Bininj friends keep language strong

THE Bininj are stone country and freshwater river people, with an ancient, living culture in West Arnhem Land, and traditions that span thousands of years.

But – just like everyone else – Bininj mob love a good selfie and chatting on Facebook with their friends. So, on Sunday 11 October, a new Facebook page was launched where Bininj can share their photos, along with news, events and stories in their own language.

As well as being a lot of fun, the Bininj Kunwok Language Project Facebook page helps maintain local Indigenous languages including Kunwinjku, Kundjeyhmi, Kuninjku and Mayali.

Dr Murray Garde, a linguist and anthropologist with the project, says using social media is part of a strategy to widen the orbit of traditional language use within the community, especially amongst younger Bininj people.

“We are hoping to encourage Bininj colleagues and friends to use it and post in their language, even if they are not sure about spelling,” Dr Garde said. “This is part of a push – which we have been doing along with organisations like Children’s Ground – for greater vernacular literacy, or literacy in the mothers’ tongue.”

Dr Garde said as well as maintaining language resources, there were educational benefits that came from people using their traditional language.

“Young people respond to an interest in their language, and see it as worthwhile to keep speaking it,” he said. “Research shows that people who learn to read and write in their traditional language as kids are more successful in learning to read and write in English.”

For those interested in learning more about the language project, visit bininjgunwok.org.au. The Bininj Kunwok Language Project is auspiced by the West Arnhem Regional Council and funded by the Indigenous Languages Support program of the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts.