New Aboriginal language resource to be launched
17 March 2009The NSW Government has welcomed a new Aboriginal language learning CD which will be launched in Sydney next week.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch said Gayarragi, winangali - Find and hear, was an interactive resource with a searchable dictionary, sound from traditional and contemporary speakers, songs, stories and games.
Mr Lynch said the CD - produced by John Giacon and David Nathan - complemented the NSW Government's efforts to protect and revitalise Aboriginal languages in New South Wales.
"New South Wales was the first government in Australia to adopt a formal indigenous language policy," he said.
"The NSW Government is taking the national lead to revitalise languages, through school programs, grants and interactive resources like DVDs and CD-ROMs," Mr Lynch said.
"Since 2003, the NSW Government has invested more than $1 million on community language projects, he said.
Mr Lynch said language was a key part of tackling Aboriginal disadvantage.
Before the arrival of Europeans, at least 70 Aboriginal languages and dialects were spoken in the area now called New South Wales.
Now there are only about 20 distinct Aboriginal languages used in the State.
Mr Lynch said support has also been provided for the revitalisation of the following languages:
- Dharug (Western Sydney)
- Gamilaraay (North-Western NSW)
- Gumbaynggir (North Coast)
- Wiradjuri (Central West)
- Dharawal (Wollongong region)
- Murrawarri (Western NSW)
- Ngiyampaa (Western NSW)
- Yuwaalayaay (North-Western NSW)
- Dhanggati (Mid-North Coast region)
- Kattang (north of Newcastle)
Gayarragi, winangali - Find and hear will be launched at 5pm on 23 March at the Koori Centre, University of Sydney by Larissa Berhendt, a Yuwaalayaay woman and Professor of Law and Director of Research at the University of Technology, Sydney.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936
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