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Intercultural understanding toolkit

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Intercultural understanding in English

The following table expands on aspects of intercultural understanding and identifies examples of how this capability can be developed within the English curriculum.

Note: Intercultural understanding in the Australian Curriculum suggests capabilities that students would typically display at the culmination of various levels of schooling. The levels in this chart relate to the following years of schooling.

Level 3 – Years 3/4
Level 4 – Years 5/6
Level 5 – Years 7/8
Level 6 – Years 9/10


Recognising culture and developing respect

Level Investigate culture and cultural identity Explore and compare cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices Develop respect for cultural diversity
5

Investigating the effects of time, re-location and changing ideas on cultural identity, as in Yr 8 Malaysian Contemporary Short Stories or Kampung Boy by Lat

 Analysing the dynamic nature of cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices in a range of personal, social and historical contexts, as in Margaret Mead: Human nature and the power of culture exhibition
 Upholding the dignity and rights of others when participating in international on-line networks, as in Stories that Change Lives, Topic 5, Stories told by Manga, Cosplay and Anime.
6 Investigating the concept of multiple identities, and opportunities to operate across cultural boundaries, as in Japan Diary.
 exploring the complexities of traditional and contemporary cultures in a range of real and virtual settings, as in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (DVD) Part 1,The Power of Literature, or The Cup (DVD).
 exploring the ways that context has shaped the representation of particular cultures, as in Not One Less (film), or Unpolished Gem (memoir).

Interacting and empathising with others

Level Communicate across cultures
 Consider and develop multiple perspectives
 Empathise with others
5

Understanding how culture influences what people do or do not say to express cultural values, such as politeness, as in Diverted to Delhi (Screen Asia), or as in Indonesian Poetry and Translation learning sequence

 Exploring factors that cause people to hold different perspectives, as in The Riverand Stories that Change Lives, Topic 5, Stories told by Manga, Cosplay and Anime.
 Describing the possible feelings and emotions of people facing adversity, natural disasters or conflict, as in 1000 Pencils project: From Kinglake to Kabul (Allen & Unwin, 2011)
6 Engaging with texts to gain insight into the way culture shapes perspective, as in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress and how our experiences and memories define us.
 Presenting multiple perspectives on complex social, environmental or economic issues, as in Not One Less  (film), or Unpolished Gem (memoir).
 Imagining and reflecting on the impact their words and actions have on others, as in Kapil Dev grants Indian Migrant's last wish, or as in Dust of Oruzgan (musical performance)

Reflecting on intercultural experiences and taking responsibility

Level Reflect on intercultural experiences
 Challenge stereotypes and prejudices
 Mediate cultural difference
5

Examining their responses to instances of cultural stereotyping, as in Diverted to Delhi (Screen Asia)

 Analysing the media representation of Australia’s relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region over time, as in Stories that Change Lives Topic 1, Visual Texts. Use media photos & cartoons.
 Engaging with views they know to be different from their own to challenge their own thinking, as in Stories that Change Lives Topic 3, Footbinding compared to tattooing.
6 Describing how exposure to a diversity of views, ideas or experiences has or has not changed their thinking on an issue, as in The Angry Kettle (short story available on subscription to Ozlit)
 Assessing the use of stereotypes in the portrayal of cultural minorities in national conflicts, as inIndochine (film trailer).
 Balancing the representation and defence of their ideas and perspectives with those of others in a range of social forums, as in A Glimpse of Java through the Window, Asialink’s Island to Island Project, 2014.

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