Torres Strait ClustersEastern, Near Western, Central, Top

Western and Inner Island Cluster Groups

Welcome • Language Samples• Basic History of Torres Strait Islands

All Languages and Dialects of Zenadth Kes

There are 2 traditional languages in the Torres Strait:-Kala Lagaw Ya TL of Western and Central Islands (shown in bright red region)-Meriam Mir TL of Eastern Islands (shown in dark green region)

-Kala Lagaw Ya has four dialects – Kalaw Kawaw Ya, Mabuyag, Kawrareg and Kulkalgaw ya-Meriam Mir four dialects – Erub Mir and Mer Mir

Torres Strait Clustershttp://www.gabtitui.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=12

Near Western Islands Cluster - Maluilgal • Badu (Mulgrave)

• Moa (Banks, St.Paul, St. Pol, Kubin)• Mabuyag (Jervis)• Nagir• Dialect of KLY Language: MabuyagStatus: 1500 speakers

Top Western Islands Cluster – Guda Maluilgal

• Saibai (Kadhego)• Boigu (Malu Kiyay, Talbot Island)• Dauan (Mt. Cornwallis)Dialect of KLY Language: Kalaw Kawaw YaStatus: 1500 speakers

Inner Islands Cluster - Kaiwalagal• Kirriri (Hammond)• Muralag (Prince ofWales)• Waybeni (T.I)• Narupay (Horn)• Gialag (Goode)• Palilag (Friday)Dialect of KLY Language:Kawrareg (also at Kubin in Moa, NW ) Status: 1500 speakers

Central Island Cluster - Kulkalgal

• Poruma• Iama• Masig • WarraberDialect of KLY Language: Kulkalgaw Ya Status: 3 dormant

Eastern Islands Cluster – Kemer Kemer Meriam• Mer (Murray)

• Erub (Darnley)• Ugar (Stephen)• Language: Meriam Mir (Ugar, Mer and Erub)Status: 900

Eastern Cluster – Kemer Kemer Meriam

Dialects of MM Language:•Erub Mir: Dialect of Erub and Ugar (200)•Mer Mir: Dialect (700)of Mer, Waier and Dauar

Inset of Mer, Dauar and Waier below.

What is Happening to Combat the Loss of Traditional Languages?• Tagai State College’s Language and

Culture Classes• Community Classes• Traditional Practices

Eso and Enjoy