Warning… This presentation may contain images, voice and names of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal Studies Monday 29th, week 6.

Should learning Indigenous languages be compulsory? Why/why not? What are your views, experiences and beliefs about this?

The past and the present: Before European settlement in 1788, there were over 250 Indigenous Australian language groups and over 600 dialects spoken. Today, only around 120 of those languages are still spoken and many are at risk of being lost as Elders pass away. Video: Talks about European colonization and the devastating effects it had on Aboriginal languages. We will also get to hear from a number of Aboriginal people who are working hard to bring their language back to life. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/livingthelanguage/2012/04/201241612291819363.html

The past and the present: Other Indigenous Languages New Zealand: 2 Main Language groups- Te Reo Māori (native New Zealanders) and Pākehā (European New Zealanders.) Right up to the mid 1860’s, the Māori language was a common way of communicating. Early settlers were dependent on Māori people and had to learn the language to trade with them. Pākehā began to dominate in the late 1860s and English became the dominant language of New Zealand. Speaking Māori was now discouraged, with some people even being told ‘if you want to earn your bread and butter you must speak English. Despite these challenges, the Māori language still survived. Many institutions were set up in 1980 to regain what was lost. These institutions are still very successful today.

The past and the present: Other Indigenous Languages  Papua New Guinea: Has more spoken languages than any other country in the world. Has over 850 original Indigenous languages. Out of the 850 Indigenous languages, 12 of them are now classed as ‘extinct’.  Whilst there are hundreds of Indigenous languages that are still spoken today, majority of these living languages are endangered as there as less than 1,000 people who can still fluently speak them. Fortunately, because there are a number of people who still speak these Indigenous languages, and are willing to share them, Papua New Guinea is a goldmine for linguists and work is constantly being done through documentation and education.

For many, speaking English became ‘the easier and more desirable option.’ But why?

What language means to these Indigenous communities: “Language is an important embodiment of cultural heritage, knowledge, tradition and identity unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” says Russell Taylor, Principal of AIATSIS. Languages don’t just carry information. They also link to land, stories, Dreaming tracks, botanical, medicinal and navigational techniques, and historical experiences of colonialism, racism and prejudice. For Aboriginal Senior Australian of the Year and Yolngu Elder Laurie Baymarrwangga language carries the essence of Aboriginal culture. “The important thing about language and what it means is that language contains the essence of the ancestors, every word comes from place, and identifies people and links to land, country, the dreaming; they are all inherent in language, therefore it means the people, the land, everything.” Papua New Guinea linguist Dr Sakarepe Kamene argues “these languages capture all kinds of information. So if we don't look after them, they will go and they'll [take] all this information with them, like genealogical information, historical information, traditional lifestyle information and all sorts of lifestyle information. So that's the concern.” http://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWT4jqh6CuQ

What does language mean to you?

Why do you think that learning Indigenous languages isn’t already compulsory?

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples “Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons. 2. States shall take effective measures to ensure that this right is protected and also to ensure that indigenous peoples can understand and be understood in political, legal and administrative proceedings, where necessary through the provision of interpretation or by other appropriate means.” - Page 7.

Do you think that these rights are upheld?