Original language native to the region spoken thousands of years ago by the Wiradjuri people is being passed on to local kindergarten students from Dubbo South Primary.
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Classes are being taught by the schools Aboriginal Education Officers Dina Moore and Deb Morrow who have Certificate III in the Wiradjuri language from TAFE.
The students have picked up a surprising amount of the Aboriginal language in the short time they have been
taught.
“It is quite surprising because this is only the second week and it is amazing how much they have picked up,” Ms Moore said.
So the children have learnt family names, how to count to 10 and the names of body parts in Wiradjuri.
“That’s why we aimed at the little kids - they pick it up a lot quicker,” Ms Morrow said.
Learning the native language has created a greater cultural awareness among the young students.
“We explain to the children it is the language of the Aboriginal people spoken years ago,” Ms Moore said.
There are hopes the program will expand to other age groups and schools.
“The kids just love it and hopefully we can teach other stages as well,” Ms Moore
said.
“We want to build it up so it can carry into the high schools,”Ms Morrow said.