Modern Greek (Version 8.4)

The nature of the learners

Students are beginning their study of Modern Greek and typically have little prior exposure to the language and associated cultures. Many will have learnt a different language in primary school, while some will have proficiency in different home languages and bring existing language learning strategies and intercultural awareness to the new experience of learning Modern Greek. Students’ textual knowledge developed through English literacy supports the development of literacy in Modern Greek. Skills in analysing, comparing and reflecting on language and culture in both languages are mutually supportive. Students may need encouragement to take risks in learning a new language at this stage of social development and to consider how the experience impacts on the sense of ‘norms’ associated with their first language and culture.

Modern Greek language learning and use

Learners listen to, speak, read and write Modern Greek in a widening range of interactions for a variety of purposes. They participate in role-plays, discussions, games, practical activities and competitions, and are supported to use Modern Greek as much as possible. They use modelled and rehearsed language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and increasingly generate original and personal language. They plan, draft and present imaginative texts, and design interactive events and collaborative tasks. They express ideas and feelings, exchange opinions, and manage shared activities. Learners work collaboratively and independently, exploring different modes and genres of communication with particular reference to their current social, cultural and communicative interests. They pool language knowledge and resources to plan, problem-solve, monitor and reflect. They focus on the different systems that structure language use (grammar, vocabulary, sounds, the Greek alphabet and script) and gradually build a vocabulary and grammatical base that allows them to compose and present different kinds of texts, such as posters, advertisements and songs. They make cross-curricular connections and explore intercultural perspectives and experiences through interaction with speakers of Greek. They are encouraged to reflect on language, ideas and their sense of self, and consider connections within and across languages and cultures.

Contexts of interaction

Modern Greek is used not only for classroom interactions and transactions, but also for broader interactive and intercultural experiences, for example, in school excursions, sister-school relationships, and study trips to Greece, Cyprus and other Greek-speaking communities. Extra opportunities for interaction are provided through purposeful and integrated use of information and communication technologies (ICT), for example, videoconferencing and online activities such as e-learning. Texts and resources

Texts and resources

Learners work with a range of texts designed for language learning, such as textbooks, audio recordings, teacher-generated materials and online resources. They also use materials designed for students of Modern Greek in different contexts, for example, blogs, newsletters, advertisements, magazines, video clips and apps. Authentic texts from different sources provide opportunities for discussion and analysis of the relationship between language and culture.

Features of Modern Greek language use

Learners become familiar with the sounds of Modern Greek, including pronunciation, rhythm, pitch and stress (Πώς πας Αντώνη; το αυτοκίνητό μου). They approximate the pronunciation and phrasing of vocabulary and short sentences (Σας αρέσει το παγωτό;) and develop their understanding and use of the Greek alphabet. They apply elements of Modern Greek grammar to the production of simple texts, such as subject–verb–object word order, simple verb forms (είμαι, παίζω, θέλω, γράφω), adjectives and adverbs (μεγάλος, μικρός, πολλή, πολύ) and conjunctions (και, αλλά) to link ideas. They make comparisons between Greek and English, for example, το αυτοκίνητο/automobile/car, το αμφιθέατρο/amphitheatre, and other languages they know, focusing on similarities and differences between languages and cultural systems. They make connections between texts and cultural contexts, identifying how cultural values and perspectives are embedded in language and how language choices determine ways in which people, issues and circumstances are represented (καλή όρεξη, καλό ταξίδι, με το καλό, με γεια).

Level of support

A multilevel and personalised approach to teaching and task design caters for the diversity of prior experience of learners. Support includes scaffolding, modelling and monitoring, explicit instruction and feedback, and structured activities for practising new language. Students are supported to develop autonomy as language learners and users, and to self-monitor and adjust simple language in response to their experience in diverse contexts. Opportunities to review and consolidate are an important component of learning at this level.

The role of English

Modern Greek is the main language of instruction and interaction, while English may be used for conceptually demanding explanations and discussions, particularly when making connections between Modern Greek and other languages and cultures.

The nature of the learners

Students have prior experience of learning Modern Greek and bring a range of capabilities, strategies and knowledge that can be applied to new learning. They are expanding the range and nature of their learning experiences and of the contexts in which they communicate with others. They have a growing awareness of the wider world, including the diversity of languages, cultures and forms of intercultural communication. They are considering future pathways and prospects, including how Modern Greek may feature in these.

Modern Greek language learning and use

This is a period of language exploration and vocabulary expansion and experimentation with different modes of communication. Greater control of language structures and systems increases confidence and interest in communicating in a wider range of contexts. Learners use Modern Greek to communicate and interact, access and exchange information, express feelings and opinions, and participate in imaginative and creative experiences. There is a balance between activities which focus on language forms and structures and those which emphasise communicative tasks and performance. Learners recognise that deriving meaning from a different language involves interpretation and personal response as well as literal translation and factual reporting. Task characteristics and conditions at this level are more complex and challenging, providing opportunities for collaborative as well as independent language planning and performance, and development and strategic use of language and cultural resources. Learners demonstrate understanding of language variation and change, and of how intercultural experience, technology, media and globalisation influence forms of communication. They discuss the relationship between language, culture and identity, exploring in more depth the processes involved in learning and using a different language. They recognise the value of learning a second language and have a growing awareness of the interconnection between Australia and Greek-speaking communities in Australia and overseas.

Contexts of interaction

The language class remains the principal context for learning and using Modern Greek. Learners use spoken and written Modern Greek to interact with peers and the teacher in the classroom, and extend their interactions beyond the school setting through communication with Greek speakers in local contexts and online environments. They participate in wider experiences relating to Greek language and culture, such as film festivals and competitions, drama and art programs, Greek festivals, interacting with Greek-speaking guests, artists and musicians, and in-country study trips. These authentic experiences give learners a sense of connectedness and purpose, and make use of and extend their language capability beyond the school context.

Texts and resources

Learners engage with a range of texts and resources, such as textbooks, videos, apps and online materials, media resources, fiction and non-fiction texts, and performances

Features of Modern Greek language use

Learners recognise and approximate the pronunciation, rhythms and intonation patterns of extended phrases and compound sentences. They use vocabulary with more complex syllable combinations and become more fluent and accurate in spoken and written language production. They gain greater control of grammatical elements, using a range of verb tenses to describe past (έπαιξα/έπαιζα), present (παίζω), future events (θα παίξω/θα παίζω), and experiences (ήταν καλά, πέρασα ωραία), a range of adverbs (χτες, μεθαύριο), adjectives to elaborate on meaning (πιο μεγάλος, μεγαλύτερος, ο πιο μεγάλος, Η Άννα είναι μεγαλύτερη από όλους μας), and cohesive devices to link and sequence actions, events and ideas (μετά, τότε, Θέλω να πάω στην Κύπρο και μετά να πάω στην Ελλάδα). They analyse text more critically, identifying how language choices reflect perspectives and meaning in a range of texts, and developing their understanding of the relationship between context, purpose and audience. They explore the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication, how moving between different languages and cultural systems impacts on learners’ ways of thinking and behaving and how successful communication needs flexibility, awareness and openness to alternative ways. They consider their own cultural practices from the perspective of others and communicate in interculturally appropriate ways.

Level of support

This stage of learning involves consolidation and progression. Learners need opportunities for new challenges and more independent learning experiences. Continued scaffolding, modelling and monitoring are needed to support these challenges. A range of resources is provided and processes are modelled for the development of more autonomous self-monitoring and reflecting strategies, such as e-journals, video documenting and discussion forums. Continued focused attention on grammatical and textual features supports learners in the production of texts.

The role of English

Learners at this level increasingly use Modern Greek for classroom interactions and routines, and are able to express some complex concepts and reactions in Modern Greek, in structured discussions. English continues to be used as the medium for substantive discussion, comparison, analysis and reflection. This allows learners to express abstract and complex views and ideas about language, culture, intercultural experience and identity that may be beyond their existing ability in Modern Greek.