Developing community language reclamation to support Dharawal language and cultural identity
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The problem
Dharawal country stretches from Sydney Harbour to Shoalhaven with the La Perouse Aboriginal community established as a permanent Aboriginal settlement in 1883 through the actions of the NSW Aborigines Protection Board .
Aboriginal people from the coastal areas adjacent to Sydney were forcibly housed on the mission as part of state government policies across Australia . Communities were heavily policed , with Aboriginal people prohibited from practicing language and culture , impacting transmission and daily use of Dharawal language .
Our solution
Revitalising language , with its connections to country , spirituality and kinship , is integral to improving Aboriginal wellbeing , says Mr Ray Ingrey , Chairperson of The Gujaga Foundation ( Gujaga ). Building capacity around language , increases self-worth and strengthens cultural identity in Aboriginal communities .
Gujaga is the peak organisation for language , cultural and research activities within the La Perouse Aboriginal community . It works with
Elders , senior knowledge holders and academics to foster a strong community identity .
Gujaga is partnering on a language revitalisation project with Dr Clair Hill , a linguist from UNSW who specialises in Australian languages and practical language documentation , and Associate Professor Kevin Lowe , a Gubbi Gubbi man and expert in Aboriginal language policy and school curriculum implementation .
The partnership is developing description and resources of the Dharawal language and supporting language projects in collaboration with Dharawal language knowledge holders and Dharawal Elders . It is identifying best practice for language acquisition and revitalisation in the Dharawal community with goals of widening language usage .
The project builds on Gujaga ’ s existing language program , notably its semi-immersion early-learning program , with focus groups identifying meaningful outcomes for the local community . The partnership also fosters community engagement opportunities for UNSW linguistics students .
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