A Talking Dictionary of Paakantyi

Abstract

This case study outlines the development of one component of the interactive multimedia CD-ROM Paakantyi (Hercus & Nathan, 2002), emphasising the value of community consultation throughout the project lifespan.1 In our initial consultations with members of the Paakantyi community of NSW, Australia, about producing a CD-ROM to support their new language revival efforts, community members put forward the idea of a “talking dictionary.” The value that many aboriginal people place on dictionaries as symbols of a language’s significance is well-known, and, particularly following the publication of the (text-only) Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay Web Dictionary (Austin & Nathan, 1996), we had heard many people in many places express a preference to simply hear the words.