Dhadha Lagaw Ya

AUSTLANG reference Y4
LANGUAGE VARIETY COMPLEXKala Lagaw Ya
LANGUAGE STATUSRevival

Language Learning

EGIDS 8a

CURRENT LANGUAGE ACTIVITYIn 2018, Pama Language Centre linguist Xavier Barker and Monash University intern Imogen Genest travelled to Poruma to support the Kulkalgal Nation as they embark on a journey towards revitalisation of their language, a distinct variety of Kala Lagaw Ya.

It was an effective and inclusive workshop with elders flown in from as far away as Townsville and Cairns along with the nearby islands of Iama, Warraber, Masig, Waiben and Ngurupai.

Kala Lagaw Ya speakers Alick Tipoti and Gabriel Bani travelled to provide support as fluent speakers of their variety.

The Kulkalgal people are known for their ability to sing in their language – Kulkalgaw Ya – but inter-generational transmission was interrupted.

This means younger people have become passive users of their language.

A development framework was developed for Kulkalgaw Ya and a revitalisation model was endorsed and adopted by the elders and community at large.

There is a great vision and inspired people driving it. We look forward to a long relationship with the Kulkalgal Nation.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Dhadha Lagaw Ya is synonymous with Kulkalgaw Ya. In 2022, the communities of Masig, Iama, Warraber and Poruma decided to change the name of their language to Dhadha Lagaw Ya (Central Island Language).

Language activity has been managed by the Porumalgal PBC.

LINGUISTIC NOTES & SOURCESInclude any standardisation efforts, regularisation, engineered phonology (e.g. diachronic syncope, aphaeresis…). List any available sources, link to any online resources.
PAST LANGUAGE REVIVAL ACTIVITYInclude any previous (pre-Pama Language Centre) revival (or other type) of work. Include production of texts (Bibles, newspapers…), recordings (songs, dance videos, other videos…). Include other language-related activities (scripted welcome-to-countries…).
TEACHING & LEARNING RESOURCES Links to Pama Language Centre resources and open access resources, link to PLC shop if valid. Include any online resources (wordlists, online forums, facebook groups)
DICTIONARY WATCH THIS SPACEList links to Dictionaries. List Harvard-system reference.
OPEN ACCESS ARCHIVAL RESOURCES Link to archival resources, conditions of access to be determined by relevant ALAT.
FIND A TRANSLATORList details of all those capable of translations, esp NAATI-qualified.
CONNECT WITH SPEECH COMMUNITY Facebook groups, community websites, phone numbers. NGOs, Local groups (church, youth, women, men, clan…)