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How Many Languages Are There in Australia? A Deep Dive into Linguistic Diversity
Introduction:
Australia, a land of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is also a melting pot of languages. Forget the stereotype of a solely English-speaking nation; the linguistic tapestry of Australia is far richer and more complex than you might imagine. This comprehensive guide will unravel the fascinating story of Australia's linguistic diversity, exploring the number of languages spoken, their origins, the challenges faced by Indigenous languages, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this invaluable cultural heritage. We’ll delve deep into the statistics, uncover surprising facts, and examine the crucial role language plays in shaping Australian identity. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of tongues spoken Down Under!
1. The Official Language and its Dominance:
English reigns supreme as the de facto official language of Australia. It’s the language of government, business, education, and everyday life for the vast majority of the population. However, this dominance shouldn't overshadow the incredible linguistic richness found beyond English. The prevalence of English is a legacy of British colonization, and its widespread adoption has undoubtedly impacted the survival and usage of other languages.
2. The Astonishing Number of Languages Spoken in Australia:
While pinning down an exact number is challenging due to constantly shifting demographics and data collection limitations, it's safe to say that hundreds of languages are spoken within Australia's borders. This figure encompasses:
Indigenous Languages: Before European colonization, Australia was home to an estimated 250-300 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Sadly, many have been lost or are critically endangered due to historical injustices and the impact of colonization. Current estimates place the number of surviving Indigenous languages in the range of 120-150. The precise number is constantly evolving, as efforts to revitalize and document these languages continue.
Non-Indigenous Languages: Australia's multicultural society is reflected in the vast array of non-Indigenous languages spoken across the country. These languages originate from virtually every corner of the globe, reflecting the diverse immigration patterns throughout Australia's history. Significant numbers of speakers exist for languages like Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, and many more.
3. The Struggle for Indigenous Language Survival:
The survival of Indigenous Australian languages is a critical issue. Decades of discriminatory policies and forced assimilation severely impacted language transmission across generations. However, a powerful resurgence of interest and concerted efforts towards revitalization are underway. Communities are working tirelessly to preserve their linguistic heritage through education programs, language nests, and the development of resources like dictionaries and language learning apps. This struggle highlights the profound link between language and cultural identity, and the ongoing fight to ensure these languages aren't lost forever.
4. The Role of Immigration in Shaping Australia's Linguistic Landscape:
Australia’s post-war immigration policies have significantly contributed to its current linguistic diversity. Waves of migrants from Europe, Asia, and beyond have enriched the country's linguistic tapestry, bringing with them a wealth of languages and cultural perspectives. This influx of languages has not only added to the sheer number of languages spoken but has also fostered a vibrant multilingual environment in many Australian cities.
5. Measuring and Understanding Linguistic Diversity: Challenges and Data Limitations:
Accurately quantifying the number of languages spoken in Australia presents several challenges. The Census, while a valuable source of data, may not capture the full picture, as language self-reporting can be complex and subject to various biases. Some individuals may identify with multiple languages, and the classification of dialects versus languages can also be subjective. Ongoing research and improved data collection methods are crucial for a more accurate understanding of Australia's linguistic richness.
6. The Importance of Linguistic Diversity for Australian Society:
Linguistic diversity is a source of strength and resilience for Australian society. It fosters intercultural understanding, promotes creativity, and enriches the cultural landscape. Embracing multilingualism fosters inclusivity, breaks down barriers, and allows for a more vibrant and dynamic society. It’s crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and facilitating communication within a diverse population.
7. Government Initiatives and Support for Language Preservation:
The Australian government recognizes the importance of linguistic diversity and has implemented various initiatives to support the preservation of Indigenous languages and promote multilingualism more broadly. These initiatives include funding for language revitalization programs, supporting language education, and promoting the use of Indigenous languages in various contexts. However, ongoing commitment and increased funding are needed to ensure the long-term success of these programs.
8. The Future of Languages in Australia:
The future of languages in Australia hinges on continued commitment to language preservation and promotion. This requires a multi-pronged approach, including government support, community engagement, and the integration of language learning into education systems. By actively promoting linguistic diversity, Australia can ensure its unique cultural heritage thrives for generations to come.
Article Outline:
Title: How Many Languages Are There in Australia? A Deep Dive into Linguistic Diversity
Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview.
Chapter 1: The official language and its dominance.
Chapter 2: The astonishing number of languages spoken.
Chapter 3: The struggle for Indigenous language survival.
Chapter 4: The role of immigration.
Chapter 5: Challenges in measuring linguistic diversity.
Chapter 6: The importance of linguistic diversity.
Chapter 7: Government initiatives and support.
Chapter 8: The future of languages in Australia.
Conclusion: Summarizing key findings and emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity.
(The body of the article above fulfills this outline.)
9 Unique FAQs:
1. Is there an official language in Australia? Yes, while not legally mandated, English is the de facto official language.
2. How many Indigenous languages are still spoken in Australia? Estimates range from 120 to 150, but this number is constantly evolving.
3. What are some of the most commonly spoken non-Indigenous languages in Australia? Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, and Arabic are among them.
4. Why are many Indigenous languages endangered? Historical injustices, forced assimilation, and the dominance of English played significant roles.
5. What efforts are being made to preserve Indigenous languages? Language nests, community-based programs, and government initiatives are crucial.
6. How does immigration influence Australia's linguistic landscape? It contributes significantly to the diversity of languages spoken.
7. How accurate is the census data on language use in Australia? It provides a valuable snapshot but may not capture the full complexity due to various factors.
8. What are the benefits of linguistic diversity for Australia? It fosters intercultural understanding, promotes creativity, and strengthens national identity.
9. What is the government's role in preserving Australia's linguistic heritage? Funding programs, supporting education, and promoting language use in various contexts.
9 Related Articles:
1. The History of Indigenous Languages in Australia: Exploring the rich history and the impact of colonization.
2. Language Revitalization Programs in Australia: A detailed look at successful initiatives.
3. The Role of Education in Preserving Indigenous Languages: Examining the importance of language education.
4. Multilingualism in Australian Cities: Focusing on the linguistic diversity in specific urban areas.
5. Challenges Facing Indigenous Language Speakers: Highlighting the social and economic barriers faced.
6. The Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Languages: A deep dive into the historical context.
7. Indigenous Language Resources and Technology: Exploring available tools for language learning and preservation.
8. Government Policies and Indigenous Language Survival: Analyzing government initiatives and their effectiveness.
9. The Future of Multilingualism in Australia: Predicting future trends and challenges.
| how many languages are there in australia: Australian Languages R. M. W. Dixon, Robert M. W. Dixon, 2002-11-14 Professor Dixon presents a comprehensive study of the indigenous languages of Australia. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Languages of Australia R. M. W. Dixon, 2011-01-20 This ground-breaking 1980 study of over 200 Australian languages is still valuable, especially for its non-technical opening chapters. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Australia's Original Languages R. M. W. Dixon, 2019-07-01 'A must read for all who would like to understand the languages and culture of Indigenous Australians.' Dr Ernie Grant, Elder of the Jirrbal nation When Captain Cook landed at Botany Bay, about 250 distinct languages were spoken across the continent. Yet Australian Indigenous languages actually share many common features. Bob Dixon has been working with elders to research Australian languages for half a century, and he draws on this deep experience to outline the common features. He provides a straightforward introduction to the sounds, word building, and wide-ranging vocabulary of Indigenous languages, and highlights distinctive grammatical features. He explains how language is related to culture, including kinship relationships, gender systems, and naming conventions. With examples from over 30 languages and anecdotes illustrating language use, and avoiding technical terms, Australia's Original Languages is the indispensable starting point for anyone interested in learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages. 'Written in an accessible, easy to read style, Professor Dixon's new book is an informative and entertaining introduction to Australia's original languages.' Dr Joe Blythe, Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University |
| how many languages are there in australia: Pacific Languages John Lynch, 2016-06-01 Almost one-quarter of the world's languages are (or were) spoken in the Pacific, making it linguistically the most complex region in the world. Although numerous technical books on groups of Pacific or Australian languages have been published, and descriptions of individual languages are available, until now there has been no single book that attempts a wide regional coverage for a general audience. Pacific Languages introduces readers to the grammatical features of Oceanic, Papuan, and Australian languages as well as to the semantic structures of these languages. For readers without a formal linguistic background, a brief introduction to descriptive linguistics is provided. In addition to describing the structure of Pacific languages, this volume places them in their historical and geographical context, discusses the linguistic evidence for the settlement of the Pacific, and speculates on the reason for the region's many languages. It devotes considerable attention to the effects of contact between speakers of different languages and to the development of pidgin and creole languages in the Pacific. Throughout, technical language is kept to a minimum without oversimplifying the concepts or the issues involved. A glossary of technical terms, maps, and diagrams help identify a language geographically or genetically; reading lists and a language index guide the researcher interested in a particular language or group to other sources of information. Here at last is a clear and straightforward overview of Pacific languages for linguists and anyone interested in the history of sociology of the Pacific. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Language in Australia Suzanne Romaine, 1991 Linguists and non-linguists will find in this volume a guide and reference source to the rich linguistic heritage of Australia. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Vanishing Languages of the Pacific Rim Osahito Miyaoka, Osamu Sakiyama, Michael E. Krauss, 2007-04-12 This book presents the first comprehensive survey of the languages of the Pacific rim, a vast region containing the greatest typological and genetic diversity in the world. It includes the littoral regions of North and South America, Australasia, east and south-east Asia, and Japan, as well as the Pacific itself. As its languages decline and disappear, sometimes without trace, this rich linguistic heritage is rapidly eroding. In The Vanishing Languages of the Pacific Rim distinguished scholars report on the current state of the region's languages and provides a critical survey of the current state of the region's languages. They show what is currently known and recorded and what remains to be examined and documented. They consider which languages are the most vulnerable to extinction and what steps that can be taken to save them. Their analyses range from the regional to the local and focus on languages in a wide variety of social and ecological settings. Together they make a compelling case for research throughout the region, and show how and where this needs to be done. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Habitat of Australia's Aboriginal Languages Gerhard Leitner, Ian G. Malcolm, 2008-08-22 The languages of Aboriginal Australians have attracted a considerable amount of interest among scholars from such diverse fields as linguistics, political studies, archaeology or social history. As a result, there is a large number of studies on a variety of issues to do with Aboriginal Australian languages and the social contexts in which they are used. There is, however, no integrative reader that is easily accessible to the non-specialist in any of the areas concerned. The collection edited by Leitner and Malcolm fills this gap. Looking at Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and their changing habitats from pre-colonial times to the present, the book covers languages from a structural and functional linguistic perspective, moves on to the issue of cultural maintenance and then turns to language policy, planning and the educational and legal dimensions. Among the many themes discussed are: the social and linguistic history of language contact after 1788 (including the Macassans); the demographic base of indigenous languages; traditional indigenous languages; results of language contact such as the modification of traditional languages and the rise of contact languages (pidgins, creoles, esp. Kriol, Torres Strait Creole, and Aboriginal English); the impact of the Aboriginal languages on mainstream Australian English; maintenance, shift, revival and documentation of indigenous and contact languages; language planning; language in education; language in the media; language in the law courts. The contributors are leading experts in their fields. The book can serve as a reader for university courses but also as a state-of-the-art work and resource for specialists like applied linguists or educational planners. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Kamilaroi and Other Australian Languages ... with Comparative Tables of Words from Twenty Australian Languages, and Songs, Traditions, Laws and Customs of the Australian Race William Ridley, 1875 |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Oxford Guide to Australian Languages Claire Bowern, 2023-06-06 The Oxford Guide to Australian Languages is a wide-ranging reference work that explores the more than 550 traditional and new Indigenous languages of Australia. Australian languages have long played an important role in diachronic and synchronic linguistics and are a vital testing ground for linguistic theory. Until now, however, there has been no comprehensive and accessible guide to the their vast linguistic diversity. This volume fills that gap, bringing together leading scholars and junior researchers to provide an up-to-date guide to all aspects of the languages of Australia. The chapters in the book explore typology, documentation, and classification; linguistic structures from phonology to pragmatics and discourse; sociolinguistics and language variation; and language in the community. The final part offers grammatical sketches of a selection of languages, sub-groups, and families. At a time when the number of living Australian languages is significantly reduced even compared to twenty year ago, this volume establishes priorities for future linguistic research and contributes to the language expansion and revitalization efforts that are underway. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Languages and Linguistics of Australia Harold Koch, Rachel Nordlinger, 2014-08-19 The Languages and Linguistics of Australia: A Comprehensive Guide is part of the multi-volume reference work on the languages and linguistics of the continents of the world. The volume provides a thorough overview of Australian languages, including their linguistic structures, their genetic relationships, and issues of language maintenance and revitalisation. Australian English, Aboriginal English and other contact varieties are also discussed. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Literacy in Australia: Pedagogies for Engagement, 3rd Edition Amy Seely Flint, Lisbeth Kitson, Kaye Lowe, Kylie Shaw, Sally Humphrey, Mark Vicars, Jessa Rogers, Shelley Ware, 2019-09-30 Infused with our authors’ personal experiences teaching, Literacy in Australia, 3rd Edition is delivered as a full colour printed textbook with an interactive eBook code included. This enables students to master concepts and succeed in assessment by taking the roadblocks out of self-study, with features designed to get the most out of learning such as animations, interactivities, concept check questions and videos. With a prioritised focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures featured throughout the text, pre-service teachers will be well-equipped with the knowledge of what kinds of activities they can include in and out of the classroom for an enriching learning experience for their students. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Australia's Many Voices Gerhard Leitner, 2004 Australia is host to many languages - English, indigenous, migrant, and contact. Its multilingualism, the sociopolitical changes that have been impacting upon them, and its wide-ranging language policy efforts are well-known. What has been missing so far is a comprehensive, integrative study of the entire 'habitat' of languages - the contacts and interactions that have been taking place from the beginning of colonization to the present day with their linguistic outcomes. This book and its companion, Australia's Many Voices. Australian English - The National Language, develop and apply such an approach. The present book deals with non-mainstream varieties of English, indigenous, migrant, and contact languages. Based on census and other data to 2003, it addresses themes such as language demographics, language shift, and socio-psychological factors that bear upon it. Language change is discussed from the angle of the uprooting of indigenous languages from their original context, of transplantation, and of contact with English. Pidgins and creoles are located inside the Pacific context of the nineteenth century. This study provides an analysis of language and language-education policies to 2003 and connects this theme with the role of Australian English, the national language. It suggests that Australia's habitat is reaching a new stage of plurilingual tolerance. The book is of interest for specialists from a wide range of language and policy disciplines. Its discursive, non-technical style makes it accessible to non-specialists with no background in linguistics. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Training Teachers of Chinese in Australia Chen Shen, 2021-10-28 Chinese language, the first language spoken and used by the largest population in the world, has witnessed a significant global increase. Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) has thus received unprecedented attention, and teaching and learning of CSL have transcended the national boundary. This book reports a case study of training teachers of CSL in Australia with a significant implication to the western English-speaking countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The book is unique in several ways. On a theoretical level, the book analyses knowledge-based and competence-based teacher education, provides an in-depth examination of post-method pedagogy and deconstructs traditional aspects of second language teacher education, making a case for the new concept of three dimensions. On a practical level, the Australian-based case study employs qualitative methods to gather the feedback from teacher educators, teacher trainees and students who are undergoing CSL training, and further reports on studies on CSL teaching practicum in local schools and abroad. Training Teachers of Chinese in Australia is a book for established scholars, researchers, educators, and research higher degree students who are interested in teacher education, second and foreign language education and Chinese as a second language (CSL). |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Politics of Language in Australia Uldis Ozolins, 1993-05-28 This book traces language policy in Australia from World War II to the present, examining the changes in government policy over this time, and changes in major public institutions due to the presence of these languages. The major focus is on changes in the education and broadcasting systems, with attention also to interpreting/translating, industrial relations and the role of languages in diplomacy and trade. Dr. Ozolins places language in the context of multicultural politics and shows that government language policies that were once prompted by suspicion now accept and even encourage cultural and linguistic maintenance. In fact Australia has introduced many innovations of international significance in language policy, particularly with the National Language Policy, announced in 1987. This policy marked a decisive change in political assumptions toward languages in postwar Australia because it recognized the importance of languages other than English. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Macquarie Aboriginal Words Macquarie Dictionary, 2021-12-28 Macquarie Aboriginal Words is a dictionary of words from a selection of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. This ebook covers the languages of Bundjalung, The Sydney Language and Wiradjuri from New South Wales. For each language, the following information is provided: · a brief history of the language · points on the grammar, spelling and pronunciation · an extensive wordlist organised by categories, such as animals, body parts, kin relationships, placenames, etc. · a dual index, i.e. English to Language and Language to English This ebook series is based on Macquarie Aboriginal Words originally published in print in 1994. The sheer diversity of indigenous languages in Australia must be close to the greatest and richest component of this country's national cultural heritage ... This book is much needed, as it gives a sense of the richness of a heritage which is disappearing in many areas of the country. NOEL PEARSON |
| how many languages are there in australia: Concise Encyclopedia of Languages of the World , 2010-04-06 Concise Encyclopedia of Languages of the World is an authoritative single-volume reference resource comprehensively describing the major languages and language families of the world. It will provide full descriptions of the phonology, semantics, morphology, and syntax of the world's major languages, giving insights into their structure, history and development, sounds, meaning, structure, and language family, thereby both highlighting their diversity for comparative study, and contextualizing them according to their genetic relationships and regional distribution.Based on the highly acclaimed and award-winning Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, this volume will provide an edited collection of almost 400 articles throughout which a representative subset of the world's major languages are unfolded and explained in up-to-date terminology and authoritative interpretation, by the leading scholars in linguistics. In highlighting the diversity of the world's languages — from the thriving to the endangered and extinct — this work will be the first point of call to any language expert interested in this huge area. No other single volume will match the extent of language coverage or the authority of the contributors of Concise Encyclopedia of Languages of the World. - Extraordinary breadth of coverage: a comprehensive selection of just under 400 articles covering the world's major languages, language families, and classification structures, issues and dispute - Peerless quality: based on 20 years of academic development on two editions of the leading reference resource in linguistics, Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics - Unique authorship: 350 of the world's leading experts brought together for one purpose - Exceptional editorial selection, review and validation process: Keith Brown and Sarah Ogilvie act as first-tier guarantors for article quality and coverage - Compact and affordable: one-volume format makes this suitable for personal study at any institution interested in areal, descriptive, or comparative language study - and at a fraction of the cost of the full encyclopedia |
| how many languages are there in australia: Languages other than English in Australian Higher Education Jennifer Joan Baldwin, 2019-01-29 This book researches the study of languages other than English, and their place in the Australian tertiary sector. Languages are discussed in the context of the histories of Australian universities, and the series of reports and surveys about languages across the second half of the twentieth century. It demonstrates how changes in the ethnic mix of society are reflected in language offerings, and how policies on languages have changed as a result of societal influences. Also discussed is the extent to which influencing factors changed over time depending on social, cultural, political and economic contexts, and the extent to which governments prioritised the promotion and funding of languages because of their perceived contribution to the national interest. The book will give readers an understanding as to whether languages have mattered to Australia in a national and international sense and how Australia’s attention to languages has been reflected in its identity and its sense of place in the world. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Oceania Douglas L. Oliver, 1989-02-01 Part 1 of the book...deals with the geography of the region and with the biological, linguistic, and archaeological evidence concerning the origins of the Oceanians and their movements into and within the region. Part 2 describes the tools and techniques by which the recent (but not yet markedly Westernized) Oceanians satisfied their basic, pan-human needs, as qualified by their many different, culturally defined, perceptions of those needs...Finally, Part 3 focuses on the varieties of social structures within which those 'technical' activities took place. -from the Prologue |
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| how many languages are there in australia: Introduction to Australia Gilad James, PhD, Introduction to Australia is a brief overview of the island nation and its people, economy, history, and geography. Australia is a country located in the southern hemisphere, bordered by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is considered to be the world's smallest continent, and the sixth-largest country by land area. The population of Australia is approximately 25 million, and the majority of the population lives in coastal cities and towns such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Australia has a strong economy and is known for its natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and natural gas, which play a major role in its economy. Australia is also a leading exporter of agricultural products such as wheat, wool, and beef. The country has a diverse culture, influenced by its Indigenous Australian heritage, as well as European and Asian immigrants. The official language is English, and the currency is the Australian dollar. The country's democratic government is led by a Prime Minister, with a Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Ministry responsible for promoting and preserving diversity within the country. Overall, Australia is a unique and diverse country that is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and strong economy. It is a popular destination for tourists and students who are interested in exploring a new culture and learning more about the country's rich history and geography. With its stunning coastlines, unique wildlife, and a variety of landscapes, Australia is a country that offers something for everyone. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Literacy in Australia, Print and Interactive E-Text Amy Seely Flint, Mark Vicars, Amanda Muscat, Beryl Exley, Kylie Shaw, Maria Bennet, Robyn Ewing, Jaydene Barnes, Lisa Kervin, Jessica Mantei, Jeanne Iorio, Catherine Hamm, Mitchell Parker, Marcelle Cacciattolo, Lawry Mahon, Sarah Tartakover, 2023-09-15 Infused with our authors' personal experiences teaching, Literacy in Australia, 4th Edition is delivered as a full colour printed textbook with an interactive eBook code included. With a prioritised focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures featured throughout the text, and a greater focus on using ICT in the classroom, pre-service teachers will be well-equipped with the knowledge of what kinds of activities they can include in and out of the classroom for an enriching learning experience for their students. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Australian Aboriginal Culture Joanne Crawford, 2003 A four book series which explores Aboriginal culture in the following areas: In the past ; Cultural identity ; Communication ; Using the environment ; Rules and responsibilities. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Australian Aboriginal Languages Barry J. Blake, 1981 A general introduction to traditional Aboriginal languages and the impact of European settlement. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Bina Gari Tudor-Smith, Paul Williams, Felicity Meakins, 2024-07-30 The incredible story of the resilience and recovery of Australia's First Nations languages Australia's language diversity is truly breathtaking. This continent lays claim to the world's longest continuous collection of cultures, including over 440 unique languages and many more dialects. Sadly, European invasion has had severe consequences for the vitality of these languages. Amid devastating loss, there has also been the birth of new languages such as Kriol and Yumplatok, both English-based Creoles. Aboriginal English dialects are spoken widely, and recently there has been an inspiring renaissance of First Nations languages, as communities reclaim and renew them. Bina: First Nations Languages Old and New tells this story, from the earliest exchange of words between colonists and First Nations people to today's reclamations. It is a creative and exciting introduction to a vital and dynamic world of language. 'Years in the making, Bina offers a multidimensional reflection on how many diverse languages across this continent continue to vibrate in rich and profound ways. The emergence of Indigenous linguists Gari Tudor-Smith and Paul Williams as authors of this survey alongside Felicity Meakins signals an important and welcome shift in the Australian linguistics landscape.' —Professor Clint Bracknell, University of Western Australia, Nyungar musicologist and musician |
| how many languages are there in australia: Merging Numeracy with Literacy Practices for Equity in Multilingual Early Year Settings Robyn Jorgensen, Mellony Graven, 2022-01-01 This book draws on both in and out of school literacy practices with teachers and families to enhance the numeracy of early learners. It provides highly illustrative exemplars, targeted for learners up to approximately eight years of age whose home language differs from the language of instruction. It identifies the challenges faced by these learners and their families, and shares ways of building both literacy and numeracy skills for some of the vulnerable learners nationally and internationally. The book shares the outcomes and strategies for teaching mathematics to early years learners and highlights the importance of literacy practices for learners for whom the language of instruction is different from their home language. Readers will gain a practical sense of how to create contexts, classrooms and practices to scaffold these learners to build robust understandings of mathematics. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Australian Languages Claire Bowern, Harold Koch, 2004-03-18 This book addresses controversial issues in the application of the comparative method to the languages of Australia which have recently come to international prominence. Are these languages ‘different’ in ways that challenge the fundamental assumptions of historical linguistics? Can subgrouping be successfully undertaken using the Comparative Method? Is the genetic construct of a far-flung ‘Pama-Nyungan’ language family supportable by classic methods of reconstruction? Contrary to increasingly established views of the Australian scene, this book makes a major contribution to the demonstration that traditional methods can indeed be applied to these languages. These studies, introduced by chapters on subgrouping methodology and the history of Australian linguistic classification, rigorously apply the comparative method to establishing subgroups among Australian languages and justifying the phonology of Proto-Pama-Nyungan. Individual chapters can profitably be read either for their contribution to Australian linguistic prehistory or as case studies in the application of the comparative method. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Routledge Library Editions: Linguistics Various, 2021-12-02 Routledge Library Editions: Linguistics brings together as one set, mini-sets, or individual volumes, a series of previously out-of-print classics from a variety of academic imprints. With titles ranging from Applied Linguistics and Language Learning to Experimental Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics Today: International Perspectives, this set provides in one place a wealth of important reference sources from a wide range of authors expert in the field. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Languages of Australia’s First Peoples in Narrative David Rose, 2024-08-08 Celebrating the diverse languages of Australia's First Peoples, this book presents stories told by elders in eighteen languages from around the continent, and explores their patterns of meaning. The stories recount the experiences of the tellers and histories of their communities, from tales of anti-colonial resistance to origin stories of the Dreaming. The book aims to make the languages accessible and engaging through the voices of the elders, while building readers' knowledge about language and language learning. It opens with some basic language knowledge for reading the stories. Each chapter then begins with the cultural and historical contexts of the stories, which are first previewed in English translation, then presented sentence-by-sentence, setting out the original sounds and wordings, glossed with plain English. Extracts are selected to illustrate patterns of meanings that are characteristic of each language. The final chapter sums up the various meaning patterns the stories use, and interprets their evolution in the light of First Peoples' deep histories, as recorded by archaeology and traditional knowledge. The book will be useful for language learning programs in communities and schools, for researchers of language and language teaching, and for any reader with an interest in the languages and cultures of Australia's First Peoples. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Languages of New Zealand Allan Bell, Ray Harlow, Donna Starks, 2005 Publisher Description |
| how many languages are there in australia: Language and Literacy (RLE Linguistics C: Applied Linguistics) Michael Stubbs, 2014-01-10 Despite a vast amount of study, literacy is still a very confused topic, which requires the integration of findings from different areas. Reading and writing are psychological skills, but they are also linguistic skills (since people read and write meaningful language) and social skills (since written language serves particular functions in different societies). In this book Michael Stubbs provides a basis for a sociolinguistic theory of literacy. He believes that a systematic theory of literacy must be based on an understanding of a number of factors, such as the relationship between written and spoken language, including how English spelling works and how it is related to spoken English. Also of paramount importance are the social, educational and technological pressures on written language, which are particularly powerful in the case of an international language like English; the social and communicative functions which written language serves – largely administrative and intellectual functions; and the variability of spoken language and the relative uniformity of written language. The book also discusses the arguments behind deprivation theory as an explanation of educational failure. Reading failure is not well understood, but the author stresses that a vital element is the attitude of teachers towards the child’s language. He emphasizes that it is important that teachers should understand as much as possible about the relationship between written language and the child’s spoken language. Such understanding, he argues, can only increase tolerance of regional, social and ethnic diversity in language. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Rethinking Second Language Learning Marisa Cordella, Hui Huang, 2016-05-19 This book evaluates a project where formal classroom learning of a second language was supplemented with informal, natural interactions with older native speakers of the target language, delivering a number of pedagogical and societal benefits. The authors introduce a model of intergenerational, intercultural encounters which aims to promote the use of community language resources; enrich the experiences of young learners; foster greater understanding between generations; break down cultural stereotypes; encourage appreciation of different cultures and enhance the quality of life and community engagement of older people with a bi/multilingual background. It draws on theories of language acquisition, discourse analysis and psychosocial perspectives to propose a model of language learning for students that can be used for any language or locality. It is therefore an essential resource for graduate students, researchers and language teachers as well as for education, aged and youth care policy makers, practitioners and community services workers who are interested in innovative language pedagogy. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Warrabarna Kaurna! Reclaiming an Australian Language Rob Amery, 2000-01-01 This is a longitudinal study of the reclamation of the Kaurna Language, where Kaurna people are working in collaboration with linguists and educators. The book takes an ecological perspective to trace the history of Kaurna, drawing on all known sources and emerging uses in the modern period. |
| how many languages are there in australia: An Australian Language as Spoken by the Awabakal, the People of Awaba, Or Lake Macquarie (near Newcastle, New South Wales) Lancelot Edward Threlkeld, H. Livingstone, George Taplin, James Günther, William Grant Broughton (Bp. of Sydney), William Ridley, 1892 |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Languages of the Kimberley, Western Australia William B. McGregor, 2013-03-07 The Kimberley, the far north-west of Australia, is one of the most linguistically diverse regions of the continent. Some fifty-five Aboriginal languages belonging to five different families are spoken within its borders. Few of these languages are currently being passed on to children, most of whom speak Kriol (a new language that arose about half a century ago from an earlier Pidgin English) or Aboriginal English (a dialect of English) as their mother tongue and usual language of communication. This book describes the Aboriginal languages spoken today and in the recent past in this region. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Encyclopedia of Linguistics Philipp Strazny, 2013-02-01 Utilizing a historical and international approach, this valuable two-volume resource makes even the more complex linguistic issues understandable for the non-specialized reader. Containing over 500 alphabetically arranged entries and an expansive glossary by a team of international scholars, the Encyclopedia of Linguistics explores the varied perspectives, figures, and methodologies that make up the field. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The World Atlas of Language Structures Martin Haspelmath, Matthew S. Dryer, David Gil, Bernard Comrie, 2005-07-21 The World Atlas of Language Structures is a book and CD combination displaying the structural properties of the world's languages. 142 world maps and numerous regional maps - all in colour - display the geographical distribution of features of pronunciation and grammar, such as number of vowels, tone systems, gender, plurals, tense, word order, and body part terminology. Each world map shows an average of 400 languages and is accompanied by a fully referenced description of the structural feature in question. The CD provides an interactive electronic version of the database which allows the reader to zoom in on or customize the maps, to display bibliographical sources, and to establish correlations between features. The book and the CD together provide an indispensable source of information for linguists and others seeking to understand human languages. The Atlas will be especially valuable for linguistic typologists, grammatical theorists, historical and comparative linguists, and for those studying a region such as Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. It will also interest anthropologists and geographers. More than fifty authors from many different countries have collaborated to produce a work that sets new standards in comparative linguistics. No institution involved in language research can afford to be without it. |
| how many languages are there in australia: Mathematical Discourse that Breaks Barriers and Creates Space for Marginalized Learners , 2017-01-01 For the past decade reform efforts have placed importance on all students being able to participate in collaborative and productive mathematical discourse as an essential component for their learning of mathematics with deep conceptual understandings. In this book our intent is to support mathematics education researchers, teacher educators, teachers and policy makers in providing positive solutions to the enduring challenge in mathematics education of enabling all participants including diverse students to equitably access mathematical discourse. By diverse learners we mean learners who are minoritized in terms of gender, disability, or/and social, cultural, ethnic, racial or language backgrounds. We aim to increase understanding about what it means to imagine, design and engage with policy and practice which enhance opportunities for all students to participate in productive mathematical discourse. In widening the lens across policy and practice settings we recognize the interplay between the many complex factors that influence student participation in mathematics. The various chapters tell practical stories of equitable practices for diverse learners within a range of different contexts. Different research perspectives, empirical traditions, and conceptual foci are presented in each chapter. Various aspects of diversity are raised, issues of concern are engaged with, and at times conventional wisdom challenged as the authors provide insights as to how educators may address issues of equitable access of minoritized learners to the mathematical discourse within settings across early primary through to high school, and situated in schools or in family and community settings. |
| how many languages are there in australia: An Australian language as spoken by the Awabakal, the people of Awaba or Lake Macquarie '(near Newcastle, New South Wales)' being an account of their language, traditions, a. customs: by L. E. Threlkeld (a. others) Lancelot Edward Threlkeld, 1892 |
| how many languages are there in australia: Educational Psychology Australian Edition Anita Woolfolk, Kay Margetts, 2012-07-25 Learning and teaching is an integrated process, and theory and practice cannot be separated. As in the previous Australasian edition, Educational Psychology 3e continues to emphasise the educational implications and applications of child development, cognitive science, learning and teaching. Recurring themes throughout the text include ideas about education; social and socio-cultural aspects of education; schools, families and community; development, learning and curriculum; and effective teaching. Author Kay Margetts incorporates Australasian perspectives and applications using the work of Australasian researchers and teachers. Numerous examples, case studies, guidelines and practical tips from experienced teachers are used in the text to explore the connections between knowledge, understanding and practice. |
| how many languages are there in australia: The Australian People James Jupp, 2001-10 Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse societies in the world today. From its ancient indigenous origins to British colonisation followed by waves of European then international migration in the twentieth century, the island continent is home to people from all over the globe. Each new wave of settlers has had a profound impact on Australian society and culture. The Australian People documents the dramatic history of Australian settlement and describes the rich ethnic and cultural inheritance of the nation through the contributions of its people. It is one of the largest reference works of its kind, with approximately 250 expert contributors and almost one million words. Illustrated in colour and black and white, the book is both a comprehensive encyclopedia and a survey of the controversial debates about citizenship and multiculturalism now that Australia has attained the centenary of its federation. |
