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Trilingual language contact in an Indigenous community (2015–2019)

Abstract:
The linguistic cradle of many Aboriginal children in remote Australia is a multilingual setting involving considerable mixing between languages. Children bring this linguistic background to the task of learning English. This project is the first investigation of a trilingual Indigenous community, Elliott (NT), where children grow up hearing Jingulu, Mudburra and Kriol. It examines how people at Elliott manage multiple languages and how these languages have changed through mixing processes such as creolisation and code-switching. Exploring this dynamic language ecology is crucial to tailoring educational programs to suit the needs of Aboriginal children. It will place Australia at the forefront of studies of complex language change.
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Projects
Researchers:

  • Professor Felicity Meakins

    Professor
    School of Languages and Cultures
    Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

  • Associate Professor Rob Pensalfini

    Associate Professor
    School of Languages and Cultures
    Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    Associate Professor
    School of Communication and Arts
    Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Funded by:
Australian Research Council