ICTV, Media Release, 5 February 2021
Indigenous languages in Australia will be preserved and strengthened with a new interactive media platform launched officially on February 21, 2019 from 1pm-2pm at the Alice Springs Public Library.
The inLanguage platform is developed and hosted by Indigenous Community Television (ICTV) on their video streaming service, ICTV PLAY, available at www.ictv.com.au/languages.
inLanguage makes it easy to find video content in the many Indigenous languages and language groups available on ICTV PLAY.
Dynamic audio and visual cues allow intuitive navigation for language speakers, linguists, researchers, teachers and students.
ICTV General Manager Rita Cattoni said inLanguage had been designed with a national focus and to cater to a range of literacy capabilities.
“ICTV has always encouraged the production and delivery of content in language and the inLanguage platform now makes it easier to access language content.”
“A map is a featured search tool as part of the site which is a fun, unique and educational way to discover video content in Australia’s Indigenous languages.”
“The project will also support eight language groups to create new video content and collaborate with them to digitise old archival footage if it exists.”
inLanguage has dedicated pages for 20 selected languages and language groups. Languages have been chosen based on the amount of accessible video content in that language. On each page users can find ICTV videos organised by language along with videos about learning language – from basic shows, fit for young children to conversations about revitalising language and culture – and resources to help with further learning.
“Digital technologies are increasingly at the forefront of maintaining and reviving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages,” Ms Cattoni said.
“ICTV is proud to launch inLanguage on International Mother Language Day during the International Year of Indigenous Languages.”
“In Australia, of the estimated original 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, only around 120 are still spoken and many are regarded as endangered.”
“Platform such as inLanguage will assist in ensuring languages will continue to be spoken, understood, learned and shared.”
For more information
Contact Vito Lucarelli on 08 8952 3118 or email inlanguage@ictv.com.au
inLanguage is supported through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program, First Languages Australia and Batchelor Institute.
