IA2020 - Australian Indigenous Languages

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Indigenous Australian Studies

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

• 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;
• identify how Indigenous languages are an important part of the cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coordinator:	Ms Sharon Moore
Lecturer:	Ms Lynette Mackay.
Contact hours:	30 hours workshops/Seminars
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	online discussions (60%); online exams (40%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Must have access to computer and internet

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.