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Community-led revitalisation of Kok Kaper/Kokoberra

A school-based language program in Australia

ORCiD logo with link | University of New EnglandArmidaleNSW
 | Kowanyama State SchoolKowanyamaQLD
ORCiD logo with link | Flinders UniversityAdelaideSA
 | C-LARAAdelaideSA
Published online: 16 July 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.25048.ren
Abstract
This article presents the early stages of the community-led development of the Kowanyama State School’s Kok Kaper/Kokoberra language program (Far North Queensland, Australia). By sharing the progress achieved to date as a case study, we contribute to the growing body of literature that documents and informs the process of developing Indigenous language programs in Australian schools. The paper shares background information about the complex linguistic context of Kowanyama, the theoretical frameworks the language program’s development aligns with and its implementational framing. The methodological approaches guiding its development are also discussed, alongside current approaches to teaching methods, assessment and content development. Examples of learning units and resources are explored. Some key challenges and trialled responses are also discussed, including the use of multilingual text, audio and exploration of artificial intelligence-generated illustrations for creating culturally relevant and engaging language learning resources.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Background information
    • Kowanyama’s linguistic context
    • Kok Kaper/Kokoberra: Linguistic classification, language vitality and available language materials
    • Theoretical framework
    • Language program context
      • The Language team
  • The Kok Kaper / Kokoberra language program
    • Methodological orientation
    • Curriculum guidelines and approach
    • Assessment approach
    • Teaching strategies
    • Examples of learning units incorporating the on Country teaching approach
    • Example of learning unit incorporating aspects of experiential learning and interaction-focused learning
    • Content development approach
    • Rationale for PowerPoint resources
    • PowerPoint slide structure
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
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