Course overview
The study of languages is an integral part of a general education. Learning another language extends, diversifies and enriches student’s cognitive, social and linguistic development. Language study gives insights into the nature, purposes and styles of language and promotes a greater sensitivity to and understanding of languages in general, including English. Literacy skills acquired in another language enhance skills in one’s first language.
Why study Spanish at TAFE?
Spanish is among the three most widely spoken languages in the world, second only to Chinese. It is the official language of 21 nations: Spain, Mexico and nine other Central American and Caribbean republics, nine nations in South America, and Equatorial Guinea in Africa. It is the second language in countries such as the United States, the Philippines and Sweden. Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and, after English, the preferred language on the internet.
Spanish is a Romance (Latin-based) language. It has strong vocabulary links with English and has a phonetic spelling system that gives it an appeal to English-speaking people.
The aim of this course is to continue with the introductory study in the vocabulary and structures of Spanish, and to develop a functional level of communicative proficiency in the language. The course seeks to develop all the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also be introduced to various aspects of the society and culture of Spain and other Spanish speaking countries in Latin America through audio and video extracts and short texts. The emphasis throughout will be on communicative skills both oral and written.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Correctly recognise, pronounce and use a wide variety of vocabulary in Spanish.
- Write sentences and paragraphs in Spanish of an intermediate-level complexity.
- Maintain a basic conversation in Spanish of ten minutes or longer.
- Talk about present and past events in Spanish.
- Enhance their understanding and use the grammar structures of the Spanish language.
- Read, understand and synthesise basic documents in Spanish.
- Use the internet to further their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.
This short course is non-accredited therefore is not registered with the National Training Register.