Watch now: To find out more about this curriculum area, watch ‘Understanding the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, Italian’ on the Resources page.
Rationale and Aims
Rationale
Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Italian involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.
Learning Italian broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.
Learning Italian develops learners’:
- communication skills
- literacy skills in their first and additional languages
- intercultural capabilities
- understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
- understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
- critical and creative thinking.
Italian has been taught in Victorian schools and universities since the 1930s and is one of the major community languages in Australia. It is the official language of Italy, Vatican City and San Marino, as well as one of the official languages of Switzerland and the European Union. It is a major community language in Europe, North America, South America and parts of Africa.
The presence of Italian speakers in Australia can be traced back to the First Fleet in 1788 and Italian-speaking communities continue to play a significant role in Australia’s culturally diverse society.
Learning Italian provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications. Australia has strong cultural, political and trade connections with Italy, including economic and commercial cooperation and expanding relationships in science and technology. Many Italian companies have branches in Australia. Italians and the Italian language make a distinctive contribution to art, architecture, cuisine, music, fashion, science, literature, film and theatre.
Aims
The 4 interrelated aims of the Italian curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:
- communicate in Italian
- understand the relationship between language and culture
- develop intercultural capabilities
- understand themselves as communicators.