March 20, 2015
The State Library of Queensland will be hosting an Indigenous Languages Workshop in Cherbourg at the end of this month.
The workshop, on March 30, will explore Wakka Wakka, the traditional language of the South and North Burnett areas
The State Library holds significant language materials on Wakka Wakka, including wordlists and linguistic surveys from linguists, settlers and missionaries.
As well, there are items that draw upon the knowledge held within the Aboriginal community.
There is concern that there are now few speakers of Wakka Wakka and the language is not being used on a regular basis.
The organisers of the workshop are hopeful the workshop may serve as a “trigger” for the social memory of language knowledge and support the revival of Wakka Wakka across the community.
The language workshop will be held at The Ration Shed Museum.
The State Library will also compile some language materials which will be deposited at the Museum as a permanent resource for the community.
Workshop registration forms can be obtained from Bradley Bennett at The Ration Shed on (07) 4169-5753 or by emailing Des Crump or Rose Warsow at the State Library in Brisbane.
- External link: Indigenous Language Map (showing approximate boundaries of different languages)
