LIVING LANGUAGE

Conference on Aboriginal languages

Gwyneth Jones from Papulu
Appar-Kari reports from Brisbane

In the second week of July, indigenous people travelled to the University of Queensland from all over Australia to attend a conference on Aboriginal languages.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participants section of the Australian Linguistics Institute saw some 80 people from different language groups across Australia. Presentations were made by Aboriginal people from Tennant Creek (Warumungu), Adelaide (Kauna), Western N.S.W (Parkanji), Northern N.S.W (Gamilaraay), Alice Springs (Arrente/Anunatyerr), Hopevale, North East Arnhem Land (Yolagu), Victoria (Genai) and Fraser Island (Bajala).
Sandra Ivangali Morrison and Michael Jampin Jones, two Warumungu Batchelor College students from Karlinjarringi (South East of Tennant) gave a presentation of their work with Mc Claren Creek and Rockhampton Downs schools.
Sharing of information took place as each group presented how language was being taught, maintained or revived in their community. Each group had the chance to see what other communities were doing in their school and made contact with groups who had developed good ideas for resources and curriculums.
As the week progressed, it became clear that there is an incredible diversity of situations across the country but there is one common cry and this is for the maintenance and protection of indigenous language and culture.
Even the revival of 'dead' languages has resulted in a renewed pride and confidence in their own culture and heritage, as can be seen in the Kaurna language program in Adelaide.
Lestor Irabinne Rigney from the University of Adelaide discussed the important issue of the protection of indigenous knowledge. It has often happened that anthropological, linguistic or other information is collected and used for a researcher's project outside the community with no real benefits to the community.
Also, in this separation and passing on of the knowledge outside the traditional community way, great distress can be caused to the owners of the knowledge. Aboriginal people, young and old are concerned that their cultural knowledge is being abused.
Another important feature of the week was the presentation by Jenny Groon from the Institute for Aboriginal Development in Alice Springs. This was on the miscommunication that takes place in courtrooms when Aboriginal English speakers are giving evidence. It often happens in these cases that the transcriber is not familiar with the local language or dialect and consequently records words or information incorrectly or without understanding of their proper relevance. She emphasised the great need for translators and interpreters in these situations.
This was a highly successful occasion and there is strong support for it to become an annual affair. These people want to continue to network and improve their language situation and reinforce their cultural identity. Perhaps it could be a bit closer to the centre of Australia next time.

Conference on Aboriginal languages Gwyneth Jones from Papulu Appar-Kari reports from Brisbane In the second week of July, indigenous people travelled to the University of Queensland from all over Australia to attend a conference on Aboriginal languages. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participants section of the Australian Linguistics Institute saw some 80 people from different language groups across Australia. Presentations were made by Aboriginal people from Tennant Creek (Warumungu), Adelaide (Kauna), Western N.S.W (Parkanji), Northern N.S.W (Gamilaraay), Alice Springs (Arrente/Anunatyerr), Hopevale, North East Arnhem Land (Yolagu), Victoria (Genai) and Fraser Island (Bajala). Sandra Ivangali Morrison and Michael Jampin Jones, two Warumungu Batchelor College students from Karlinjarringi (South East of Tennant) gave a presentation of their work with Mc Claren Creek and Rockhampton Downs schools. Sharing of information took place as each group presented how language was being taught, maintained or revived in their community. Each group had the chance to see what other communities were doing in their school and made contact with groups who had developed good ideas for resources and curriculums. As the week progressed, it became clear that there is an incredible diversity of situations across the country but there is one common cry and this is for the maintenance and protection of indigenous language and culture. Even the revival of 'dead' languages has resulted in a renewed pride and confidence in their own culture and heritage, as can be seen in the Kaurna language program in Adelaide. Lestor Irabinne Rigney from the University of Adelaide discussed the important issue of the protection of indigenous knowledge. It has often happened that anthropological, linguistic or other information is collected and used for a researcher's project outside the community with no real benefits to the community. Also, in this separation and passing on of the knowledge outside the traditional community way, great distress can be caused to the owners of the knowledge. Aboriginal people, young and old are concerned that their cultural knowledge is being abused. Another important feature of the week was the presentation by Jenny Groon from the Institute for Aboriginal Development in Alice Springs. This was on the miscommunication that takes place in courtrooms when Aboriginal English speakers are giving evidence. It often happens in these cases that the transcriber is not familiar with the local language or dialect and consequently records words or information incorrectly or without understanding of their proper relevance. She emphasised the great need for translators and interpreters in these situations. This was a highly successful occasion and there is strong support for it to become an annual affair. These people want to continue to network and improve their language situation and reinforce their cultural identity. Perhaps it could be a bit closer to the centre of Australia next time.