175-018 Language in Aboriginal Australia

Formerly available as 175-214/314. Students who have completed 175-214 or 175-314 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 175-105 Introduction to Language or 175-106 The Linguistics of English or approval of the coordinator.

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.

• 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.

Two 1000-word assignments 25% each (one due one-third of the way into semester, the other due two-thirds of the way into semester), and a 2000-word essay 50% (due at the end of the semester).