Jurra is best: Metadata design for a range of outputs from legacy recordings

Abstract

This paper describes recent work with Gun-nartpa language material recorded on cassette tape in the Maningrida region in 1993-4. Returning in 2010 after a long absence I have commenced working in collaboration with Gun-nartpa speakers to digitise, log, document, repatriate and archive recordings made by elders now deceased. At the outset there were 3 key aims: (i) to repatriate the recordings in real terms, by making sure that family members have opportunities to listen to and engage with the recordings, (ii) to ensure that the recordings are archived and accessible for family members in the future and (iii) to provide a well formed corpus of recorded material for future purposes. This paper considers some of the challenges regarding access to digital material for many in this community, and the need to provide a range of outputs according to different levels of technological capacity. For many, jurra ‘paper’ is still the preferred way to interact with repatriated stories, photographs and memorabilia. Notwithstanding this preference, technological uptake is rapidly increasing, and robust metadata design will enable speakers to access language materials across a range of platforms.