Article published In: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 11:1 (1988) ► pp.1–8
North Australian kriol – historical perspectives and new directions
Published online: 1 January 1988
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.11.1.01har
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.11.1.01har
Abstract
The extensive massacre of Aboriginal people in the Roper River region of the Northern Territory resulted in drastic language disruption. The settling of remnants of many language groups at the Roper River mission led to the creation of Kriol. Now, after five generations, it is the primary language of many thousands of people.
Bible translation and bilingual education programs have been highly significant in raising the status of Kriol. Its future seems assured, particularly as it increasingly becomes associated with Aboriginal identity and political aspirations.
References (7)
Harris, J. (1986) Northern Territory Pidgins and the Origin of Kriol. (Pacific Linguistics: C 89). Canberra, ANU.
Harris, S. (1982) Bilingual education in the Northern Territory: A sharp tool easily blunted. Australian Review of Applied Linguistics 5, 1:25–59.
Sandefur, J. (1979) An Australian Creole in the Northern Territory: a description of the Ngukurr-Bamyili dialects. (Workpapers of SIL-AAB, Series B, Vol. 3). Darwin, SIL.
Cited by (1)
Cited by one other publication
Oliver, Rhonda & Carly Steele
2025. Applied Linguistics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts (1977–2026). Australian Review of Applied Linguistics
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