“Speaking Our Way”: New Aboriginal Publication Shares Linguistic Heritage

The Aboriginal languages of the Northern Tablelands have been captured in an outstanding collection of the region’s linguistic heritage, ‘Speaking our Way – A collection of Aboriginal Languages of the Northern Tablelands of NSW’.

‘Speaking our Way’ has been produced by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) as a reference tool to help conserve and share our Aboriginal linguistic and cultural heritage.

The addition of glorious local illustrations and artwork illuminates the richness of the Aboriginal culture represented in the words gathered in the pages of this publication.

“For the first time in our region, a dictionary of local Aboriginal languages is available for everyone, and offers all of us an opportunity to explore these traditional words in an easily accessible reference tool,” said Northern Tablelands LLS Chair, Hans Hietbrink.

The book has been compiled for Northern Tablelands LLS by Bernadette Duncan and Harry White. Bernadette Duncan is a linguistics expert and Kamilaroi woman based in Boggabilla. Harry White is Senior Land Services Officer – Aboriginal Communities, with Northern Tablelands LLS, and is also a proud member of the Kamilaroi nation.

According to Bernadette and Harry, ‘Speaking Our Way’ has been prepared to inspire interest and revival of Aboriginal languages, to hand down knowledge from one generation to another, and as a means of preserving the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of this region.

Bernie and Harry have researched, collated and edited material collected by linguists, researchers and others about more than 15 local languages including Banbai, Bundjalung, Dhanggati, Gamilaraay, Jukumbal, Kwiambal, Marbal, Nganyaywana, Ngoorabul, Wahlubal, and Yuwaalaraay.

“It is our responsibility as Elders in our respective communities to pass down our knowledge for future generations to learn, and both Bernie and I feel privileged in having the opportunity to do just that,” said Harry.

“There is a real connection between Aboriginal language and the traditional management of the land. Through language we are now encouraging the next generation to connect with country.”

‘Speaking our Way – A collection of Aboriginal Languages of the Northern Tablelands of NSW’ was launched at the recent Aboriginal Business Enterprise Symposium in Inverell by Greg Livermore, Chair of the Aboriginal Reference Advisory Group (ARAG) and Northern Tablelands LLS Chair, Hans Hietbrink.

This project has been funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and the NSW State Government through Catchment Action NSW.

Northern Tablelands LLS recognises the language knowledge holders from Local Aboriginal Land Councils across the region who contributed to “Speaking our Way”.
Copies of ‘Speaking our Way’ are available to the public in print and CD format through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services offices. For more information contact Harry White on phone: 02 6720 8303 or email: harry.white@lls.nsw.gov.au