One of the features of Spoken: celebrating Queensland languages is a Resource Lounge at the end of the exhibition space for visitors to explore the collections and languages in more depth. This space is a quiet area to reflect on the exhibition and the many stories of Queensland languages.
Some of the significant items featured in Spoken are available as digital items for visitors to read at their leisure and gain further insights into the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The touch screens developed by Web Services allow easy access to these historical items.
The 1861 Report from the Select Committee on the Native Police Force and the condition of the Aborigines generally: together with the proceedings of the Committee and minutes of evidence is referenced in the Dispersal and Resistance section of Spoken. It is part of the truth-telling of the exhibition which reveal the actions of the Native Police Force, particularly in Southern Queensland.
Margaret Lawrie undertook extensive work in the Torres Strait documenting histories, genealogies, songs and languages from the various islands - the outcomes of this work forming the Margaret Lawrie Collection. The collection is very important for Torres Strait Islander communities and features art, music, video as well as material culture from the various islands. State Library has digitised a significant amount which is available online; including art images such as 'Biu' above.
A further option on the screen links to the One Search Catalogue 'Spoken Exhibition' tag which identifies ~80 collection items referenced in the exhibition.
The interactive Queensland Indigenous Languages Map is also set up in the Resource Lounge - the touch screen enables visitors to search Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages by name or location. Each entry provides a snapshot of the language, its' location, everyday words and where to find more information.
Additionally, there are some hard copy reference texts to peruse further exploration of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Desmond Crump
Indigenous Languages Coordinator, State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Webpages
State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Map
Jarjum stories: A kuril dhagun showcase focusing on children’s books and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 19 October 2019-10 May 2020.
Spoken: celebrating Queensland languages: A major exhibition exploring the survival and revival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages throughout Queensland. Join in the many talks and events to celebrate the rich and diverse languages spoken today. 21 November 2019-19 April 2020.
References and Further Readings
The following is a selection of collection items featured in the Spoken exhibition and Resource Lounge.
Banks, J. and Beaglehole, J. C. (1962) Endeavour journal of Joseph Banks 1768-1771. J910.910.0461 BAN
Banks, J. and Dalton, J. D. (2011) Journal of the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks during Captain Cook's First Voyage in H.M.S. Endeavour in 1768-71. 910.41 BAN 2011
Barlow, H. (1873) "Vocabulary of Aboriginal Dialects of Queensland", The Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, 1873, Vol.2, pp.165-175.
Cook, J. and Wharton, W.J. L. (1968) Captain Cook's journal during his
first voyage round the world, made in H.M. Bark Endeavour, 1768-71 : a literal transcription of the original mss. / With notes and introduction edited by Captain W.J.L. Wharton. Q 910.4 COO
Journal of the HMS Endeavour, 1768-1771. MS1, National Library of
Australia.
Lawrie, M. The Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Straits Materials. TR2082
Meston, A. (1895) Queensland Aboriginals: proposed system for their improvement and preservation : addressed to the Honourable Horace Tozer. RBJ 572.89915 MES
Queensland. (1861) Report from the Select Committee on the Native Police Force and the condition of the Aborigines generally : together with the proceedings of the Committee and minutes of evidence. FILM 0707
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