Languages in Queensland

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in Queensland

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map the experiences, lore and stories that connect First Nations peoples to country and community and provide all Queenslanders with an understanding of the places where we live, work and play.

A shared appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages provides opportunities to communicate, understand and build relationships that grow a more aware, more open, welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.

More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects were once spoken. Today around 50 of these remain, with fewer than 20 being used as first languages.

With few fluent speakers remaining, many languages could be lost within the next few decades. This loss of language means a loss of cultural heritage that incorporates unique ways of knowing and experiencing the world.

Ensuring children learn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages is an integral part of preservation—as the leaders of tomorrow, they will be responsible for carrying languages and culture into the future.

State Library of Queensland resources

The State Library of Queensland supports communities in the revival, documentation and preservation of traditional languages. They acknowledge language heritage and knowledge always remain with the Traditional Owners, Elders, language custodians and other community members of the respective language nation.

Explore the range of resources and activities from State Library to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in Queensland, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander word lists
• ‘Cape treasures’ stories from Cape York children, in language
• ‘Tellin’ country’ stories from Logan, Woorabinda and Wujal Wujal
• ‘ReTold’ traditional stories from the Torres Strait, in language
• ‘Spoken: celebrating Queensland languages’ virtual exhibition tour.

Community groups

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

• Central Queensland Language Centre (Bundaberg)
• Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation (Hervey Bay)
• Gunggari Native Title Corporation (Mitchell)
• North Queensland Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre (Cairns)
• Torres Strait Traditional Languages Centre
• Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre (Beenleigh)

Language apps

Find a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture apps via iTunes and Google Play, including:

• Welcome to Country (iTunes)

Hear songs in language from around Australia on Spotify via this playlist curated by Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.

The ABC Radio program Holding our tongues includes Aboriginal language samples and videos from across Australia including up to Cape York in Queensland.