The University of Queensland

Life after death: Exploring the birth of Gurindji Kriol, a new Aboriginal mixed language (2009–2013)

Abstract:

In a world where it is estimated that half of the world's 7000 languages will be lost by the end of the century, it is exciting to discover a newly emergent language. Gurindji Kriol is only 30 years old and is a rarely observed type of language spoken in Australia. It combines two languages: a traditional Indigenous language, Gurindji and an English-based creole, Kriol. Just how this language took form is the focus of this project. This project will result in a description of the social and linguistic processes which contributed to the emergence of this and other 'mixed' languages.

Grant type:

ARC Discovery Projects

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Felicity Meakins

  Professor
  

  School of Languages and Cultures

  Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Funded by:

Australian Research Council