Language death among Australian languages

Fesl, E.D.

doi:10.1075/aral.10.2.02fes

Article published In: Australian Applied Language Studies
Edited by Tim F. McNamara
[Australian Review of Applied Linguistics 10:2] 1987
► pp. 12–22

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Language death among Australian languages

E.D. Fesl | Aboriginal Research Centre, Monash University

Published online: 1 January 1987

https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.10.2.02fes

Abstract

This paper looks at the history of language policy formulation and implementation in conjunction with social factors influencing attitudes to both Koorie¹ people and their languages.

It endeavours to trace the process of enforced language shift, with consequent language death, in the social history of Australia.

Factors which aid or are hastening language death in the contemporary period are also discussed.

Attention is drawn to the rapidity with which language death has occurred and will continue to occur if measures are not taken to curb the current trends.

References (3)

References

Binnion, J. (1974) Secondary education for Aborigines. South Australia, Education Department of S. A.

Black, P. (1979) Status of Aboriginal languages. Canberra, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies.

Watts, B. H. and W. McGrath (1973) Bilingual education in schools in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Canberra, Department of Education.

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Cited by six other publications

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1995. Australian Experiences:Multiculturalism,Language Policy and National Ethos. European Journal of Intercultural studies 5:3 ► pp. 26 ff.

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