Our Language is deadly, ana !!!

There is a gap in preschool children’s television programming, as there are very few educational engaging programs aimed at aboriginal children. Waabiny Time was launched in 2010 and is spoken in both English and Noongar language, based around thirteen dialects from the Western Australia’s south-west (Perth and surrounding areas). Episodes aimed at three to six year olds, teach children Noongar language and link it to indigenous culture. Indigenous television programs act to increase children’s awareness and appreciation of cultural traditions and to provide positive representations of indigenous people (Lonsdale, 2010).

In Sally Jackson’s news article, Indigenous Language finds life through Children’s TV, she argued that this fun show has a very serious objective, to save one of Australia’s languages. (Jackson, 2010) To see the full article click here. There has been a large decline in the passing down of Indigenous language from generation to generation. (Trimboli, 2010). Before European invasion there were 250 Aboriginal languages spoken, and in 2011 there are 145 with 110 of them considered critically endangered. (Korff, 2011). A benefit of preserving these languages is that it can “instill a sense of wellbeing and belonging for many indigenous people who have lost tie to their culture”. (Korff, 2011) Jackson stated that Cath Trimboli, the show’s creator said “I hope it will pave the way for other people to recognise the significant impact language programs can have on that age group.” (Trimboli in Jackson, 2010)

The bilingual series includes thirteen thirty minute episodes which uses fifteen common words throughout the series and up to fifteen other Noongar words each episode. Like other successful bilingual programming, such as Dora the Explorer and Sesame Street which are spoken in both English and Spanish, viewers are engaged through participation and are asked to repeat words, dance and sing. The show includes engaging activities: Sand Yarning (story time) and Our Mob (Noongar culture) and includes songs, animations of indigenous animals, craft, learning activities and family gatherings.

This show could be used in any Early Years classroom. Learning activities could include: singing, poster making, role playing, dancing, making bush medicine guides, Noongar word bingo, or performance.

Jackson, S. (2010), Indigenous language finds life through children's TV , The Australian, May 10 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2011 at http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/indigenous-language-finds-life-through-childrens-tv/story-e6frg996-1225864247897

Korff, J. (2011) Aboriginal Languages, Creative Spirits Website, retrieved 5 November 2011 at http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/language/

The Translation People (2010), Endangered indigenous language Noongar given boost by children’s TV show, retrieved 5 November 2011 at

http://www.thetranslationpeople.com/blog/language-focus/endangered-indigenous-language-noongar-given-boost-by-children%E2%80%99s-tv-show/

Waabiny Time Website http://waabinytime.tv/site/parentinfo.html

Images - Waabiny Time Website http://www.waabinytime.tv/site/index.html