Language in Aboriginal Australia

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

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.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• 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;
• appreciate the complexities of Australian indigenous cultures, as they surface in their languages
• be able to engage within debates and discussions regarding Australia’s indigenous languages and their position within broader Australian society;
• be able to apply discipline specific research skills using primary and secondary sources and empirical data and develop an awareness of research ethics and intellectual integrity;
• have honed their academic writing abilities;
• have deepened their understanding of social and cultural diversity, particularly with respect to Australian indigenous communities.

• Assignment 1: Problem-solving assignment (1000 words) due during semester [25%]
• Assignment 2: Murrinhpatha language (1000 words) due during semester [25%]
• Final essay (2000 words) due at the end of semester [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Language and Culture in Aboriginal Australia (Walsh & Yallop) 2005

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• 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.