Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the Murrinhpatha clans Kardu Diminin, Kardu Yek Maninh, Rak Kirnmu, Kardu Yek Nangu, Yek Wunh, Kardu Kura Thipmam and Rak Malgin. In particular I would like to acknowledge the Kardu Diminin on whose land this research was undertaken.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to the children, their families and the many Murrinhpatha speakers without whom this project would not have been possible. Thank you for allowing me to spend time with your families and your willingness to educate me in a world so different from my own. It continues to be a privilege to watch these children grow up.

This research began during my PhD at the University of Melbourne. I received great guidance and support from my supervision team Rachel Nordlinger, Barb Kelly and Jill Wigglesworth as well as helpful feedback from my examiners Carmel O’Shannesy and Shanley Allen. I would also like to thank the extended community of Murrinhpatha linguists in particular Lucy Davidson, Joe Blythe, John Mansfield, Michael Walsh, Chester Street, Lyn Street, Namapen Tess Ward, Deminhimpuk Francella Bunduck, Pinpirrith Majella Chula and Kinngirri Carmelita Perdjert. Thanks to the many people who have supported me in my research through my time in Wadeye including Mark Crocombe, Steve Wenzel, Tony Goodfellow, Fr Leo Wearden, Steve ‘n’ Rach, John Young and OLSH Thamarrurr Catholic College. I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic support of my editors Evan Kidd and Shanley Allen in helping prepare this monograph for publication.

In recent years I have worked at OLSH Thamarrurr Catholic College in Wadeye where I have continued to learn about the Thamarrurr region, Murrinhpatha and education. I’d like to thank the Indigenous Teachers, Assistant Teachers and their supporters for their tremendous work towards ensuring the future vitality of Murrinhpatha and for striving to provide linguistically and culturally responsive education. You work hard for children and it is a great joy to work alongside all of you.

This research was supported by an Australian Research Council Grant From little things, big things grow: How children acquire a morphologically complex Australian Indigenous language DP110100961 as well as the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts PhD Fieldwork scheme.

Finally, I’d like to thank my family Megan Wood and Leroy Jim Mawurt for being the best family in Wadeye, and to our families back home: we miss you. We look forward to being closer to you all in the future.