Introduction to the languages of the traditional and modern Indigenous societies of Australia. History of research on Australian languages. Language and territoriality. Main characteristics of the sounds and grammar of Australian languages (including some learning of one of the traditional languages). Vocabulary and semantic structure (especially kinship and placenames), and how these reflect the physical, social, and cultural environments of the speakers. Speech use and etiquette, including specialised codes and respect language. The impact of English on traditional languages: borrowing, language reduction, loss and shift. New varieties of language: pidgins, creoles (some Northern Territory Kriol will be learned), and Aboriginal English. Language reclamation and revitalisation. Language and education: policy, bilingual education, etc. Language and the law, including land rights and Native Title.

To gain a relatively non-technical understanding of the nature and role of language in traditional and post-contact Australian Indigenous society.

3 exercises (30%), a 2500 word essay (40%), and a 1500-word critical report on a topic other than that of the essay (30%)

26 hours of lectures and 7 tutorial hours. Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but have a different assessment pattern. Expect to devote two hours outside of class for each hour of class.

No prior linguistic knowledge is assumed.

Michael Walsh and Colin Yallop (eds), 2005, Language and culture in Aboriginal Australia. Canberra: Aboriginal Studies Press

Use resources of the AIATSIS library http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/library