Celebrating International Mother Language Day: Honouring Our Stories, Strengthening Our Connections
By Indigenous Languages | 12 February 2025
International Mother Language Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of languages that weave the fabric of our identities, histories, and connections. For First Nations communities, our languages carry the wisdom of our ancestors, the stories of our lands, and the pathways to our futures.
At the State Library of Queensland, we’re committed to empowering the voices of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by nurturing and celebrating and highlighting our rich linguistic heritage. This International Mother Language Day, we’re inviting everyone to reflect on the importance of language and join us in celebrating the beauty and resilience of First Nations languages.
Uncle Brian Whapp faciliating a weaving session at State Library of Queensland.
Why Mother Language Day matters
Languages are the heart of culture—they’re how we express our unique perspectives and connect with the world around us. For many First Nations communities, reclaiming and revitalising our languages is not only about preserving culture but also about healing, strengthening identity, and passing on knowledge to future generations.
While UNESCO’s theme this year focuses on the Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day, our focus is on celebrating the role of First Nations languages in shaping our communities, histories, and shared futures.
What's happening at State Library
We’ve curated an exciting range of resources and activities for this year’s Mother Language Day, including:
- Language Mapping: Explore our interactive language map showcasing the incredible linguistic diversity of Queensland's First Languages
- Social Media: Check out kruil dhagun facebook and Instagram stories highlight Indigenous language collection material accessible here at State Library.
- Language Revival through dance series: Introduction to our upcoming series sharing the important contribution of traditional dance to revive and amplify our traditional languages while sharing personal stories of language revival, cultural significance, and community projects.
- Mob Gathering Event: This event brings together First Nations artists, language custodians, and community members, including Jungaji Troy Brady and Uncle Brian Whap, to share language through song, weaving, and storytelling, while fostering important conversations on preserving language and community values.
- Resources from our collections: Access collections of dictionaries, oral histories, and cultural artifacts tied to Queensland’s First Nations languages.
- BookShop Sale on Indigenous Languages:
Portrait of songman Jungaji Troy Brady, courtesy of Greg Dodge
How can you get involved?
- Learn a Language Word or Phrase: Try greeting someone in one of your local First Nations languages.
- Share Your Story: Post on social media about what your mother language means to you. Use hashtags like #MotherLanguageDay, #FirstLanguagesMatter, and #LanguageRevival.
- Support Language Revival Projects: Find out how you can contribute to the work being done to preserve and revive First Nations languages.
Together, Let’s Keep Language Strong
Every time a word is spoken in one of our First Nations languages, it’s an act of resilience and survival. Together, let’s ensure that our mother languages are not only preserved but celebrated every day.
Collections resources:
1. Warrgamay Language Resources
- Djuunydjibali: The Warrgamay Maya Language Story
A video documenting the efforts of Melinda Holden and Bridget Priman in preserving the Warrgamay language. - Warrgamay Language Recording
An audio resource capturing native speakers, providing an authentic experience of the language's sounds and pronunciations. - Bridget Priman Digital Story
A personal narrative discussing the Warrgamaygan language, its significance, and revitalization efforts.
2. Gubbi Gubbi Language Materials
- Joyce Bonner Digital Story
This digital story explores the Badtjala dialect, offering personal insights and historical context. - Eve Fesl Digital Story
A narrative highlighting the Gubbi Gubbi language, its cultural importance, and preservation initiatives.
3. Biri Language Collections
- Reawakening (Mackay) Community Language Journey Digital Story
This digital story showcases the community's efforts in reviving the Biri language, detailing the journey and challenges faced.
4. Guugu Yimithirr Language Resources
- Guugu Yimidhirr (Cooktown) Community Language Journey Digital Story
A digital story capturing the Cooktown community's experience in preserving and promoting the Guugu Yimithirr language. - Guugu Yimidhirr (Hope Vale) Community Language Journey Digital Story
A narrative focusing on the Hope Vale community's dedication to maintaining their linguistic traditions.
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