Indigenous language revived with dictionary launch (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Saturday, 23 July 2005, 07:39:23  AEST

Indigenous language revived with dictionary launch
http://abc.net.au/message/news/stories/ms_news_1420730.htm

A language used in Australia for thousands of years before the arrival
of colonial settlers is being revived.

A Wiradjuri dictionary is being launched in the heart of Wiradjuri
country in Wagga today.

Retired academic Dr John Rudder has been helping to develop the
dictionary for the last eight years.

Dr Rudder says it builds on what Wiradjuri people living in south and
central western New South Wales remember.

"The language was down to remaining words that people had, and what they
did was confirm the pronunciation and the accuracy of the words from the
old lists. So all told we've put about 5,000 words into the dictionary."

A large crowd is expected at the property Yalbalingada in Wagga this
afternoon, for the launch of the Wiradjuri Dictionary.