Victorian Aboriginal Languages / Levels 7 to 10 / Understanding / Role of language building
Content description
Investigate and explain techniques used to build language, considering challenges involved and understanding their role as contemporary documenters of language
Elaborations
identifying and discussing the main areas of the language that could be served by language building
analysing the authenticity of historical sources used in language building and discuss the strengths and limitations of these
investigating different approaches that have historically been used to record language and what this means for language revival, for example, different spellings, different domains of use, lexical biases
understanding challenges in developing new words and structures for the language, and how these words might be developed within the existing resources of the language or by analogy from related languages
discussing techniques used to build language, such as analysing historical sources, interviewing/recording existing speakers
understanding the orthographic and grammatical choices of the contemporary community
considering domains of use where the language may grow in the future
trying out ways of making new words under the guidance of an Aboriginal languages specialist or a respected community member where appropriate
working with local Aboriginal communities in language-related projects, and contributing to local language records and resources through structured and research-based projects
understanding their role as contemporary documenters of the language, for example, listening and transcribing spoken texts, preserving language resources developed at school
developing a variety of resources for younger and future students of the language
investigating programs and initiatives that serve to maintain and strengthen language use, for example, school languages programs, bilingual education, research programs, recording and archiving material, websites, databases and documentaries
exploring the importance of advocacy in supporting the maintenance and development of language and culture
