TAFE NSW
Reviving Language and Culture: The Inspiring Work of Aunty Beth Wright
It is with great honour that TAFE NSW shares the remarkable contributions of Aunty Beth Wright in this special Reconciliation edition. Aunty Beth, a proud Gamilaraay and Wayilwan woman, has dedicated her life to the revival and teaching of Indigenous languages, profoundly influencing communities across north-western New South Wales.
Aunty Beth’s story began in Walgett, where she first learned Gamilaraay from her mother. Despite the risks and challenges of speaking the language during difficult times, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her cultural heritage. Her unwavering dedication to language and culture eventually led her to break new ground as the first Aboriginal language teacher employed by TAFE NSW in 2010.
Currently, Aunty Beth teaches seven Indigenous languages across 15 communities. Her holistic approach integrates cultural education with language instruction, emphasizing that understanding the culture is essential to learning the language. Her classes often include lessons on traditional bush foods, medicines, and the cultural significance of various animals
Learning language is vital for the well being and cultural continuity for our First Nations People. It also strengthens cultural identity and builds a sense of pride and accomplishment. Many Aboriginal languages are sleeping, and through the work of people like Aunty Beth, some of these languages are not only revived but are making a comeback in the communities. The tremendous work in researching and developing teaching and learning resources is a testament to this revival.
Aunty Beth has been instrumental in reawakening the Wayilwan language, her father’s language, in Warren. She spent hundreds of hours listening to recordings of Wayilwan Elders housed in the sound archives of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in Canberra. She then created a dictionary for use through TAFE NSW to ensure the Wayilwan language can be used by future generations and for the empowerment of the local Aboriginal community
Her work is not just about language preservation; it’s about reconnecting people with their cultural identities. She has seen firsthand how learning their language and culture can help individuals regain a sense of belonging and pride. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the New South Wales Aboriginal Language Teacher of the Year Award.
Aunty Beth’s dedication and innovative teaching methods continue to inspire and empower her students, ensuring that the rich heritage of Aboriginal languages and cultures is passed down to future generations. Together with Uncle John, Aunty Beth often teaches languages online. Reflect on this: one of the oldest languages in the world is being taught through the newest medium. Her work is a vital step towards reconciliation and a more inclusive understanding of our shared history.
