Multilingual manyardi/kun-borrk: manifestations of multilingualism in the classical song traditions of western Arnhem Land
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2016
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Melbourne Authors
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School of Languages and Linguistics
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PhD thesis
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© 2016 Dr. Isabel Anne O'Keeffe
Abstract
Western Arnhem Land (Northern Australia) is well known for its linguistic diversity and multilingualism. Less well known is the diversity of songs in this region and the way the multiple linguistic resources are deployed within them. This thesis focuses on the manyardi/kun-borrk public dance-song genre, found across western Arnhem Land. I particularly concentrate on five repertoires of manyardi/kun-borrk songs, drawing on my fieldwork recordings of performances and discussions of songs as well as previous research.
Employing both linguistic and musicological perspectives, this thesis examines the ways in which the manyardi/kun-borrk song traditions manifest linguistic diversity, multilingualism and the underpinning language ideologies of the region. I consider how and why different linguistic varieties are used within the repertoires and the role of sociolinguistic practices and cultural beliefs related to multilingualism across various aspects of the song traditions. Through detailed linguistic and musical analysis I show how multilingualism and the underlying language ideologies permeate the manyardi/kun-borrk genre from the macro-levels of the organisation of the song traditions and performance practices to the micro-levels of song-texts and musical elements.
In seeking to account for the manifestations of multilingualism within the manyardi/kun-borrk song traditions I draw on previous studies of sociolinguistic practices and cultural beliefs or ideologies related to multilingualism in the western Arnhem Land region and more broadly in Aboriginal Australia. I show the way that many of the language ideologies related to multilingualism in Aboriginal Australian are enshrined or embodied in the manyardi/kun-borrk song traditions. These song traditions therefore reinforce these ideologies and contribute to the resultant sociolinguistic practices as well as reflecting or being influenced by them. While the findings of this thesis relate specifically to the sociocultural and linguistic context of western Arnhem Land, I argue that they have wider implications for our study of multilingualism and of linguistic and musical diversity. I contend that considering both linguistic and musicological perspectives provides greater insight into our understanding of multilingualism and the factors that contribute to the fostering and maintenance of linguistic and cultural (including musical) diversity.
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multilingualism, manyardi, kun-borrk, western Arnhem Land languages and songs, Indigenous Australian languages and songs, Aboriginal langauges and songs, song language, linguistic diversity, musical diversity, Kun-barlang, Mawng, Kunwinjku, Bininj Kunwok