TAFE NSW is delivering tailored Aboriginal Language courses to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in an effort to help preserve some of the world’s oldest languages.

Over half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages have been lost since colonisation. Of those that remain spoken today, the National Indigenous Language Survey classifies 42% to be endangered.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher for Aboriginal Languages, Michelle Crowe, said Aboriginal language courses are critical for the preservation of First Nations languages which are integral to the identity and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

“The Certificate I in Aboriginal Language for Everyday Use is a fantastic opportunity for learners to strengthen their voice, identity and culture through language,” Ms Crowe said.

“The aim of the course is to learn the foundations of reading and writing in language, which will help preserve the voices and traditions of First Nations People.

“It allows learners to deepen their connection to culture and gives them the confidence to follow a pathway of further knowledge and learning, as well as safeguard the language for our future generations.”

Proud Wiradjuri woman, Karen Brown, completed the foundational course at TAFE NSW Lithgow before going on to complete the Certificate III in Aboriginal Language for Community Use.

“We learnt a wide range of things during the Certificate I from how to greet one another, to the use of vowels, the words for colours, animals, places, and body parts,” Ms Brown said.

“We also talked a lot about culture, Country, and kinship.

“Learning directly from our elder, Aunty Iris, was particularly special as she had so much knowledge to share.

“I’d been working in Aboriginal Education for ten years but completing the Certificate I gave me the skills and the confidence to move into my current role as an Aboriginal Language Tutor for the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst. 

“I would really encourage anyone considering the course to give it a go, not only does it allow you to learn and grow as a person, but it also opens up some really valuable employment opportunities and the chance pass on our knowledge and culture to others.”

Michelle Crowe believes sharing language with the broader, non-indigenous community is also an important part of the conservation process.

“Our elders say we’ve always had our language, she’s just been sleeping,” Ms Crowe said.

“We need to be sharing it, we need to get people confident to teach and share it with everybody, because if we keep it to ourselves, we run the risk of her going back to sleep.”