The Language of Australia – Robert Dixon – 1980
The Language of Australia
Robert Dixon’s The Language of Australia is a comprehensive survey of the continent’s Indigenous languages, offering a detailed exploration of their structure, history, and cultural significance. The work doesn’t present a single ‘Australian’ language, but rather demonstrates the incredible diversity of approximately 250 languages that existed before European colonization. Dixon meticulously examines the typological features of these languages, highlighting their unique grammatical systems and phonological characteristics. A central focus is the classification of these languages into larger language families, a task complicated by extensive language loss and the limitations of historical reconstruction.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1980, this work arrived at a turning point in the study of Australian Indigenous languages. Previously, much of the documentation was carried out by missionaries and early explorers, often lacking a rigorous linguistic framework. Dixon’s work represents a shift towards a more scientific and systematic approach. It was written as European colonization caused a rapid decline in language use and transmission, representing a vital effort to document and preserve this linguistic heritage. The book also reflects the growing recognition of the cultural value inherent in Indigenous languages, challenging earlier perspectives that viewed them as ‘primitive’ or ‘unsophisticated’.
Who This Book Is For
This book is primarily intended for students and scholars of linguistics, particularly those interested in typological variation, language classification, and language endangerment. However, its clear and accessible style makes it valuable for anyone with a serious interest in the linguistic and cultural diversity of Australia. No prior linguistic knowledge is strictly required, though some familiarity with linguistic terminology will be helpful. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the impact of colonization on Indigenous cultures through the lens of language loss.
Further Reading
- Wurm, Stephen A. (ed.) The Languages of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Allen & Unwin, 1979. Provides a broad overview of language families and a sense of the scope of linguistic diversity in the region.
- McConvell, Patrick. First Languages of Australia. UNSW Press, 2008. A more recent overview of Australian Indigenous languages, incorporating updated research and perspectives.
- Amery, Ross & Peter Sutton (eds.) Languages of Pre-Colonial Australia. University of Queensland Press, 2001. Details the histories of individual languages, their structures, and their current status.
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