‘Follow your alan (path)’: keeping Indigenous languages and songs alive.

Join us for a public lecture by Inyjalarrku ‘mermaid’ ceremony group Jenny Manmurulu, Rupert Manmurulu, Renfred Manmurulu, Tamia Fejo, Alfred Gawaraidji from Arnhem Land in collaboration with Dr Reuben Brown. This will be followed by refreshments and the launch of two books by Dr Ruth Singer and Dr Reuben Brown introduced by Dr Murray Garde OAM and a performance by the Inyjalarrku ceremony group.

6:00 - 7:00pm: Public lecture

In this public lecture, Jenny Manmurulu, Rupert Manmurulu, Renfred Manmurulu, and Tamia Fejo—representing three generations of the Inyjalarrku ‘mermaid’ ceremony—will perform and analyse continuity and innovation of songs that have been dreamt by warra arrapujpa (songmen). Together with ethnomusicologist Dr Reuben Brown, they will demonstrate how manyardi have shaped cross-cultural encounters throughout generations and how new generations continue to follow the paths of their elders to keep ancestral languages and songs alive.

This public lecture is supported by the Research Unit for Indigenous Languages and Dr Reuben Brown’s ARC Project ‘Modern diplomacy: understanding ceremonial exchange at Indigenous Festivals’

7:00 - 7:30pm: Refreshments

7:30 - 8:30pm: Double book launch and performance of Inyjalarrku ‘mermaid’ songs

The public lecture will be followed by a launch of two related books: The gift of song: performing exchange in western Arnhem Land by Dr Reuben Brown and Indigenous Multilingualism at Warruwi: Cultivating Linguistic Diversity in an Australian Community by Dr Ruth Singer. These books will be introduced by Dr Murray Garde OAM, an expert in western Arnhem Land language and culture with decades of experience in the region.

The launch will conclude with a performance by the Inyjalarrku ‘mermaid’ ceremony group, led by songmen Rupert Manmurulu and Renfred Manmurulu with arawirr/didjeridu accompaniment by Alfred Gawaraidji and accompanying dance by Jenny Manmurulu and Tamia Fejo.

Please register early to attend this special event. You are welcome to attend either or both parts of the event.

The William Macmahon Ball Theatre is fully enclosed space, with circular, that accommodates up to 73 people. Its tiered desks provide some opportunity for attendees to follow social distancing guidelines. There is a spacious gathering area with seating outside the nearby Old Physics Building.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for enquiries about accessibility, please contact ruil-contact@unimelb.edu.au

Please note that the public lecture will not be livestreamed however it will be recorded and made available on RUIL’s website after the event. The book launch will be live streamed on Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. A zoom link will be provided to those who register prior to the event.