Revival of the Kaurna Language

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that the Kaurna language is one of the main languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in and around the Adelaide region of Southern Australia. The writer notes that after the colonisation of South Australia in 1836, the population of the Kaurna people declined rapidly as they suffered from the effects of disease and displacement. Subsequently their language and culture experienced serious hardship. The writer looks at the importance of the Kaurna language to its people and by studying the techniques used to awaken the language from its dormancy. The writer points out that the revival of the Kaurna language is still an ongoing process, though much progress has already been made. Kaurna is now taught at all levels of education throughout Southern Australia. The writer concludes that whilst many steps have already been laid out to ensure the survival of Kaurna, it is up to future generations to take them and keep the language alive.

Outline:
Why Revive a 'Dormant' Language?
The Kaurna Language Revival
Resurrecting the Kaurna Phonology
Kaurna for a New Generation

From the Paper:

"These texts were essentially a written record of the language of the Kaurna people for the English speaking colonists to read. Whilst there was little public interest in the text at its time of publication, even more so when the use of Kaurna was forbidden by government bodies in subsequent years, this publication has become a major tool in the revival of Kaurna for today's generation."
"The reclamation of the Kaurna language began around 1990 with the writing of six songs in a National Aboriginal Languages Program (NALP)
funded songwriters workshop. This was the first time the language had been used again in a creative manner and these songs were subsequently published into a songbook.
"Several workshops on the Kaurna language were held over the following years along with the introduction of Kaurna to some South Australian schools, helping the language to gain recognition once again."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (n.d.). The Kaurna People. Retrieved August 15, 2006, from http://www.acc.asn.au/Kaurna.htm
• Aboriginal language resurrected in South Australia. (2001, January 28th). ABC 7:30 Report. Retrieved August 12, 2006 from http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/stories/s252923.htm
• Amery, R. (2002). Indigenous Language Programs in South Australian Schools: Issues, Dilemmas and Solutions. Retrieved August 19, 2006, from the NSW Board of Studies Website: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/aboriginal_research/pdf_doc/indig_lang_sa_amery.pdf
• Amery, R. (2000). Warrabarna Kaurna! : Reclaiming an Australian language. Lisse, The Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger Publishers.
• Amery, R. (n.d.). Foundation for Endangered Languages: Publications of Interest. Retrieved October 10, 2006, from http://www.ogmios.org/1511.htm.

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