Tips

This page contains some hints on how to learn a (mostly) unwritten language...

1. Put yourself out there
Many people assume a two step process: (1) learn the language through intensive study; then (2) apply what you've learnt with people. However, you won't get far with Bininj Kunwok this way. You need to cast yourself out there even if it means adopting a more outgoing personality. Try things, make mistakes, have a laugh... if you're not feeling awkward or embarrassing yourself occasionally, you're not learning. Remember, the language exists for communication and relationships, so make communication and relationships the priority from the start.



--- Sarah Gudschinsky (1967) How to Learn an Unwritten Language, page 4

2. Learn phrases not words
Learning vocabulary out of context is virtually useless, because you don't get clues to the range of meanings of a word. If I memorise that a particular word translates as line in English, does that mean a line drawn in the sand, a queue of people waiting to board a bus, a wire for hanging clothes on, or a metaphorical boundary that should not be crossed? Instead, memorise whole phrases that put a word in context. Then substitute other words into these phrases.

Many people start by replacing English nouns with Kunwok nouns, e.g. "what's that daluk's name?". But speaking the language requires verbs, and you can't learn Kunwok verbs this way. You learn them through substitution:

3. Find one or more language guides
Just because someone speaks Kunwok doesn't make them a good teacher. Some people might overwhelm you with information in their enthusiasm to teach you. Start making friends, and see who you can easily relax with over a cup of tea. Remember that language learning is tiring for everyone, so monitor people's level of interest. Sometimes it's easier to focus on learning cultural things, and picking up language alongside that.