INTERVIEW: New project explores power of language and shared histories

The Acknowledgement of Country has been translated into 40 languages as part of a project led by Dr Elaine Laforteza. She explains how it started and the vision for what comes next.

Conversations on the role of language in deepening our connection and understanding of shared histories inspired Dr Elaine Laforteza's latest project. Source: Supplied / Elaine Laforteza

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Have you ever heard an Acknowledgement of Country in a language other than English?

Filipino Australian Dr Elaine Laforteza had not until she was an adult.

Inspired by conversations in the lead up to the Voice to Parliament Referendum in 2023, she has built an audio library of acknowledgements in 40 languages.

The project's launch conicides with International Mother Language Day.

Speaking with NITV's Phoebe McIlwraith, Dr Laforteza reflects on her relationship to First Nations people as a migrant and why more multilingual projects are needed in Australia.