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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/11/first-nations-indigenous-languages-taught-nsw-schools>
"In a newly constructed yarning circle, students from Holmwood public school
are practising an acknowledgment of country in Wiradjuri. The relieving
principal, Beatrice Murray, raises her voice to be heard above the noise.
“
Yiradhu marang,” she says to get their attention. It means good day, or
hello. Holding a laminated sheet of paper, Murray leads the primary school
students through the acknowledgment. The aim is for the children to memorise
the words and pronunciation so they can offer an acknowledgment with kindness,
respect and strength – the Wiradjuri concept
yindyamarra.
“We talk about the importance of having sensitivity, of making sure when you
speak language it’s done in the right place and the right time,” Murray says.
“This next generation of kids coming through is beautiful, they’re more
accepting of different cultures. As a teacher I can say I’m hopeful that things
will get better.”
Wiradjuri is the most commonly spoken language in Cowra other than English,
according to the 2021 census. Thirty-five households reported that Wiradjuri
was the main language spoken at home but Murray believes even more speak some
Wiradjuri, woven in with English.
“If Wiradjuri people sit down and list the words they already know, they’d be
surprised how many were words they use in everyday conversation,” she says.
“It’s always been part of the way we talk.”
The daily noticeboard at Yalbillinga Boori day care centre
The daily noticeboard at Yalbillinga Boori day care centre. Photograph: Eliza
Spencer/The Guardian
Murray grew up speaking scattered words of Wiradjuri, and joined a language
course after hearing leaders including Uncle Stan Grant Sr and Letetia Harris
speak confidently in Wiradjuri.
“I realised how important language is to build Wiradjuri people up, strengthen
our identity, strengthen culture,” she says. “The more of us that learn our
language, the better off we’ll be.
“What do we want for the future of our children, our grandchildren and
great-grandchildren? Having knowledge of their language in their own culture
and identity – that’s the end goal.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
