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