The study of Indonesian contributes to student personal development in a range of areas including communication skills, intercultural understanding, cognitive development, literacy and general knowledge. Learning and using an additional language encourages students to examine the influences on their perspectives and society, and to consider issues important for effective personal, social and international communication. It enables students to examine the nature of language, including their own, and the role of culture in language, communication and identity. By understanding the process of language learning, students can apply skills and knowledge to other contexts and languages. Learning a language engages analytical and reflective capabilities and enhances critical and creative thinking.
Indonesian is the national language of Indonesia. It is a standardised language that is the official language of government, education, business and the media. The Indonesian language is closely related to Malay and is understood in Malaysia and by Malay-speaking inhabitants of Singapore and Brunei. Indonesian is written using the Roman alphabet, and there is a clear correlation and a degree of consistency between its sound and its written form. It has been, and continues to be, shaped by other languages, most significantly Javanese, Dutch, Arabic and English. In addition to speaking Indonesian, many Indonesians will also use a local or regional language. Standard Indonesian can be different from the language people use every day in informal situations.
The study of Indonesian provides students with the ability to understand and use a language that is spoken in a country that is one of Australia’s closest neighbours, and is one of the most populous countries in the world.
The study of a specific language exposes students to different experiences and perspectives at a personal level. It encourages students to be open to different ways of thinking, acting and interacting in the world, even beyond the language being studied and their own language. A broad range of social, economic and vocational opportunities result from study in a second language. Students are able to engage with Indonesian-speaking communities in Australia and internationally in a variety of endeavours, including business, tourism and education.
Units of Study
Unit 1:
In this unit students develop an understanding of the language and culture/s of Indonesian-speaking communities through the study of three or more topics from the prescribed themes listed below. Each area of study in the unit must focus on a different subtopic. Students access and share useful information on the topics and subtopics through Indonesian and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills. They focus on analysing cultural products or practices including visual, spoken or written texts.
Cultural products or practices can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. Students apply acquired knowledge of Indonesian culture and language to new contexts.
Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences.
Unit 2:
In this unit students develop an understanding of aspects of language and culture through the study of three or more topics from the prescribed themes listed below. Each area of study must focus on a different subtopic. Students analyse visual, spoken and written texts. They access and share useful information on the topics and subtopics through Indonesian and consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills.
Cultural products or practices can be used to demonstrate how culture and perspectives may vary between communities. Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on meaning, understanding and the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences.
Unit 3:
In this unit students investigate the way Indonesian speakers interpret and express ideas, and negotiate and persuade in Indonesian through the study of three or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Each area of study must cover a different subtopic, though teachers may choose to teach more than one subtopic in an area of study. Students interpret information, inform others, and reflect upon and develop persuasive arguments. They access and share useful information on the subtopics through Indonesian, and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills.
Students consider the influence of language and culture in shaping meaning and reflect on the practices, products and perspectives of the cultures of Indonesian-speaking communities. They reflect on how knowledge of Indonesian and Indonesian-speaking communities can be applied in a range of contexts and endeavours, such as further study, travel, business or community involvement.
Unit 4:
In this unit students investigate aspects of culture through the study of two or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Area of Study 1 and Area of Study 2 may focus on the same subtopic. Area of Study 3 should cover a different subtopic to the subtopic/s chosen for Areas of Study 1 and 2. Students build on their knowledge of Indonesian-speaking communities, considering cultural perspectives and language and explaining personal observations. Students consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills to investigate the topics through Indonesian.
Students identify and reflect on cultural products or practices that provide insights into Indonesian-speaking communities. Cultural products or practices can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. Students reflect on the ways culture, place and time influence values, attitudes and behaviours. They consider how knowledge of more than one culture can influence the ways individuals relate to each other and function in the world.
Example pathways
- Translator
- Archaeologist
- Historian
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Business Management
- Customs & Travel
- Speech Therapist
- Social Worker
- Education
This is a guide only, please see the careers team for pathways.
Entry
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4.
VCE Indonesian Second Language is designed for students who have typically studied the language for at least 200 hours prior to the commencement of Unit 1.
Unit 3 and 4 Assessment
Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Indonesian Second Language are as follows:
- Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 25 per cent.
- Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 25 per cent.
- Examinations: oral component and written component: 50 per cent
