RIC-0667 Aboriginal Cult 5-6

Indicator:
Forms of Communication
Teachers Notes
Understands that traditional Aboriginals used verbal and nonverbal
forms of communication.
This section will look at how traditional Aboriginal people used songs, dances
and stories as an important means of communication. It will explain how traditional
stories were more than just stories, and that songs and dances were also used to
convey meaning.
Songs, dances and stories are an important part of the Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal
people use dance, songs and stories as a means of communication. From a very
young age children are taught about their culture. In some Aboriginal groups
today, song ceremonies and dances are still alive, while in other groups not all of
them have been continued.
Songs and dance were often used in ceremonies. It is believed that these songs and
dances came from the Dreaming. Different groups of people and different places
had different songs and dances, which contained important information about
the history of each particular place.
Songs were also used to direct people to certain places, similar to a map. Aboriginal
people believe that a person who knows many songs is a very intelligent person. In
traditional Aboriginal communities, songs are seen as one of the most important
forms of communication.
Traditional songs are used to teach the people about important aspects of their
culture. They can learn about their laws and their history—even food and water
supplies are revealed through song. By singing about the land and its forms,
Aboriginal people can direct others to certain places. Through traditional songs
and dances, Aboriginal people can learn about morals and values.
The didgeridoo is a musical instrument used by Aboriginal people. It has a distinct
note and, when played correctly, makes the sounds of various animals and birds.
Tapping sticks, made from wood, are also used by traditional Aboriginal people to
make musical sounds.
Traditional stories are very important to Aboriginal people. These stories are handed
down through generations for years and years. Stories are used to teach young
children about how to behave towards others. They also teach them their social
obligations, responsibilities and history of their culture.
Aboriginal art is very spiritual. Some art is sacred and is used to express laws and
rites by which traditional Aboriginal people live. Aboriginal rock art is considered
by many to be the oldest form of art on Earth.
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• Display a radio, phone, books and other forms of communication in the
class. Explain that they are means by which we can communicate with each
other.
• Give the class an opportunity to use each in role-play situations.
• Tell the students how traditional Aboriginal people used paintings, stories,
dances and art to communicate.
• Students need to be made explicitly aware that paper and pencils were not
available to traditional Aboriginal people.
• Obtain books from the library that have examples of Aboriginal art and
their meanings. (Also refer to the cover of this publication.)
• Worksheets ‘Finish the pattern’, ‘How Many?’, ‘Aboriginal Dancing’ and
‘Dot-to-Dot Didgeridoo’ support this lesson.
Finish the Pattern
How Many?
Aboriginal Dancing
Dot-to-Dot
Didgeridoo
(pages 62 – 65)
Communication
www.ricgroup.com.au R.I.C. Publications 61Australian Aboriginal Culture 61
ISBN 978-1-86311-807-1