PHP syntax error for list()
===

I've never coded in php before and I'm sort of new to this and I'm helping my local community center fix up their community site and I came across a problem on the script I've been trying to fix but have no clue how can anyone offer a solution? If not them if you can point me towards the right direction to learn I'm willing to do it that way as well.

        if ( JmrphpbbHelper::getparam( "article_terms" ) && $view == "user" && $mode == "terms" )
    {
        list(  ) = template  list ) = template    
    }

I'm getting syntax errors from this line:

     list(  ) = template  list ) = template 

Thanks in advance.