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• Languages | Chinese: Structure

  Sequences of learning

  The Chinese curriculum takes account of different entry points into language learning across F–10, which reflects current practice in language teaching.

  There are two possible learning sequences:

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

  Overview material | Chinese

• Languages | Chinese: Learning in Chinese

  Chinese language learning

  China's official language is Modern Standard Chinese, or Putonghua (the common or shared language) in Chinese. The language is also referred to as Hanyu, the spoken language of the Han people, or Zhongwen, the written language of China. In Taiwan it is more usually called...

  Overview material | Chinese

• Languages | Chinese: Resources

  A range of resources to assist teachers implementing the Victorian Curriculum F–10 are available. Please visit the following websites to access these resources (links open in a new window). For general advice and information regarding the Victorian Curriculum F–10, FAQs, professional...

  Overview material | Chinese

• VCZHU187

  Infer possible sounds and meanings of unfamiliar characters encountered in a range of contexts by identifying and explaining the role of semantic and phonetic sides

  Elaborations

  • inferring the meaning of unfamiliar words containing a familiar character morpheme
  • inferring the meaning of terminology in other subjects based on analysis of characters such as 螺旋桨
  • applying understanding of word formation to identify the word best suited to the required context and use by comparing translations for words in a bilingual dictionary
  • appreciating that the precise meanings of character morphemes are determined by context, for example, 一封信 and 相信；企图 and 地图

  VCZHU187 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCZHU240

  Explore assumptions and challenges for language use in new environments, identifying and comparing ways in which sensitive topics are introduced and discussed across languages, for example, comparing the Chinese custom of asking direct questions about age, income and other personal matters with...

  Elaborations

  • recognising clichés, examining cases of ‘breaking’ a cliché and the impact it might have, such as 脑筋建转弯 questions
  • identifying how language use can be varied for different participants in different contexts, for example, the use of slang and abbreviations between teenagers
  • using classical terms and expressions including 成语、歇后语、俗语 appropriate to context, such as using 亭亭玉立 to describe young girls
  • discussing ‘taboo’ terms across languages, and using terms suitable for the context, such as different words for 死 (‘to die’), for example, 驾崩 (皇帝)、 仙逝 （长辈 ) 、去世（一般人) 、香消玉殒 (女性)

  VCZHU240 | Languages | Chinese | First Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCZHC100

  Locate and organise information on topics of interest from a range of written sources to develop a position, and convey this position to a familiar audience in a range of texts

  Elaborations

  • reading tourist brochures and websites detailing lifestyles in diverse locations in the Sinophone world, identifying features of local lifestyles that reflect modernity or tradition, and evaluating the information for relevance, appropriateness and significance
  • developing an information kit, supported by visuals, about their local city or region to provide to Chinese visitors via a local tourism website, including details on history, climate, environment, and cultural activities
  • composing short texts to report on topics of interest (for example, 中国的茶-澳洲咖啡 ), providing a range of alternative views on the subject, for example, 有人说…也有人说…他们都不知道...所以…

  VCZHC100 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• VCZHU079

  Explain how language defines people’s roles as outsiders or insiders in groups and cultures

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with internet language to communicate with peers in a class blog and recognising the value of technology in exploring and constructing own texts
  • considering how they can be more inclusive in their own language use, for example: What questions can I ask to understand others better? What words are best to be avoided? How can I express my opinion without causing offence?
  • examining the use of inclusive language and how ideas are framed, for example, the impact of positive versus negative framing on how meaning is interpreted across languages and cultures, such as 足下留情，小草常青 versus ‘Keep off the grass’
  • exploring the contexts and implications of terms used to identify others, for example, 老外、 华侨、 华裔、 大陆人、 华人、 中国人、 少数民族

  VCZHU079 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCZHC130

  Collaborate in and make decisions about group activities and learning experiences in familiar contexts

  Elaborations

  • participating in group activities and role-plays involving scenarios such as buying food or goods or ordering a meal, and making requests in an appropriate way, for example, 请来…;我想买…; 你有…吗？
  • negotiating details in a transaction, such as stating preferred size, quantity or price, and concluding the transaction with the exchange of currency
  • offering their opinions to help others in transactions, for example, 我喜欢红色的/我最喜欢那个
  • taking collective action to plan and present a cultural item, such as celebrating a festive occasion by performing a song or dance for members of school community
  • discussing cultural items to present for a school event, for example, performing a song, cooking Chinese food or making craft (剪纸, 做灯笼)
  • using digital media to produce a publicity flier for an upcoming cultural or sporting event such as 汉语比赛
  • responding to scaffolding questions about the scientific world in Chinese, for example, answering questions such as 你喜欢下雨吗？; 现在下大雨了， 我们怎么办？; 为什么有人害怕下雨呢？ when learning about rain

  VCZHC130 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCZHC081

  Exchange feelings, ideas and opinions, establish and maintain friendships and participate in group action

  Elaborations

  • exchanging greetings with peers and familiar adults, choosing appropriate greetings to suit age or position (for example, 您好，老师 好) or time of day (for example, 你早，晚安), and using appropriate tone and intonation
  • sharing personal ideas and opinions on experiences such as home life and routine, school and education, diet and food, travel and leisure, climate and weather, expressing opinions and preferences and stating reasons to elaborate the message, for example, 我不太喜欢…、我觉得…因为
  • engaging in class discussion by responding to questions such as 你喜欢运动吗？, expressing agreement and disagreement with others’ opinions (for example, 对，我也很喜欢运动), and making sure that other participants are included in the interaction, for example, 我去过法国，你呢？
  • using set phrases to greet, thank, apologise and ask permission from peers and teacher, for example, 我可以上厕所吗？；谢谢；对不起
  • comparing own experiences to the lives of young Chinese people, for example, 我觉得 7:30上学太早。 我不坐地铁上学，我坐公共汽车上学

  VCZHC081 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCZHC087

  Translate simple texts from Chinese to English and vice versa, identifying words and phrases in Chinese that do not readily translate into English, using contextual cues, action and gesture to assist translation

  Elaborations

  • translating English texts into Chinese, focusing on overall meaning, and identifying how best to interpret key words, for example, the use of 是 after first-, second- and third-person pronouns; numbers with measure words; possessives with 的; plurals
  • identifying Chinese symbols in print and digital texts (for example, the longevity symbol), and developing ways to include the culturally attached value when expressing the meaning of these symbols in English
  • learning how to look up unfamiliar characters and words in bilingual dictionaries, and experimenting with different online dictionaries and translation tools to investigate how specific meanings are rendered into English
  • translating public texts in Chinese (for example, signs in shops and restaurants) into English and explaining their possible meaning and purpose, for example, translating the sign 休息中 on an unlit shop window to mean ‘closed’ instead of its literal translation, ‘resting’
  • using etiquette phrases within appropriate contexts and discussing whether the translation of 对不起 is the same across contexts, for example comparing its meaning in 对不起，让一让 and 对不起，我错了

  VCZHC087 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCZHC137

  Reflect on their reactions and responses to others when participating in learning and cultural experiences in Chinese and Australian contexts

  Elaborations

  • identifying levels of politeness, respect and formality in diverse contexts, for example, when seeking assistance, when engaging with people of different ages or authority
  • deciding how best to address and refer to others (for example, addressing an older stranger as 姐姐 or 阿姨 in Chinese) and considering how that person would be addressed in English
  • identifying ways in which their Chinese identity is reflected in their daily life and interests, for example, belonging to a sports or hobby group or attending community school
  • considering their linguistic and cultural skills as Chinese and as Australians and how these contribute to their overall sense of identity
  • comparing Chinese and Australian lifestyles such as festivals and celebrations, food staples, preferences and cooking styles, and discussing own engagement with these
  • noticing differences in cultural practices and the protocol for certain events, such as 我去表哥家要先叫人，大姨好，大姨夫好；如果他们要留我吃饭，我要先问妈妈可不可以；如果阿姨叫我多吃一点, 我不能吃太多，最好得客气客气
  • participating in cultural events (for example, watching a China–Australia soccer match, performing a Chinese song to the school community, or celebrating Anzac Day) and reflecting on own reactions

  VCZHC137 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCZHC039

  Interpret and translate simple texts used for everyday purposes, identifying actions, words and phrases that do not readily translate into English

  Elaborations

  • identifying how best to interpret key words when translating English texts into Chinese, for example, the use of 是 after first-, second- and third-person pronouns; numbers with measure words; possessives with 的; plurals
  • viewing spoken interactions in Chinese between peers or in texts (for example, viewing a segment of a movie), and interpreting the meaning of the dialogue as well as comparing and discussing culturally determined manners or behaviour displayed in the interaction
  • differentiating between word-by-word meaning and intended meaning when translating from Chinese into English, for example, the word-by-word translation of 我喜欢一个人看书 is ‘I like one person to read’, but it means ‘I like to read alone’
  • comparing own translation of short texts (such as brand names, signs, slogans and billboard advertisements) to others’, and evaluating the effectiveness of own translation
  • recognising the role that gesture plays in oral interaction, including emblematic (hand) gestures, gesturing for emphasis and encouragement, and taboos within Chinese communication, such as pointing directly at someone
  • identifying Chinese symbols in print and digital texts (for example, the longevity symbol), and developing ways to convey the culturally attached value when expressing the meaning of these symbols in English

  VCZHC039 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Translating

• VCZHC068

  Collate and present different perspectives on a range of issues from different sources

  Elaborations

  • exploring websites designed for non-Chinese audiences, identifying relevant information on research topics such as 中式饮食，娱乐活动, and comparing sources, differentiating between fact and opinion, and identifying information which is not credible or which is too value-laden
  • reading and sharing key information from diverse authors, making connections between the author’s opinion and attitudes towards particular topics (such as 中国的独生子女) and their background and experiences
  • sharing ideas on sources of information and explaining ways to utilise these sources, with examples or data to support their opinions
  • preparing visual displays of data or information gathered from personal research to share with Chinese-speaking peers on features of lifestyle or experiences of Australian young people, for example, educational opportunities, outdoor and sporting activities across the seasons, or a typical weekend for an Aussie teenager

  VCZHC068 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• VCZHC184

  Create and adapt bilingual texts for different settings and audiences, identifying the contextual and cultural challenges

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with different options, rephrasing until the most suitable meaning is conveyed, for example, translating 同学 as ‘classmate’ then changing it to ‘student’ or ‘peer’ as appropriate in the context （这是我的同学。 and 同学们好）
  • analysing information presented in context and being aware that what is not said also matters （言外之意), for example, 该来的人来了, implying that those who turned up earlier are 不该来的人
  • developing a deep understanding of the subtle meanings and uses of new words/phrases encountered, by comparing the ways in which words, grammar and idioms are explained in different reference sources, for example, how a 成语 is explained in English, compared to in a Chinese dictionary 成语字典 and on a 成语故事 website

  VCZHC184 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCZHU143

  Explore diversity in dialects and in contexts in which Chinese is used in Australian communities

  Elaborations

  • identifying locations of major dialect groups in China, discussing environmental and historical reasons for the existence of dialects, and appreciating the value of a common language
  • making personal connections with particular dialects of Chinese, asking peers which dialects are spoken in their families, and inviting others to say a few words in their own dialect, for example, 我爷爷说广东话
  • investigating diversity in spoken Chinese and identifying differences in phonology across dialects, for example, exploring greetings in dialects such as Cantonese, Hakka and Shanghainese, and comparing the pronunciation of words
  • accessing local Chinese media such as radio stations, satellite TV stations, and newspapers, and viewing Chinese programs in mainstream media (such as Chinese news programs or websites) to enhance their appreciation of Chinese language use in local media and explore the extent of their comprehension of Chinese used in diverse contexts
  • discussing reasons why Chinese is used in communities within Australia, and making personal connections to these reasons, for example, 我父母是丛香港来的，他们说广东话

  VCZHU143 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCZHC195

  Locate and organise key points of information from a range of familiar sources

  Elaborations

  • applying knowledge of the world and their own experience to assist understanding of the meaning of texts, such as by discussing topics studied in other learning areas and exploring related Chinese texts, for example, understanding 黄山归来不看岳 by connecting knowledge or experience of visiting 黄山
  • making connections between images and charts and the content of texts, and identifying key words to locate information, for example, in the chapter headings of a book
  • listing possible resources before undertaking a research project and giving reasons for why these resources might be useful
  • listening for structural cues such as signposting, and considering images, music and voice to enhance understanding of key ideas conveyed, for example, identify changes in tone of voice and pacing to indicate potential danger or a sense of urgency
  • experimenting with different note-taking strategies when listening, for example, noting key words in Pinyin and recording numbers using Arabic numerals
  • listening to or viewing public information texts such as weather forecasts and announcements and identifying specific information and key words, for example, 点, 度,米, 公里,元/块
  • viewing texts such as a cooking program and answering questions from classmates on key procedures and main ingredients, for example, 蚂蚁上树没有蚂蚁。树是粉丝，蚂蚁是猪肉
  • obtaining the gist or specific information when listening to a flow of words by focusing on familiar, predictable items, and identifying aspects of voice, gesture or language choice that convey varying degrees of enthusiasm or dislike, for example, 我一点儿也不喜欢… compared to 我不喜欢…
  • collating information and ideas to present to others using various tools and charts and with consideration of the relevance, organisation and sequencing of information, for example, considering: What is the best way to introduce the topic? What do they want the audience to remember? What is the main message being communicated?
  • representing information to others by restating key phrases and explaining reasons for actions and feelings, for example, 她很高兴, 因为…

  VCZHC195 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Informing

• VCZHC146

  Take action, resolve issues, make shared decisions and organise shared experiences

  Elaborations

  • collaborating to decide on a menu for a class lunch and negotiating items, prices and delivery with a local restaurant, for example, 大家都喜欢吃春卷，那么每个人一个春卷，我们需要二十五个
  • locating suppliers of Chinese learning materials through websites and other sources, for example, 你这本书是在哪儿买的？我们班要买一套图书，中国城的那家中文书店怎么样？ to select a class set of readers
  • listening to or viewing community media such as local Chinese radio or television, and participating in advertised activities, for example, a singing competition or locally organised events
  • researching and arranging a visit by an expert (such as a calligrapher or a taiji master) to visit class and share knowledge to promote Chinese learning in school community
  • captioning bilingual posters to promote community events (such as Chinese New Year celebrations, lion dance performances, visiting performers) and school activities, such as cultural days, assembly items or grandparents’ day
  • creating posters and fliers to promote cultural events to the local Chinese community, such as 悉尼艺术节，XXX音乐剧
  • producing a paragraph in the school newsletter to promote an upcoming event

  VCZHC146 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCZHC193

  Interact with peers and familiar adults, exchanging opinions and feelings and establishing friendships

  Elaborations

  • exchanging greetings with peers and familiar adults, choosing the appropriate greeting to suit age or position (for example, 您好，老师好) or time of day, for example, 你早，晚安
  • responding to invitations to participate in personal celebrations, including accepting and declining in appropriate ways, for example, 谢谢你的邀请，祝你生日快乐。但是我星期日要…对不起，不能参加你的聚会。希望你玩得高兴
  • sharing personal ideas and opinions on experiences such as home life and routine, school and education, diet and food, travel and leisure, climate and weather, expressing opinions and preferences, and stating reasons to elaborate the message, for example, 我不太喜欢…、我觉得…因为
  • exchanging information and opinions in class dialogue, responding to questions (for example, 你喜欢运动吗？), expressing agreement or disagreement with others’ opinions (for example, 对，我也很喜欢运动。) and ensuring that other participants are included in interaction, for example, 我去过法国，你呢？
  • comparing own experiences to the lives of young people in other Chinese-speaking communities, for example, 我觉得 7:30上学太早。 我不坐地铁上学，我坐公共汽车上学
  • using set phrases to greet, thank, apologise, and ask permission from peers and teacher, for example, 我可以上厕所吗？；谢谢；对不起
  • following teacher’s instructions such as 站起来 or 我们看书 and restating teacher’s instructions to peers when needed (for example, 老师说我们...再…); responding to teacher’s questions with actions or answers, for example, 懂了吗？
  • responding to teacher’s praise (for example, 非常好， 太棒了) or suggestions, for example, 明天做，今天休息
  • participating in a shared blog and exchanging personal information such as name, age, school, year level and nationality with readers from a sister school, for example, 你好，我叫 Ann, 我是澳大利亚的学生
  • responding to correspondence, such as letters from pen pals, including by answering questions, clarifying meaning (for example, 你说你想来澳大利亚， 是吗？), seeking further information (for example, 你想一月来吗？) and addressing requests, for example, 澳大利亚一月是夏天，很热
  • maintaining contact with classmates and recording events in everyday life by keeping a weekly or daily online journal or blog, recording highlights of school or home life and leisure activity (for example, 今天我的足球队又输了，真没劲！ ) or a holiday experience, for example, 袋鼠岛游记
  • composing messages in an appropriate format for text messages, emails and letters, and using appropriate terms of address, for example, 敬爱的王老师 (for a formal letter) or 嘿，小王，最近好吗 (for a casual letter or message)

  VCZHC193 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCZHC212

  Develop and present a position on an issue based on information drawn from different perspectives and sources and provide advice and guidance

  Elaborations

  • identifying the positions of different speakers and exploring the explicit and implicit values and reasons that may have led to the development of their own perspectives, for example, why a Western speaker of Chinese may look at an issue differently to a native Chinese speaker; the different perspectives of a city resident versus a rural resident
  • developing an information kit about the local city or region to provide to Chinese visitors via a local tourism website, including details on history, climate, environment and cultural activities supported by visuals
  • creating short texts to inform others on topics of interest (such as 中国的茶-澳洲咖啡), and providing an objective perspective by discussing alternative views, for example, 有人说…也有人说…他们都不知道...所以…
  • accessing a range of sources of discussion (such as online debates in public forums and TV talk shows) and identifying factors that potentially cause bias on an issue, such as era, generational differences, cultural factors and individual personalities, for example, 有人认为愚公很傻， 尤其是生活在现代的人
  • presenting a balanced view on a contemporary issue, referring to evidence to support ideas and elaborating on own perspective
  • engaging with different representations of ideas, comparing perspectives and developing an informed position on issues relevant to their own lives, for example, 在中国有人说移民澳洲好，因为生活轻松； 也有人说移民澳洲不好，因为没有熟悉的家人朋友。我觉得… 因为…
  • presenting information on an issue such as 独生子女政策 by discussing perspectives and comparing experiences and opinions, noting how some people focus on positive effects on society and others focus on personal experiences of being a 独生子女
  • collaborating to produce multimedia displays to share with readers overseas to provide a local insight into issues such as the experience of international students in Australia, and highlighting the features that might be most relevant to overseas readers
  • collating information from personal research and writing reports on issues relevant to youth across cultures, such as pressure to follow fashions and trends, bullying, and inspirational people

  VCZHC212 | Languages | Chinese | Background Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• VCZHC067

  Analyse, compare and present perspectives on topics of interest, identifying the different ways emotions, intentions and ideas are expressed

  Elaborations

  • discussing differences in the way events are reported in different media sources, such as local and national Chinese TV news programs
  • collating and analysing data on life in Chinese communities (such as positive and negative experiences of adjustment to life in Australia, impressions of Australian education system, and perspectives on the Australian national character) by interviewing Chinese speakers and utilising a range of graphic organisers to collate and compare ideas from diverse sources and perspectives
  • presenting or supporting a personal position or view by reconstructing information from diverse sources, summarising key points, and using quotes or supporting information, acknowledging diverse perspectives and sources of information and the views of others by using reported speech, and using forms of presentation appropriate to the subject matter, for example, using charts or images to support text
  • gathering information on an issue from different sources and reporting on it to others, using tools such as tables, graphic organisers and charts, and discussing whether the information is similar or different in different sources and why
  • extracting details and main ideas from texts, making judgments about their relevance and discussing contrasting points of view, for example, selecting the main events from an article, identifying core data from interviews, identifying gist and main point/s of a spoken interaction, or analysing different interpretations of meaning in a conversation
  • comparing different perspectives on the same event or on a topical issue such as intergenerational relationships, the environment, or food choices
  • making presentations on aspects of cultural practices and lifestyles in Chinese communities, providing a balanced perspective and avoiding stereotyping, for example, 很多中国人…；据报道，百分之三十的人口…
  • creating and displaying posters to raise peers’ awareness and help promote the messages of charity organisations conducting work in China
  • sharing own interest in people, places and events in the Chinese world by reading about places and historical figures (such as 秦始皇, 毛泽东) and writing articles for the school newsletter to inform others, recommending further reading and websites (Chinese and English)

  VCZHC067 | Languages | Chinese | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing