BARNGARLA LANGUAGE WORKSHOP IN WHYALLA

December 28, 2017

In December the MLT in cooperation with the Barngarla Language Advisory Committee held a language workshop in Whyalla, increasing the number of community language programs the MLT facilitates and helps run.

For this workshop we adapted the master apprentice method of language learning to the unique circumstances that surround the revival of the Barngarla language in Whyalla. Working with local landscapes and animals the morning session focused on getting workshop particpants to construct simple sentences in Barngarla. 

The afternoon session of the workshop focused more on technical aspects of the Barngarla language and walked workshop participants through some of the different aspects of the Barngarla language and its relationship with surrounding languages.

The MLT has had a long relationship working with the Barngarla community. In 2012 Whyalla Barngarla Woman Dawn Taylor took part in a cadetship with the MLT and in 2018 it is hoped that Anita Taylor will undertake a traineeship with the team.

Customising language workshops and activities to suit the needs of the participants is a key focus of how the MLT delivers language workshops around the state. Creating a unique and fluid workshop allows participants to hone their skills and efforts of the key objectives they have as new language speakers.

In 2018 the MLT is planning a number of workshops in the Whyalla area to empower Barngarla people with the tools and techniques they can use to help build confidence in their own language ability and pass on languge to other family and community members.

To find out more about the Barngarla Language Advisory committee visit Barngarla.com or to find out more about community language workshops in Whyalla or around South Australia contact the Mobile Language Team on (08) 8313 0707 or email us at info@mobilelanguageteam.com.au.