WHAT IS LANGUAGE ?
A number of definitions have been developed over time to explain what language is. The following two explanations have informed us and influenced the creation of this web page as well as our pedagogical approach.
Emmit et al. (2012) describe language as a phenomenon that can be imparted through verbal and non-verbal codes. They define language as the human capacity of acquiring and using complex systems of communication, which allow us to effectively contribute to society.
Halliday's functional linguistic theory (1985, in Halliday & Matthiessen, 2004) sees language as a meaning making system through which we interactively shape and interpret our world and ourselves (Derwianka & Jones, 2012).
The Australian Curriculum: English places key emphasis on “knowledge about language” along with an “appreciation of literature and expanding repertoires of literacy use” (Derwianka & Jones, 2012, p.4). In Australia, teachers have adopted a functional approach to language over the past few years in order to meet the curriculum requirements. A functional model of language draws on the work of Professor Michael Halliday, one of history's leading linguists. A functional model describes how language varies from context to context and that language is a system, which is used to construct meanings for a whole range of different purposes (Emmit et al. 2012).
Emmit et al. (2012) describe language as a phenomenon that can be imparted through verbal and non-verbal codes. They define language as the human capacity of acquiring and using complex systems of communication, which allow us to effectively contribute to society.
Halliday's functional linguistic theory (1985, in Halliday & Matthiessen, 2004) sees language as a meaning making system through which we interactively shape and interpret our world and ourselves (Derwianka & Jones, 2012).
The Australian Curriculum: English places key emphasis on “knowledge about language” along with an “appreciation of literature and expanding repertoires of literacy use” (Derwianka & Jones, 2012, p.4). In Australia, teachers have adopted a functional approach to language over the past few years in order to meet the curriculum requirements. A functional model of language draws on the work of Professor Michael Halliday, one of history's leading linguists. A functional model describes how language varies from context to context and that language is a system, which is used to construct meanings for a whole range of different purposes (Emmit et al. 2012).