This Dispatch is titled “Language” and was written February 20 2017
Bonjour,
Next Dispatch I expect to write about ‘Position Doubtful’ a wonderful book by Kim Mahood I’m about to finish. Meanwhile….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bawDFY8G-o4
“Above all, let us permit native children to keep their own languages, -those beautiful and expressive tongues, rich in true Australian imagery, charged with poetry and with love for all that is great, ancient and eternal in the continent. There is no need to fear that their own languages will interfere with the learning of English as the common medium of expression for all Australians. In most areas of Australia the natives have been bilingual, probably from time immemorial. Today white Australians are among the few remaining civilized people who still think that knowledge of one language is the normal limit of linguistic achievement.”
– T.G.H Strelow,1958.
“To deny a people an education in their own language where that is possible is to treat them as a conquered people and to deny them respect.” (The Hon. Kim E. Beazley Sr., 1999)
“When you lose a language, you lose a culture, intellectual wealth, a work of art. It’s like dropping a bomb on a museum, the Louvre.” Kenneth Hale Japanangka.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmLVxRS_Sxs
In these cynical days, one doesn’t hold one’s breath for positive outcomes. Los hijos de puta estan en contról.
But hey, what can we lose by signing the petition?
I just signed the petition “It’s Not Too Late – Urge NT Govt. To Pass Legislation To Support Our Aboriginal Languages” and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 7,500 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1baOxLwccB8
Obrigado,
Frank