In SA, support for Indigenous languages is embedded within whole-of-government strategies and statements, but there is currently no statewide, coordinated language policy.
Bilingual Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara programs inherited from mission schools on what are now the Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara Lands, flourished until the early 1980s. In the mid 1980s Indigenous languages were formally introduced into the wider South Australian state school curriculum. During 2006 over 5000 students were involved in over 60 programs teaching one or more of nine Indigenous languages.
SACSA framework for Australian Indigenous Languages
The provision of a SACSA framework for Australian Indigenous languages in South Australian schools represents several achievements:
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Australian Indigenous languages are confirmed as a distinct and explicit presence in the South Australian curriculum
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several types of language learning programs appropriate for each language taught are recognised, namely first language maintenance, second language learning, language revival, and language awareness. A finer categorisation of language revival gives rise to revitalisation, renewal and reclamation program types which differ according to the specific situations of groups of languages
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two strands-understanding language and understanding culture-have a standing equal to the communication strand, and have particular importance for Indigenous languages
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framework now exists within which language specific curriculum development and elaboration can occur for a range of South Australian Aboriginal languages.
http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/curric/default.asp?id=11125&navgrp=659
The website has information under the following headings:
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AIL Project types
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AIL in schools
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AIL Resources
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AIL Information
