Welcome to the ELLIC Language Zone
Supporting language development
This area is designed to build your knowledge of the language contexts of the Indigenous children in your care.
The information here is essential preparation for anyone who will be supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preschoolers who are learning English as an additional language or dialect.
Through the Language Zone, you will find the abbreviations L1 and L2. L1 refers to the first language(s) that a person speaks or signs. L2 refers to the second or additional language that they acquire. SAE refers to Standard Australian English, the most common type of English used in Australia.
For practical ideas about how to better support additional language acquisition in EAL/D settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, see Language for Littlies.
Topics in recommended order
- Setting up for success
- Working with children who speak Indigenous languages/dialects
- Partnering with family and community
- Working with children’s first language(s)
- Understanding the local context
- The impact of Australia’s history on Indigenous languages
- Resources
- Building on Indigenous children’s strengths
- Which Indigenous languages are spoken where?
- Mapping Indigenous languages
- Traditional languages
- New contact languages
- Englishes
- What is a dialect?
- How children learn Standard Australian English as an additional language or dialect
- A day in the life of …
- The difference between language and literacy learning
- The role of language in learning
- Bilingual schools
Setting up for success
Bilingual schools
The role of language in learning
The difference between language and literacy learning
A day in the life of …
How children learn Standard Australian English as an additional language or dialect
What is a dialect?
Englishes
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