Preserving Aboriginal languages

The preservation of the original languages of Queensland is the preservation of ancient cultural treasure—not just for Indigenous people, not just for Queenslanders, but for everyone.

Indigenous languages are a very important part of the heritage of Queensland. Sadly these languages are endangered and could disappear in the next few decades.

More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects were once spoken. Today around 50 of these remain, with less than 20 being used as first languages, predominantly in the north of the state and in the Torres Strait Islands.

There are community groups working to revive and maintain their languages, including the:

• Central Queensland Language Centre
• Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation
• Nalingu Aboriginal Corporation
• North Queensland Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre
• Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre

The State Library of Queensland has a:

• number of language resources to help encourage the preservation of Indigenous languages, including online books 
• digital story on their Vimeo Channel showing language journeys of community members researching their languages.

Indigenous language resources

Indigenous language group maps

• AIATSIS/Horton Aboriginal languages map—an online/interactive map based on the work of David Horton/AIATSIS.
• Indigenous language map (ABC)—the A-Z of Indigenous language groups in Australia. 
• Tindale languages map (SA Museum)—an online/interactive map based on the work of Norman Tindale.

Learn about Indigenous languages

• The Aboriginal Languages of Australia website helps you find books and learning tools about Aboriginal languages within Australia.
• The AUSTLANG Indigenous Languages Database has collected language information from a range of sources.
• Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay language tools—learning materials and stories.
• Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education has courses you can enrol in if you want to learn how to keep your own language strong, if you are keen to record your peoples' language, or want to gain formal qualifications in linguistics.
• Kuril dhagan is the Indigenous knowledge centre on level 1 of the State Library of Queensland. It offers a range of public programs including A Night by the Fire, Yarnin’ time, Murri Claus and exhibitions throughout the year.
• Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay language dictionary. 
• Information about Aboriginal English. 

Programs and community groups preserving languages

• The Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages and Culture supports community based language and cultural programs to help preserve and revive the Indigenous languages of Australia.
• The Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group helps share news about language programs and work to preserve languages in the eastern states of Australia.
• Banma Kiya is Queensland’s Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee, supporting and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait language programs in Queensland.
• Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre helps preserve Indigenous languages across the world through the use of language software for computers.
• The Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative helps support Aboriginal peoples, especially the Gumbaynggirr, in the revival and preservation of their language and culture.
• Our languages hopes to protect, preserve and help you learn the languages of Aboriginal peoples in Australia.
• Find a language centre near your community to help support programs and activities that preserve Indigenous Australian languages.

Listen to Indigenous language samples

• Listen to Aboriginal language samples and watch videos of Aboriginal languages on ABC Radio program Holding our tongues.
• Awaye! Listen to ABC Radio National programs featuring Indigenous music, interviews and discussions on issues important to Indigenous Australians.
• Listen to Amurdag and Magati Ke language samples as part of the Enduring Voices project run by National Geographic.