River's ancient language awakens after 'sleeping' for generations
The River Murray Mallee Aboriginal Corporation and Mobile Language Team are working together to revive the ancient Ngaiawang language.
The Ngaiawang language, once prevalent among the Aboriginal community in the area known as Morgan in South Australia, is undergoing a revival thanks to efforts by the River Murray Mallee Aboriginal Corporation and the Mobile Language Team. Utilizing archival materials dating back to the 1840s, this group has compiled a lexicon of around 800 words, marking a significant step in reconnecting the community with their linguistic heritage that has been largely dormant for generations.
Historically referred to as 'sleeping', the Ngaiawang language has seen a decline since colonization led to the displacement of local Aboriginal peoples. While some words were still spoken within families, the language increasingly intermingled with other dialects, resulting in a loss of its traditional form among a majority of the community. This revival initiative is crucial for cultural identity and heritage, aiming to ensure that the language is not just remembered, but actively used and appreciated by the younger generations.
In the wake of federal funding, the community is now focused on verifying the compiled word list and intends to create a picture book that will incorporate its indigenous artwork. This project not only aims to preserve the language but also seeks to engage and educate younger community members about their ancestral roots and the importance of their linguistic heritage in the broader context of Australian culture and history.