World Scene: Australia

$8 m to save native languages

Australia has pledged $7.8 million this year to help save more than 100 indigenous languages, which are in grave danger of dying out.

Arts Minister Peter Garrett said the money would be spent on translation services, tests for children and a feasibility study for a national centre for Aboriginal languages. "These languages are... a significant part of Australia's heritage and we must ensure they are protected for the benefit of future generations," Garrett said.