ABC Radio Interview - Djukun Language
“This is my language from my country my land Broome Djukun Country”
In an enlightening conversation on ABC Kimberley's breakfast program, hosted by Vanessa Mills on 9th February 2024, I shared my passionate journey towards revitalizing the Djukun language. I'm a Djukun woman from Broome, I have been dedicating all my spare time, alongside pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Queensland, to breathe life into a language that whispers the echoes of my ancestry.
Growing up in Broome, I was surrounded by the Djukun language, absorbing its sounds and phrases, a language that forms a fundamental part of the Djukun people’s cultural heritage and identity. However, Djukun is a sleeping language, one that risks fading into silence without the efforts of the Djukun Nation who are committed to its revival.
In a remarkable endeavour, we have been using an ancient language resource document from the Daisy Bates collection to create a Djukun dictionary and to ultimately teach the Djukun language to children. This self-funded project is not just about language revival but is a testament to the resilience and rich cultural tapestry of the Djukun Nation. By recording the Djukun language, we ensure that the vibrancy and depth of our culture are preserved for future generations.
The collaboration with esteemed linguists specializing in Nyulyulan languages of the Dampier Peninsula has further enriched this unique project. Their combined efforts aim not only to awaken a sleeping language but to reaffirm the Djukun language's place in the broader narrative of Indigenous languages in Australia.
The Djukun Nation's work is a message of hope for endangered languages worldwide, demonstrating the power of dedication, collaboration, and cultural pride in preserving linguistic diversity. Our story, eloquently captured by Vanessa Mills, serves as an inspiring call to action for others to join in the vital work of language and cultural preservation.
Credits for the photograph and voice recording of this inspiring interview go to Vanessa Mills, who helped bring the language revitalisation story of the Djukun language to a wider audience, highlighting the significance of language in maintaining the identity and continuity of culture among Indigenous communities.
