Tetum 4
UndergraduateANU-TETM20052025
Build up your Tetum language skills and knowledge to an intermediate level. Get ready to engage with Timorese people on useful topics including work, health, the environment and government. Deepen your understanding of Timor-Leste's society.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 13 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Start dates
- 21 July 2025
- Price from
- $1,700
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Tetum 4
About this subject
On satisfying the requirements of this subject, students will have the knowledge and skills at an Intermediate level to:
- Using an active vocabulary of about 3500 words; read and understand short authentic written texts with a help of a dictionary.
- Understand, use and translate a broad range of sentence structures in extended texts on a range of non-technical topics such as work roles, administration, law and government, violence, environment, and the history of Timor-Leste.
- Communicate in speaking with spontaneity and confidence on topics including discussion of gender roles, Timor-Leste-Australia relations, law and crime, and health; write simple passages on non-technical topics with a fair degree of accuracy.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultural issues and current affairs in Timor-Leste, including such topics as dating and romance, the environment, and Timor-Leste’s place in the world
In order 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.
- Suade (health)
- Badinas ka Baruk-teen (Diligent or lazy)
- Kuidadu-an (Taking care of yourself)
- Data no Konvite (Dates and Invitations)
- Serbisunu'udar saida (Working roles)
- Administrasaun (Administration)
- Marka enkontru (Making appointments)
- Governu (Government)
- Meu Ambiente (Environment)
- History
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 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 to 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. Communications skills in Tetum will facilitate future opportunities in Immigration and Customs, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Commercial import/exports or in the broad ranging Aid sectors, or, to work as a professional translator/interpreter.
The four courses needed to complete the minor are only offered online so can be studied from any location, but classes will be delivered on a weekly basis throughout the semester comprising three-hour session a week. Students who complete this language minor will reach an Intermediate level of Tetum skills and knowledge.
In this course, students will improve their Tetum language skills to an intermediate proficiency. Students will learn how to discuss and write about a variety of topics including government officials and functions, health, the environment, and Timorese history.
- 4 x written tests (20%)
- Mid term oral test (20%)
- Final oral test (20%)
- Translation assignment (10%)
- Listening and summarising test (10%)
- Class participation (10%)
- Oral presentation (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.
Learn more about ANU.
Explore ANU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 4
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 4
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 TETM2004 Tetum 3 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-TETM2005 (Tetum 4) 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.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.