The lead author of a breakthrough national curriculum framework which will encourage the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in more Australian schools is disappointed with the timing of the release.
The Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages was released last week by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Prof Jakelin Troy said the document was a landmark publication which would encourage schools to work with local Indigenous communities on language programs.
“I am bitterly disappointed that this document has almost been snuck into our national history, just as everyone is winding down for the year and paying more attention to fake Santas and imitation snow,” she said.
“There is no fanfare or celebration of this historic moment, when for the first time the languages of this land – the true Australian languages – are being embedded in our education system.
“For over six years, our team worked to ensure this document was practical and community driven. We created a plan to facilitate the teaching of more than 250 Australian languages to any student irrespective of where they live.”
Prof Troy told southburnett.com.au there were at least 13 Australian languages which were still being spoken fluently.
Language revival was also happening in many parts of Australia.
She said it was remarkable how much knowledge of different languages was held in communities.
“The final Framework accommodates any learner, from school entry level to Year 10, at all levels: whether studying their own first language, learning one of the languages in revival mode (those languages being woken up by its community), or as a second language learner,” Prof Troy said.
“At a local level schools across Australia can now use this Framework to guide them in developing curriculum to teach an Australian language and to be sure that in doing so they are teaching students using the Australian Curriculum standards.”
Prof Troy encouraged teachers to work with local Indigenous communities to put the program into place.
She said she was also willing to travel to schools to talk to principals about how an Australian language could be introduced into their subject range.
“The success of this framework will ultimately rest upon the level of resourcing and financial support available to teachers, to ensure this significant tool can be implemented in the most effective way,” she said.
Prof Troy said learning another language expanded a student’s world view and could move them into another way of thinking.
“Languages are precious resources for the whole community,” she said.
