Undergraduate - UnitATS3684 - Intergenerational language learning

The unit aims to:

1. Development of linguistic and socio-cultural competence: Language learners benefit from naturalistic interactions with native speakers in genuine acquisition settings. This is particularly pertinent in situations where students have limited exposure to native speakers, as is the case in Australia, as opposed to Europe.
2. Intergenerational empathy: The younger generation is generally disconnected from older member of the community. At the same time, many elderly ageing residents feel isolated and disengaged. More engagement with local communities, becoming involved in mentoring schemes and opportunities to use their native language contribute to healthy and positive ageing. Existing language potential in our community constitutes a significant cultural and linguistic resource which remains under-utilised. The proposed initiative aims to take advantage of untapped potential by re-connecting the two demographics using a shared interest in language and culture.
3. Contextualisation of Language Learning: The proposed unit will add a practical dimension to existing linguistics units which focus primarily on theory, i.e. Second Language Acquisition and Attrition, Sociolinguistics, Language and Identity etc., and also the language classroom. The new unit will add an important practical dimension to existing, more artificial, classroom settings. It will enhance the School's curriculum by embedding participatory approaches to language education and participatory action research.