News edition for 2 July 2026. Added to Nungya on 22 October 2026 as part of our retrospective news archive. Reporting reflects information available by the edition date.

Trying a different spelling can change the direction of a search. That is especially useful in a language database where a name may appear in several written forms.

AIATSIS announced version three of AustLang on 29 June 2026. The online database provides information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, including names and spelling variants, locations, language families and references.

Three changes to notice: a portal links records with materials in the AIATSIS Collection; map controls have been improved; and mobile navigation has been redesigned. The announcement says user feedback helped shape the update.

For someone beginning a language search, a database can make the next step less mysterious. A record may point towards a publication, recording or collection item that would otherwise be difficult to discover. Following the reference is more informative than stopping at a search result’s short description.

The tool is a starting point, rather than a substitute for relationships with the people whose language is being explored. A database entry does not grant authority to teach a language or share material beyond its conditions of access. Begin with curiosity, keep track of the sources you consult and pay attention to the communities connected with them. Better navigation is useful when it helps a person reach those deeper connections.

Read the original report: Supporting language journeys with the launch of AustLang v3.