2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages: Word of the Week - Week Twenty-Seven.

As part of State Library's commitment to the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, we will be promoting a 'word of the week' from one of the 125+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects from across Queensland.

State Library's 'word of the week' for Week Twenty-Seven is gunbu , from the KuKu Yalanji and Guugu Yimithirr languages of Far North Queensland. In Kuku Yalanji it means 'celebration' while in Guugu Yimithirr it means 'song or hymn'. This week's word coincides with NAIDOC Week; a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

This week's word was suggested by Dianne Ross-Kelly, Language Worker at the North Queensland Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre which supports language communities across the region. KuKu Yalanji is undergoing revival by community members and is now being taught at Mossman State School.

State Library of Queensland invites you to celebrate the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages as we raise awareness of the rich diversity of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Join the conversation as we post a new word for each week!

Week Twenty-Seven 2-8 July 2019.

Desmond Crump

Indigenous Languages Coordinator, State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Webpages

State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Map

References

The word of the week was suggested by Dianne Ross-Kelly, Language Worker, North Queensland Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre .

State Library Source:

Hershberger, H.D. and R. (1982) Kuku Yalanji dictionary. Q 499.15 KUK

References and Further Reading

Curr, E. M. (1887) The Australian Race: its origins, languages, customs, place of landing in Australia and the routes by which it spread itself over that continent. RBF 572.994 cur

Gordon, T. and Haviland, J. (1980) Milbi: Aboriginal tales from Queensland's Endeavour River. JUVQ 398.20994 GOR

Haviland, J. (1979) 'Guugu Yimidhirr', in Handbook of Australian languages. Vol 1. J 499.15 HAN

Hershberger, H. and Hershberger, R. (1982) Kuku Yalanji Dictionary. Q 499.15 KUK

King, P P (1969 - facsimile edition) Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia : performed between the years 1818 and 1822. J 919.402 KIN

Koko Yalanji and Koko Yimidir people - spoken word Bible lessons. QKIT 781.629915 KOK

Mossman State High School (n.d) Kuku-Yalanji workbook / Jarba Junkurrji . P 499.15 KUK

Oates, L. (1993) Kuku-Yalanji Dictionary. Q 499.15 KUK

Roth, W. E. (1898-1903) “Reports to the Commissioner of Police and others, on Queensland aboriginal peoples 1898-1903.” FILM 0714

State Library of Queensland Indigenous Languages Project - Eric Deeral Digital Story

Websites

ABC Online News Article "School helps students keep Indigenous language alive for Queensland community"

North Queensland Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre