The Indigenous languages of Australia have been undergoing a renaissance over recent decades. Many languages that had long ceased to be heard in public and consequently deemed 'dead' or 'extinct', have begun to emerge. Geographically and linguistically isolated, revitalisers of Indigenous Australian languages have often struggled to find guidance for their circumstances, unaware of the others walking a similar path. In this context Re-awakening Languages seeks to provide the first comprehensive snapshot of the actions and aspirations of Indigenous people and their supporters for the revitalisation of Australian languages in the 21st century. The contributions to this volume describe the satisfactions and tensions of this ongoing struggle. They also draw attention to the need for effective planning and strong advocacy at the highest political and administrative levels, if language revitalisation in Australia is to be successful and people's efforts are to have longevity.

'A must read for all who would like to understand the languages and culture of Indigenous Australians.' Dr Ernie Grant, Elder of the Jirrbal nation When Captain Cook landed at Botany Bay, about 250 distinct languages were spoken across the continent. Yet Australian Indigenous languages actually share many common features. Bob Dixon has been working with elders to research Australian languages for half a century, and he draws on this deep experience to outline the common features. He provides a straightforward introduction to the sounds, word building, and wide-ranging vocabulary of Indigenous languages, and highlights distinctive grammatical features. He explains how language is related to culture, including kinship relationships, gender systems, and naming conventions. With examples from over 30 languages and anecdotes illustrating language use, and avoiding technical terms, Australia's Original Languages is the indispensable starting point for anyone interested in learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages. 'Written in an accessible, easy to read style, Professor Dixon's new book is an informative and entertaining introduction to Australia's "original" languages.' Dr Joe Blythe, Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University

An introduction to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages that explains their distinctive features accessibly for readers who have no previous experience with learning another language, and shows how language reflects traditional culture.

An excellent introduction to the complicated issues of language reconstruction, this concise guide explores languages that are no longer spoken or those that are spoken by only a few people. Each contributor works through some of the complex issues vital to language workers in an accessible, easy-to-read style, and exercises throughout the book provide immediate ways to put the ideas into practice and experience the rewards and frustrations of this kind of language work.

Second and revised edition of a survey of Aboriginal languages and their relation to tribal life. Before European settlement there were over 200 different languages, but more than half of these are now extinct. Includes a section on Aboriginal words in Australian English. First published in 1981.

This ground-breaking 1980 study of over 200 Australian languages is still valuable, especially for its non-technical opening chapters.