Co-designing Noongar language and speech sound materials

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Abstract
Indigenous language knowledge can serve as a window into cultural identity and wellbeing. The aims of our study were twofold: (1) to capture the process of increasing awareness of Noongar to first-year speech pathology students between 2021 and 2024 at Curtin University, and (2) to develop Noongar Language and Speech Sound materials using feedback received from the Elders reference group, clinicians, educators, and speech pathology students. In doing so, we address the potential for misdiagnoses that currently exist when speech pathologists use standardised Australian English-based assessments to work with Noongar-speaking children in the areas of language, speech, and literacy difficulties. Drawing on Indigenous standpoint theory, we used Yarning through Kapati Time, Dabakarn-dabakarn , and Yindyamarra Methodology to build trust and relationships. Over four years, we co-designed language and speech sound materials through Participatory Action Research. The team included two Indigenous (Noongar, Wiradjuri) and three non-Indigenous academics. Two outdoor lectures and tutorials were delivered annually, reaching over 400 students, who contributed to the material design. Guided by the ethical framework by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, this Noongar-led project demonstrates how collaboration ensures cultural safety and promotes recognition of language differences during clinical assessment, reducing over- or underdiagnosis in multilingual Noongar-speaking children.

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