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Article published In: Literacy
[Australian Review of Applied Linguistics 9:2] 1986
► pp. 61–74

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Some issues in orthography design for Aboriginal languages

 | Kimberley Language Resource Centre
Published online: 1 January 1986
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.9.2.04mcg
Abstract
The appropriateness of the standard practical orthographies for Australian languages, recommended by e.g. Dixon (1980:xxi-xxii), and used in languages such as Warlpiri and Walmajarri, has recently been called to question by linguists and Aboriginal users. A non-phonemic English based orthography has been developed for at least one language (Gooniyandi). However, the issues surrounding orthography design have not been fully brought out and evaluated. My main aim in this paper is to remedy this situation, identify as many relevant issues as possible, and discuss them in the sociolinguistic context of the Kimberley Aboriginal speech communities. The paper is intended to provoke discussion and elicit feedback from others involved in orthography design, rather than make recommendations.
References (16)
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Cited by (2)

Cited by two other publications

Oliver, Rhonda & Carly Steele
2025. Applied Linguistics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts (1977–2026). Australian Review of Applied Linguistics DOI logo
Jolly, Lesley
1995. Waving a Tattered Banner? Aboriginal Language Revitalisation. The Aboriginal Child at School 23:3 ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 14 november 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

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