English

English Language - Immigration Museum

On 25 August, the two Year 12 English Language classes traveled by train to the Melbourne Immigration Museum. 

We explored the leaving home, voices over time, getting in, identity: Yours, Mine, Ours, and the Joy exhibitions. Viewing and understanding the struggles that many immigrant individuals have faced, allowed us to better write about the impact on Australian English, such as the use of ethnolects, sociolects, and idiolects. We also used the opportunity to collect contemporary examples, that can later be used in our essays and exams.

The Voices over time exhibition discussed how the government rules and legislation allowed immigrants into Australia, and how First Nations Australians, and other Australian citizens were impacted. The 'Leaving Home' section included displays of artifacts brought overseas by traveling immigrants, and clearly depicted the struggles experienced. Both exhibitions acted as a resource, allowing us to strengthen our contemporary examples, from gaining new perspectives from the immigrant testimonies at the museum. 

The Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours, exhibition highlighted the significance that our experiences, lifestyle, and beliefs, have on our language choice. From cultural practices to local sports teams, the environments we surround ourselves in have a large impact on how we socially connect with others in the community. The exhibition included interactive activities, educational descriptions, and personal anecdotes from individuals who have immigrated. 

Overall influences our ability to discuss idiolects and sociolects in our end-of-year exam.

Ellie Fisher - Year 12 Student - English Language