taypani

What does taypani mean?

taypani is a word from palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

The word taypani means ‘to come’. TasTAFE uses this name for its learner hub spaces because they are places where learners can come to study, connect, seek support, collaborate and belong. The name was endorsed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC).

At TasTAFE, a taypani Learner Hub is more than a physical space. It is a welcoming environment where learners can access services, information, support and opportunities for connection.

Why is palawa kani important?

palawa kani is the only recognised and registered Aboriginal language spoken in Lutruwita/Tasmania today. The language has been rebuilt and revitalised through decades of work led by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and the palawa kani Language Program.

Language is more than words. It reflects culture, identity, knowledge, connection to Country and community. The use of Aboriginal language helps preserve and strengthen the world's oldest continuing cultures and supports future generations to learn, use and celebrate language every day.

TasTAFE recognises the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre as the authority responsible for palawa kani. In accordance with the Policy and Protocol for Use of palawa kani Aboriginal Language, TasTAFE uses authorised palawa kani words and does not use palawa kani in conjunction with inauthentic or reconstructed forms of Tasmanian Aboriginal languages.

TasTAFE's Commitment

TasTAFE is committed to respecting and celebrating Tasmania's Aboriginal community and recognising the traditional knowledge, teachings and culture of Aboriginal people. TasTAFE acknowledges that Aboriginal learning and teaching occurred for thousands of years on the lands where our campuses and training facilities are now located.

Through our Aboriginal Support Programs and partnerships with community organisations, TasTAFE actively supports the visibility, use and promotion of Aboriginal language across our learning environments. Examples include:

• The use of taypani learner hubs across TasTAFE campuses.
• Welcome to Country delivered in palawa kani at significant TasTAFE events.
• Aboriginal artwork, cultural displays and signage across campuses.
• The use of palawa kani within cultural awareness activities and educational resources.
• Aboriginal Vocational Pathway initiatives and Aboriginal learner support programs.
• Participation in activities that support Aboriginal language revitalisation across Lutruwita/Tasmania.

These activities contribute to TasTAFE's commitment to supporting Aboriginal language revitalisation and to the broader aspirations of Closing the Gap, including strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages.

Aboriginal Support at TasTAFE

TasTAFE's Aboriginal Support Officers (ASOs) provide culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal learners across Tasmania.

Support may include:

• Course and career advice
• Help with enrolment and studying
• Information about financial assistance
• Referral to support services
• Community connections and cultural support
• Assistance to overcome barriers to learning

Learn more about Aboriginal Support Programs: Aboriginal Support at TasTAFE

Learn more about palawa kani

The Orb

Explore stories, language and Aboriginal cultural resources: The Orb

palawa kani Language Information

Learn about the history and revitalisation of the Tasmanian Aboriginal language: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre – palawa kani.

palawa kani Language Use Policy

Information about the appropriate use of palawa kani: Policy and Protocol for Use of palawa kani.

Aboriginal and Dual Place Names

Discover Tasmanian Aboriginal place names around Lutruwita/Tasmania: Aboriginal and Dual Place Names.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the word taypani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and TasTAFE's commitment to supporting Aboriginal learners, culture and language.