THE Aboriginal Wiradjuri language is being revived at Canobolas Rural Technology High School.
The language is spoken by about 1000 people in the central southern region of New South Wales but an initiative by the high school is hoping to revive the language so that by the end of the year their year 8 students will be able to speak some phrases fluently.
Principal Chad Bliss said about one quarter of the school’s population had indigenous heritage and the program was a way of celebrating that heritage and giving students confidence.
“I believe they tried to do something a few years ago but it fell over,” he said.
“We’re hoping to revamp it and to do it differently.”
The year 8 students will have lessons every Monday co-ordinated by Dubbo teacher Diane McNabo who is a Wiradjuri woman and an “experienced professional”.
Mr Bliss said eventually the lessons would be rolled out to the whole school with students learning about Wiradjuri art and dance and participating in community workshops.
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“It’s about engaging kids with another opportunity,” he said.
“We certainly see a need to link cultural awareness and cultural heritage.”
The program started last week and Mr Bliss said he hoped by the end of two terms students would be able to speak Wiradjuri phrases confidently.
- This article originally appears at:
- http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/1532068/wiradjuri-language-the-talk-of-school/?cs=12
- Article taken from the following publication:
- Central Western Daily
- Article submitted by:
- Author:
- Nicole Kuter
