Aboriginal Languages

Around 93 percent of Aboriginal languages have become extinct. Each language is associated with an area of land and has a deep spiritual significance. It is through their own languages, that Aboriginal people maintain their connection with their ancestors, land, law and culture.

The Aboriginal Languages program at Tauondi Aboriginal College is dedicated to empowering Aboriginal people by enhancing their language skills and strengthening cultural knowledge. This program supports participants in not only building their language proficiency but also developing the skills needed to teach Aboriginal languages, ensuring that these vital languages are preserved and shared with future generations.

Students gain a strong foundation in both spoken and written language, enriched by essential linguistic insights that equip them for teaching roles. The program emphasises the cultural and historical significance of Aboriginal languages, supporting participants connect deeply with their heritage while learning effective teaching techniques. This prepares them to confidently share their language knowledge with others, contributing to broader language revitalisation efforts within their communities.

Tauondi’s program opens doors to expanded learning and teaching opportunities, supporting those who wish to pursue formal training to teach Aboriginal languages. By fostering both language and teaching skills, the program empowers participants to pass on their linguistic heritage, creating more opportunities for language learning and ensuring the continuity of Aboriginal languages for generations to come.

Qualifications that Tauondi offers

10890NAT Certificate II in Learning an Australian First Nation’s Language

10891NAT Certificate III in Learning an Australian First Nation’s Language

10892NAT Certificate IV in Teaching an Australian First Nation’s Language

Collaborating with Local Language Groups

Tauondi Aboriginal College is committed to working closely with local language groups to develop programs that are culturally relevant and grounded in the community. We collaborate with nominated language speakers to plan and deliver courses on-country, ensuring that learning takes place within the rich context of the land and community.

Our program planning includes the development of language resources as required by accredited courses, as well as tailored training and assessment strategies that reflect the unique needs of each language group. Tauondi actively consults with the community to identify ways to upskill more language speakers, supporting them in becoming qualified trainers within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. This collaborative approach supports expand the network of language educators and strengthens the presence of Aboriginal languages in education.

Careers in Aboriginal Languages

It has been recognised that positive language activities (conducted in the broader community as well as within Aboriginal communities) provide significant role in strengthening Aboriginal cultures, and increasing a sense of pride and wellbeing for individuals within Aboriginal communities. It fosters respect for Aboriginal languages and cultures in the general community.

Learners will be valuable and active participants in both the language revival and/or language maintenance process. The language acquisition promotes increased social functions of languages, such as the giving of ‘Welcome to Country’ or ‘Acknowledgement of Land’ speeches, and song performances in public.

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