Celebrating First Nations Languages and Language Learning in Australian Schools

This book introduces key underlying principles for teaching First Nations languages and language learners in schools across a range of contexts. It takes a comprehensive approach covering traditional languages, new languages, and English.

At a critical time for Indigenous languages across the globe, the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) draws attention to the endangerment of these languages and advocates for the role of education to preserve and revitalise Indigenous languages. At the same time, many new language varieties spoken by Indigenous peoples often remain unrecognised in education systems, and their English language learning needs are left unaddressed. This book provides crucial information to enhance the reader’s knowledge of these critical issues in language and education with a view to promote future action. The chapters showcase the advocacy, activism, and allyship for First Nations languages and language learners undertaken by educators, education systems, and researchers in Australia. With a practical focus, this book illustrates innovative and contemporary approaches to language learning for First Nations students; educators can use this text to guide and develop language-learning approaches in their respective contexts.

This is a foundational resource for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous teachers and aspiring teachers alike, and all education professionals who appreciate the fundamental importance of language in education.

Carly Steele is a non-Indigenous applied linguist and qualified teacher with experience in diverse educational contexts. She holds the position of Senior Lecturer and Master of Education course coordinator in the School of Education at Curtin University, Perth. Her research focuses on culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies.

Robyn Ober is a Mamu/Djirribal woman from North Queensland. She is the Indigenous research practice leader at Batchelor Institute. Her research focus and expertise is on both-ways pedagogy, working to combine Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing, being and learning in teaching practice and research.

Rhonda Oliver has researched extensively in the areas of second language and dialect acquisition, and task-based language learning. Her recent work includes studies within Australian Aboriginal education settings. She co-edited the award-winning textbook Indigenous Education in Australia Learning and Teaching for Deadly Futures.