Speak Strong: Aboriginal English representation in ACTF screen stories

There is a growing awareness across the nation of how schools are championing First Peoples' languages. Our classrooms are named after animals in local First languages, multilingual 'both ways' schools have celebrated Year 12 graduates, and students are benefiting from Ranger Programs and on country learning.

At the ACTF, we advocate for First Languages, including Aboriginal English (AbE) and Kriole/Creole, to be represented on screen as recognised dialects of our nation.

Although recognised since the 1960s by linguistics and educators, historically Aboriginal English has been falsely labelled as ‘slang’, ‘broken’ or ‘bad English’. Viewed as an English to correct, these dialects have been undervalued and overlooked.

Read more and take the Aboriginal English Quiz on the AIATSIS Education page.

Watch Barrumbi Kids in the classroom via the education download, or on NITV, with East Side Kriole subtitles or Torres Strait Creole subtitles.

Little J and Big Cuz is available in First languages Gija, Noongar, Torres Strait Creole, Palawa Kani, Warlpiri and Djambarrpuyngu online on this page.

Go on adventures to Ngarluma Ngurra with Thalu or Red Dirt Riders.

Join teens in Ready For This, and Yolgnu Boy.