Language is not just about how we communicate but is a vital part of who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Updated 2nd May 2018 Language expresses our culture, our world view, our knowledge and our identity. Across Australia, there are around 250 Aboriginal language groups, with about 40 in Victoria. There are also many different dialects. There is huge richness and diversity in Aboriginal languages. Words used in English that come from Aboriginal languages include kangaroo, billabong and koala. Many place names in Victoria come from Aboriginal words, including Ballarat (from Wathaurong language), Warrnambool (from Dhauwurd Wurrung language) and Tullamarine (from Woi Wurrung language).[1] Across Australia, there are around 250 Aboriginal language groups, with about 40 in Victoria. While the impacts of colonisation have been devastating for our languages, there are many Aboriginal people and organisations in Victoria working hard to revive and teach language. This article provides a summary of key issues around Victorian Aboriginal languages and language revival. Our Mother Tongue: GunaiKurnai from ABC Open Albury-Wodonga on Vimeo. [1] Ian D Clarke, Toby Heydon 2002, Aboriginal Placenames of Melbourne and Central Victoria, Aboriginal Placenames of Southwest Victoria, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages.

Why is language important? "Culture is expressed through language so language is a good medium for keeping culture strong. I feel good when I sing in language, because it’s my language. It’s part of who I am" – Corey Theatre (Djab Wurrung)



THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE Language isn’t just words to describe the world around us. It expresses and reflects the world view of a group of people, including beliefs, knowledge and identity. For Aboriginal people, our language is a core part of our culture that reflects our values, stories, songs and our relationship to Country. Aboriginal languages are very unique and have very specific linguistic traits that reflect culture. For example, in many Aboriginal languages, the words you use differ significantly depending on who you’re speaking with and how you are connected to that person through kinship systems. This shows how important relationships to kin and Community are in our culture. Language also represents a connection to our ancestors, who have spoken these words and told stories for thousands and thousands of years. As a connection to our ancestors, Country and culture, Aboriginal languages empower Communities and people to be strong in identity and knowledge of language contributes to our wellbeing.

LANGUAGES IN VICTORIA The Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) has created a map of Aboriginal languages in Victoria. While there is some overlap between languages and boundaries are often not clear, the majority are considered to be distinct, separate languages.

IMPACT OF COLONISATION Colonisation had a huge impact on Aboriginal languages, as British and then Australian governments actively sought to prevent Aboriginal people from practicing culture, including speaking our languages. These practices were devastating and many languages have been lost or have declined to a critical state. Language makes you feel whole, you know you are an Aboriginal person but it’s like a missing jigsaw link that you want to put together – Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir (Boonwurrung)

ABORIGINAL ENGLISH Aboriginal people have adapted to the changes brought about by colonisation in many different ways, including in the way we speak. Even though English was forced on Aboriginal people by the British, Aboriginal people have adapted this language to reflect our cultural values and customs. As a result, many Aboriginal people in Victoria speak Aboriginal or Koorie English. Aboriginal English has distinct rules and expressions. For example, direct requests are often avoided and body language is used to support words. It also reflects Aboriginal cultural values, for example respect for Elders. Words commonly used in Aboriginal English include deadly, mob and yarn.