ABSTRACT
Colonialism and imperialism led to profound losses in many parts of the world. The loss of Indigenous languages signals deeper cultural impacts, which the United Nations have recognized in declaring the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032. This chapter delves into the significance of Jakelin Troy's The Sydney Language ([1993] 2019), and into the historical context in which its vocabularies were originally gathered. The necessity of cross-cultural communication in the early contact period required translation, resulting in the rich and informative vocabularies that Troy has carefully researched and compiled. By introducing readers to a sampling of the individual words, McGrath's chapter reveals fascinating insights into the everyday lives of these Indigenous peoples in the late eighteenth century. This includes an example of cultural exchange around the theme of crime and punishment between a British Lieutenant and a local Indigenous woman. Although Troy's book showcases a language that was almost lost, McGrath challenges the notion that it is an extinct language, pointing out how Troy's research facilitated linguistic revival. Her book not only made this language accessible; it leaves profound cultural and artistic legacies. It has enabled Australian Indigenous custodians to reconnect with their mother tongue; it has also informed and inspired actors, playwrights, novelists, and historians from many backgrounds.
