First Languages Australia and ABC Education have selected a record six winners for the 2019 Indigenous Language Song Competition.
The entries were very strong in the International Year of Indigenous Languages, with judges highlighting the exceptional standard of entries.
Primary and secondary schools from around the country worked alongside their local Indigenous community to translate and perform a Marrin Gamu song into the first language of their area.
First Languages Australia’s Faith Baisden said that over the past four years more than 100 schools have participated contributing videos in 60 languages.
‘We know from feedback from other years that this is a powerful learning tool.’ Faith said.
‘The language words stay with the students, because of the fact that they are learned in a song, and the process of working on Marrin Gamu with the local community language teacher means that the cultural significance of the language is also respectfully taught.’
Head of Education at the ABC Annabel Astbury was once again impressed with the wide-reaching entries from the competition.
‘We continue to be inspired by the level of excitement among students and teachers alike to learn, celebrate and help share the languages of their regions,’ Annabel said. ‘We’re so proud to work with First Languages Australia to run this important competition.’
The winning schools are:
- Sadadeen Primary School
- Elanora State School
- Yuille Park P-8 Community College
- Melaleuca Park Primary School
- Bold Park Community School
- Boronia Park Public School.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of First Languages Australia and ABC Education
