IA2020 - Australian Indigenous Languages

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:

This subject aims to give you a basic understanding of the Indigenous language situation in Australia. A selection of languages from across the country will receive special focus. In particular, the class will examine in detail, the Gugu-Badham language with permission and guest speakers from the Gugu-Badham Nation. We will look at Indigenous languages in terms of their history since coming into contact with English as well as the various strategies being used to contribute to their maintenance or restoration. This is not a linguistic subject, although it will include some linguistic topics, it is more of a socio-linguistic subject because it examines both culture and its interrelationship with language. However, for those interested in becoming linguists this will still be a good starting point. Furthermore, as it will give you general information about Indigenous languages it will provide you with a foundation for many other Indigenous Studies units. This subject will provide some helpful insights but will not teach a specific language to any formalised degree.

Learning Outcomes

• understand how Indigenous languages are an important part of the cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians;
• discuss the state of Indigenous languages in Australia today and the efforts being made to maintain or reclaim them;
• examine the complex nature of Indigenous languages and issues related to writing, speaking or communicating nonverbally in them;
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the lexicon system (vocabulary) of one sample Indigenous language.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully.

Availabilities
, , Study Period 5
Census Date 05-May-2006
Face to face teaching 18-Apr-2006 to 21-Apr-2006
Coord/Lect:	Ms Lynette Ireland.
Contact hours:	30 hours
Assessment:	(30%); (20%); (50%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Compulsory attendance at four-day block

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.