English / Year 8 / Language / Language for interaction

Curriculum content descriptions

Understand how conventions of speech adopted by communities influence the identities of people in those communities (ACELA1541)

Elaborations
  • understanding that our use of language helps to create different identities, for example teenage groups and sportspeople have adopted particular words or ways of speaking
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Intercultural understanding Intercultural understanding
ScOT terms

Natural languages,  Cultural identity

Video

Heywire: Asian and Australian: it's easy to be me

Many Australians are members of two cultures: the culture of their homes and the culture of society at large. In this Heywire clip, learn about the experiences of Michael Lam, whose Vietnamese Australian family lives in Townsville, Queensland.<br /><br />Could you write or record a story about yourself and/or your community? ...

Audio

Paul Hogan and Australian slang

Listen to Australian comic actor Paul Hogan talk to reporters in February 1987 about the Oscars and his role as Mick Dundee in the film 'Crocodile Dundee' (1986). Hogan played a laid-back outback survivalist in this hugely successful film, which is known for its use of Australian slang. Take note of Hogan's own use of Australian ...

Video

Talkabout: Using language to describe being Australian

What are some iconic Australian symbols? No doubt people would say the kangaroo, the koala or the emu. But what about sheep? Have they played a part in shaping the way Australians see themselves?

Audio

Radio National: Learning Dharug, Aboriginal language of Sydney

Imagine a time when the Aboriginal language Dharug was the official language spoken in the Sydney area. During this audio clip, reflect on how the language was considered almost 'lost', but (and) discover how Richard Green and others are piecing the Dharug language back together. Find out about how it is being taught at ...

Video

Can We Help?: Efficient speech: the process of language change

Wassup, bro?Well 'pparently I ain't speakin' right.Will thou ha' the truth on't?We often think that only young people speak in abbreviated forms, but the truth is people have been doing this since Anglo-Saxon times! In this clip discover with Professor Kate Burridge some words that belong to the 'zero plurals' group, why ...

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13 conversation starters inspired by ‘being 13’

Based on a New York Times article about what life is like for teenage girls in the era of social media, this resource includes a set of questions that can be used with this age-group to generate conversations about mental health, social media usage, identity and other topics related to wellbeing.

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Lesson Plan: On ‘Being 13’

Based on a New York Times article about what life is like for teenage girls in the era of social media, this lesson plan generates conversations about the issues raised, including canvassing healthy phone and social media habits.

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Resolving conflicts

This comprehensive resource builds students’ skills in the process of resolving conflicts. Topics include understanding the nature of conflict, being able to identify and control emotions in conflict, using communication skills effectively, and application of the skills to conflict situations.

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Communication

In this comprehensive resource, students are taught the importance of understanding nonverbal messages, listening carefully, speaking clearly, being assertive, and expressing opinions constructively.

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First Day Series 2

This resource contains five lessons which explore key themes in First Day series 2 including gender diversity, leadership, allyship, advocacy and media representation. Each lesson includes discussion starters, a relevant First Day clip to view and respond to, and suggested learning tasks to reinforce and demonstrate student ...

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What’s your brand?

This resource provides a PowerPoint slide presentation with discussion questions. Students explore how online activities can contribute to their digital brand, they identify strategies for building and maintaining a positive digital brand. Students then identify strategies and support to change a damaged brand.

Video

Young and eSafe

These short videos and associated lesson plans are designed to help young people create a positive online world and reinforce respectful and responsible online behaviour. Find topics such as Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Resilience and Critical thinking.

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Crazy Fun Park

This resource supports the film series Crazy Fun Park. The series focuses on Chester and Mapplethorpe who are inseparable until Mapplethorpe dies in a tragic accident at Crazy Fun Park — an abandoned theme park on the edge of their small town. The major themes include grief, friendship, and adolescence. Find film clips ...

Interactive

Stories without words

Learn how Australian story-teller, artist and academy award winner, Shaun Tan uses emotive illustrations to tell a story. You will also create your own character and tell a story using illustration.

Interactive

The Orb

The Orb is a collection of multimedia learning resources about Tasmanian Aboriginal histories and cultures. It explores the interconnections between people, Country, culture, identity, and the living community. The multimedia resources have between three and five sections in which Tasmanian Aboriginal people share their ...

Video

Hannie Rayson on the Australian voice in theatre

How important do you think it is to hear Australian stories told on stage? Listen as Hannie Rayson explains her early beliefs about where great drama comes from. After watching this clip, try writing a dramatic scene that takes place at a family barbeque.

Audio

Radio National: Noongar people speak about a sense of place

Some places hold special importance for us. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a very strong sense of connection to their ancestral lands. They are important elements of their history and culture. In this audio clip, listen to two Noongar speakers talk about their connection to place.

Audio

Radio National: Re-awakening Australian Aboriginal languages

Did you know that before colonisation there were about 250 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander languages being spoken across Australia? Today, however, the majority of these languages are endangered. Listen to a number of significant Australians discussing the Aboriginal language situation in Australia today. ...

Video

Tom Keneally and 1960s Australia

Have you heard of the 1967 Referendum, Vincent Lingiari or the Freedom Ride? The late 1960s was a period of great social upheaval with many young Australians unhappy with the treatement of Indigenous Australians and with Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. How effective is Thomas Keneally's parallel between the ...

Video

Rebecca Lim's spooky themes

Do you enjoy reading spooky stories? Listen to Rebecca Lim as she describes how her half-memories, reading experiences and imagination come together to inspire her.