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Rationale and Aims
Rationale
Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Modern Greek involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.
Learning Modern Greek broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.
Learning Modern Greek develops learners’:
- communication skills
- literacy skills in their first and additional languages
- intercultural capabilities
- understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
- understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
- critical and creative thinking.
Modern Greek is the official language of Greece and an official language of the Republic of Cyprus. It is spoken in communities throughout the world. The modern standard version of Greek is the Demotic form of the spoken and written language, and is the official language taught worldwide. Greek is one of the official languages of the European Union.
The Hellenic civilisation and language have significantly shaped Western civilisation in the arts, architecture, literature, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, politics and science. The Greek language is still used in many fields to coin new terms.
Greek migration has made a significant contribution to shaping multicultural Australia. In Victoria, there is a large and vibrant Greek-speaking community. The Greek language has been taught widely in Victorian schools and universities since the 1970s, although extensive networks of community language programs commenced prior to this time with the establishment of the Greek-speaking community in Victoria. The influence of Greek-speaking communities in Australia is evident in the areas of agriculture, the arts, commerce and trade, cuisine, education, government and politics, industry, law, medicine and scientific research.
Modern Greek and English belong to different branches of the Indo-European language family. Both languages share some similarities such as vocabulary, and language structures and features.
Learning Modern Greek enhances students’ understanding of the origins of many English words, and supports awareness of different alphabets and writing systems. Students develop an appreciation of the language and cultures of Greek-speaking communities. It also enriches travel experiences, increases employment opportunities and promotes understanding of diverse attitudes, beliefs and values.
Learning Greek provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications.
Aims
The 4 interrelated aims of the Modern Greek language curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:
- communicate in Greek
- understand the relationship between language and culture
- develop intercultural capabilities
- understand themselves as communicators.