Teaching and learning

Central to our objectives is linguistic competence, defined in terms of the four active and passive skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. These are developed progressively. It is recognised that language is part of culture, and that language use takes place in a social setting. These facts have implications for teaching:

• Language teaching aims to develop the ability to communicate effectively. This means that students learn to apply their skills in an appropriate manner, becoming aware of register, language levels, etiquette and issues important to the relevant speech community.
• The linguistic products of a given culture represent an expression of its aesthetic norms and ideals, as they change over time, and hence these form an object of analysis and appreciation, introduced at appropriate levels.
• Teaching and learning take place within an established scholarly tradition, which has developed over time and has world-wide links. Students become aware of their place in this tradition, of current thinking within it, and of the contribution they can make to it.
• Upon graduation, students will be able to apply the insights and skills acquired during their study of an Asian language in order to enhance their personal development and make a positive contribution to their chosen profession and to the nation.

Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996