Summary

English Language course produced by Linguaphone, circa 1950s. Linguaphone is a British-based language course which distributes internationally. The course was purchased by the Vyverberg family in Holland and used there so they could start learning English after they decided to migrate to Australia. They brought it with them when they immigrated in 1956 and continued to use it for a time in Melbourne until finally putting it away. The parents insisted the children speak English at home which they picked up at school, rather than from using the language course.

John and Corrie Vyverberg and their children Ann, Joan, Hilda, Sally, Harry and Peter migrated to Melbourne from Kwintsheul in central Holland in February 1956. They were unassisted migrants and came out on the Dutch migrant liner, Johann Van Oldenbarnevelt. They decided to immigrate as they were looking for a better future and Corrie's health was poor and she had been advised that a warmer climate would benefit her. On arrival they bought a house in Beaconsfield, and John worked as a labourer at a fruit packing company. They later bought a milk bar and café in Berwick which they owned for eight years. The whole family worked there and Ann left school to help out.

Physical Description

Set of 15 10" records, each in a separate paper cover. Each record has the same label 'Linguaphone, Linguaphone Institute. English Course. P.A.D. MacCarthy, M.A. David Lloyd James, B.A.' and then the title of the particular record, eg 'Introduction', 'Lesson 3 & 4' etc.. The covers all have the same illustration of figures in various 'national' costumes and entitled 'Linguaphone', with a tab indicating the particular record. The records are stored in the original black wooden case with handle, the lid of which has clasps that release the lid. It flips down to reveal an outline of the course lessons. It appears one of the records is missing.

Significance

The collection holds little material relating to migrants and the learning of the English language, a critical part of so many migrants' experiences of settlement, of communication difficulties, of isolation, of community connections and generational distinction. This item represents an unusual 'brought' object and speaks about the preparation involved in migrating. Linguaphone itself was established in 1901 and pioneered self-study language learning. The company is still in operation.

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