ETEY Topic 5: Multiliteracies

What is linguistic diversity?

The variety of languages, dialects, accents and communication styles people use. Children bring diverse linguistic backgrounds to school that should be recognised and valued.

What is an asset-based approach to language?

An approach that views students’ home languages and dialects as strengths to build on rather than deficits that need correcting.

What is a deficit view of language?

The belief that language differences are problems or weaknesses that need to be fixed, rather than recognising them as valuable forms of communication.

Why is it important for teachers to adopt an asset-based approach?

It promotes inclusion, values students’ identities, builds confidence and creates stronger learning opportunities.

Why did David Crystal introduce the idea of “Englishes”?

To show that English has developed into many legitimate varieties around the world as different cultures adapted it to their own history, environment and communication needs.

Why are there many different Englishes around the world?

Because language changes over time as communities adapt English to reflect their own culture, experiences and identity.

Why should teachers value students’ home dialects?

Home dialects are part of students’ identity and culture. Valuing them builds confidence while supporting students to learn Standard Australian English.

Why is Aboriginal English considered a valid dialect?

Because it has its own grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and reflects Aboriginal culture and identity.

What is code-switching?

Switching between different languages or dialects depending on the audience, purpose or situation.

Give an example of code-switching.

A child uses Aboriginal English at home but Standard Australian English when writing at school.

Why do teachers teach Standard Australian English?

Because it is the language used in education, assessments and formal communication, while still respecting students’ home languages and dialects.

Why is language considered a social practice?

Because language is shaped by culture, identity, relationships and experiences, not just grammar and vocabulary.

What are “funds of knowledge”?

The knowledge, skills, language and cultural experiences children bring from their homes and communities that teachers can build upon.

Why are funds of knowledge important?

They help teachers connect learning to students’ lives and create more meaningful, inclusive learning experiences.

What is translanguaging?

Allowing multilingual students to draw on all of their languages and dialects to communicate and demonstrate understanding.

How can teachers support students learning CALP?

By explicitly teaching academic vocabulary, modelling academic language, using visuals, providing sentence starters, graphic organisers, guided practice and peer discussion.

Why are visuals important when supporting EAL/D learners?

They reduce reliance on written language and help students understand new vocabulary and concepts.

Why is pre-teaching vocabulary effective?

It gives students the language they need before reading, writing or participating in classroom discussions.

What are the five semiotic systems?

Linguistic, Visual, Audio, Gestural and Spatial.

Why should teachers explicitly teach the five semiotic systems?

So students understand how different modes work together to create meaning in multimodal texts.

What is a multimodal text?

A text that combines two or more modes of communication, such as written language, images, sound, movement or layout.

What is dialogic teaching?

A teaching approach that uses discussion, questioning and collaborative talk to deepen understanding and critical thinking.

Why is classroom talk important?

It develops vocabulary, oral language, comprehension and critical thinking while preparing students for reading and writing.

Why is literacy considered a social justice issue?

Because literacy provides access to education and opportunities, and students experiencing disadvantage often have fewer opportunities to develop literacy skills.

What are the Three Domains of literacy identified by Ellis & Rowe?

Cognitive knowledge and literacy skills, cultural and social experiences, and students’ identity and confidence as readers and writers.

What is the capabilities approach?

An approach that develops students’ confidence, agency, self-respect and voice alongside literacy skills.

Why should teachers connect learning to students’ experiences?

It makes learning more meaningful and supports engagement and understanding.

According to Emmitt et al., language is more than communication because it helps people…

Think, create meaning, build relationships, express identity and understand the world.

Why is shared meaning important?

Communication is successful when speakers and listeners develop a shared understanding.

According to Emmitt et al., what is more important than asking whether language is “correct”?

Considering whether the language is appropriate for the audience, purpose and context.

How can language become a barrier at school?

Students may speak a different language or dialect at home, making academic vocabulary and classroom language unfamiliar.

How can teachers reduce language barriers?

By valuing students’ home language, explicitly teaching Standard Australian English, scaffolding learning and building on prior knowledge.

What is AIATSIS?

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, which provides culturally appropriate teaching resources, curriculum materials and professional learning.

Why is AIATSIS valuable for teachers?

It helps teachers respectfully and accurately teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives.

What is the purpose of the National Literacy Learning Progression?

To help teachers identify students’ literacy development, plan targeted teaching and monitor progress over time.

What are the three elements of the National Literacy Learning Progression?

Speaking and Listening, Reading and Viewing, and Writing.

Is the National Literacy Learning Progression a checklist?

No. It is a guide to support teacher judgement and targeted teaching.

How did Our Home, Our Heartbeat support Topic 5 learning?

It celebrated Aboriginal culture and identity while providing opportunities to discuss language, dialects, culture and multilingual classrooms.

How can Our Home, Our Heartbeat support EAL/D learners?

Through visual supports, vocabulary development, oral discussion, story retelling, sentence starters, peer discussion and connecting learning to students’ own cultures and languages.