Learn an Australian Indigenous Language

All you need to know to speak an Australian Indigenous Language

Many Australians are unaware of the distinctive features of Aboriginal languages, how many were spoken in Australia at the time of the first arrival of overseas explorers and even what they sound and look like.

This curriculum of short simple lessons explore the principles of language, how sounds are created, and the key features of an indigenous language. The topic is a fascinating one and it is a series of lessons I have delivered to a variety of audiences - from secondary students to highly engaged corporate employees.

This program uses a particular language as a case study - a language spoken in the Pilbara region of the north-west of Western Australia. And the language features learnt here apply to many other indigenous languages throughout Australia. They are all related, but they are all so different.

By the end of the program you will:

  • have an understanding of the mechanics of articulating Indigenous letters of the alphabet
  • have built up a vocabulary of more than 100 Indigenous words from this language
  • learn how different the grammar rules can be(almost like Latin)
  • learn how culture and language are so intertwined
  • increase your understanding of an Australia Indigenous view of the world

The program won't equip you to be a fluent speaker of the language, but you will be provided with a sound base of language knowledge that will give you the appreciation of some of the uniqueness of an Indigenous language still spoken in Australia.

This program is suitable for anybody wanting:

  • To improve their knowledge of the Australia Indigenous culture
  • To gain some linguistic exposure to Indigenous languages
  • To acquire knowledge of the mechanics of language
  • To develop a basis for further in-depth study of Australian Indigenous Language


The Nyangumarta Nasals

Try practicing some sounds


How to ask a question - using hand signals

Often when out hunting or at times when it is difficult to talk, that's when hand signals become useful. This one is used to ask a question - any type of question. But you need to know the context. What? Who? Where? When?


Your Instructor


Malcom Brown
Malcom Brown

My years in outback Australia learning the local indigenous languages and then sharing the learning back to the speakers with a dictionary, grammar rules and story books for the children to read were the most rewarding years of my career.

I have worked in communities in every state of Australia and have a profound knowledge of Indigenous Languages spoken in Australia.

These lectures are about one of the first languages that I learnt in the field.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
When will the course be fully loaded?
A lecture is added each month, and so once you have listened to all of the lectures you can look forward to some new content each month, right up to final completion.

Get started now!