Fry’s Planet Word

Posted on March 15, 2012 by admin

Language is what defines humans from other species, and with our planet home to around 7,000 different languages, words have played a crucial role in our evolution. Renowned wordsmith Stephen Fry guides us through this fascinating exploration of language in all its forms: from cutting edge linguistic research to the glories of world literature. The five-part series travels the globe as Fry takes viewers on a journey through the thousands of years since man first mastered speech to the cyber world of today with its html, codes and texting. Revealing how language is used, abused and continues to evolve, Fry’s Planet Word looks at whether we are any closer to understanding the most complex activity of the human brain.

The series is currently on ABC1. Can can been seen on ABC iview.

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Australian Languages Workshop

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

The 11th Australian Languages Workshop was held at North Stradbroke Island recently and ESALG members had the opportunity to speak to many linguists from around Australia about the scope of the work being done by the group. Among some of the positive suggestions to come from the discussions was the idea of arranging a meeting between ESLAG and some of the linguists interested  to talk about different approaches to research and evolving use of languages.  The location for the workshop was stunning at the north end of the island, where people enjoyed perfect weather to top off a stimulating conference.

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Wiradjuri Language Website

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Geoff

Introducing the new Wiradjuri language web page, which is still being developed by Jason O’Neil a young Wiradjuri who is also the Parkes High School Captain. Jason has worked on this page while also managing his school studies.  Please visit the page- save it in your favourites and keep visiting to see its development.  Videos are to come in the near future.
Please click and save on
http://www.wiradjuri.org/

Thanks
Geoff Anderson

Posted in New South Wales | Leave a comment

ESALG takes language issues to Minister

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

A delegation from the Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group met recently with Minister Peter Garrett- Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth.

At a meeting in his Sydney electorate office, Kevin Lowe, Paul Paton and Faith Baisden took the opportunity to raise a number of issues that are impacting on the strength of languages as well as educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

ESALG is urging the Government to review its current policies relating to English language education particularly in remote areas of Australia. The meeting also discussed the progress of ACARA Indigenous Languages Curriculum to date. An invitation was offered for further consultation with the Minister which will be followed up by ESALG in the coming months.

ESALG members Kevin Lowe, Faith Baisden and Paul Paton with Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett.

Posted in National, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria | Leave a comment

Reviving “extinct” languages

Posted on January 11, 2012 by QILAC

An article in Namalata Thusi. The Queensland Government’s external publication on Indigenous issues, published by The Department of Communities.

Namalata is a Queensland Aboriginal word meaning “messenger” and Thusi is a western Torres Strait Islander word meaning “paper” or “book”.

Continue reading →

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98.9 interview: Wiradjuri language program

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Geoff

Karen Dorante interviews Geoff Anderson from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders and Wiradjuri tutor Ron Wardop about the work they’ve been doing with languages in and around Parkes, New South Wales.

Listen to this great podcast

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National Cultural Policy encompassing languages

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

The Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group called for a number of measures to promote the traditional languages of Australia in its response to the National Cultural Policy Discussion Paper released by the Honorable Simon Crean, Minister for the Arts. Among the recommendations proposed by ESALG, was that priority be given to arts projects which include either directly, or as a consequence of their development, the production of resource materials for the teaching of Aboriginal languages through community based projects.

ESALG noted the inclusion of cultural heritage as one of the three key areas to which the national policy will relate, and that Indigenous languages are specifically mentioned at various points throughout the discussion paper.

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Eastern States member joins royal reception.

Posted on October 28, 2011 by admin

ESALG member Faith Baisden was honoured to receive an invitation to represent the group at the reception for Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Parliament House Canberra last October. Among the large crowd that filled the Great Hall for the event, Faith just missed out on an introduction to Her Majesty, but managed to chat with Prince Phillip. In a relaxed conversation, Prince Phillip was hoping that with a connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, Faith could perhaps translate the songs of Geoffrey Gurrumul who provided the entertainment for the evening.

Faith Baisden at Parliament House

Posted in National, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria | Leave a comment

Learning in both worlds

Posted on October 27, 2011 by admin

Inside Story have published a great article by Lisa Waller about bilingual education programs in schools. The story focuses on the Top End but has relevance for Indigenous language programs nationally.

Despite the international evidence, the Northern Territory has discouraged bilingual programs in its schools, writes Lisa Waller. But there are early signs of another shift in attitude, in both Darwin and Canberra.

Read the full article on Inside Story.

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REVIEW: Bloodland

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre and award-winning choreographer, collaborates with writer and actor Wayne Blair on this landmark piece of theatre.

Stephen was challenged by Kathy Balngayngu Marika from Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land, to tell the story in her language. Well done for rising to the challenge!

The play has received great reviews let’s hope it gets a national tour.

Posted in New South Wales | Leave a comment