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Overview

An introduction to a select Pacific language.

This paper offers an introduction to Tongan language and culture. It focuses on the main aspects of the Tongan culture as well as basic conversational and written Tongan in the New Zealand context. The emphasis is on an introduction to customs and traditions of the Tongan society, accompanied with language activities of integrated approach to language acquisition on practical survival skills. The students will have a basic understanding of the Tongan culture and develop proficiency in Tongan language skills of speaking, reading and writing in contextual situations.

About this paper

Paper title Languages and Cultures of the Pacific: An Introduction
Subject Pacific Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

tetumu@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Telesia Kalavite

Paper Structure

The paper looks at weekly topics on Tongan language and culture. Each week it is presented in two 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute tutorial on Tongan culture and related language activities of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Textbooks

A Tongan/English dictionary is required. There will be a reading list available on Blackboard through e-Reserve.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:

  • Recognise the link between Tongan history, culture and language
  • Use familiar everyday Tongan expressions in basic conversations
  • Demonstrate the ability to speak, read and write basic Tongan words, phrases and paragraphs
  • Introduce themselves to others and talk/ask questions about their families, friends, classroom, offices, hospitals, weather and the environment
  • Promote the use of Tongan language and culture in a range of contexts
Assessment details
  • Internal Assessments 60%
  • Final Examination 40%

Overview

An introduction to a select Pacific language.

This paper offers an introduction to the Tongan language and culture. It focuses on the main aspects of the Tongan culture as well as basic conversational and written Tongan in the New Zealand context. The emphasis is on an introduction to customs and traditions of the Tongan society, accompanied by language activities of an integrated approach to language acquisition, on practical survival skills. The students will have a basic understanding of the Tongan culture and develop proficiency in Tongan language skills of speaking, reading and writing in contextual situations.

About this paper

Paper title Languages and Cultures of the Pacific: An Introduction
Subject Pacific Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

tetumu@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Telesia Kalavite

Paper Structure

The paper looks at weekly topics on the Tongan language and culture. Each week, it is presented in two 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute tutorial on Tongan culture and related language activities of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Textbooks

A Tongan/English dictionary is required. There will be a reading list available on Aoroa (Brightspace) through eReserve.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:

  • Recognise the link between Tongan history, culture and language
  • Use familiar everyday Tongan expressions in basic conversations
  • Demonstrate the ability to speak, read and write basic Tongan words, phrases and paragraphs
  • Introduce themselves to others and talk/ask questions about their families, friends, classroom, offices, hospitals, weather and the environment
  • Promote the use of the Tongan language and culture in a range of contexts
Assessment details
  • Internal Assessments 60%
  • Final Examination 40%
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