Language in Aboriginal Australia

Subject 175-018 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week. There will be no tutorials in the first or last weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Some prior study in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics is desirable, e.g. a first year Linguistics subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Rachel Nordlinger

Contact

Rachel Nordlinger
racheln@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject develops an appreciation of the role of language in Aboriginal Australia, traditionally and today. On completion of the subject, students should have a general knowledge of the linguistic features which characterise Australian Aboriginal languages, including characteristics of grammar and pronunciation, and understand the ways in which social factors affect language structure and use in Aboriginal Australia.
Objectives:
  • have developed an appreciation of the role of language in Aboriginal Australia, traditionally and today;
  • have a general knowledge of the linguistic features which characterise Australian languages, including phonological and grammatical characteristics;
  • understand the ways in which social factors affect language structure and use in Aboriginal Australia;
  • be able to crack the code of unfamiliar languages and cultures;
  • appreciate the complexities of Australian indigenous cultures, as they surface in their languages.
Assessment: Problem-solving assignments totalling 2000 words 50% (due throughout the semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to step outside their own language and culture;
  • be able to articulate concepts important in other cultures;
  • be able to imagine and get inside the mental world of other cultures.
Notes: Formerly available as 175-214/314 and 175018/674310. Students who have completed these subjects are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Linguistics)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
Australian Studies Major
Cross Cultural Communication
Cross Cultural Communication
Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics Major
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Download PDF version.