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Issues to think about before and after working on Indigenous language projects in remote areas

Caffery, Josephine (2006). Issues to think about before and after working on Indigenous language projects in remote areas. In: Allan, Keith Conference of the Australian Linguistics Society, Melbourne, 28-30 September 2005.

Document type: Conference Paper
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Author Caffery, Josephine
Title Issues to think about before and after working on Indigenous language projects in remote areas
Conference Name Conference of the Australian Linguistics Society
Conference Location Melbourne
Conference Dates 28-30 September 2005
Conference Publication Title Selected papers from the 2005 conference of the Australian Linguistics Society
Editor Allan, Keith
Place of Publication Melbourne, VIC
Publisher Australian Linguistics Society
Publication Year 2006
ISBN 978-0-9802815-0-7   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
ISSN 0-9802815-0-4   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Total Pages 8
HERDC Category E1 - Conference Publication (DEST)
Abstract There are many issues that affect language and linguistic projects that linguists, linguistic organisations and registered training organisations may not yet be aware exist. These include training, sociological, environmental and cultural issues. Some can be resolved through the training of indigenous and non-indigenous language researchers but others cannot. Several of the issues which are not amenable to training solutions can be resolved through language and linguistic organisations, but there are also others which are so embedded in culture that they may not be resolvable in some language communities. It is important for non-indigenous language researchers to be aware of these issues when working with remote indigenous language communities. It is also important for linguists to know about them prior to starting work with indigenous Australians on language projects. This paper draws on concerns raised by indigenous people, including elders, indigenous language researchers and other community members, during recent fieldwork in the Torres Strait, Cairns, Townsville and communities in Central Australia, Top End Northern Territory, the Pilbara and the Kimberley. Their concerns include: Community status; linguistic fluency; working together as one; appropriate terminology; benefits to the community; and respect and recognition for all participants. The data shows that many of these issues are still current, despite being aired for some 30 years. The paper therefore aims to raise awareness so that language projects and the relationships between community and non-indigenous linguists are more successful for all involved.
Keyword Documentation
Maintenance
Endangered languages
Australian indigenous languages
Terminology
Community status
Protocols
Ethics
Description for Link Link to conference paper
Link to ALS Hompage
URL http://www.als.asn.au/proceedings/als2005/caffery-issues.pdf
http://www.als.asn.au/proceedings/als2005.html
 
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