It’s 2023, and we are just over one year into the United Nations Decade for Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
Here in Australia, there are over 250 unique Indigenous languages (including around 800 known dialects). Sadly, more than 90 percent of these are threatened, with many being classified as critically endangered.
It is heartening that there are individuals and organisations dedicated to working towards maintaining and revitalising Australia’s Indigenous languages. The Directions Group for Australia’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages has stated that their vision is:
“By 2032, we will have strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Australia, with no language considered “endangered”. Our languages will be spoken across generations within homes and in the community. Our languages will be recognised and protected through policy and legislation. Our traditional languages valued, protected and nourished to love and thrive in our families and communities in perpetuity”.
Here at AMRRIC, we are proud to work with some of these grassroots organisations to translate important messages into some Indigenous languages (available here). Translation is crucial for ensure messaging is understandable by people for whom English may be one of five or six languages spoken. It also provides employment opportunities for Indigenous language speakers and centres, and in a small way, contributes to the maintenance of these languages.
If you would like to hear more about the challenge facing Indigenous Australians and learn a little bit of Marra along the way, check out this award winning and powerful story ‘My Grandmother’s Lingo’, from Angelina Joshua from Ngukurr NT, which is accompanied by a beautiful and interactive animation by Jake Duczynski (Gamilaroi) and musician Kurun, also known as Curtis Kennedy (Wiradjuri).
