Theodor George Henry (Ted) Strehlow was born at Hermannsburg, 124 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs. His father was in charge of the Hermannsburg Lutheran mission. From an early age Strehlow was educated in German literature, Greek, Roman and European classics as well as the English and Aranda (Arrentre) languages.As a youngster, he learnt much about the lifestyle and traditions of the Aranda from his companions and playmates. These experiences were to shape his future life.
On the death of his father in 1922, Strehlow left Hermannsburg and went to school in Adelaide. After graduating with an honours degree in English Literature and Linguistics from the University of Adelaide, Strehlow returned to central Australia to study the Aranda language, culture and traditions. From 1932-34 he investigated Australian Aboriginal languages and ceremonial traditions for the Australian National Research Council. He worked in native administration in Central Australia from 1936 to 1942. After serving in the Australian army during the Second World War, Strehlow joined the English Department at the University of Adelaide. He made numerous visits to central Australia, recording Aboriginal myths, songs and sacred ceremonies, working with Aboriginal elders, and building on material he had gathered earlier.
Strehlow was outspoken in his criticism of mainstream Australia's treatment of Aboriginal people. He maintained that white Australians could learn much from the structure of Aboriginal society. His published works include the text book for the dialects, Aranda Phonetics and Grammar (1944), Aranda Traditions (1947), Dark and White Australians (1957), Songs of Central Australia (1971) and Nomads in No Man's Land (1961), an account of Albert Namatjira. He also wrote Journey to Horseshoe Bend (1969) a moving account of his father's extreme suffering in an unsuccessful journey to seek medical treatment, accompanied by himself, then aged 14, and his mother. In 1978 the Strehlow Research Foundation was established.
