Master-Apprentice Indigenous Language Revival Conference - Alice Springs 8-11th of August

A hands on training to grow new fluent speaker of endangered Australian Indigenous languages
Led by Native American language revival experts.

What:
A 4-day conference in Alice Springs to provide practical training on how to implement a language learning model designed specifically for communities with small numbers of speakers and limited resources.  The Master-Apprentice method was developed by small Indigenous language communities in California and has proven to be the most effective method for endangered language communities with the least resources.  

This conference will facilitate international cultural connections and knowledge sharing between Native American and Indigenous Australian communities seeking to keep their languages strong.

The Master-Apprentice Program (MAP) pairs fluent Elders and adult learners together to rapidly develop fluency through breath-to-breath language immersion, using traditional oral intergenerational language transmission from Elders to our youth.

Conference Outline
Monday night: Welcome Dinner and Launch Cultural Exchange
We will launch the conference, with a Welcome, smoking and dance performance from Arrernte Traditional Owners, a gift exchange with our Native American guests and Kangaroo tail dinner.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Conference Days
Experienced trainers will teach the background for the MAP method including the importance of immersion learning, explain the Master-Apprentice process and give participants direct practice in using the method. There will be focused sessions for Elder speakers and for new Apprentice learners. The workshop will also provide direct training in using technology for documentation in video and audio and as an appropriate learning aid.

Thursday Night: Closing Dinner
Gala dinner, in-language talent show and live performances from local Indigenous artists

Conference Trainers:
Richard A. Grounds, Ph.D. (Yuchi/Seminole), Chairperson Global Indigenous Language Caucus
Julian Lang (Karuk), Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival (AICLS)
Halay Turning Heart (Yuchi Seminole), Yuchi Language Project, Oklahoma, USA
Jiles Turning Heart (Lakota), Videography/Audio/Internet resources
Bobbie Chew Bigby (Cherokee), Second Language Acquisition

Where:
Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
Conference hosted by the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education at the Desert Peoples Centre Campus.
Accommodation: Big 4 Caravan Park

Who:
This training is targeted at endangered Indigenous language groups that have few fluent Elders. Unfortunately if your language no longer has fluent speakers, this training may not be the most effective method for your language situation. We have a capped number of places and will prioritize language groups that are most endangered with strong Master-Apprentice teams.
Apply now here:

Cost:
Accommodation, tickets and catering are fully covered. We are asking participants to cover their own transport to Alice Springs, and will offer several travel scholarships for special circumstances. Apply for a scholarship now here: