Department of Languages

Department Theme: Power of Languages for Academic Success

"Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom."

- Roger Bacon

Language is our primary source of communication; it's how we share ideas with others. Some people even say that language is what separates us from animals and makes us human. There are thousands of languages in the world; countries have their own national languages in addition to a variety of local languages spoken and understood by their people in different regions. Some languages are spoken by millions of people and others by only a few thousand.

English is one of the languages known by many, with about 20% of the global population speaking it (that's 1.5 billion people). But did you know that most of those people aren't native speakers? Only about 360 million people speak English as their first language. Given its popularity in everyday communication, academia, business, and entertainment, it's no wonder many are saying it's important for non-native-speakers to hurry up and learn English.

The Languages Department at John Wesley College, Suva, thus plays an integral role in perfecting these skills with an assortment of 7 vibrant and competent staff that have been working industriously towards the teaching and learning of languages to the students. There are two major Languages taught in the curriculum at the college, namely; English and  I-Taukei. English vitally remains the medium of communication and is compulsory across all levels. The Vernacular language classes are offered as options. The teaching of Vernacular languages ensure that students are not marginalized and guarantees that they are not drawn away from their culture. It has also helped to increase the literacy rates amongst students as they tend to learn better in their own languages.

Language Department plays a phenomenal role in the college as students learn in the different languages taught by this Department. According to Fiji’s education system a pass in English Language will determine the overall pass in an Exam. To develop Language Skills, the Department provides exposure to students through various activities such as Essay Competitions, Character parade, Poetry writing, Poster Competition, Library Week Competitions and Grimit Day Celebration Competitions. Hence, Language teaching and learning enriches and nourishes creativity, knowledge, innovative skills and critical thinking in students that make them empowered, optimistic, dynamic and above all efficacious individuals.  

HOD’s MESSAGE

"Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow."

- Oliver Wendell Holmes

On behalf of the Department of Languages, the teachers would extensively welcome students and viewers on this learning platform.

Language is a vehicle for learning. It is through language that learners access the content of the lesson and communicate their ideas, whether they are learning through their first language or second language. Language plays a crucial role in learning, as no matter what the subject area, students assimilate new concepts when they listen, talk, read and write about what they are learning. Language learning, which should be a central part of any curriculum, can open many potential career doors.

Thus, to impart knowledge of English Language and Literature to the students with diverse language and cultural barriers, the Languages Department at John Wesley College comprises of seven highly enthusiastic and industrious teachers who teach English and VosaVakaviti namely, Mrs. Riya Lal, Ms. Priyanka Chandra, Mrs. Marica Maopa Raratabu, Ms. Devika Chandra, Ms. Milina Raivalita Sivo and Mrs. Mereani Lutunaika (Principal). At this juncture, I would like to also acknowledge the work carried out by Ms. Tokairavoua and Mr. Revoni who have left for greener pastures.  The Languages department had come across many challenges during the year but it remained optimistic and continued to work as a team to assist the students, improve their academic performance.

The department has enthusiastically taken part in various activities such as International Mother Tongue day, Literacy week and National Library week, New Essay Competition and Girmit Day Celebration Design Your Own Newspaper Competition and Poster Competitions  . The students’ talents were showcased through the book markers, posters, model displays, character parades, drama, poetry and essay writing which were displayed during these departmental weeks in the library. Also the teachers and students work extremely hard and successfully completed all research projects for Year 12 and 13 level within the given timeframe. 

“A good education is a foundation for a better future”

– Elizabeth Warren

STAFF

Mrs. Mereani Lutunaika Head of School  Subject: English Level: 12 and 13	Mrs. Jyotika Singh HOD Languages Subject: English Level: 12 and 13	Ms. Priyanka Chandra Subject: English Level: 12, 11 and 10
Name: Ms. Riya Lal Subject: English Level: 12,10 and 9	Name: Mrs. Marica Maopa  Raratabu  Subject: English Level: 11, 12 and 13	Name: Ms. Devika Chandra Subject: English Level: 11,10 and 9
Ms. Ravilita Sivo Subject: Vosa Vakaviti Level: 9-13
Bon Voyage
Ms. Litimai Tokairavua Subject: Vosa Vakaviti Level: 11-13	Ms. Revoni Kuruisaravi Subject: Vosa Vakaviti Level: 9-10

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."

– Henry Ford

SUBJECTS

The language department mainly concentrates on teaching English and VosaVakaviti.

ENGLISH:

1. English is a global language

English is spoken at a useful level by some 1.75 billion people worldwide – that’s one in every four! Being able to speak English is not just about being able to communicate with native English speakers – if you want to speak to someone from another country then the chances are that you will both be speaking English to do this!

2. Studying English can help you get a job

English is the language of science, aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. Knowing English increases your chances of getting a good job in a multinational company within your home country or of finding work abroad.

3. With English, you can study all over the world

Since English is spoken in so many different countries there are lots of schools and universities around the world that offer programmes in English. If you have a good level of academic English, there are lots of opportunities for you to find an appropriate school and course to suit your needs.

4. English is the language of the media industry

If you speak English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore to enjoy your favourite books, songs, films and TV shows!

5. It is the language of the Internet

English is also a particularly important language online with the highest percentage of content on the internet written in English. As well as this, some of the world’s largest tech companies are based in English speaking countries.

6. It will help you to understand other languages

Generally speaking, English is one of the easiest languages to learn with its simple alphabet. And once English is mastered you will have developed abilities and practices that you did not have before. These skills will transfer to any other language that you learn.

7. Travelling is a lot easier with a good knowledge of English

Even if you are in a country where English is not the official language, chances are that English will still be used as a tool for communication!

8. You can learn more than just the language!

Good knowledge of English will allow you to access films, music and literature from hundreds of countries around the globe. Not to mention the fact that numerous books from across the world are translated into English. Therefore, by understanding English, you are unlocking the door to a whole world of new information and knowledge!

VOSA VAKAVITI

It is vital for students to continue learning their native language Vosa VakaViti subject offered in school included oral communication, reading comprehension, writing, language studies, literature, culture study, research and learning resources such as newspapers, etc. for students to understand that resources are sources of information and knowledge, leisure and amusements. Vosa VakaViti classes are looked after by Ms Sivo.  In addition, students greatly enjoy learning about the I-taukei language, the I-taukei culture and I-taukei literature. The content studied starts from Year 9 up to Year 13.

CAREER PATH

The skills you gain through studying English are marketable in most sectors. Read on for inspiration on where you could use your degree

JOB OPTIONS

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Digital copywriter
• Editorial assistant
• English as a foreign language teacher
• Lexicographer
• Magazine journalist
• Newspaper journalist
• Private tutor
• Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
• Secondary school teacher
• Web content manager
• Writer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Academic librarian
• Advertising copywriter
• Archivist
• Arts administrator
• Education consultant
• Information officer
• Learning mentor
• Marketing executive
• Media researcher
• PPC specialist
• Primary school teacher
• Public relations officer
• Records manager
• Social media manager

The major strength of all English graduates is the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Studying an English degree also develops skills in:

• independent working
• time management and organisation
• planning and researching written work
• articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories
• leading and participating in discussions
• negotiation and teamworking to present ideas and information
• effectively conveying arguments and opinions and thinking creatively
• using your judgement to weigh up alternative perspectives
• critical reasoning and analysis
• using IT.