Routledge - The Languages of the Kimberley, Western Australia

Explore the linguistic diversity of the Kimberley region in the far north-west of Australia. This scholarly work by Routledge examines a landscape where fifty-five Aboriginal languages from five different families have historically been spoken. As language patterns shift, this book provides a detailed look at the languages spoken in the region both today and in the recent past. It addresses the modern linguistic landscape, where many children now speak Kriol or Aboriginal English as their primary language. This text serves as a vital record of the diverse speech communities that define this part of the continent. Whether you are researching Australian history, linguistics, or Aboriginal culture, this book offers a deep look into the complex language families of the Kimberley. It documents the transition from traditional Aboriginal languages to the rise of new languages like Kriol, making it an essential resource for understanding the cultural and communicative history of Western Australia.