Play
Stop
 
 

Australia used to be one of the most language-diverse countries on earth, with over 250 dialects spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. But that number has been decimated by more than 90 per cent, and today there are less than 20 indigenous languages still going strong.

How these languages can be used to improve education and tackle disadvantage in communities is the subject of an inquiry that has been going for a little over a year. Advocates say it’s a crying shame so many tongues have died off, and it’s up to the government to channel more funding towards language education programs so they can be revived.

(Visited 3 times, 1 visits today)
Download Audio
Tuesday, May 8 2012
Produced By Natalie Muller
Featured in storyGary Williams - Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-op, Nambucca HeadsShayne Neumann MP - Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AffairsSusan Poetsch - Lecturer at the Koori Centre, University of SydneyGhil’ad Zuckermann - Professor of Linguistics and Endangered Languages, University of Adelaide
Category

The Wire is produced in partnership by

Contributor Stations

Supporters and Program Distribution