, AFL1501 ASSIGNMENT 5 SEMESTER 2 (PORTFOLIO)
DUE DATE: 28 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1. Module Experience Reflection
When I began AFL1501, I had a fairly simple understanding of language and culture. I
viewed language primarily as a means of communicating with other people, while I
associated culture mostly with traditions, food, ceremonies and the practices followed by
families. I understood identity as something connected to a person's name, personality and
background, but I had not considered how strongly identity is influenced by language,
culture and community.
The module changed this understanding. I learned that language is an important part of
how people express who they are. Language does not only communicate information; it can
also carry cultural knowledge, memories, values and a sense of belonging. De Kock, Sayed
and Badroodien (2018) explain that language and identity are closely related because
language contributes to the way individuals understand and negotiate their identities. This
made me realise why people can have such strong emotional connections to the languages
spoken in their families.
My understanding of culture also became broader. I now recognise that culture includes the
beliefs, values, relationships, lifestyles and traditions that shape how communities live.
UNESCO (2002) explains that culture includes both visible and less visible aspects of human
life, including values, traditions and ways of living together.
The topic of names was particularly meaningful because I realised that a name can carry a
family's history and expectations. A name can tell a story about the circumstances
surrounding a person's birth or communicate a quality that parents hoped their child would
develop.
Another important lesson was that culture is capable of changing. Traditions can be
maintained while communities adapt to changes in technology, education and society. I
therefore no longer see culture as something completely unchanging.
DUE DATE: 28 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1. Module Experience Reflection
When I began AFL1501, I had a fairly simple understanding of language and culture. I
viewed language primarily as a means of communicating with other people, while I
associated culture mostly with traditions, food, ceremonies and the practices followed by
families. I understood identity as something connected to a person's name, personality and
background, but I had not considered how strongly identity is influenced by language,
culture and community.
The module changed this understanding. I learned that language is an important part of
how people express who they are. Language does not only communicate information; it can
also carry cultural knowledge, memories, values and a sense of belonging. De Kock, Sayed
and Badroodien (2018) explain that language and identity are closely related because
language contributes to the way individuals understand and negotiate their identities. This
made me realise why people can have such strong emotional connections to the languages
spoken in their families.
My understanding of culture also became broader. I now recognise that culture includes the
beliefs, values, relationships, lifestyles and traditions that shape how communities live.
UNESCO (2002) explains that culture includes both visible and less visible aspects of human
life, including values, traditions and ways of living together.
The topic of names was particularly meaningful because I realised that a name can carry a
family's history and expectations. A name can tell a story about the circumstances
surrounding a person's birth or communicate a quality that parents hoped their child would
develop.
Another important lesson was that culture is capable of changing. Traditions can be
maintained while communities adapt to changes in technology, education and society. I
therefore no longer see culture as something completely unchanging.
