RUIL in the media archive
A collection of publications by Research Unit for Indigenous Language (RUIL) team members to increase general knowledge of issues surrounding Indigenous languages.
RUIL represents at Australian Linguistics Society panel discussion “Talking the Talkley; Popularising Linguistics” 2017
This panel discussion focused on the different ways in which linguistics is being promoted to the general public. RUIL’s former Project Officer Brighde Collins presented on the RUIL word images project. You can see her and all the other presenters in the video below:
The rise of ‘on demand’ media like podcasts and content platforms like The Conversation means that linguists are able to share their expert knowledge with a wider audience than ever before. This workshop brings together people who have worked to bring linguistics into the popular consciousness in different media. Some work in traditional media formats like radio, others are making the most of the podcasting boom. Others are taking a more personal approach, engaging with specific communities or schools or tailoring their message to particular social media platforms.
This panel was of interest to a diverse audience, from linguists who want to find out what podcasts are all about, to those who would like to share their work with a larger audience in one-off pieces or interviews, or those who are thinking about setting up their own blog or podcast and want a glimpse behind the scenes. The panelists focused on practical advice as well as the broader importance of effective linguists public engagement.
This 90 minute workshop involved six 10 minute presentations. The Research Unit for Indigenous Language in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne was represented by Project Officer Brighde Collins in the presentation.
Murrinhpatha research
The below video was produced by the University of Melbourne, illustrating some of the great work happening at the Research Unit for Indigenous Language. Researchers at RUIL work with Indigenous communities to record and better understand Indigenous languages. One of the languages researched by RUIL’s director, Associate Professor Rachel Nordlinger, is Murrinhpatha, spoken in the Northern Territory community of Wadeye. This language has some unique features that reveal a lot about the community’s shared perspective and experience.
The University is a major research partner for the new ARC Centre for Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, and the Melbourne team will be housed in the School of Language and Linguistics. It’s dedicated to unearthing new insights about language and the way languages differ and evolve. You can find more information about the program on the School of Languages and Linguistics Research groups web page.
RUIL Director Rachel Nordlinger featured in the University of Melbourne research video
Professor Rachel Nordinger, the director of RUIL, was recently featured in the University of Melbourne’s most recent promotional video, showcasing the important areas of research around the university. You can find Rachel at around the 1 minute mark!
Links to RUIL team members and their research in the media
- Professor Rachel Nordlinger: “We wouldn’t be mourning lost languages if we embraced multilingualism,” The Conversation. 1 March 2016
- Dr Jenny Green: interview on Talk Black; National Indigenous Radio Service,15 February 2016
- Dr Joe Blythe: research featured on the University of Melbourne’s Pursuit website: 5 November 2015
- Professor Rachel Nordlinger: Featured linguist on The LINGUIST List. 19 March 2015
- Professor Rachel Nordlinger: Talking language with Ernie Dingo – SBS. 14 November 2014
- Dr Ruth Singer interview with Indig-Briz radio program (35.40 in the recording). 1 June 2014
- Professor Rachel Nordlinger interview on Indigenous bi-lingual focus with Radio Adelaide. 30 May 2014
- Professor Rachel Nordlinger and Dr Ruth Singer. “Muting Indigenous language support only widens the gap,” The Conversation. 27 May 2014
- Dr Joe Blythe: Talk the Talk: Taboo Grammar (featuring James Bednall and Joe Blythe). 15 April 2014
- Dr Jenny Green: “Aboriginal Australians Create Online Hand Sign Dictionary,” – Rising Voices. 19 September 2013
- Dr Jenny Green: Koorie radio 1 with Trevor Dodds. Sydney. Blackchat. 19 September 2013
- Dr Jenny Green: Indigenous sign language on the web – Bush telegraph, ABC Radio National. 18 September 2013
- Dr Jenny Green: 3CR community radio interview, Melbourne. 18 September 2013