9 Maam ngawaala: biindu ngaawa nyanggan bindaayili. Language centres: keeping language strong

We begin by describing the history and main activities of Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative and Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre. Comments from Elders, language teachers and researchers are included to reflect the opinions of a diverse range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. We discuss some aspects of research, publishing, language education and information technology. Finally we make some recommendations for groups who are just starting out on this challenging but rewarding road. This volume was at least partially inspired by The green book of language revitalization in practice. There is a chapter in that book called ‘Diversity in Local Language Maintenance and Restoration: A Reason for Optimism’. It emphasises that there is a positive future for the revitalisation of Aboriginal languages: There is reason for optimism because local language communities all over the world are taking it upon themselves to act on behalf of their imperilled linguistic traditions in full understanding of, and in spite of, the realistic perception tha