Torres Strait Islander Culture / Languages of the Torres Strait
Languages of the Torres Strait
Children discover the main languages of the Torres Strait, Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya and Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole), and make word cards from an official or community resource.
How to run it
- Explain that the eastern islands speak Meriam Mir, the western and central islands speak Kala Lagaw Ya and its dialects, and Yumplatok is widely spoken across the region.
- Use AIATSIS language resources, or contact a Torres Strait Islander language centre or community organisation, to find a few everyday words with correct spelling and, if possible, audio.
- Children make illustrated word cards with the word, the language name and the English meaning.
- Practise saying the words using audio, and where possible invite a Torres Strait Islander speaker to visit, paying them for their time.
You will need
- card
- markers
- device or speaker for audio
- AIATSIS language resource or community word list
Make it easier or harderYounger children learn one or two words with pictures; older children compare words across the languages.
SafetyOnly use words from official or community sources, never online guesses, and check pronunciation with audio or a speaker.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 2, Outcome 5Children learn that Torres Strait languages are living languages and practise new words respectfully.
Fits these theme days
Torres Strait Islander CultureInternational Mother Language DayMabo DayNAIDOC WeekInternational Literacy Day
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