Unit 2 - Area of Study 1: English across time
Outcome 1
Describe language change as represented in a range of texts and analyse a range of attitudes to language change.
Examples of learning activities
Detailed example
Investigating attitudes to language change
Find two or three interesting examples of modern Australian English words or phrases; these could be imported from foreign sources such as American English or they may have arisen from current political, cultural or social events.
Devise a survey to establish people’s attitudes towards these modern words/phrases. Questions to ask could include:
- How do you feel about these new expressions?
- Do you think they will have a long lifespan?
- What do you think about language change in general?
- Do you see any new patterns emerging at present?
- Can you think of any words or phrases which have gone out of fashion in your lifetime?
- What do you predict for the future of Australian English?
- Are you happy with the direction Australian English is taking?
Survey a range of people – they should be a mix of ages and could be parents, relatives, teachers, students and friends. Present the answers to the survey questions in a suitable format such as a table.
Analyse the findings. Some points to consider include:
- Are you surprised at the results?
- Did you see any differences in the way adults and young people responded?
- Are there any gender or social background differences?
Were the respondents aware of language change in their lifetime?