Rdaka-rdaka Warlpiri Sign Language Workshop Willowra 26-28 August 2014

During the workshop we looked at a website for Central Australian Sign Languages we have made with signers at Ti Tree. In this photo Lillian and Margaret are looking at the website.

We used Adam Kendon’s list of Warlpiri signs to record signs at Willowra.

Lucy Nampijinpa Martin worked with Julie, Petronella and Janelle, recording signs for the project.

Julie, Petronella and Janelle, recording signs for the project.

Cecilia Nampijinpa Martin and Petronella Varzon-Morel

It was great to have mother and daughter Julie and Janelle working in the team. They worked together with Petronella and Lucy Nampijinpa to prompt for signs, and to follow up with explanations, stories and descriptions.

Rdaka-rdaka ‘Sign language’ is an important part of communication at Willowra. There are many signs for people, animals, plants, kin relationships, times, feelings and actions.

We held this workshop at Wirliyajarrayi Learning Centre to record Rdaka-rdaka from senior women in Willowra and to support language teaching and learning.

Signers: Lucy Nampijinpa Martin, Peggy Nampijinpa Martin and Lillian Nakamarra Long.

Camera: Janelle Naparrurla Ross and Cecilia Nampijinpa Martin

Facilitators: Julie Napaljarri Kitson, Petronella Varzon-Morel, Jenny Green and Margaret Carew.