ART SPEAKS Breathing life into old languages.
- AAUK
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
This month we've been thinking about language and culture and are showcasing the inspiring work of one artist.
Before the European settlement of Australia, around 250 languages were spoken across the continent. As a comparison, Europe has 24 official languages (although many more are spoken). Of these 250 Indigenous languages, approximately 130 are still active, though only spoken by a small number of older people, and only 13 are considered "strong" - that is, passed down to children. Recognising this as an issue across the globe, 2022 - 2032 was declared the Decade of Indigenous Languages, with various initiatives being launched to try and revive them, and the arts have had an important role to play in this.
Konstantina (Kate Constantine), Ngayana Burbanga Mubaya - Breathing Life Into Old Languages, 2021.120 x 90cm. Ochre washed background with Acrylic
Reviving Indigenous Languages in Australia
One significant initiative in Australia is the government's allocation of an $11 million grant aimed at teaching endangered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in primary schools across the country. This program, known as the First Nations Languages Education Program, funds 26 language projects in over 40 communities and trains 100 educators in collaboration with more than 70 schools. Languages like Dharug, once considered "sleeping," have seen reconstruction efforts that have enabled over 1,000 people to learn and engage with their linguistic heritage.
In the Northern Territory, community groups have received grants to support language preservation. For instance, the Ninti Education Aboriginal Corporation in Kintore received funding to create a Pintupi-Luritja rotary verb wheel, a tool designed to support language learning and preservation.
Technology companies are also contributing to this cultural revival. Apple Maps, for example, has introduced features in Australia that display Indigenous place names alongside official names, such as Sydney (Warrane) and Melbourne (Narrm). Developed with input from local First Nations people, this initiative aims to reinforce Indigenous heritage recognition and provide cultural and historical information to users.
'Ngayana Burbanga Mubaya - Breathing Life Into Old Languages', by Konstantina (Kate Constantine)
Gadigal artist Konstantina (Kate Constantine), is deeply involved in the cultural resurgence of her community. Her painting, Ngayana Burbanga Mubaya - Breathing Life Into Old Languages, embodies the essence of revitalising Indigenous languages and reconnecting with ancestral knowledge. Through her art, Konstantina explores themes of cultural reclamation, identity, and the intergenerational transmission of language.
Konstantina's Work in Reviving the Gadigal Language and Collaboration with the British Museum
Beyond her artistic endeavours, Konstantina is actively engaged in projects aimed at reviving the Gadigal language and cultural practices. She has been granted unprecedented access to the British Museum's archives to study Gadigal artifacts collected since colonisation. This initiative, titled 'Gadigal: Yilabara Wala (Gadigal: Now and Then),' involves examining historical objects to reclaim and relearn traditional making practices. Supported by Gadigal Elder Uncle Charles Davison, Konstantina's work seeks to bridge generations by reconnecting with heritage and ensuring the transmission of cultural knowledge.
In collaboration with the British Museum, Konstantina is recreating artifacts held in the museum's collection. By studying these items, she aims to teach her own hands the traditional methods of her ancestors and pass this knowledge back to her community. This project underscores the importance of cultural preservation and the role of art in sustaining Indigenous languages and practices.
Later this year, Konstantina will showcase her work in an exhibition at the British Museum. This exhibition will feature her recreated artifacts and artworks inspired by her research, offering visitors an immersive experience into Gadigal culture and the ongoing efforts to revitalise Indigenous languages. Through her art and collaborations, Konstantina exemplifies the profound connection between language, culture, and identity, inspiring others to engage in the preservation and celebration of Indigenous heritage.
If you're interested in this work or others by Konstantina, do get in touch.
For more about the revival of Indigenous Languages, the British Museum project, and other arts projects:
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