Dingo Lingo: Australia's past through the lens of biology, language & music (2025-2029)

This project investigates 'dingo' related words in Indigenous languages to transform our understanding of the linguistic landscape of Australia from a static collection of languages to a complex picture of vibrant language exchange and social dynamics. As the dingo arrived around 4000yrs ago, these words are within the scope of evolutionary models of language. With First Nations rangers, this project will create a large-scale database of dingo words including from different speech styles and song through detailed case studies. This database will be the basis of a model of language change that better reflects dynamic historical relationships between Indigenous groups. The project will also extend ranger programs to cultural conservation.