LINGUISTICS AND LAND RIGHTS

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the different instances at which linguistically informed judgements bear on issues in the functioning of the land rights legislation in the N.T. The paper also discusses the implications of these judgements for various difficulties. The implementation of the Aboriginal Land Rights (N.T.) Act of 1976 has resulted in a significant amount of discussion on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory of Australia (N.T.). The concept "traditional owner," which is defined in the Act, has developed into a widespread phrase in recent years. According to the customs of Aboriginal people, it designates an Aboriginal person as the owner of a piece of land. The phrase is used in the context of a traditional land claim, the operation of a Land Council1, or the composition and business of an Aboriginal Land Trust when referring to the Act. The idea is also applicable to supplementary laws of the Northern Territory, such as those pertaining to sacred locations and sacred goods. "Custodian" is an alternative term that is frequently used in the Top End of the Northern Territory.