“Language Breathes Life”—Barngarla Community Perspectives on the Wellbeing Impacts of Reclaiming a Dormant Australian Aboriginal Language

TLDR

Traditional languages are central to Indigenous identity, cultural expression, autonomy, spirituality, and wellbeing, and while language loss has been linked to poor mental health, little research has examined the psychological benefits of language reclamation. The study investigates whether the revival of the Barngarla language on the Eyre Peninsula can improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing during and after the reclamation process. Using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing framework, the authors identified themes of connection to spirituality, ancestors, Country, culture, community, family, mind and emotions, and the impact on individual identity and cultural pride. Sixteen semi‑structured interviews with Barngarla community members revealed perceived mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with language reclamation activities.

Abstract

Traditional languages are a key element of Indigenous peoples' identity, cultural expression, autonomy, spiritual and intellectual sovereignty, and wellbeing. While the links between Indigenous language loss and poor mental health have been demonstrated in several settings, little research has sought to identify the potential psychological benefits that may derive from language reclamation. The revival of the Barngarla language on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, offers a unique opportunity to examine whether improvements in mental health and social and emotional wellbeing can occur during and following the language reclamation process. This paper presents findings from 16 semi-structured interviews conducted with Barngarla community members describing their own experienced or observed mental health and wellbeing impacts of language reclamation activities. Aligning with a social and emotional wellbeing framework from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, key themes included connection to spirituality and ancestors; connection to Country; connection to culture; connection to community; connection to family and kinship; connection to mind and emotions; and impacts upon identity and cultural pride at an individual level. These themes will form the foundation of assessment of the impacts of language reclamation in future stages of the project.