Preserving Culture: How Australian Indigenous Communities Combat Endangerment

Communities and cultures around the world are suffering language endangerment due to the effects of colonialism. Around 44% of languages are "endangered," according to the website Ethnologue.

During colonialism in Australia, Indigenous communities were forced off their land and into assimilation. This included the removal of their right to speak or write in their language, causing a major decline in native speakers. Now, over 85% of Australia’s Indigenous languages are critically endangered, some facing extinction.

However, Indigenous communities across the country are reawakening their languages. Through art, music, and speaking, along with intervention from the Department of Education in New South Wales, revival efforts are being made to combat endangerment. The Paakantyi language is now being taught at two schools in New South Wales: Menindee Central School and Wilcannia Central School.

Reporting Fellow Analyse Jester traveled to the Outback to better understand the challenges Indigenous communities are facing in regards to language revival programs, and the efforts being made to combat these obstacles.