IY2019: Waking sleeping languages
‘In the same way the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, we are now witnessing a beautiful renaissance of language through song’ — Gina Williams.
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Songwriter and story teller Gina Williams and musician Guy Ghouse are doing what they can to keep the Noongar language and culture alive.
The duo perform songs in language and run workshops, informed by the four principles of Koort (Heart), Moort (Family and Community), Boodja (Land) and Koorlangka (Children and Legacy).
Just like a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, so too are many Indigenous languages awakening.
'There was once a time on Noongar Country when every person that lived here spoke the language. Now only less than 1% of the Noongar population actually speaks Noongar language,' Gina said.
'However, what we're seeing is this amazing renaissance. The language didn't die! It just took a nap.
'Languages have always been beautiful but we are changing our attitude and we're seeing them fly now.'
YouTube link https://youtu.be/ALJjbuPWpGY?list=PLBqirIDWFx20vMsBfSyUXXQWe6thNKwjI
Find out more
- Visit the International Year of Indigenous Languages video page
- Take a look at the Festivals Australia page
- Check out the Denmark Festival of Voice website