Mother Tongue

The Mother Tongue Project is part of First Languages Australia’s national media strategy, which aims to increase the awareness of Australia’s first languages to the broad Australian audience.

In 2011, First Languages Australia approached ABC Open with a project proposal that aimed to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, while sharing media skills with language workers around the country.

“It is really a pleasure to see the Yolngu women working with their linguist to keep their languages strong and another great project from ABC Open. These stories revitalise us and give us the incentive to keep working on our languages when we have language blockages, which is the same as writer’s blockage. It is like being in the desert with no water and then suddenly you see these videos and you are refreshed again and ready to get back to work on your language. Keep going Yolngu people, we are with you in spirit.”
Bridget Priman

Mother Tongue provided the opportunity for stories about many of the first languages of Australia to be told to the world in each community’s voice. More than 100 films were made, sharing over 60 languages. ABC Open producers in each of the 50 ABC regional stations worked with members of their local language groups to help share their stories. The official project ran for 12 months during 2014 and 2015, though the relationships built have seen films continuing to be made and added to the collection.

“Latju dhäwu marrkap'mi mala.”
Kathy McMahon

The films have been shared subsequently via social media, broadcast and on demand platforms by ABC, ITVC, IndigiTube and First Languages Australia. They are shared on Gambay (www.gambay.com.au), the national languages map, and are available for embedding in news stories from the ABC Mother Tongue YouTube Playlist.

The collaboration has led ABC station staff to develop strong relationships and a much greater understanding of local Aboriginal language communities. The project has seen an increase in media discussion of local language projects and activities beyond the parameters of Mother Tongue.

“Manymak, Manymak, Manymak. What a great story. Thanks for sharing Jacqui Taylor and Will Tinapple. This little piece put a smile on my dial. The Yolngu women are just beautiful.”
Charmaine Ingram

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the language custodians and ABC Open producers who participated.

You can read the text contributions here.