Prior to the colonization of Australia, there were approximately 250 indigenous languages spoken. However, when the Europeans colonized Australia, they formed the assumption that Indigenous Australian languages were less valuable than the English language. This assumption was used in policies like assimilation, where Aboriginal children were removed from their families and placed in the care of white people so that they could learn English. In addition, Indigenous Australians were not only banned from speaking their language and exercising their culture, but were also made to feel ashamed of speaking their language in
Prior to the colonization of Australia, there were approximately 250 indigenous languages spoken. However, when the Europeans colonized Australia, they formed the assumption that Indigenous Australian languages were less valuable than the English language. This assumption was used in policies like assimilation, where Aboriginal children were removed from their families and placed in the care of white people so that they could learn English. In addition, Indigenous Australians were not only banned from speaking their language and exercising their culture, but were also made to feel ashamed of speaking their language in