School of Languages and Linguistics Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-Cultural Communication (RUMACCC)

Community Language Programs in Schools


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Further pages

 

Introduction

Melbourne (and Australia) has rich and diverse language resources, and schools play an important role in supporting the development and maintenance of these language resources. Schools can also enhance their own language programs by utilizing the language resources in their local community. Effectively addressing the needs of students with various backgrounds in a community language can be a challenge. This project aims to support teachers and schools in utilising community resources in language programs and in catering to students' differing needs.

Information Brochures

Three information brochures are available, either in full-colour with images, or as text only

fallacies brochure link

Some Common Fallacies about Multilingualism and Second Language Acquisition

Rebuts some common fallacies including the "crowded curriculum"; community languages as undermining literacy in English, and "unfair competition" coming from students with a background in community language

diversity brochure link

Catering for Linguistic Diversity in Language Programs

Describes some of the various backgrounds that students are likely to have in a language, specific challenges this raises and some suggestions for catering for diversity.
benefits brochure link

More Languages, More Benefits

Outlines the benefits of learning a third language, arguing that third language acquisition aids and is aided by second language acquisition.

 

About this page

This web page is part of a project "Community Language Programs in Schools" conducted by Professor Michael Clyne, Germine Youssef (Arabic), Irene Liem (Chinese), Tina Isaakidis (Greek) and Claudia Rossi Hunt (Spanish) in the Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-Cultural Communication (RUMACCC) in the School of Languages & Linguistics, University of Melbourne.

The project was a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the Department of Education, Employment and Training (DEET), the Catholic Education Office, and the Victorian Multicultural Foundation, with funding (SPITR Grant) from the Australian Research Council.

If you have any questions about the project please email the RUMACCC Administrative Officer.

 

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