Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in Queensland

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map the experiences, lore and stories that:

• connect First Nations peoples to country and community
• provide all Queenslanders with an understanding of the places where we live, work and play.

A shared appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages provides opportunities to communicate, understand and build relationships that grow a more aware, more open, welcoming, and inclusive community for everyone.

Indigenous Languages Grants

The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism fund Indigenous Languages Grants to increase the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken in Queensland in partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

State Library of Queensland resources

The State Library of Queensland supports communities in the revival, documentation and preservation of traditional languages. They acknowledge language heritage and knowledge always remain with the Traditional Owners, Elders, language custodians, and other community members of the respective language nation.

The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships rely on the researchers at the State Library of Queensland and their partners to provide language content, whilst acknowledging that language is fluid, includes multiple dialects and is often contested by language groups. We also acknowledge that the information provided is provided in good faith, extending a hand of friendship, and without any intention to offend.

Every effort has been made to reflect language regions, names and knowledge in ways that honour and respect community preferences and authority. The language content may not capture the full complexity or fluidity of language regions. Languages may overlap, be shared across Countries, or known by multiple names, spelling and pronunciations.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the State Library of Queensland can be contacted at Indigenouslanguages@slq.qld.gov.au, should you wish to provide updated information about your language group.

Explore the range of resources and activities from State Library to learn more about  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in Queensland.