Interdisciplinary Team Wins 2021 Eureka Prize for Research on Indigenous Language Vitality
A research team including Lindell Bromham, Xia Hua from Australian National University, Felicity Meakins from University of Queensland, and Cassandra Algy from Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation received the 2021 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research. Their project examines the Gurindji language in northern Australia's Kalkaringi and Daguragu communities, analyzing factors affecting Indigenous language strength. Combining expertise from linguistics, biology, mathematics, and community knowledge, they found that extended schooling in English correlates with reduced Gurindji usage, while household interactions with elders promote language retention. Their work demonstrates that mixed languages like Gurindji Kriol do not necessarily simplify, challenging previous assumptions. The research aims to inform bilingual education policies to support Indigenous language preservation.
Key facts
- Team won 2021 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
- Research focuses on Gurindji language in Northern Territory communities of Kalkaringi and Daguragu
- Findings show school education in English reduces Indigenous language use
- Household exposure to elders increases Gurindji language elements among youth
- Study challenges assumption that contact languages like Gurindji Kriol are simplified
Entities
Institutions
- Australian National University
- University of Queensland
- Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation
- Australian Museum
- Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language
Locations
- Kalkaringi
- Daguragu
- Northern Territory
- Australia