Australias Original Languages An Introduction
An introduction to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages.
When Captain Cook landed at Botany Bay, around 250 distinct languages were spoken across the continent.
Australian Indigenous languages actually share many common features. This book explains their distinctive features, shows how language reflects traditional culture and is a good primer for readers who have no previous experience with learning another language, and .
Bob Dixon has been working with elders to research Australian languages for half a century, and he draws on this deep experience to outline the common features. He provides a straightforward introduction to the sounds, word building, and wide-ranging vocabulary of Indigenous languages, and highlights distinctive grammatical features. He explains how language is related to culture, including kinship relationships, gender systems, and naming conventions.
With examples from over 30 languages and anecdotes illustrating language use, and avoiding technical terms, Australia's Original Languages is the starting point for anyone interested in learning about the original languages of Australia.
Paperback, 208 pages
Size: 234 x 153 x 191 mm
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