'Treasure trove' of Aboriginal languages goes online

08/09/2008 12:32:43

The State Library of New South Wales, in Australia's east, says people will be able to take a look at some rare Aboriginal languages on its website from today.

The State library has used some original documents to trace fragments of many indigenous languages spoken in Australia during British settlement that have since been lost.

The library's Indigenous services librarian, Ronald Briggs, says the records are a treasure trove of some 500 Aboriginal languages.

"What we're making available online is really just a glimpse of what we have but it's the first time that we've been able to put those original handwritten documents written by early explorers, surveyors and missionaries that document Aboriginal language," he said.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network