How to save indigenous languages?

Languages are disappearing, and saving them is a bit of a puzzle.

Do you try to get recordings of words and stories in the hope of capturing it before it dies? And then what do you have? Dead language in a jar. Sometimes that’s all you can do.

Or if there are more people in the population, do you try to revive the language so the younger people will keep it going (even in a cut-down version)? But why would they when Shakira sings in English?

Looks like New South Wales is trying the second option.

The Wiradjuri people of southern New South Wales have received a Government grant to help them preserve their language.

The State Government has announced $17,000 funding will be given to the Brungle School near Tumut to employ a Wiradjuri teacher to improve language skills and to develop education materials to help primary school students learn Wiradjuri.

I hope it helps. Doubt it though — would you teach for $17,000 a year?

Education is okay, but as long as English has all the prestige, it’ll be an uphill battle. Linguists have to try to trade on people’s natural sense of community. I especially like the idea of indigenous radio in Australia. Local music, and broadcasts in indigenous languages. It could just help the younger folks to see their native language as a viable alternative to English.