Animating language: Continuing intergenerational Indigenous language knowledge

The Monash Country Lines Archive (MCLA) began in 2011 to assist Indigenous Australian communities in language preservation. Working on the premise that Indigenous communities already have the structures to continue and preserve their language through inter-generational learning, it was recognised that a new knowledge system was not needed. Instead the ‘need’ was to provide tools to reengage and revitalise interest in language continuation. Working with 3D animation as a method intergenerational knowledge sharing, keeping language alive, or to reconnect language and it’s people, MCLA is developing partnerships with Indigenous communities across Australia to assist in the preservation of their history, knowledge, poetry, songs, performance and language. These animations provide material for Elders and younger generations to sit together and share knowledge. This chapter covers three areas of the Monash Country Lines Archive: Importance of Indigenous Languages, Basic Principles and Animating language and Country.