Losing the mother tongue

Campaigners in Australia understand what Doris meant when she said she was unable to speak her native language.

They have warned that indigenous languages are declining at record levels, and that the country's cultural heritage is at risk unless more is done to ensure the survival of these ancient tongues.

Experts estimate that before European settlers arrived, hundreds of languages existed on the Australian continent, but many of these languages have already been lost forever, and only a few dozen still remain.

As they die out, they take with them irreplaceable parts of Aboriginal culture and history. Colonisation and the forced removal of tribes from their land have had a withering effect on language.

Campaigners have said it would be "absolute madness" if politicians did not fight to preserve such an important part of the country's heritage.

For a news article on this, read here.