Reconciliation Australia posted the following information via email today, below are some links to listen to language that we wanted to share with you all!
Prior to European settlement, it is estimated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples spoke over 250 distinct languages, including over 600 dialects.
145 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are still spoken in Australia today however, only 18 remain strong, meaning they are spoken by people of all ages.
In 2008, 11% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples spoke an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language as their main language at home.
In 2006, over 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were being taught in 260 schools across Australia.
Listen to Reconciliation Australia Board Director and Yolngu elder, Djapirri Mununggirritj, speak in her language, Gumatj.
Djapirri talks about the importance of language and law which keeps the Yolngu culture strong. Keeping culture and language strong helps Yolngu people share their culture with non-Indigenous Australians and develop relationships where we can work together hand in hand.
Meet Jack Buckskin
Yingkalityidlu ngai nari Vincent Buckskin. Ngaityu taikurtirna Jack ngai tarrki ngaityu tamamuku yarlita warta. Kanya ngai nari warrarlu kuma Kudlyuitpirna ngai kurlana nari ngaityu tukuparrkanungku.
Purlauata marrurlu ngaityu warra Kaurna tirrkanthi. Narta ngaityu taikurtirna kuma miyurna purrutyi nguthuatpinthathu.
Ngai Kaurna ngaityu kamami-arra. Ngaityu tamamuku yarlita Wirangu miyu. Kuma ngaityu tamamuku ngangkita Narungga ngangki. Namu ngai taingiwirlta Kaurna/Narungga/Wirangu miyu. Puru ngai Tarntanyangka tikanthi ngaityu taikurtirna Pukiyana yartangka kuma Pari yartangka yarthuatpathi.
My name is Vincent Buckskin but my family named me Jack after my grandfather’s father.’The rock’ is my Kaurna name given to me and newly derived ‘father of the black swan’ from my daughter.
In 2006 I started learning my language, Kaurna, and now I teach to my family and to all other people.
I am Kaurna through my grandmother and my grandfather’s father was Wirangu and his mother was Narungga so I am a proud Kaurna/Narungga and Wirangu man, although I lived in Adelaide my family grew up on Point Pearce mission and in the Riverland.
Language is the key to identity, isn’t it, and gives shape to the culture. I support the preservation of all languages, dialects and accents… they make everyone richer!
Language is so important to the foundations of a culture. So much of the nuance of meaning is lost in translation – this post is very heartening. As is the idea of really learning the language of a country. We in the US are fairly arrogant about the importance of English and it being the only language we need be fluent in. Good on ya!
[...] Listening to Language. [...]
both Lois and Raiana above, well said!. I am saddened at what has been lost, but so happy to see and know that what can be found is being re-taught… great post, thank you!
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Thank you for sharing!