Not to Lose You, My Language

Abstract

This film describes bilingual education in three places in the Northern Territory: Milingimbi, Yayayi and Yuendumu.

It shows Aboriginal teachers in action, teaching reading, number and traditional dance and weaving, as well as English speakers teaching English.

At Milingimbi the bilingual program is advanced, and there is an enthusiastic team including United Church linguist, Miss Beulah Lowe. One of the highlights of the film shows Miss Lowe taping a story told to her by an old man, transcribing it, and bringing it to him as a published book.