1. Develop a state policy/framework for Indigenous Languages which recognises the role and importance of community based language programs.
2 Develop and support the use of protocols for language use and research.
3. Develop and maintain an effective communication network for language communities
4. Examine government policies and practices relating to Indigenous Languages
5. Advocate /Speak for Queensland languages locally, nationally and internationally.
6. Work cooperatively with other state and national organisations and committees
7. Provide support to community language groups, community organisations and individuals involved in language reclamation and
preservation.
8. Support ongoing research, strategic planning and resource development.
9. Support training and accreditation for community language teachers and language workers.
Graduation for Community Language Workers who completed a Diploma Australian Languages, and Warrgamay Elder who completed A Ba Arts (Language and Linguistics).
Article by Jedda Priman.
(more…)
Call for Expressions of Interest to represent mainland Torres Strait Islander languages and community groups on the Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee.
(more…)
The Australian Council of State School Organisations put out a regular newsletter about Languages Education in Australia.
This month they have highlighted the National Languages Policy Announcement.
The article, and full newsletter can be read at http://www.languageseducation.com/newsl090827.htm#toc1
Gold Coast Bulletin Article by Ben Dillaway
SONGS in a local Aboriginal language once thought to be lost will be sung by people from all walks of life at the Yugambeh Corroboree tomorrow. (more…)
Courier Mail August 10, 2009 12:00am
THE Federal Government has pledged $9.3 million over the coming year to help take 113 indigenous languages off the critically endangered list.
(more…)
There is some confusion in the media about the money but the Australian Government announced a National Indigenous Languages Policy yesterday.
Here’s the various links.
By Adrienne Francis
Intercultural training for teachers, teaching assistants and principals is vital, research finds.
New research has found the performance of Indigenous students could be significantly improved by ensuring all teachers, teaching assistants and principals receive thorough intercultural training.
The inter-cultural training being suggested aims to ensure all parties understand and respect the differences between cultures.
Associate Professor Lyn Fasoliof the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education led a four year collaborative study that has produced a report titled, “Linking Worlds – Strengthening the Leadership Capacity of Indigenous Educational Leaders.”
“Nearly 40 per cent of our kids are Indigenous and many of them are in those remote communities.
“And yet we have a fairly mainstream leadership approach.
“We basically said a different form of leadership is needed to address the cultural differences and the cultural contexts of these remote Indigenous schools.”
On the 9th of August the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts together with the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs released media statement and policy document on Indigenous Languages.
Nicolas Rothwell reviews Nicolas Evans new book Dying Languages.
Languages are dying with startling rapidity. Linguist Nicholas Evans explains why it matters, writes Nicolas Rothwell.