Word Up’ is part of ABC Radio National’s Awaye! Program. Since 2016 it has highlighted the enduring strength of Indigenous languages, from the vibrant Djambarrpunygu of Arnhem Land to the reawakened Adnyamathanha from the Flinders Ranges.
For the 100th episode of ‘Word Up’, the inspirational Sheree Blackley shares some of her favourite Kalkutungu words. Kalkutungu language comes from the Mount Isa region in the Gulf country in north-western Queensland.
Sheree only knew a handful of words from her language growing up, but the 2017 NAIDOC theme "Our Languages Matter" inspired her to learn more. Using archival recordings and research from linguists she co-developed the Kalkutungu Language Project to help get kids talking.
For the 100th episode of Word Up, Sheree shares some Kalkatungu language - including a phrase that goes to the heart of her goals.
