Indigenous dictionaries keep languages alive (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Monday, 26 February 2007, 12:28:16  AEDT
Indigenous dictionaries keep languages alive
http://abc.net.au/message/news/stories/ms_news_1856866.htm

A language centre in South Hedland in north-west Western Australia is
continuing to produce dictionaries for the Pilbara's 30-odd Indigenous
languages.

The federally-funded Wangka Maya Aboriginal Language Centre has just
produced the three latest editions in three traditional languages
spoken by the people of Bidyadanga, south of Broome.

Linguist Sally Dixon says the latest releases bring the total number
produced so far to 24.

Ms Dixon says they are sent to local schools to help preserve languages
among the younger generation.

"They are a really good record for people to feel like they still have a
connection with their language..." she said.

"For languages that are still being spoken quite a lot, they are a
really good tool for them to keep those languages strong, keep them
being used and keep them valued."