Today we'll be dealing with some really heavy topics.
The bulk of our time will have to be devoted to famous OUTLAWS. Australia sports names of many brave men who chose to stand against their opressors, but the two who are the most important, and have become part of Aussie culture and mentality, are Ned Kelly and Ben Hall.
ACTIVITY Ned Kelly
And now something for film buffs among you (you are all encouraged to read/watch these materials, but there will be no questions on this part).
Since bushrangers chose OUTBACK as their real home, we'll also have a closer look at just how it is portrayed in modern culture.
I have already introduced you to the acclaimed documentary Not Quite Hollywood. Among films which are discussed there, are such golden nuggets of Aussie cinema as Razorback and The Long Weekend. While they are in no means of any (or almost any) artistic merit, they offer a surprisingly insightful description of "the red centre."
I was a little hestitant to post this video, but... we celebrate the Australian language in all its richness.
Yeah...
OK, back to serious topics. We'll be watching part of a documentary from which you will learn about: BROAD, GENERAL and CULTIVATED accents and where they came from.
Some reading if you are interested in exploring more.
Australian slang - how language was shaped by various historical events
Before you read and/or watch anything else I'll need you to think about some questions and note down your answers. Imagine that an English speaking friend who has never been in Poland before asked you the following questions: - If there is one book by a Polish writer I SHOULD read, which one is it? - If there is one poem by a Polish poet I SHOULD read, which one is it? - If there is one Polish film I SHOULD watch, which one is it? - Tell me the title of ONE kids' show and/or fairytale/cartoon you watched when you were a child. - Do you remember any characters from kids' stories that traumatised you in your childhood? Have fun ;)
Some clips from the shows we will be talking about in the class:
Koala Brothers
A fantastic look at the Outback and the life there. Stunning voice acting with a variety of broad accents.
Dot and the Kangaroo
This is the whole movie if anyone feels like watching.
The film is one of iconic elements of Australian culture. It's the second ever animated Australian film, and a fantastic mixture of world views represented by the white and the Aboriginal members of Australian society.
