Time to Inspire!

Appreciative thanks to Professor Ghil'ad Zuckermann of the University of Adelaide for including me as a lecturer on the topic, Revivalistics, semester one 2022.

The course explores Revivalistics, a new trans-disciplinary field of enquiry surrounding language reclamation, revitalization and reinvigoration. It studies comparatively and systematically the universal constraints and global mechanisms on the one hand, and local peculiarities and idiosyncrasies on the other hand, apparent in revival attempts across various sociological backgrounds, all over the world.

Today’s lecture presented the outcomes of a recent field trip designed to immerse children in Barngarla, an Indigenous Australian language undergoing revival after generations of dormancy. This initiative forms part of the trilingual linguistic program I coordinate at an educational centre in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, which integrates Barngarla alongside French and English. The project highlights the importance of experiential learning in language reclamation, encouraging cultural connection and linguistic renewal.

In an Australian first, the children travelled to Port Lincoln in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia to undertake a cross-cultural exchange with the Barngarla People.

Indigenous Linguistic Field Trip - June 18 to 20, 2021

Bawoo!

On June 18 to 20, 2021, A long-term project came to fruition with a successful weekend-long linguistic field trip to Port Lincoln.

Port Lincoln and the region of the Eyre Peninsula is the traditional land of the Barngarla People, and is approximately a one hour flight from our home base in Adelaide.

Click on the above image to view a report written by ABC Australia who covered the linguistic field trip!

I planned and coordinated the educational experience with a fellow teacher, and the guidance of Professor Ghil'ad Zuckermann, Professor of Linguistics and Chair of Endangered Languages at the University of Adelaide Australia.

The travelling group consisted of teachers, parents, and their children to undertake a cross-cultural exchange with the native speakers of the indigenous language they are learning, Barngarla.

Barngarla Elders shared their stories and feelings about reconciliation, representation and the revival of the Barngarla Language (once a victim of linguicide, a language genocide, when all or almost all native speakers of that language die because of natural disasters, wars).

The field trip was a magical, educational, cross-cultural experience for everyone that attended. We extended an arm of friendship to the Barngarla People to join us in Adelaide for further language and culture workshops to develop the teacher's and children's target language skill development and learn more about indigenous culture.

A commissioned painting by local Barngarla artist Jenna Richards was presented to us commemorating the meeting and cultural exchange.

Upon our return to Adelaide, I created a Language Nest at the Educational centre which enjoys regular visits from Barngarla Community Members presenting unique cultural experiences for the children.