AustLit

'In a land that often seems so starkly monolingual, it is remarkable to consider that over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and an inestimable number of dialects were spoken in Australia prior to European settlement. Language is culture; words have powerful meaning beyond the literal and the language you speak enriches your sense of belonging within your community. As a Koorie from the South Coast of New South Wales, the very few words that I have inherited from my ancestors form a core part of my identity.' (Introduction)