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Marrin Gamu - Many Languages, One Song

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Marrin Gamu - Many Languages, One Song Australian Greens

Through engaging with translations of a song into a number of different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, children will develop a shared appreciation of, and pride in, the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Materials Needed:

This song was recorded with children from five different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups with the aim of increasing awareness about the number, diversity and importance of the diversity and importance of Australia’s first languages. The title, Marrin Gamu, combines the word for ‘body’ from two of the languages in the film clip (Wiradjuri and Kalaw Kalaw Ya, respectively).

What to do:

  • After screening the original video, children may also wish to view a range of other video translations and performances of the Marrin Gamu song via the following First Languages Australia or ABC Education webpages.

Once children have engaged in viewing these video clips, facilitate a discussion around the following kinds of questions:

  • Where do the groups of children in the videos come from, and what language(s) do they speak?
  • What do you think is special/important about the languages in the videos?
  • Is there anything else we learnt about from the videos? Why do you think this learning is learning special/important?
  • What was similar or different about each of the videos and the song that was sung within them? Are all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages the same? What is special or important about the idea of one song being able to be sung in many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages? Are all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and identities the same?
  • Why is it special or important to learn about the different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, cultures, and peoples across Australia?

Hints and Tips:

  • You may then wish to localise the discussion by encouraging children to think about, identify and locate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language(s) of the area on which your early learning service operates. Where feasible and appropriate, work with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Centre and community to translate the Marrin Gamu song into the local language, and record children singing it. The English Lyrics and backing track for the song can be found here: http://marringamu.com.au/marringamu_resources/.

For further or alternative lesson plans or ideas: Marrin Gamu Resources

Reference: 
Marrin Gamu - Many Languages, One Song, .Narragunnawali Reconciliation Australia 

Additional Info

  • Appropriate Age: 4 year+
  • Number of Children: Small Group (4), Large Group (5 or more)
  • Developmental Milestones:

    Goals For The Activity: 

    Children are actively engaged in learning, or learning about, one or more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

    Children develop an understanding of the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, and of the importance of celebrating these languages.

    Children develop an understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, and how this reflects the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities more generally.

  • Play Based Learning: Dramatic Play, Creative Play
  • Interest Areas: Music and Movement
  • Games Categories: Learning Games, Multicultural Games, Music and Movement
  • EYLF Outcomes: Learning Outcome 2, Learning Outcome 3, Learning Outcome 4, Learning Outcome 5
  • Sub Outcomes:

    EYLF Outcome 2.2—Children respond to diversity with respect.

    EYLF Outcome 4.4—Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials.

     

    EYLF Outcome 5.1—Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.

    EYLF Outcome 5.2—Children engage with a range of texts and make meaning from these texts.

    EYLF Outcome 5.5—Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking.

Created On July 8, 2024 Last modified on Wednesday, July 10, 2024
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