Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Map.

Visitors to the Spoken: Celebrating Queensland Languages exhibition Resource Lounge may have noticed a refreshed version of the State Library Indigenous languages resources map. The primary focus of the map is to connect community members, researchers and general public with items in the collection relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 

In addition to the touch screen in the slq gallery Resource Lounge, the interactive map is available online via the State Library webpages. As can be seen in the above image, there is additional information that provides a snapshot of the language; including where it was spoken, alternative names, dialects, common everyday words as a link to items in the collection. There is also a link to 'Word of the Week' from the respective languages across Queensland.

Further weblinks take visitors to other sources of information, such as language centres, public libraries and IKCs. The AIATSIS Code links to the Australian Language Database AUSTLANG which provides further links to national collections such as AIATSIS and OZBIB. AUSTLANG also provides additional information on number of speakers, documentation and community programs and other language activities.

The new additions to the languages map have been designed to meet the needs of library clients seeking more information on languages, particularly common or everyday words from that language group. State Library would also welcome input from community members who have further information to share and add to story of language from across Queensland.

This refresh has been facilitated by State Library staff, particularly the teams from Information Service and Web Services and I thank them for their efforts to ensure it was available for the opening of the Spoken exhibition. Their work is appreciated and will add to the language journeys of community members keeping language alive!

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

Jarjum stories: A kuril dhagun showcase focusing on children’s books and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 19 October 2019-10 May 2020.

Spoken: celebrating Queensland languages: A major exhibition exploring the survival and revival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages throughout Queensland. Join in the many talks and events to celebrate the rich and diverse languages spoken today. 21 November 2019-19 April 2020.