The Sounds Of The ilbara II captures five Indigenous languages, 54 Indigenous voices and 26 original tracks, showcasing unique songs and stories that promote the preservation of Aboriginal languages, culture and history.
The languages from WA’s Pilbara region, include Nyiyaparli, Nyangumarta, Nyamal, Ngarluma and Kurrama. Recorded over three weeks in a temporary studio in South Hedland, the compilation features 26 original tracks, and the involvement of 14 contributing vocalists and over 40 students from the Strelley community school (Warralong and Strelley campuses).
This piece is from Bruce Thomas, the Chairperson of Wangka-Maya.
“Languages are disappearing at a faster rate in Australia than anywhere else in the world. Once there were 250 languages subdivided into 600 dialects, but today there are only 18 Indigenous languages spoken by all generations within a given language group. In the Pilbara, research has shown only 3 of the 31 local languages have full intergenerational speakers. Without intervention, it’s believed language knowledge will cease to exist in the next 5 to 20 years.” – Wangka Maya’s Manager Julie Walker.
More details here.
