The study of English Language enables students to further develop and refine their own skills in reading, writing, listening to and speaking English. Students learn about personal and public discourses in workplaces, fields of study, trades or social groups. 

In this study students read widely in order to develop their analytical skills and understanding of linguistics. Students are expected to study a range of texts, including publications and public commentary about language in print and multimodal form. Students also observe and discuss contemporary language in use, as well as consider a range of historical and contemporary written and spoken texts. 

Knowledge of how language functions provides a useful basis for further study or employment in numerous fields such as arts, sciences, law, politics, trades and education. The study supports language - related fields such as psychology, the study of other languages, speech and reading therapy, journalism and philosophy. It also supports study and employment in other communication-related fields, including designing information and communications technology solutions or programs. 

This study enables students to: 

• describe and analyse the structures, features and functions of spoken and written English language, using an appropriate metalanguage 
• investigate language acquisition, use, variation, and change over time 
• reflect critically on attitudes to language in both its historical and contemporary contexts, with particular focus on identity, social cohesion and the distinctiveness of Australian language 
• explore and analyse the interplay between convention and creativity in language use 
• develop an awareness of their own critical, selective and innovative use of language and apply it to their own writing and speaking 
• demonstrate, in the creation of their own texts, effective and competent use of Standard Australian English to meet the demands of further study, the workplace, and their own needs and interests. 

STRUCTURE 

The study is made up of four units: 

• Unit 1: Language and communication 
• Unit 2: Language change
• Unit 3: Language variation and social purpose
• Unit 4: Language variation and identity

Unit 1: Language and communication

In Unit 1 students think about connections between language use and human behaviour, and about how we acquire language. Students are introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet.

Area of Study 1: The nature and functions of language

Outcome 1: Identify and describe primary aspects of the nature and functions of human language

Area of Study 2: Language acquisition

Outcome 2: Describe what children learn when they acquire language and discuss a range of perspectives on how language is acquired.

Unit 2: Language Change

In Unit 2 students learn about current changes, past changes and possible future changes in the English language, as well as the effects of contact with other languages.

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

Area of Study 2: Englishes in contact

Outcome 2: Describe and explain the effects of the global spread of English in terms of both conformity and diversity, through a range of spoken and written texts.

Unit 3: Language Variation and Social Purpose

In Unit 3 students investigate English language in contemporary Australian social settings, along a continuum of informal and formal registers. Students consider language as a means of social interaction, exploring how through written and spoken texts we communicate information, ideas, attitudes, prejudices and ideological stances..

Area of Study 1: Informal Language

Outcome 1: Identify and analyse distinctive features of informal language in written and spoken texts.

Area of Study 2: Formal Language 

Outcome 2: Identify and analyse distinctive features of formal language in written and spoken texts.

Unit 4: Language Variation and Identity

In Unit 4 students focus on the role of language in establishing and challenging different identities. There are many varieties of English used in contemporary Australian society, including national, regional, cultural and social variations. Standard English is the variety that is granted prestige in contemporary Australian society and it has a role in establishing national identity. However, non-standard English varieties also play a role in constructing users' social and cultural identities. Students examine a range of texts to explore the ways different identities are constructed. These texts include extracts from novels, films or television programs, poetry, letters and emails, transcripts of spoken interaction, songs, advertisements, speeches and bureaucratic or official documents.

Area of Study 1: Language Variation in Australian Society

Outcome 1: Investigate and analyse varieties of Australian English and attitudes towards them.

Area of Study 2: Individual and Group Identities

Outcome 2: Analyse how peoples' choice of language reflects and constructs their identities.

ENTRY

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculum.