Gija language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gija |
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|---|---|
| Kija | |
| Region | From Halls Creek to Kununurra, Western Australia |
| Ethnicity | Gija |
| Native speakers | 170 (2016 census)e25 |
| Language family |
Jarrakan
|
| Writing system | Latin |
| AIATSIS | K20 |
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Kija (also called Gija, Kitja, or Gidja) is an Aboriginal language from Australia. Today, about 100 to 170 people speak Kija. Most Kija speakers live in Western Australia. They are found in the area from Halls Creek to Kununurra. The language is also spoken west to Lansdowne and Tableland Stations.
Kija is part of the Jarrakan language family. This family is found in the East Kimberley region. The Argyle Diamond Mine is in Kija and Miriwoong country. This mine is near the southwest corner of Lake Argyle. The famous Purnululu (say 'Boornoolooloo') Bungle Bungle National Park is also mostly in Kija country.
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Discover the Kija Language
The Kija language is very old. It has been spoken for thousands of years. It helps keep the culture and stories of the Gija people alive. Learning about Kija helps us understand more about Australia's history.
Where Kija is Spoken
The Kija language is spoken in a special part of Western Australia. This area is known as the East Kimberley region. It includes towns like Halls Creek and Kununurra. The land is very important to the Kija people.
Important Places for Kija Speakers
Many Kija speakers live near important places. The Argyle Diamond Mine is one such place. It is on the edge of Kija and Miriwoong lands. Another famous spot is the Purnululu National Park. This park is home to the amazing Bungle Bungle Range. These places are part of the Kija people's traditional country.
The Jarrakan Language Family
Kija belongs to a group of languages called the Jarrakan family. This family is unique to the East Kimberley region. It is different from many other Aboriginal language groups. Studying these languages helps experts learn about how languages change over time.
The Future of Kija
Sadly, Kija is a severely endangered language. This means not many people speak it anymore. Efforts are being made to help keep the language alive. Young people are learning Kija from their elders. This helps pass on the language to new generations.
Learning Kija Today
Many projects help teach Kija to children and teenagers. These projects use fun ways to learn. They might use songs, stories, and games. This helps make sure the Kija language will continue to be spoken.
Kija Dialects
Some people think that Kuluwarrang and Walgi might have been dialects of Kija. A dialect is a different way of speaking a language. It might have slightly different words or sounds.
