The importance of language and connection to Country

Dylan Berger is set to explore how language is a living form of Indigenous Knowledge, as the inaugural recipient of The University of Queensland’s Indigenous Languages Scholarship.

A proud Gumbaynggirr, Dhanggati, Yuin, and Birpai man, Mr Berger has studied Indigenous Knowledge philosophy, but wants to take it further in his PhD.

“I’d like to explore the relationship between Gumbaynggirr community members as human agents belonging to Gumbaynggirr Country, northern New South Wales, and Gumbaynggirr language as a living form of Indigenous Knowledge containing its own form of agency within Country,” Mr Berger said.

“I hope to identify how the reciprocal nature of those relationships can generate positive benefits both for Gumbaynggirr community members and Gumbaynggirr language.

“That includes improving connections to Country, culture and community and being better able to conserve, revitalise and promote Gumbaynggirr language.”

Mr Berger has received $20,000 through UQ’s newly-created Indigenous Languages Scholarship from the School of Languages and Cultures.

Since graduating from high school in 2013, Mr Berger has completed a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge (Honours) at Southern Cross University (SCU) and has worked with high schools, council bodies, community organisations and within SCU.

“As a Gumbaynggirr representative, a portion of my work has included speaking, sharing, and continually learning Gumbaynggirr language in group environments,” Mr Berger said.

He has also delivered cultural literacy training to local teachers and educational support staff as a member of the 3^rd Space Mob Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation cultural awareness team.

Now undertaking his PhD at UQ, Mr Berger hopes to one day pursue an academic career that focuses on applied linguistics from an Indigenous Knowledge perspective.

"I hope to inspire other First Nations’ people to pursue their own research pathways via academia, thus creating opportunities to benefit both themselves and their communities in their own way,” he said.

The Indigenous Languages Scholarship was initiated by Professor Felicity Meakins and Professor Clint Bracknell, who hope to continue the program in future years.

Media: UQ Communications Kristen Johnson, k.johnston@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 1633, +61 (0)407 656 518.