In a significant stride towards cultural preservation and societal enrichment, the Western Australian government has recently allocated funding to support the crucial work of the WA Network of Aboriginal Language Centres. This funding injection stands as a beacon of hope for the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages across the vast and diverse landscapes of Western Australia. Preserving Western Australia’s Aboriginal Languages: A Vital Investment
Comprising six language centres spread across regions like the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest, and Perth, the WA Network of Aboriginal Language Centres serves as a cornerstone in realizing Closing the Gap Target 16. This target underscores the imperative to safeguard and foster the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, ensuring their vibrancy and relevance for generations to come.
Zain Laudehr-May, Program Manager at the Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre, emphasized the critical importance of supporting Indigenous communities in their endeavors to uphold their linguistic heritage. He underscored the urgency of this mission, noting the pressing threat to many First Nations languages as Elders pass away and linguistic traditions fade into obscurity.
The significance of language preservation transcends mere words; it encapsulates entire realms of thought, culture, and tradition. With the extinction of each language, a rich tapestry of knowledge encompassing environmental wisdom, technological innovations, social structures, and economic insights dissipates, leaving a void in our collective understanding of Indigenous history and wisdom.
Central to the Network’s vision is the establishment of a dedicated secretariat to foster collaboration among the language centres, facilitate knowledge exchange, and advocate for supportive policies and strategies at the governmental level. Mr. Laudehr-May articulated a long-term aspiration to create a peak body for WA Aboriginal Languages, providing sustained support for language maintenance and revitalization efforts.
While Commonwealth funding has historically supported the initiatives of individual language centres, the recent injection of state government support marks a paradigm shift in collective action. This newfound support heralds a transformative era wherein stakeholders can unite their efforts to fortify Aboriginal languages and empower Indigenous communities across Western Australia.
Lee-Anne Smith, representing the Kimberley Language Resource Centre, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of investing in language preservation. Beyond preserving cultural identity, research underscores the economic, social, and emotional dividends of such investments, underscoring the holistic value of linguistic diversity in fostering vibrant and resilient communities.
The six language centres forming the backbone of this endeavor – Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre, Kimberley Language Resource Centre, Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Kununurra, Noongar Boodja Language Centre, Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga, and Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre – stand as beacons of resilience and determination in safeguarding Western Australia’s linguistic heritage.
As Western Australia embarks on this journey to preserve and promote its Aboriginal languages, it emboldens a collective commitment to inclusivity, cultural enrichment, and intergenerational solidarity. Through concerted efforts and sustained support, the echoes of Indigenous languages will resonate across time, enriching our shared tapestry of human experience and understanding.
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