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Indigenous Languages Research

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Indigenous Languages Research

Read the source pack, then plan and write a short, respectful research feature about the importance of Indigenous languages in Australia. Use only the information provided here. Do not guess language names, locations, speaker numbers or cultural meanings. Indigenous language knowledge belongs to the relevant communities; follow their guidance when sharing it.

Source pack: languages carry knowledge

Before British colonisation, hundreds of distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were spoken across the lands and waters now called Australia. AIATSIS notes that more than 250 Indigenous Australian language groups existed, with many more dialects. Language is closely connected with identity, family, Country/Place, knowledge and ways of understanding the world. The effects of colonisation, including policies that disrupted families and discouraged language use, placed many languages at risk. Communities continue to lead work to strengthen languages. This work can include teaching children, recording and sharing language with permission, creating learning resources, and using language in community life. Each language situation is different. Some have fluent speakers; some are being learned and strengthened; and some have limited or no fluent speakers today. These descriptions can change over time. Always use the names and information that the relevant community prefers.

1.According to the source pack, what does the figure “more than 250” refer to?

2.Select the three ideas the source pack says language can be closely connected with.

Identity, family and Country/Place
Weather forecasts, sport and transport
Coins, buildings and school rules
Only written books and dictionaries

3.In your own words, explain one way colonisation placed Indigenous languages at risk, using evidence from the source pack.

4.The source pack lists several ways communities strengthen languages. Name two and explain how each could help.

5.Why does the source pack warn that language situations differ and can change over time? Give one reason this matters when writing about a particular language.

6.A writer wants to include a word from a language but does not know its meaning or whether it is appropriate to share. What should the writer do?

Guess the meaning from how the word sounds
Check reliable community-approved information and follow the relevant community’s guidance before sharing it
Publish it immediately because all words are public
Translate it using an online tool and claim the translation is certain

7.Write a focused research question for a short feature about Indigenous language strengthening. It must be answerable without assuming that all communities use the same approach.

8.Plan a three-part structure for your research feature. Give each part a useful heading and note what evidence from the source pack belongs there.

9.Turn this note into a clear, respectful sentence for a research feature: “language situation different / community lead work / no one-size-fits-all”.

10.Write a concluding sentence explaining why strengthening Indigenous languages matters. Base your sentence on the source pack and avoid speaking on behalf of a community.

11.Edit this claim so it is accurate and avoids overgeneralising: “Every Indigenous language is extinct, and outsiders should decide how to bring them back.”

Source note

The background information in this worksheet is a short summary for learning. For further research, consult AIATSIS and First Languages Australia, and follow the guidance of the relevant language community. Do not treat a map or general source as permission to share restricted cultural knowledge.