Tok Pisin is the most commonly and widely spoken language in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This language brings together diverse groups of peoples and cultures and enables communication and understanding amongst each other. Learning Tok Pisin offers students a rare opportunity to explore and gain knowledge of the dynamic cultures that exist within the country. In this course students will gain practical skills of beginner Tok Pisin on topics such as introductions and small talk, everyday life, talking to friends and family about personal interests and understanding diverse PNG history and culture. Students will study short interview-type conversations and texts, learning the main aspects of phonology, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of Tok Pisin. Students are given opportunities to practice their Tok Pisin listening, speaking, writing, reading and translation skills with the help of a dictionary. Throughout the semester, students will role-play conversations and interact with Tok Pisin guest speakers sharing their lived experiences of their own places and cultures to enhance their receptive, interactive and productive skills. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Use an active vocabulary of around 1000 Tok Pisin words. 
2. Recognise and pronounce all Tok Pisin vowels and consonants, with appropriate intonation.
3. Communicate using simple sentences and phrases with correct grammar structures for everyday situations such as small talk, everyday life, talking to friends and family about personal interests and understanding diverse PNG history and culture. 
4. Develop and demonstrate communication skills in short conversations, reading, writing, and translation. 
5. Develop and demonstrate a basic understanding of culture, history and everyday life in Papua New Guinea through interaction with native speakers. 

Required Resources

Required resources available on Canvas

Recommended Resources

Title: A New Course in Tok Pisin (New Guinea Pidgin). Authors: Tom Dutton in collaboration with Dicks Thomas (ANU)

Title: Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin English Dictionary. Authors: Susan Baing, Brian Deutrom, Russell Jackson and CA Volker (Oxford University Press)

Title: The Jacaranda Dictionary and Grammar of Melanesian Pidgin. Author: F. Mihalic (The Jacaranda Press)

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Mon 23 February - Fri 27 FebruaryClass: Tue 24 February & Thu 26 FebruaryIntroduction - Course Welcome, Course Structure, What is Tok Pisin?, Introduction to Greetings, Learning Outcomes
2	Week 2: Mon 2 March - Fri 6 MarchClass: Tue 3 March & Thu 5 MarchUnit 1 Part 1 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist
3	Week 3: Mon 9 March - Fri 13 MarchClass: Tue 10 March & Thu 12 MarchUnit 1 Part 2 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist*Canberra Day Public Holiday - Monday 9 March*	Due Sun 15 March: Quiz 1
4	Week 4: Mon 16 March - Fri 20 MarchClass: Tue 17 March & Thu 19 MarchUnit 2 Part 1 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist
5	Week 5: Mon 23 March - Fri 27 MarchClass: Tue 24 March & Thu 26 MarchUnit 2 Part 2 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist	Due Sun 29 March: Written assignment 1
6	Week 6: Mon 30 March - Thu 2 AprilClass: Tue 31 March & Thu 2 AprilUnit 3 Part 1 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist*Public Holiday - Good Friday - 3 April**Teaching break: Mon 6 April - Fri 17 April*	Due during the week of Mon 30 March - Thurs 2 April: Mid-semester assessment - Oral test 1
7	Week 7: Mon 20 April - Fri 24 AprilClass: Tue 21April & Thu 23 AprilUnit 3 Part 2 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist
8	Week 8: Mon 27 April - Fri 1 MayClass: Tue 28 April & Thu 30 AprilUnit 4 Part 1 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist*ANZAC Day Public Holiday - Monday 27 April*	Due Sun 3 May: Quiz 2
9	Week 9: Mon 4 May - Fri 8 MayClass: Tue 5 May & Thu 7 MayUnit 4 Part 2 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist
10	Week 10: Mon 11 May - Fri 15 MayClass: Tue 12 & Thu 14 MayUnit 5 Part 1 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist	Due Sun 17 May: Written assignment 2
11	Week 11: Mon 18 May - Fri 22 MayClass: Tue 19 May & Thu 21 MayUnit 5 Part 2 - Overview, Focus Lessons, Conversations, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Exercises, Learning Outcomes Checklist
12	Week 12: Mon 25 May - Fri 29 MayClass: Tue 26 May & Thu 28 MayRevision week
13	Examination Period - begins Thursday 4th June	Due in Week 13: Final Assessment (Oral Test 2) (assessed)

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Participation - 10%	10 %	*	1,2,3,5
Quiz 1 - 5%	5 %	15/03/2026	2,3,4,5
Written Test 1 - 10%	10 %	29/03/2026	2,3,4,5
Mid semester assessment (Oral Test 1) - 20% (via Zoom)	20 %	*	2,3,4,5
Quiz 2 - 5%	5 %	03/05/2026	2,3,4,5
Written Test 2 - 10%	10 %	17/05/2026	2,3,4,5
Final Assessment (Oral Test 2) - 40% (via Zoom)	40 %	*	2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

See above.

Assessment Task 1

Participation - 10%

Participation is assessed throughout the semester based on the student's engagement and active participation in spoken and written in-class activities throughout course.

It is marked on the basis of: (1) written and spoken contributions to class activities in each week of teaching; (2) engagement with the materials; (3) other pre-classroom time preparations assigned during the semester.

One mark is available for each of the ten instructional weeks.

Attendance of the class alone is not part of this assessment.

Participation marks are not released before the final results are released.

Assessment Task 2

Quiz 1 - 5%

Quiz 1 will test students' vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills.

·     Quiz 1: Due: 15 March 2026 (Week 3) (opens Mon 9 March - closes Sun 15 March 2026)

Ungraded feedback will be provided by 24 March 2026.

Assessment Task 3

Written Test 1 - 10%

Written Test 1 is worth 10%.

The assessment will test students' vocabulary, grammar and writing skills, covering content from the preceding weeks. This assignment will have a total length of 200–300 words.

·     Written Test 1: Due: 29 March 2026 (Week 5)

Students will receive feedback by 9 April 2026.

Assessment Task 4

Mid semester assessment (Oral Test 1) - 20% (via Zoom)

Oral Test 1 will be conducted via Zoom during Week 6 (Mon 30 March - Thu 2 April). It will test students' speaking and listening comprehension skills. It will be a short interview; two-way type conversation. Students will respond to short questions about themselves, their family, friends, study, or work. More information will be provided to students closer to the time.

Students will receive feedback by 9 April 2026.

Assessment Task 5

Quiz 2 - 5%

Quiz 2 will test students' vocabulary, grammar, composition, and comprehension skills.

·     Quiz 2: Due: 3 May 2026 (Week 8). (opens Mon 27 April - closes 3 May 2026)

Students will receive feedback by 10 May 2026 (within one week of the due date).

Assessment Task 6

Written Test 2 - 10%

Written Test 2 is worth 10%.

This assessment will test writing skills, including vocabulary, grammar and general use of language, covering content from the preceding weeks. This assignment will have a total length of 300-350 words.

·     Written Test 2: Due: 17 May 2026 ( Week 10)

Students will receive feedback by 24 May 2026 (within one week of the due date).

Assessment Task 7

Final Assessment (Oral Test 2) - 40% (via Zoom)

Final assessment (Oral test 2) is due 1-5 June (Week 13: exact date TBA closer to the date in agreement with students) and will be conducted via Zoom.

In this final assessment, students will be required to answer questions and describe an image. They will speak interactively about the content of each question and the image for a total of around 10 minutes. This test will assess their speaking, and listening comprehension skills, as well as their vocabulary and grammar. More information about possible questions and the format of this test will be provided to students closer to the time.

Students will receive feedback by 12 June 2026 (within a week from due date).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Return in Wattle and via e-mail

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not allowed

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students