Australia had a vast number of indigenous languages. Some authorities say up to 600 different languages were in use before colonisation. Sadly most are now extinct. These languages cannot be linked to any of the world’s languages.
Of the 263 languages remaining there are some with only a few speakers remaining.
Click on the map to go to Aboriginal Studies Press for a map that can be enlarged. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies has a library, publishing division and an audiovisual archive.
Another good indigenous publishing house is IAD Press. They are the producers of LIVES of the PAPUNYA TULA ARTISTS I alluded to in an earlier post.
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It’s a shame when dialects are lost and forgotten. I feel very strongly about having dialects, indigenous languages, preserved and taught.
It is sobering to remember that our country has so many dialects, just like many other countries that we regard as having a homogenous culture. Even in “command driven” countries like China they seem to be able to maintain their language. Lets hope we maintain our diversity and aren’t all poorer for its loss.
Ben these living languages and culture can offer so much. And most are actually distinct languages with many not even in the same language groups