Topic
The Importance of Supporting and Recognizing Indigenous Languages
Instructions
Essay
Description Recognition of Indigenous languages and support for Indigenous language programs stand alongside land rights, health, justice, education, housing, employment, and other services as part of the overall process of pursuing social justice and reconciliation in Australia.
Without recognition of the Indigenous people and their languages, many other programs will be less effective, because this lack of recognition will show that the underlying attitudes of the dominant society have not changed significantly.
(Dr. Graham McKay. Edith Cowan University. The Land Still Speaks. 1996.)
Critically consider why it is important to recognize and support Indigenous languages.
Your answer should address the following:
Historical factors such as the past and current estimates of Indigenous languages; reasons
for language loss; the significance of languages for cultural strength; and the benefits of
Indigenous languages for Australian society.
Answer Preview
Undoubtedly, the aboriginals form a vital part of the historical heritage of Australia. Nevertheless, the aboriginals have been marginalized since the settlement of British in the 18th Century. In that regard, immediately after the referendum in 1967, there have been several initiatives as well as policies that are designed to improve the socio-economic welfare of the Aboriginals (Creative Spirits Report, 2019). Nevertheless, the indigenous people continue to experience historical disadvantages right from birth in comparison to other non-aboriginal population. It would be essential to note the support and recognition given to this group massively suffers from the absence of long-term historical data. Several factors have contributed to the marginalization of the population and they are attributed to the past injustices experienced by the group (Cultural Survival Quarterly, 2014).
According to the Creative Spirits Report, Aboriginals and Torres Islanders population was estimated at 777,000 by the period of invasion in 1788. The population dropped further due to several reasons top amongst them being dispossession of ancestral lands as well as population displacement (Creative Spirits Report, 2019). The population drastically dropped to 117,000 by 1900 which marked an 84% drop. More worryingly, the population had fallen to 93,000 in the 1950s and the main reason for the decline was related to massacres and British war (Creative Spirits Report, 2019).
Word Count: 2300