For Module 1 cyber-traveller reflections, I took a first look at Indigenous languages, technology and how this can relate to cultural identity and belonging to a community. Each website I have selected has provided me with a starting point from which I wish to research deeper for a possible final project/paper relating to the question of preserving Indigenous languages through technology use. My posts, I believe, reflect my limited starting knowledge relating to all things Indigenous (having relatively little experience with Indigenous Peoples here in Canada – or globally – or no prior learning around Indigenous Knowledge and culture) and provide a launch pad into deeper research and understanding around these issues.
https://phys.org/news/2018-04-aboriginal-language-technology.html
This website focuses on current measures to preserve Australian Aboriginal language using technology. According to the author of the website, when European settlers first arrived in Australia there were over 250 distinct Aboriginal languages plus many more regional dialects. Now, over 300 Australian dialects have been identified as vulnerable and endangered.
The website highlights work by Tyson Mowarin and his company Weerianna Street Media (WSM) along with his vision to educate all Australians about Indigenous language and culture through his cross-platform media company. The website also provides many links to Indigenous language films and digital stories, awareness and learning websites and culture and language apps.