Launching Gakal: First languages skills register
Artwork by Bettina Danganbarr.
First Languages Australia is pleased to have launched Gakal: First languages skills register.
Gakal has been developed at the request of language workers to help promote the knowledge, skills and professional expertise of those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages. It includes people who work with language centres, media organisations, community organisations and schools as well as people who are self-employed and providing a range of language services.
The aim of the registry is to connect people. It is a tool which organisations can use to identify and employ people with specialised language skills and experience. Follow the link to join the register or search for people with specific skills.
First Languages Australia hopes the site will become a useful resource for connecting language specialists with the partner organisations and opportunities that the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages brings.
"Gakal" is pronounced "ga" like gut and "kal" like cull. This word is from the Yolŋu Matha languages of North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, and has lots of different meanings. It was chosen for this website because it can mean skill or knowledge - related to language, work, hunting, law, etc. It can be used to describe one person, or an organisation or group or clan. The word is used as a person's experience and leadership grows, and was provided by Yolŋu staff at ARDS Aboriginal Corporation.
