A Unique Community with a Rich Linguistic Heritage
Western Australia’s northernmost community, Kalumburu, is home to fewer than 400 people. Despite its small population, the area is unique in that three Aboriginal languages—Belaa, Wunambal, and Gaambera—are still spoken. Located more than 3,000 kilometres from Perth, Kalumburu is closer to Timor Leste than to the state capital. The presence of these languages is a result of colonial history, which brought together speakers of different languages.
Today, only a few elderly individuals are fluent in these languages. This has led to concerns about their survival, but there are efforts underway to revive them and ensure they are passed on to future generations.
Language as a Link to Culture and Identity
For Jeremy Kowan, a Wunambal man, language is more than just communication—it is a vital link to culture and identity. He explains that speaking his ancestral language brings pride not only to himself but also to his ancestors. “The ancestors listen to you speaking language, they make you more strong, even the country,” he says.
Mr. Kowan is worried that younger generations are increasingly adopting English, but he believes it is crucial for them to maintain their connection to their heritage. “We want more kids to step up; it doesn’t matter if they are not Wunambal kids,” he adds. His goal is to pass down his cultural knowledge through various means, including traditional camps, music, and dance.
He hopes to share corroborees with young people in Kalumburu. “After the corroborees, I can hear kids on the streets tapping cans and singing,” he says. “I tell them, let them know, keep it up.”
Challenges in Revitalising Endangered Languages
Jason Lee, a linguist working with the Wunambal-Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, highlights the importance of language in shaping personal and cultural identity. “Language is very much a part of identity. It’s very important to have a strong sense of self and cultural identity,” he says.
However, revitalising languages that are no longer widely spoken presents significant challenges. Mr. Lee notes that many Indigenous Australian languages are either extinct or endangered. While over 120 traditional languages are being revived, only 12 are still being learned by children as a first language.
He emphasizes that while funding and support are essential, the process must be led by the language speakers themselves. “Support, including dedicated funding, is needed to support language revitalisation, but speakers must lead the process,” he states.
A New Generation Taking Up the Challenge
Kwini woman Rose Maraltadj, who works at Kalumburu’s remote community school as an Indigenous education officer, is taking steps to teach her ancestral language, Belaa, to students. She is re-learning the language from an older relative, just as her mother did before her. “I’m a bit nervous and excited too, it’s a big thing for me,” she says.
Ms. Maraltadj believes that learning Belaa would bring pride to her ancestors. “If they were alive, they would be over the moon,” she says. But she also sees the value of the language beyond the past. “It helps them be strong, makes them stronger, because they won’t be doing things in the community like break-ins,” she explains.
Her students are eager to learn about their cultural heritage. “They keep asking, ‘When is this culture room going to be opened?’” she says, showing the growing interest in preserving and understanding their roots.
Preserving the Past for the Future
Efforts to preserve and revive Kalumburu’s languages are not just about keeping words alive—they are about ensuring that future generations have a strong sense of identity and connection to their land. Through the dedication of individuals like Mr. Kowan, Mr. Lee, and Ms. Maraltadj, there is hope that these languages will continue to thrive, enriching the lives of those who speak them and passing on a legacy of resilience and cultural pride.
