Faith Baisden

FATSIL has taken a page through the AIATSIS site to publish a series of articles entitled "Language of the Month".

These will take the form of contributions from different language areas throughout Australia, presenting stories, poems or songs, and including photos or artwork to complement the text.

Please note change in phone number for Yaitya Warra Wodli South Australian Aboriginal Language Centre -

469-471 Torrens Road Kilkenny 5009
PO Box 1652
Port Adelaide Business Centre
Port Adelaide 5015 Phone 08 8244 5644 Fax 08 8244 5600

The National Languages and Literature Institute of Australia (NLLIA) has changed its name to
Language Australia.

This is the first of a series of articles on indigenous languages which will be published on the internet at this address www.aiatsis.gov.au

The Gumbaynggir language belongs to the people of the north coast region of New South Wales. The language area extends from the Clarence River near Grafton in the north, west to Guyra and Ben Lomond, and south to Scotts Head.

There are ten fluent speakers of the language, most of whom are assisting in programs to teach the language in twelve of the local schools.

For further information about the Gumbaynggir language contact:
Muurbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-op Ltd
465 Bellwood Road Nambucca Heads NSW 2448
Phone 065 694294
Fax 065 694295

If you would like an article from your language area published in "Language of the Month", contact Faith Baisden on
Phone 07 3807 0885 or
Fax 07 3807 8922.

The voices of the land

from Nikki McCoy - Acting Assistant Manager,
Broadcasting Language Arts and Culture ATSIC

"The re-introduction of our language is restoring our people's confidence and identity, which is helping to reverse the devastating effects of assimilation. Before the revival of our languages we adopted the word Koori or Tasmanian Aboriginal and seldom used our own word to identify who we are. The name Palawa is now used statewide with pride and has made our identity even stronger." Gaye Brown, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, in the DEET publication, Alive and Deadly, May 1995.

It may sound as though it's the last outpost, but the tiny town of Bourke in western New South Wales leaves many larger centres in the shade when it comes to the preservation of language and culture.

The Muda Aboriginal Corporation, operating from the Bourke TAFE College, has a full time staff of five and an impressive list of achievements for its short history. Reporting on the progress over the past three years, centre administrator Greg Mckellar highlighted the need for urgency in retrieving language in the area.

Thirty years ago Jack Guttie's parents died.

Their passing should have been unremarkable in terms of history, except that this marked the silencing of the Yandruwandha language after many thousands of years.

Their son who had spoken the language as a child no longer used it. There was no one to speak to.

Strikingly presented, and with a colourful layout Australia's Indigenous Languages proves that text books don't need to be boring. This book should appeal not only to those interested in language, but to anyone looking to improve their broad understanding of indigenous culture.

Sandra Smith and Ivan Couzens attended the previous AIATSIS workshop Paper and Talk

People who came to the last one, 'Paper and Talk', found it helpful for using old written records.

FATSIL's Annual General Meeting will be held in Canberra on April 9th, 10th and 11th

Lester Coyne
Chairperson
21 McCabe Street
FREMANTLE WA 6159
09 4308 289
09 4308 607