The touch and listen app includes 194 professionally recorded audio entries for language learning, 194 corresponding images and words and an easy-to-use swipe and zoom interface.
The app is for both indigenous and non-indigenous people and with 2019 designated as the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations, there’s never been a better time to learn about the region’s traditional language.
An introduction to the Taungurung Language, the app’s content was developed through a series of workshops with Taungurung community and Buxton Primary School students.
Taungurung Land and Waters Council communications manager Kathy Mexted said the app was an important tool for preserving indigenous languages in danger of being forgotten.
‘‘Due to European settlement, indigenous people were forbidden from practising their culture or speaking their language,’’ she said.
‘‘The language was dissipated and almost lost completely.’’
Kathy said the app used modern technology to provide an interesting insight into the language that was once spoken in the region.
‘‘Language is an insight into peoples’ culture and their understanding of the world,’’ she said.
‘‘The attempts by the dominant culture to learn certain words of the language of the traditional owners are an important mark of respect, and respect above all else is what the traditional owners seek.’’
The app is available for iPhone in the Apple App Store.
For more information, phone Taungurung Land and Waters Council on 57841433.
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