Tetum 3
UndergraduateANU-TETM20042025
Study the third out of four courses in Tetum – the language of Timor-Leste. These four courses are needed to complete the Tetum minor. Learn skills to communicate at an intermediate level with one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 17 Feb 2025
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Tetum 3
About this subject
On satisfying the requirements of this subject, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Use an active vocabulary of about 3000 words.
- Understand, use, and translate a broad range of sentence structures in extended texts on a range of non – technical topics such as transport, schools, giving directions, using telephones, making plans, family relations, having a party.
- Communicate in speaking and writing with a degree of confidence in a variety of contexts ,including discussing one’s own education and schools, families, transports, and giving directions using a map.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultural issues and current affairs in Timor-Leste, including such topics as local customs , political strife, and celebrations.
To achieve these learning outcomes, each week students are expected to study for five hours as follows:
- 90 minutes, before online class, working on the written and audio materials for the week, and, memorising the written and spoken forms of that week’s vocabulary
- 120 minutes, participating in class in the virtual class room
- 60 minutes, completing online follow-up exercises regarding listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and vocabulary
- 30 minutes, completing weekly assessment and quiz.
It is also expected that students should spend at least 5 hours of individual study practising the week’s written and spoken language forms and vocabulary and reviewing feedback on their work.
- Hatudu dalan (giving directions)
- Descreve ema (describing people)
- Atividade loro-loron nian (daily activities)
- Uza telefone (using the telephone)
- Tein (cooking)
- Eskola (school)
- Ensinu superior (higher education)
- Halo planu (making plans)
- Halo festa (organising a party)
Tetum is the language of Timor-Leste. The study of Tetum is essential for anyone wishing to understand Timor-Leste's diverse society, vibrant culture and dynamic history. Timor-Leste is a close neighbour of Australia and ties between these two countries are increasing through bilateral initiatives and international security, trade and development projects.
Tetum is a spoken language, because prior to independence in 2002 most Timorese did not have access to education and literacy rates was low. Reading and writing in Tetum are important of course but is mainly to give students a strong foundation in speaking skills, and the emphasis in the course will be developing oral skills because Tetum is primarily an oral language.
The ANU offers a rare opportunity to complete a minor in Tetum. Students completing a minor in Tetum will be uniquely placed to engage with the Timorese people, state, and society.
The four courses needed to complete the minor are only offered online so can be studied from any location. Classes will be delivered on a weekly basis throughout the semester comprising of three-hour session. Students who complete this language minor will reach an Intermediate level of Tetum skills and knowledge.
Students of this course will learn Tetum at a lower-intermediate level. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary, improve their grammar skills, build on their spoken Tetum skills, and learn to write passages of Tetum on several non-technical topics. This course's topics include directions, school and higher education, cooking, describing people and organizing a party.
Via face-to-face video at a set time prescribed by the University. Please be aware of potential time zone differences.
- Class participation and activities (10%)
- 4 x written tests (20%)
- Mid term oral test: any chosen topic from lessons in Tetum 3 (20%)
- Final oral test: topic organising a birthday party (30%)
- Translation assignment (10%)
- Oral presentation (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Others
Completion of TETM1003 Tetum 2 or demonstration of equivalent level through completion of a placement test. Students with prior knowledge of the language will be required to take a placement test. Students are not permitted to enrol in a subject that is lower than the level they achieve in the
placement test, or a lower level than a subject they have already completed. Students without the appropriate level of proficiency for ANU-TETM2004 (Tetum 3) will be withdrawn from this subject and we will recommend an alternative subject at the correct level.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - To successfully engage in this subject students will need the following: • Laptop or computer • Computer camera (either inbuilt or webcam) • Headset with microphone • Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browser • Reliable internet access • Access to a scanner or smartphone
- Other requirements - This is a fast paced academic course at a University level.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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