The publication of the Dhurga Dictionary and Learner's Grammar in 2019 is the culmination of decades of work and a turning point in the revitalisation of one of the key indigenous languages on the NSW south coast. The journey began when Brinja-Yuin woman Kerry Boyenga, a teacher at Broulee Public School, approached the principal about teaching Dhurga as a language other than English. From these small beginnings, Kerry and her siblings, Waine Donovan and Patricia Ellis, developed the Dhurga language course as a Certificate 1 in Aboriginal Language/s, which they taught at TAFE campuses in Nowra, Narooma, Ulladulla, Jervis Bay and Moruya. Realising how hard it is to teach a language without a dictionary, Patricia Ellis spent more than ten years researching and compiling this valuable resource. Now, a new generation has the opportunity to learn their language and through that, reconnect with their culture, identity and country. Patricia Ellis joins Inga Simpson to talk about that journey and how a dictionary facilitates understanding of culture and connection.
Artist: Patricia Ellis
Host: Inga Simpson
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