Vol. 46:1 (2023) ► pp.76–98
Should Munanga learn Kriol?
Exploring attitudes to non-Indigenous acquisition of Kriol language in Ngukurr
Kriol, an English-lexifier contact language, has approximately 20,000 speakers across northern Australia. It is the primary language of the remote Aboriginal community of Ngukurr. Kriol is a contact language, incorporating features of English and traditional Indigenous languages. The language has been perceived both positively and negatively, although recent literature suggests a shift towards more favorable views. This paper investigates how community members in Ngukurr responded to the question of non-Indigenous residents (known locally as Munanga) learning Kriol. Interviews with local Indigenous residents showed positive attitudes to Kriol, with respondents providing a number of perceived benefits for outsiders learning the language. Our interviews provide empirical evidence for pride in the language, affirming a shift to more positive attitudes.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 1.1About Kriol
- 1.2Attitudes towards Kriol
- 1.3Ngukurr today and motivations for the present study
- 2.Research method
- 2.1Research purpose and scope
- 2.2Participants
- 2.3Interview process and analysis
- 3.Findings
- 3.1Should Munanga learn Kriol?
- 3.2Improved communication
- 3.3Reciprocal learning
- 3.4Teaching and learning Kriol
- 3.5Communication style
- 3.6Attitudes to Kriol
- 3.7Insider language
- 4.Discussion
- 4.1Breaking down the key question
- 4.2Limitations of the study
- 5.Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Notes
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References
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.20084.hen