Muurrbay held a language workshop for our Southern languages in April 2015, Wollatuka hosted us at their beautiful venue at the University of Newcastle. Over thirty five people attended over the two days. Aboriginal language workers and teachers from many language groups attended and shared their ideas on language revitalisation and teaching, including: Gumbaynggirr, Dhanggati, Gathang, Hunter River-Lake Macquarie (Awabakal- Wonnarua) and Darkinyung.
Linguists and language workers presented on such areas as: ‘Rebuilding a Language- what it would be like and what factors influence it?’; Options for immersion: ASLA and TPR approaches; Wonnarua language project; East Coast Song Research and Starting a Summer School. Workshops gave each language group an opportunity to share and exchange methods and knowledge of teaching Aboriginal languages.
Gary Williams launched the animated DVD ‘Gathang Djuyal: Gathang Stories’ developed by Uncle Jim and Anthony Ridgeway, the publication was dedicated to the memory of Uncle Jim. Many participants recognised the value of such as forum, and we discussed how to build on this with a “Festival of languages” in the future.
Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative