Language shapes how we understand the world – what we notice, what we value and what we pass on. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Languages carry knowledge of Country and Culture that has been spoken and sung for tens of thousands of years.

Communities across Australia are reclaiming and relearning Languages, redressing the impacts of policies and actions to silence Languages and their speakers. Such efforts are supported through UQ’s Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalisation, a one‑of‑a‑kind program that builds networks and skills in analysing, researching, teaching and learning Indigenous Languages.

The Graduate Certificate is part of a larger national effort to advance the resurgence of First Nations Languages and empower the leaders behind that change. While communities lead vital work to sustain Languages, everyone can contribute to language revitalisation.

Contact sat down with program co-convenors and lecturers Desmond Crump and Dr Samantha Disbray to explore 5 ways that you can find out about the Languages around you.

1. Connect with local Language owners

Connect with Language owners in your local area to build relationships and begin to understand the history of people and their Languages in your region. Attending local events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events are some ways to build connection, show your respect and learn about Language and Culture. You may even find Language learning opportunities along the way.

2. Engage with quality resources

Quality resources like the Gambay map, created by First Languages Australia, the national peak body working to ensure the strength of all Indigenous Languages, are a great place to start. The Gambay map locates Languages and gives voice to Communities and Language owners from across Australia, who share knowledge about their Languages. The map has been designed and produced in a way that enables Language centres and communities to update information as they require.

3. Say g'day in your local Language

Knowing a greeting in your local Language may be an appropriate way to honour the local Language and its speakers. The State Library of Queensland ‘Say G’day’ website has greetings in many Queensland Languages.

The Yarrabil Bula greeting song, created in partnership between ABC Kids and First Languages Australia, is another great way for people of all ages to have fun and learn through song.

4. Look and listen out for Languages in the landscape

While recent moves for dual place naming honour Indigenous placenames, Indigenous placenames were also adopted in the early days of the colonies. They may be hidden beneath Anglicised spellings and sometimes diverge from the original topographic use. In Brisbane, look for clues like the ‘-bah’ on Capapalaba, Pinkenbah and Bulimba. The State Library of Queensland's placenames resources are a great source of information.

5. Learn to know, not just to speak

Remember, learning about local Languages and the history of their speakers may be more appropriate than learning to speak Languages.

To learn more about the significance of Language learning and the impact of the UQ Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalisation, you can hear our students and alumni talk about their Languages and remarkable Language journeys.

Yaluu!
('Goodbye' in Gamilaraay)