AFTER 12 long months the dream of publishing the remaining words and fragmented language of many of this region’s Aboriginal people is coming to fruition for Harry White and his project team in a book titled Speaking Our Way – a collection of Aboriginal languages within the Northern Tablelands of NSW.
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In a tightly co-ordinated working committee with fellow linguist Bernadette Duncan and graphic designer Kerry Hardy, the final touches are now being added to what is expected to be a valuable resource both nationally and internationally.
Supported through the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services the idea of recording and reviving what is left of local cultures and languages has been a personal quest for Harry as he tapped into existing databases and expanded on language still available throughout the Northern Tablelands region of NSW.
Bernadette and Harry have worked tirelessly on this Federally-funded project to collate the information. Even at this late stage of production information is still being presented to the committee as people uncover ‘hidden’ gems relevant to local languages and culture.
Of the more than 20 languages and dialects from this region some only have a few words remaining. The project has been painstakingly pieced together through consultation with local Aboriginal land councils, knowledge holders and community members in order to obtain as much information as possible
Expected to be roughly 300 pages in size Speaking Our Way is shaping up to be a book that can be used in many ways and by all ages.
The back cover will feature a list of the languages included in the book. This is the third book in a series produced by Harry in conjunction with other researchers.
“This resource has been prepared to inspire interest and revival of Aboriginal languages, to hand down knowledge from one generation to another and as a means of preserving our rich Aboriginal culture,” Harry said.
“Because of the enormity of the project we formed a committee to work with what can only be described as a labour of love,” he said.
Due for release in early 2015, this much anticipated publication will also feature the works of local artists in many mediums and poets.
“It will have a local and regional flavour,” Harry said. “It’s not just a dictionary, but a work of art in itself.”
A call out for local artists to contribute to a potential cover design and internal page decoration was issued some months ago, but due to such high interest the deadline has been extended to 30 December. Photographs are also sought to create interest in this production.
“Contributors will be promoted and featured throughout the book as recognition for their efforts and as a way to say thank you,” Harry said.
Contact Harry White for details on the book, photographic and all artist contributions on 6728 8047, mobile 0437 678 720, email harry.white@lls.nsw.gov.au.
