Indigenous Languages

Aboriginal languages and Torres Strait Islander languages are fundamental to the identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in recent years there has been an increased public interest in these languages. Unfortunately, for some languages, it’s too late; many have declined to a critical state. More than three quarters of Indigenous Australian languages are no longer spoken every day, with others remaining under threat.

With Paul Paton, Mandy Nicholson, Joel Wright, and Gregory Phillips, we explore the shape of Aboriginal languages in Australia today, with a special focus on Victoria. How do you reawaken a language in a contemporary context? What are the challenges for traditional owner groups in relearning their languages? Can – and should – the general public learn a local Aboriginal language? And how do we empower traditional owner groups through their languages?

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