Research Unit for Indigenous Language

Research Unit for Indigenous Language RUIL: working with communities in Australia and the region to strengthen Indigenous languages

In 2013 the University of Melbourne formally established the Research Unit for Indigenous language (RUIL) in the School of Languages and Linguistics. This research unit is the first of its kind in Australia and draws on a wide range of varying expertise from linguists. Its overarching focus is to undertake research relevant to understanding:

What is the nature of Indigenous language in Australia

in all of its forms, across generations and communities, and how can we identify and address the needs of Indigenous people and their languages into the future? The research unit is centred around a team from the School of Languages and Linguistics with an exemplary record in research on the languages of Australia’s Indigenous communities. The University of Melbourne is the national (and global) leader in this important area of research. Over the last 10 years the team has held 10 Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project grants in the area, including five held currently, has graduated eight PhD students working specifically in the area of Indigenous languages, and currently supervise a further six PhD students and two Masters students working on Indigenous language related topics. The staffing of the research unit revolves around four key staff with different but complementary expertise, associated research only staff, and external collaborators with whom the core staff work very closely. The key staff associated with the research unit all have substantial track records of publications and ARC and other competitive grants in the area, and an established history of collaboration. The establishment of this research unit places the Faculty of Arts and The University of Melbourne at the forefront of this research domain, with its recognized importance for government policy, education, and the health and well-being of Australia’s indigenous population. The research unit is also guided and advised by an external Steering Committee that includes experts from a range of organisations across the country, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

24/06/2026

After learning from Native American Yuchi families, Pertame elders and young mothers in Alice Springs are raising babies in a total immersion Language Nest and hope to extend the model into primary school.

23/06/2026

For the first time words from Indigenous languages are being brought to life online at scale, thanks to researchers from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne.

The 50 Words Project has reached a record milestone, preserving audio recordings of 50 unique words in 100 different Indigenous languages.

Widely used in schools, language programs, and Indigenous communities, the online resource has been developed to bring together translations of Indigenous languages from across Australia, alongside recordings by community speakers. Through the interactive map, users can explore and listen to spoken words from community members of those language groups.

Tap through to read more about the 50 Words Project → unimelb.me/4vm1gQx

📷: Gangulu man, Thomas Watson, recording his Gangulu language for the 50 Words Project.

18/06/2026

Five episodes have been dubbed into Australian language Yolŋu Matha for Naidoc Week, with Bandit voiced by a founding member of rock band King Stingray

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Faith Baisden on being awarded an AM in the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List: For significant service to Indigenous language preservation and education.

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School Of Languages And Linguistics, The University Of Melbourne
Parkville, VIC
3010

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