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Listed under:  Language  >  Language proficiency  >  Vocabularies
Video

Build your vocabulary!

  • TLF-IDM019894

What is the importance of having a good vocabulary? A good vocabulary helps us to be better communicators. Imagine living in a world where people only know a handful of words - communicating with each other would be much more difficult! See if you can build your own vocabulary with the use of a vocabulary notebook.

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Video

Feathers, Fur and Fins: A song about flying foxes

  • TLF-IDM015835

Have you seen a flying fox which is a type of fruit bat? Don Spencer uses descriptive words and phrases in his flying fox song to help us understand these animals and explore a day in their life.

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Video

Can We Help?: Borrowed words: the processes of language change

  • TLF-IDM015541

Do you know any words from another language? Chances are, you know more than you think you do! English is a polyglot language; one that borrows words from other languages. In this Professor Kate Burridge discusses the origins of the phrases 'short-shrift' and 'lily-livered'.

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Video

Feathers, Fur and Fins: A song about platypus

  • TLF-IDM015828

Watch as a platypus emerges from its burrow on the bank of a billabong (small lake). As you watch, listen to Don Spencer's song as he describes seeing a platypus and explores its unusual looks.

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Video

Heywire: Razia's refuge

  • TLF-IDM017794

Australia welcomes thousands of refugees from around the world every year, and Razia Gharibi is one of them. Her Heywire audio story about a journey from Afghanistan to Shepparton provides a personal perspective on Australia's refugee program. You could consider it in any discussion about whether or not Australia should ...

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Video

Heywire: Sussing out the similes in a footy game

  • TLF-IDM017809

If you've ever tried to describe an experience to a friend and said, 'It was just like', you were using a simile. Similes and their close pals metaphors are figures of speech that writers of all sorts of texts use. As you listen to this Heywire audio story, explore Taylor Smith's use of them in his recount of a Saturday ...

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Video

Can We Help?: Naming words: significant social effects

  • TLF-IDM015526

The names we give people and places hold great significance for us. But have you ever thought about how this simple act can impact on others? Naming is a powerful tool. Watch this clip as Professor Kate Burridge explains the ways that language can have significant social effects.

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Video

Can We Help?: New meanings: the processes of language change

  • TLF-IDM015544

Have you ever engaged in a bit of argle-bargle? It's the original form of a colloquialism you might be more familiar with: argy-bargy. But where does this phrase come from? Etymology is the study of the history and evolution of words. In this clip Professor Kate Burridge explains the origins of this curious phrase and other words.

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Video

Can We Help?: Efficient speech: the process of language change

  • TLF-IDM015562

Wassup, bro?Well 'pparently I ain't speakin' right.Will thou ha' the truth on't?We often think that only young people speak in abbreviated forms, but the truth is people have been doing this since Anglo-Saxon times! In this clip discover with Professor Kate Burridge some words that belong to the 'zero plurals' group, why ...

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Video

Can We Help?: Subjunctivitis! Fact or 'Furphy'?

  • TLF-IDM015549

Why is 'were' used in 'If I were king' and what is the subjunctive? What do water sources and gossip have in common? If you don't know then you need to watch and listen as Professor Kate Burridge and Peter Rowsthorn explore these questions.

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Video

Feathers, Fur and Fins: A song about black swans

  • TLF-IDM015834

Discover a graceful Australian bird, the black swan. Watch the images (pictures) and listen to the lyrics (words) of the song by Don Spencer as he sings about the black swan.

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Video

Radio National: 'The Great Gatsby' and all that jazz

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'The great Gatsby' is considered a classic of modern literature, so what makes people value books like this one over others? In this audio clip, explore a range of responses to F Scott Fitzgerald's enduring novel and consider the qualities people value in literature. This clip from 'Books and arts daily' on Radio National ...

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Video

Can We Help?: Shakespeare words: the process of language change

  • TLF-IDM015523

Imagine being responsible for inventing over 1700 words! That is the legacy of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in the English language. Most of these words were created through translations of Latin words or by combining words with prefixes and suffixes in original ways. In this clip, you'll discover the ...

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Video

Can We Help?: Conquest: the process of language change

  • TLF-IDM015525

When the Normans conquered England in 1066, they brought a lot more than fancy clothes and castles; they also brought the French language. Discover the impact that this momentous event continues to have today.

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Video

Can We Help?: Golly gosh, what do those sayings mean?

  • TLF-IDM015547

Have you ever wondered where sayings like 'golly gosh', 'by gum' or 'drat' come from? In this video, Professor Kate Burridge explains the origins and meaning of these and other sayings. She also explains the history of the pronoun 'you'.

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Video

Heywire: Running towards mental health

  • TLF-IDM017797

Would you accept someone's argument if you didn't think the person presenting it was credible? Explore Nakita Sobczyk's Heywire audio story and reflect on what makes her an ideal person to educate others about mental illness. As you do, consider the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's discussion of how 'ethos' can be ...

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