From all around us, we hear about the importance of Aboriginal language. Aboriginal groups across the country have been active in building language programs over the past twenty years or so. Language is part of the very essence of what a people is, and it is well- documented that language loss through colonization can be highly detrimental to a people. Academic institutions within the country have taken an active role in promoting Aboriginal languages in two major ways. In addition to institutional efforts, many individual linguists both within and outside of the University system have been involved in native language maintenance and revitalization.
Linguists work with communities in many different ways.
Some help to set up programs through the university and college systems. Many linguists teach within the communities themselves, focusing on the importance of native languages, the structure of the languages, and how to teach the languages. Linguists have been deeply involved in the development of resource materials such as dictionaries, grammars, and texts, and linguists serve as important members of teams developing curriculum material. Linguists have also been involved in surveys aimed at determining language use and language variation across communities where the same language is spoken. In many places today, students who want to work with an Aboriginal language are required to do some work for the community as well, in a way chosen by the community, to help maintain or revitalize the language.