Role
THE ROLE OF THE MLT
- Provide technical assistance and linguistic advice in writing and producing locally-based Aboriginal language resources.
- Train and mentor Aboriginal language workers in specific areas of language work as needed and work towards establishing career pathways for language workers.
- Run language workshops as requested on topics such as: orthographies and writing systems, dictionary making, setting up a database, song-writing, language games, grammar etc.
- Work closely with TAFE in delivering Certificate III and IV courses for community language workers and teachers.
- Assist language revival and maintenance projects within communities and families.
- Establish networks amongst those working with Aboriginal languages in SA, including speakers, interpreters, language workers, linguists, teachers, the SA Department for Education and Child Development (DECD), the three SA Universities (Adelaide, Flinders and UniSA), AIATSIS, TAFE SA, Umeewarra Radio etc
- Increase the visibility and use of Aboriginal languages in the media, at community events and in the public sphere.
- Establish a collection of materials produced in and on South Australian Aboriginal languages.
- Contribute to a website providing information on SA Aboriginal languages, including a guide to useful resources.
- Support mutual learning and sharing among community-based language projects.
- Promote world’s best practice in language work in SA.
- Lobby for interpreting and translation services to address the needs of service providers and communities.
- Lobby for language and culture programs for incarcerated Aboriginal people.
Funding
The Mobile Language Team is funded by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport's Indigenous Language Support (ILS) program.
