Pama Language Centre
OVERVIEW Pama Language Centre (PLC) is ensuring the viability of ancestral languages in Cape York Peninsula by: • • • •
working with speakers to record the linguistic and cultural detail of their First Nations languages working with speakers to increase and promote literacy in First Nations languages through developing contemporary literature and language learning materials working with speakers to revive intergenerational transmission of their languages raising awareness and support for the First Nations languages of Cape York Peninsula in the wider community.
THE ROAD TO ANCESTRAL LANGUAGE VIABILITY
Recording of languages and active corpus development with speakers begins
Linguists work with speakers to create opportunities for language transmission and promotion
Speakers engage in authorship at many levels, taking control of the future of their ancestral languages
Viability of language is assured by completion of recording and ongoing corpus development. Intergenerational transmission continues to increase.
PLC is an initiative of the Cape York Institute, established to pursue the right of all children of Cape York Peninsula’s First Nations to be fluent and literate in their ancestral languages so that they can walk with confidence in two worlds, as the inheritors of their rich, living cultural heritage. PLC supports recording, revitalisation, revival and maintenance activities with both local speech communities and diaspora for: Injinoo Ikya language including Yadhaykenu First Nation; Atambaya First Nation and Angkamuthi First Nation; the Anguthimri languages including Mpakwithi First Nations; Thaynakwith First Nation; Warrangu First Nation and Tjugudji First Nation; Wik-Mungkan, Wik-Alken/Wik-Ngatharr and Wik-Ngathan First Nations; Guugu Yimithirr First Nation; Kalaw Kawaw Ya First Nation; Kulkalgaw Ya First Nation and the Southern Kaantju First Nation. PLC continues to seek funding and partners to enable the extension of language support to all First Nations of Cape York.
Family Empowerment Report // January–June 2021
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