The birth of new Australian Aboriginal Languages: the role of speaker identity in language genesis

2025-2029

The incursion of English has deeply impacted the linguistic landscape of Australia. In its wake: new languages which are complex amalgamations of English and traditional Australian languages. The number of first-language speakers is growing rapidly, yet speaking these languages is stigmatised and is correlated with poor educational outcomes. Moreover, many questions surround how these languages are formed and sustained. This project will develop a model of how sound systems develop in these languages, with particular attention paid to the role of speaker identity.

The building blocks of language: Words in Central Australian languages

2022-2026

This project seeks to model the structure of words and phrases in three indigenous languages of of central Australia: Anmatyerr, Kaytetye, and Warumungu.

Building employment pathways for Aboriginal people living in the Geelong region

2022-2023

Action research to understand:
• The experiences and stories of local First Nations peoples, communities and stakeholders within Djilang’s employment and skills ecosystem
• The barriers, challenges, opportunities, what is working and what needs to change

Artwork by Louisa Whettam of Ngiyambalgarra Consultancy.

Warlmanpa language documentation and description

2017-2021

Warlmanpa is a highly endangered language spoken in the Northern Territory of Australia. In collaboration with speakers of the language, this project will provide long-lasting documentation of the language which can serve as the basis for revitalisation.