example, chais pas for je ne sais pas
  • considering own and others’ ways of communicating with different people in different contexts

  VCFRU051 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCFRU086

  Analyse how different types of text incorporate cultural and contextual elements

  Elaborations

  • analysing how writers of community texts such as advertisements, radio requests or online trading posts make decisions in relation to language, style and register in order to achieve their purpose and suit the context, (for example by using personal pronouns, engaging language and images, or by creating problems/offering solutions (Un…deux, un…deux, on rit, on s’esclaffe, on glousse! Pour être au top lors de l’arrivée des beaux jours!)
  • understanding the dynamic relationship between different modes of communication in different cultural contexts, (for example, hybrid texts such as emails or text messages that combine features of spoken and written texts, or formal lectures or news reports that resemble spoken versions of written texts)
  • analysing cultural differences in genres such as cover letters for job applications or letters of complaint, noting protocols and conventions (for example, stating the purpose of a formal letter at the beginning: le recyclage proposé dans notre ville..)
  • collecting, interpreting and using textual conventions popular with young French speakers, for example, contractions, abbreviations and acronyms used in text messaging (bjr = bonjour; A+ = à plus; biz = bisous; 12C4 = un de ces quatre)

  VCFRU086 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• French - F–10 Sequence: Levels 3 and 4 description

  Students develop active-listening and comprehension skills, using contextual, grammatical, phonic and non-verbal cues. The language they hear is authentic with modification, involving familiar vocabulary and simple structures. The balance between listening and speaking gradually shifts as students...

  Level description | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence

• French - 7–10 Sequence: Levels 9 and 10 description

  Students recognise and approximate the pronunciation, rhythms and intonation patterns of more extended phrases and compound sentences. They use words with more complex syllable combinations and become more fluent and accurate in both spoken and written language production. They gain more control...

  Level description | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence

• Languages | French: Structure

  Sequences of learning

  The French curriculum recognises that there are different entry points into language learning across F–10, which reflects current language teaching practice.

  There are two possible learning sequences:

  • F–10 sequence for students who begin to learn the language in...

  Overview material | French

• French - F–10 Sequence: Levels 9 and 10 description

  Students expand their knowledge and control of grammatical elements such as verb tenses (l’imparfait, le futur simple, le conditionnel) and emphatic, direct and indirect object pronouns. They extend their knowledge of text types and language functions. Task characteristics and conditions...

  Level description | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence

• French - F–10 Sequence: Levels 5 and 6 description

  Students increase their range of French vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and textual knowledge. They are aware of the role of liaisons and accents and are familiar with frequent vowel–consonant combinations (-ille, -ette, -tion). They use present tense forms of regular -er, -ir and -re verbs...

  Level description | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence

• Languages | French: Rationale and Aims

  Rationale

  Students acquire communication skills in French. They develop  understanding about the role of language and culture in communication. Their reflections on  language use and language learning are applied in other learning contexts.

  Learning languages broadens students’ horizons...

  Overview material | French