LANGUAGE CLASSES
Community Language (Ngirrma) classes are held each week for the whole community to learn the Djabugay language. The program is led by language teacher, Michael Quinn and is open to anyone to attend.
The ngirrma classes:
- ◦ Build the vocabulary of speakers
- ◦ Provides guidance on pronunciation
- ◦ Aims to develop conversational speech & everyday situations
- ◦ Gives an introduction to Djabugay verbs and how they affect other parts of speech
- ◦ Share insight into the history, culture and Storywaters of the Djabugay people
- ◦ Uses practical demonstrations, exercises, games, songs and use of artefacts to explore ngirrma and culture
Community Ngirrma Classes
Every FRIDAY
9:30am to 11am
Language Room, Nyawarri Estate
Michael Quinn (Language Teacher)
Michael Quinn is our resident language teacher who has worked extensively with the ‘old people’ to revive the Djabugay language. Through these connections, his Social Anthropology training and experience teaching language, Michael has produced a range of language books, DVD and music in consultation with the Djabugay people.
“In 1986, I arrived in the Kuranda area and soon met Lalfie Thompson (Gindan - moon). It was Lalfie who encouraged me to keep up an interest in preserving the Djabugay language. Lalfie introduced me to Nyawarri (Queen Maggie of the Bama) & the few elders that could remember Djabugay words. He also introduced me to Wanyarra, Roy Banning, who lived down in the Redlynch area. Roy’s uncle, Gilpin Banning (Wurrmbul - pelican), had worked extensively with 2 linguists, Helena Cassells & Elizabeth Patz. They gave me all the materials they had developed through their talks with Gilpin. Without the help and support of Gilpin, Roy and the linguists, I would have had little hope of coming to understand the complexities of the Djabugay language. I would also have to thank Bob Dixon, whose work on Australian Aboriginal languages is perhaps the most significant body of material that has ever been developed so far on Indigenous languages”.
Michael Quinn
Image courtesy of DEET Aboriginal News_January 89
