Nyikina language classes to go public (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Nyikina language classes to go public

National Indigenous Times, Issue 90
http://www.nit.com.au/business/story.aspx?id=5787

WA: In September 2004 the Nyikina people of Derby celebrated the launch
of a kit which contains resources for teaching their language.

Among the exciting materials was the outline for a possible course that
would use the contents of the kit in a structured way to teach language
to all who have a mind to learn and are approved by Nyikina Inc. Anyone
wishing to purchase a kit would need to demonstrate understanding of
how to use the materials, preferably by completing the course.

After community consultation, several of the resources and the course
plan have now been revised and are ready for testing, so a meeting was
called at the Derby Community Library on September 13 to discuss the
next steps.

Attendance at the meeting was beyond expectations with a mixture of
Derby residents being there on the night. Twenty five people applied to
take part in a pilot course which will commence on October 10.

Several more have added their names to the list since the meeting.

Classes will be held from 7-10pm for ten sessions.

The organisers believe the course will be the first of its kind for a
Kimberley Aboriginal language at home.

Participants will learn to speak and respond to some simple Nyikina
phrases. They will also develop an understanding of the spelling system
and begin to recognise simple features of grammar.

Organisers, Nyikina Inc and Madjulla Inc, hope that at least some of the
first group of students will be enthusiastic enough to continue to learn
the language from local speakers after the course is over.

Nyikina elders Aunty Daisy Loongkoonan, Lucy Marshall and Jeanni Warby
were enthusiastic about the opportunity to ensure that their language
will not only survive but grow strong again in the country where it
belongs.

They dream of a time in the future when Nyikina will be offered in local
schools along with other subjects, and there will be understanding and
support in the wider community to nurture children’s development in the
language.

The meeting on September 13 was the first step in the realisation of
this dream.