Australia Celebrates Indigenous Words Through New 50-Cent

Australia is celebrating its indigenous worlds through the release of a brand new 50-cent. The new coin features 14 different translations for the word 'money' from Australian indigenous languages. The coins was released into circulation by the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Ross MacDiarmid, Mint Chief Executive said they worked with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to include various indigenous language groups to create the new coins. "These coins are a celebration of Australia's unique and diverse indigenous languages. We hope the coins will serve as a tangible reminder of the important efforts being undertaken to preserve, protect and revitalize indigenous languages in Australia."

The AIATSIS through a survey in 2014 found that indigenous Australians regard language as central to identity and recognized that staying connected to language strengthens the well-being and self-esteem in indigenous communities. The survey also found that 120 Australian indigenous languages are spoken today, compared to to more than 250 languages that were known to used in 1788.

Craig Ritchie, the institute's chief executive said indigenous languages carry more meaning than the words themselves, and so does a currency, as it carries meaning beyond its monetary value. "The release of these coins is another milestone in recognizing the diverse cultures that shape our national story of over 60,000 years."