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• Languages | Roman Alphabet Languages: Learning in Roman Alphabet Languages

  The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has developed a curriculum for Roman Alphabet languages which will allow these languages to be offered by a Victorian school where there is no specific curriculum available.

  Diversity of language students

  Understanding the diverse language backgrounds...

  Overview material | Roman Alphabet Languages

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

  Students begin to develop a metalanguage for understanding and discussing language features, and make connections and comparisons between English and Modern Greek. For example, they understand that in English there is one word for the definite article (‘the’), whereas in Greek the...

  Level description | Languages | Modern Greek | F–10 Sequence

• VCARU168

  Explain how elements of communication and choice of language and register vary according to the cultural context and situation

  Elaborations

  • understanding how particular gestures and body language used by various Arabic speakers, such as eye contact and the use of personal space, reflect feelings and attitudes towards other people and towards ideas
  • recognising that different situations require different levels of politeness depending on the context and speaker, for example, a gift from parents to a teacher may be seen as a polite gesture in some Arabic cultures but as inappropriate in the Australian school context, while declaring an opposing opinion on a current issue may be acceptable in the Australian context but viewed as being disrespectful in some Arabic cultures
  • identifying and reflecting on how emotions and attitudes, such as respect or embarrassment, and personal views are reflected in the choice of language in various social settings, such as public forums and school contexts
  • identifying and comparing the features of language that distinguish the purpose for which it is used, for example

    فعل الأمر مع واو الجماعة في الخطبة: هيا شاركوا في المهرجان العربي الحافل؛ استخدام "يا ليت؛ يا ليتني" في التعقيب على الأحداث في مدونة شخصية

  • comparing informal classroom discussions of a current event or issue with news and current-affairs programs, and analysing differences

  VCARU168 | Languages | Arabic | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCDEC011

  Reflect on experiences of learning and using another language, and share aspects of own identity, such as age, interests and family background, reflecting on how these impact on intercultural exchange

  Elaborations

  • sharing ideas about the experience of learning and using German, including any perceived changes in levels of confidence, or in attitudes to culture and intercultural communication, for example, ‘How did I feel when I first heard/spoke German? How do I feel now?’
  • preparing a class profile to exchange with German-speaking students, showing cultural backgrounds, languages used in the home, interests and values, and using resources such as photos, captions, quotes and symbols
  • annotating a family tree with information about family members, such as significant places or languages spoken, identifying own heritage (Ich bin Australier/-in. Mein Opa kommt aus Griechenland.), and reflecting on how own background has shaped identity
  • participating in a discussion in English about an aspect of identity, for example, considering the impact of a school uniform on personal identity and exploring how German students might view wearing a school uniform
  • comparing aspects of identity that may be important across cultures, such as state, country, ethnic group, language, religion, age, gender, and position in family

  VCDEC011 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCDEU168

  Identify features of German that vary according to audience, context and purpose in familiar spoken and written texts

  Elaborations

  • identifying differences in register and style when using language in different contexts, for example, language in songs and graffiti, and teacher feedback on a test or in a formal school report
  • comparing German and English language use in similar situations and in texts with similar content such as advertisements, or student blogs about school issues
  • understanding particular functions of speech such as making a request or expressing pleasure or dissatisfaction, and considering how it is realised with different speakers (strangers, acquaintances, friends, family members), and possible consequences, including compliance, giving offence or being accepted into a group
  • recognising that different situations require different levels of politeness depending on the context and speaker, such as thanking a host parent or a peer for a gift or apologising to a teacher or a family member for being late
  • understanding that texts have different purposes (to persuade, to entertain), different audiences (children, adolescents, German speakers, Australians) and different forms (short speech, blog)
  • recognising textual conventions popular with young German speakers, such as the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messages, for example, 4u = für dich = for you, brb = bin gleich wieder da = be right back, 8ung = Achtung!, dubido = du bist doof, sz = schreib zurück, sTn = schöner Tag noch

  VCDEU168 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCDEU032

  Identify and analyse linguistic features of German that vary according to audience, context and purpose in familiar modelled spoken and written texts

  Elaborations

  • understanding that the level of formality in a text may be decreased by using some contractions and slang, for example, in an informal conversation or email, or increased by applying key features such as appropriate layout and structure, formal register and subordinate clauses, for example, in a job application letter
  • analysing differences in register and style when using language in different contexts, for example, watching video clips showing introductions, greetings and farewells in different situations, or noticing the use of youth language in songs, graffiti and text messages
  • interpreting, explaining and using textual conventions popular with young German speakers, such as the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messages, for example, 4u = für dich = for you, brb = bin gleich wieder da = be right back, 8ung = Achtung!, dubido = du bist doof, sz = schreib zurück, sTn = schöner Tag noch
  • identifying key differences in regional dialects and accents
  • analysing linguistic choices in situations of potential conflict involving an apology and acceptance of an apology (complaining about poor service or faulty goods, or apologising for forgetting someone’s birthday), or dealing with a contentious issue and expressing agreement and disagreement in different ways, for example, Ich bin nicht damit einverstanden;. Das stimmt nicht ganz.; Spinnst du?

  VCDEU032 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCESC152

  Translate simple texts that provide comparisons between cultural aspects of meaning-making in Spanish and English and note how language cannot always be directly translated

  Elaborations

  • identifying words and expressions that do not translate directly from Spanish into English, for example, tomar el pelo, saltarse la clase de español, ¡Es pan comido!
  • collecting examples of ‘false friends’ identified when translating between Spanish and English, for example, carpeta/‘folder’, contestar/‘answer’, pie/‘foot’
  • interpreting words and expressions encountered in simple texts such as greeting cards, menus or story titles that do not translate easily into English and that reflect aspects of culture from the Spanish-speaking world, for example, Feliz día de tu Santo, Feliz Día de Reyes. ¡Buen provecho!
  • translating texts such as public signs to identify differences in elements such as levels of politeness or directness, for example, No pisar el cesped, Prohibido comer y beber, Silence please
  • creating Spanish versions of Australian school signs and notices, considering why some words or expressions require freer translation than others, for example, the sports oval, the tuck shop, out of bounds, sick room, ‘No hat, no play’

  VCESC152 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Translating

• VCESC010

  Notice while participating in intercultural activities that interaction involves culture as well as language

  Elaborations

  • exploring Spanish language features that reflect and embody cultural values and practices, for example, regional differences in naming conventions, such as the use of apellidos
  • reading transcripts or viewing recordings of interactions between members of an extended family, and considering how respect, affection and family relationships are expressed in Spanish
  • observing live or recorded Spanish-language interactions in different contexts, and identifying what they find is confusing or surprising, for example, body language, exclamations, gestures, levels of politeness, and ways of requesting or thanking
  • developing language for describing personal reactions to intercultural experience, for example, No me gusta, estoy sorprendido de ver, me encanta, es maleducado, es cortés
  • considering how communicating in Spanish requires thinking about things differently from when communicating in English, for example, making a choice between tú/usted/vos involves thinking about social relations between people, while using ‘you’ does not

  VCESC010 | Languages | Spanish | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCESC190

  Participate in intercultural experiences, reflecting on own ways of communicating and considering how intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning-making

  Elaborations

  • considering how learning and using Spanish offers different ways of interpreting the world and representing experience
  • reflecting on how meaning can be misinterpreted in intercultural interactions, for example, by preparing a shared list of strategies to improve communication and intercultural skills
  • recognising differences in the nature and function of some elements of communication in Spanish compared to English, for example, the enjoyment of debate, disagreement and argument as social rather than confrontational activities; and greater levels of directness in exchanges, such as making requests using direct imperative
  • keeping a record such as a journal, log or online posting of critical incidents and observations in the course of intercultural language learning, such as breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, and considering why or how they occurred and were repaired
  • recording and sharing reflections on their experiences of learning Spanish and on different reactions to aspects of the language and culture, for example, Tengo problemas pronunciando la doble r, es difícil para mí y se me olvida que la h no suena en español, Me gustaría poder hablar más rápidamente en español

  VCESC190 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCESC172

  Reflect on intercultural communication, commenting on perceived similarities and differences in language used and on aspects of culture

  Elaborations

  • reflecting on experiences of authentic or virtual interaction in Spanish, for example, face-to-face interactions with community members through an excursion, or web-chatting, ePal or social networking, identifying moments of enjoyment, discomfort and successful intercultural communication
  • keeping a journal of experiences (humorous, satisfying or challenging) associated with learning and using Spanish, noting personal reactions and reflections over time
  • comparing own and others’ experiences of successful intercultural communication, identifying elements that required flexibility and cultural understanding, for example, responding to different ways of expressing feelings, levels of directness or culturally determined perspectives
  • noticing the impact of own assumptions when engaging with Spanish-language texts and experiences, and considering what assumptions Spanish speakers might hold about Australian people and associated cultural behaviours
  • finding examples of how language reflects cultural concepts and values across the Spanish-speaking world, for example, religious references in sayings such as Al que madruga Dios le ayuda, Bendito sea … Adiós, or changes to language forms that reflect changes in social values, such as the adoption of some feminine forms of professional titles (La doctora/el doctor, la abogada/el abogado, la jefa/el jefe)

  VCESC172 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCESU176

  Analyse the structure and organisation of a range of texts, particularly those related to social and informative media, for example, blogs, advertisements and text messages

  Elaborations

  • noticing the conventions of several types of texts in Spanish, such as the use of abbreviations in text messages (tq = te quiero), abreviations in blogging (hola a tod@s), formulaic greetings in telephone conversations (Aquí, Hola, ¿Sí? ¿Aló?), typical phrases for greeting cards ( Muchas felicidades por ....), language in menus (primeros platos, postres, menú del día)
  • experimenting with language appropriate to particular types of texts, such as descriptive language in documentaries, reflective language in diary and journal entries, and persuasive language in advertisements
  • comparing several versions of a news story (such as radio, newspaper and online) to consider how the medium affects the construction and expression of meaning
  • collecting examples of online and print advertisements, and identifying and analysing language features and grammatical structures used to persuade potential consumers, for example, ¡Compre en los almacenes ‘La Moda’ no se arrepentirá!, ¡Pague menos y lleve más!
  • understanding the use of elements that provide coherence at a whole text level, such as cohesive devices (sin, aunque, debido a, según, por otro lado), linked paragraphs, introductions and summaries, and sequencing of ideas

  VCESU176 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCESU174

  Develop more consistent control of the rhythms and intonation of spoken Spanish and of the features of the writing system

  Elaborations

  • distinguishing nuances in pronunciation of some consonants according to vowel combinations, for example, gente, agua and gas, and also the double consonants ll and rr compared to the single l and r
  • using the rhythms of the Spanish language, including intonation, tone and stress, to increase fluency and enhance expression, for example, No compro nunca en esa tienda, versus ¿No compró nada en esa tienda?
  • recognising where to place stress in extended sentences, for example, Vámonos ya para el concierto de vallenatos. Ven aquí y te enseñaremos a bailar la salsa
  • experimenting with intonation and stress at whole text level, improving coherence and increasing expressive range
  • recognising that written Spanish has only three double consonant combinations, cc, ll and rr, for example, acción, llover, corrección

  VCESU174 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCESU177

  Examine how elements of communication, including gestures, facial expressions and use of silence, vary according to context, situation and relationships across languages and cultures

  Elaborations

  • identifying variations in linguistic and cultural requirements of specific situations across different contexts, for example, situations such as shopping or travelling in various Spanish-speaking countries
  • identifying and comparing features of spoken and written language (such as gestures, greetings and facial expressions; or headings, text structure and grammatical choices) that reflect the purpose for which they are used, and discussing how silence can be used effectively as an element of communication
  • identifying and comparing how emotions or attitudes such as embarrassment or respect are shown across different languages and cultures
  • comparing elements of communication such as body language and use of personal space and silence in different cultural contexts and exchanges
  • identifying levels of formality in spoken and written texts, and considering what these reveal about social relationships and processes, for example, reflections of status, authority, respect or intimacy (Disculpe, ¿podría decirme ..., Perdone que le interrumpa, ... Me gustaría invitarte a mi boda, eres el amor de mi vida,...)

  VCESU177 | Languages | Spanish | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCESU033

  Recognise that Spanish is used in a variety of ways to achieve different purposes in different contexts

  Elaborations

  • identifying levels of formality in spoken and written texts, and considering what these convey about social relationships and processes, for example, reflections of status, authority, respect or intimacy (Disculpe, ¿podría decirme ..., Perdone que le interrumpa, ... Me gustaría invitarte a mi boda, ¡oye tío, he conocido a una tía guay!, eres el amor de mi vida)
  • comparing spoken and written forms of familiar types of texts and language functions, for example, verbal and written apologies or oral storytelling and written reports, noticing differences in grammatical, expressive and textual features
  • recognising that language is used differently to achieve different purposes, for example, the use of contractions, emoticons and acronyms in text messages for the purposes of speed and economy; and the use of slang, specialised or inclusive language to establish shared interest or identity
  • recognising how grammatical and vocabulary choices shade meaning and establish register, for example, the use of formal or informal pronouns (usted, ustedes/ tú, vosotros/as), the use of forms of address (don Juan, doña Pepa, señor Martínez, señoras y señores, damas y caballeros, Pedro y Sonia) and the use of abbreviations and slang (mi cole es guay)

  VCESU033 | Languages | Spanish | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCFRC100

  Engage with French speakers and resources, noticing how interaction involves culture as well as language

  Elaborations

  • reflecting on choices made when using French to interact with others, and considering the relationship between language, culture and behaviour, for example, using names or titles and familiar or formal terms of address (Salut, Leila, ça va? Bonjour, Madame Michou, comment allez-vous?)
  • interacting with French speakers online, noticing and responding to expressions or behaviours that are unfamiliar, for example, use of gestures, exclamations, or sigles such as MDR (mort de rire)
  • sharing ideas about the experience of learning and using French, including any perceived changes in levels of confidence, or in attitudes towards and understanding of culture and intercultural communication
  • observing interactions between French speakers in different contexts, noticing and recording elements that reflect cultural attitudes or behaviours, for example, language associated with politeness or emotion (je vous en prie, je suis désolé)
  • participating in guided discussion of the nature and role of ‘culture’ and its relationship with language, with reference to French, English and other known languages

  VCFRC100 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCHIC028

  Recognise that ways of communicating in different languages reflect ways of behaving and thinking

  Elaborations

  • recognising differences in attitudes or ways of expressing feelings when using Hindi or English, for example, when being polite and respectful, when thanking or sympathising with people or when exchanging wishes on special occasions
  • identifying non-verbal aspects of communication in Hindi that may be unfamiliar to non-Hindi speakers, such as the way that older relatives greet children by holding their hand over the child’s head and saying जीते रहो, or shaking the head from side to side or back and forth to show varying levels of agreement
  • recognising how the Hindi language reflects traditions and social distinctions to do with how people are regarded in society, how old they are or what religion they practise, for example, the use of the honorific particle जी after a surname to show respect or after an individual name to show affection
  • discussing how Australian behaviours and expressions might be understood or misunderstood by newcomers to the language and culture, for example, the use of terms such as ‘bushwalking’ or ‘arvo’, or expressions such as ‘she’ll be right’ and children’s use of first names with some adults
  • comparing how they communicate in Hindi, English or other languages when they are interacting with different people, such as elders, friends, strangers, parents, small children

  VCHIC028 | Languages | Hindi | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCIDU066

  Recognise that Indonesian has formal and informal forms and that their style and use depend on the context, purpose and audience

  Elaborations

  • recognising variations between formal and informal language, such as dropping the prefixes ber- and me-, for example, belanja, selancar, nonton, beli
  • examining differences in language use according to mode, for example, the variations of ‘no’: nggak (spoken), tak (written poetry/song lyrics), tdk (abbreviation used in text messages)
  • recognising that the use of different terms of address reflects varying levels of politeness and familiarity, such as referring to others in the third person by using Ibu, Bapak or first name
  • comparing language structures in Indonesian and English and how these are used to create intimacy or distance, for example, the use of colloquial language or object-focus construction
  • using intonation to shift meaning, such as to show surprise, to downplay or to exaggerate, for example, Aduh, mahal sekali! (in bargaining), Aduh, perut saya sakit (to gain sympathy), Aduh, jelek (to downplay)

  VCIDU066 | Languages | Indonesian | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCIDU117

  Develop awareness of register, comparing language choices and considering how and why language varies in formality

  Elaborations

  • observing that Indonesians are typically multilingual and regularly shift between languages according to context, for example, use of Bahasa gaul among teenagers, bahasa daerah with local community, and bahasa baku in formal communication
  • identifying levels of formality or register of language used in texts and explaining reasons for this, for example, the use of formal language when talking to people in authority to show respect, the use of informal language in commercials to create a sense of familiarity
  • examining variations in language used in face-to-face and written/online communication, particularly noticing colloquial language and how it differs from standard forms, for example, kasih aku coklat, dong; boleh minta coklat, Bu
  • making connections between aspects of language use and the identity of participants, for example, Muslim expressions such as Insya’ Allah, Puji Tuhan, Syukur, Alhamdullillah

  VCIDU117 | Languages | Indonesian | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCJAU016

  Understand that Japanese language use varies according to the context and situation of the interaction and the relationship between participants

  Elaborations

  • understanding and explaining variation in language use based on the age, relationship, and level of familiarity between participants, for example, 母(はは)/お母(かあ)さん and ～先生(せんせい)/～さん、 avoiding あなた when showing politeness
  • identifying language use associated with gender, age, social status or the purpose of interaction, for example, ぼく、 わたし、 はい、 うん、 こんにちは、 ハロー、 さようなら、 バイバイ、 and recognising the importance of using appropriate forms of address when interacting with different people, for example, using ～くん/～さんwhen communicating with close friends, family members or other young people, and using ～さん、 ～先生(せんせい) for adults

  VCJAU016 | Languages | Japanese | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCKOU205

  Analyse and compose different types of texts in spoken and written modes for different purposes such as information exchange, social and cultural interaction or sharing imaginative experiences, using appropriate linguistic, textual and cultural elements

  Elaborations

  • identifying register used in Korean texts, for example in recipes, such as the formal polite style used for statements (–ㅂ/습니다) and commands (–(으)십시오) or vocabulary used to determine audience, purposes and context
  • examining cohesive devices used in Korean texts such as consistency in speech levels and honorific elements, conjunctors (–지만, –(으)니까, –어/아서, …), conjunctive adverbs (그러니까, 하지만, 그러므로, ...) and ellipsis, and their appropriateness for Korean discourse
  • creating own texts in Korean including those in digital or online forms for particular audiences and purposes in particular contexts, for example, to introduce Korean food culture to parents invited to the Korean evening, using a range of appropriate discourse devices for coherence and cohesion including appropriate vocabulary
  • comparing and contrasting the structures of a variety of authentic texts in Korean and English, exploring how the audience, purpose and context are considered differently in each language

  VCKOU205 | Languages | Korean | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language