Changing opinions or persisting ideologies? An exploratory study into attitudes to Aboriginal languages by non-Indigenous Australians

Attitudes expressed by the dominant sectors of society can play a crucial role in the maintenance and revitalisation of minority languages, and on the value and linguistic pride held by speakers. The preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages are key topics of linguistic research in current Australian society; however, a systematic investigation of language attitudes concerning Australian Indigenous languages remains to be offered.

This study investigates attitudes towards Australian Indigenous languages, as expressed by non-Indigenous people from Perth, Western Australia. These attitudes are analysed to examine what perceptions non-Indigenous Australians from Perth hold towards Indigenous Australian languages, and whether previously widespread ideologies concerning these languages still have currency in Australian society. Observations concerning whether these attitudes appear stable, or are changing over time, are also considered.

My findings, based on original qualitative data collected through interviews with 26 non-Indigenous Australians, suggest that many Australians appear to possess a greater knowledge about Indigenous languages than in the past and are less likely to agree with formerly held folk linguistic ideologies. Despite this, Australians across all generations continue to lack a sufficient understanding and awareness of Australian languages.