Indigenous Languages Research Workshop in Aurukun

State Library of Queensland and The PAMA Language Centre are co-hosting an Indigenous Languages Research Workshop in Aurukun from 21 – 23^rd March 2017 at the Wik Mungkan Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC).  This workshop will be in partnership with the Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity (RNLD) to offer participants an innovative training experience.

Roslyn Yates and Des Crump at the December RNLD Training Workshop, State Library of Queensland, Brisbane, 2016

The workshop aims to build upon and extend previous research workshops by adding a language training element across three days. RNLD staff will be conducting training from their Flexible Documenting and Revitalising Indigenous Languages (DRIL) program which participants will apply to researching the State Library Collections.

Modules to be undertaken at the workshop will be based upon the needs of the group and may include:

• Developing a language project – this topic covers all stages of planning and developing a language project, from choosing the topic and goals of the project, to considering ethical and cultural issues and setting up protocols, writing a grant application for funding, finding existing information and resources about the language, and developing partnerships and networks.


• Using technologies –will focus on making recordings with digital audio equipment. The exercises assist in choosing the right recording equipment and accessories for your project and budget, practical and cultural issues in audio and video recording, and methods to make sure your recordings remain safe and secure and easily accessed.


• Linguistics and language documentation – this topic introduces participants to the core areas in linguistics and give you an understanding of the kind of work that linguists do. You will learn to form words and sentences in your language, and to build skills in speaking, reading and writing your language.


• Creating language resources - builds the skills needed to produce print and audio language resources that might be used in teaching and learning your language.

Please contact Des Crump for an Expression of Interest Form or additional information on the RNLD training.

Please pass this information on to interested community members.

About the author

Des Crump is the Indigenous Languages Coordinator at Queensland Memory, State Library of Queensland.