NATIONAL: National Indigenous Languages Survey Report 2005 (fwd)

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1 February 2006 

  NATIONAL: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES SURVEY REPORT 2005 

   Source: Senator Rod Kemp
http://www.abc.net.au/message/news/stories/s1559821.htm

  The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, yesterday released the
National Indigenous Languages Survey Report 2005 which provides an overview of
the condition of Australia’s Indigenous languages.  “Indigenous languages are
a rich and important part of Australia’s Indigenous cultural heritage and the
National Indigenous Languages Survey Report 2005 provides a valuable update on
their status,” Senator Kemp said.
The report analyses a national survey on the state of Australia’s Indigenous
languages that was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2004. The
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
conducted the survey, in conjunction with the Federation of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Languages (FATSIL), and prepared the report.
Senator Kemp said the report documents both the vitality and the vulnerability
of Australia’s Indigenous languages.
“It highlights areas that need assistance, recommends future directions for
languages policy and highlights how the Australian Government's new
whole-of-government approach can assist Indigenous communities protect and
strengthen their languages,” Senator Kemp said.
The National Indigenous Languages Survey Report 2005 highlights that:

* Of an original estimated 250 known Australian Indigenous languages, only 18
languages are now considered ‘strong’ and have speakers in all age groups.

* About 110 Indigenous languages are still spoken by older people but are
endangered.

* Words and phrases are still in use and there is community support in many
parts of the country for reclamation and learning programs for many other
languages which are no longer fully spoken.

* Communities around Australia possess many of the elements required to keep
Indigenous languages strong or to reclaim them. They have skilled and devoted
language workers and teachers, excellent teaching materials, good documentation
of languages and active community language centres.
The National Indigenous Languages Survey Report 2005[1] online
The Australian Government’s Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records
program funds activities to retain and revive Australia’s Indigenous
languages. It supports activities that help to maintain the strength of
languages that are widely spoken and that preserve and revive endangered
languages, where there a limited number of elderly speakers. 

Links:
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[1]
http://www.dcita.gov.au/indig/maintenance_indigenous_languages/publications.%3CBR%3E
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