Speaking Kaurna: understanding the sound system of Aboriginal languages

Tracks
3
Thursday, June 12, 2025
2:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Room L3, Ground Level

Overview

Jack Kanya Kudnuitya Buckskin

Details

⏫ Pre-conference workshop
⏲️ 2.00pm - 5.15pm
⌛ 180-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)

Presenter

Agenda Item Image
Jack Kanya Kudnuitya Buckskin
Kuma Kaaru

Speaking Kaurna: understanding the sound system of Aboriginal languages

2:00 PM - 5:15 PM

Presentation summary

Jack Kanya Kudnuitya Buckskin, a proud Kaurna and Narungga man, will lead this interactive workshop on the sound system of Aboriginal languages, with a focus on Kaurna, the language of the Adelaide Plains. A strong icon in the revitalisation of Kaurna language, Jack will guide participants through the fundamentals of pronunciation and structure, highlighting similarities and differences with English.
This workshop will offer attendees valuable insights into phonetic variation, multilingual speech development, and language revitalisation, reinforcing the importance of culturally responsive practice. Attendees will also learn key Kaurna phrases and words, gaining confidence to use them while in Tarntanya | Adelaide. The workshop further explores the deep connection between language, culture, and Country, enhancing understanding of how Indigenous languages shape identity and communication.

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Jack Kanya Kudnuitya Buckskin is a proud Kaurna and Narungga man who has dedicated his life to learning and passing on his knowledge and language of the Adelaide Plains to future generations of Kaurna people. Jack currently works with Tauondi Aboriginal College in Port Adelaide as an Aboriginal Cultural Service Mentor, and has been a strong icon in the revitalisation process of Kaurna language through managing and performing song and dance with Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services and through teaching Kaurna language. He believes that as Kaurna language has come from the land this is the only place in the world you will find it; it was in the country before we were born and it is our duty to ensure it continues by learning and using it together.

The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.

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