Music and Language Pilot Project

Preserving First Nations languages through music and digital storying

About the Project

According to AIATSIS, Australia has over 200 distinct Indigenous languages and over 800 dialects. But due to the impact of colonisation and subsequent assimilation policies there is an ongoing crisis of Indigenous language endangerment. Music plays an important role in enhancing language preservation and there are a growing number of people who are working to sustain Indigenous languages through music. There is an urgent need, however, to develop further online resources that engage with language through music that can be used by others to undertake language preservation and revitalisation activities.

Funded by the Centre for Digital Societies and Cultures at The University of Queensland, this pilot project undertook five case studies with individual Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to document the ways they are using music to preserve and sustain languages in their professional and personal lives.

Collaborators: A/Prof Katelyn Barney, Prof Anita Heiss and Deline Briscoe

Research Assistant: Nisa Richy

Interviewees: Deline Briscoe, Jamaine Wilesmith, Ruth Ghee, Robert McLennan, and Letitia Harris

Filming and Editing: Dylan Kai Harris

Sound and Story

"It give us a sense of connection, also I think it's that continuation of oral history that we've always done through dance, song, ceremony, and law."
Deline Briscoe

Objectives and Outcomes

Through digital storytelling, we document artists' experiences, challenges, and cultural responsibilities in preserving and revitalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages through music.

Showcase Music’s Role

Highlight how music supports language maintenance and revitalisation.

Create Digital Case Studies

Develop online video resources featuring Indigenous artists.

Discuss Challenges & Protocols

Explore cultural considerations and the impact of digital spaces.

Explore Diverse Perspectives

Insights from artists across different cultural backgrounds.

Develop New Resources

Guidance on language reclamation through music.

Gain Respect for ICIP Rights

Collaboration with UQ Legal to ensure Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protection.

Deline Briscoe

“The role of music in sustaining our languages and cultural practices is so important. It gives us a sense of connection. Also I think it’s that continuation of oral history that we've always done through dance, song, ceremony, lore.”

Interview Transcript