Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2012

The limits of language mean the limits of my world. Ludwig Wittgenstein (1922) International Studies

Today’s increasing interdependence of countries means that people in many spheres of life have to be able to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. Learning a language broadens the horizons of students to include the personal, social and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected world presents. At Brisbane Girls Grammar School, language learning has always played an important role in the education of young women. From the very beginning students were educated in a wide range of subjects including Latin and either French or German. With the addition of the Asian languages of Japanese and Chinese to the curriculum, in 1972 and 1989 respectively, students have had the opportunity to develop an international perspective to their learning. Since the release of The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Languages at the end of 2011, there has been much debate within the broader community about the learning of languages, particularly which languages are relevant and what should be taught. However, many of these discussions focus on purely economic reasons and consequently overlook the richness that language learning offers students. Learning languages provides students with opportunities to engage in the linguistic and cultural diversity of humanity, to reflect on their understanding of human experience in all aspects of social life, and on their own participation and ways of being in the world. Significantly, studies have shown that students who are able to develop a high level of skill in two or more languages derive benefits in their general cognitive function. That is, they can think about their other subject areas more creatively (Lo Bianco, 2011). Language learning is more than just learning about grammar and structures, form and function, more than economics and careers. Language is both a social and cultural practice. The concept of intercultural language learning is one that the International Studies Faculty seeks

to promote in all of its language programmes. Intercultural language learning involves developing with students an understanding of their own language and culture and where this sits in relation to the additional one that they are studying. Students are then encouraged to develop a reflective stance towards language and culture. By being able to reflect on the differences and similarities between their own language and culture and another, students start to develop a sense of empathy. They begin to view the world from different perspectives. The role of technology in providing access to a wide range of contemporary material in the target language and about the target communities has been invaluable for learning languages. Websites, emails, video conferences, podcasts, music and video streaming are a few ways in which students today are able to interact with speakers of the language they study. Interaction with students from our international affiliate schools, through our home- stay programme and study tours, provides students with opportunities to experience their language studies and cultural understanding beyond the language classroom. It is through language learning that students are able to develop their sense of empathy and begin to view situations from multiple perspectives. Language learning extends the limits of their world and encourages them to contribute in a meaningful way.

Ms Natalie Smith Director of international studies

References Department of Education, Employment and Work Place Relations (DEEWR). (2011). The shape of the Australian curriculum: languages . Sydney: ACARA. Lo Bianco, J. (2011, October 1). Language teaching in Australian schools (Audio podcast). Retrieved February 20, 2012, from http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/ programs/lifematters/2009-10-01/3061600

5 Grammar Gazette Autumn 2012