The stories contained within this book were first recorded in 2009 by Banyjima Elder Kathleen Hubert with the help of linguist Eleanora Deak. Kathleen created the stories for her children and grandchildren, to help keep their language skills strong. The stories were originally published as five separate booklets and made available to Kathleen’s family. In 2014 Kathleen generously gave Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre permission to publish the stories and make them available to the wider community. This second edition was compiled by Annie Edwards-Cameron as part of the 2014 IBN Language Project. Many thanks are due to Kathleen’s daughters May Byrne and Karen Hubert and granddaughter Dolly for their permission to reproduce their photos in these stories. Thanks also are due to staff at Karlarra House for their support.
Introduction
Banyjima is an Aboriginal Language of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Banyjima is classified as being a Pama-Nyungan language of the south-west (Nyungic) group. Banyjima has been classified as part of the Ngayarta group of languages which also includes Ngarla, Nyamal, Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Kariyarra and several other languages.
The name of the language has sometimes been spelt as Panyjima, Bunjima, Panjima, Panytyima, or Bundgima.
Banyjima is a highly endangered language. There is a limited number of speakers. Many more people can speak and understand some Banyjima, and there are many people that identify as coming from Banyjima heritage who speak other Aboriginal languages.
Banyjima traditional country extends south west from Wittenoom towards the town of Tom Price, and east towards the town of Newman and includes parts of Karajini National Park. Today, many Banyjima speakers live in Tom Price, Port Hedland, Onslow and Roebourne.
Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre aims to be recognised as a leading Aboriginal language and resource centre in Australia. By working with the old people of the PiIbara, we will use our expertise, knowledge and sensitivity to record and foster Aboriginal languages, culture and history. Thus the young people remain strong in retaining their Aboriginal language, culture and history ensuring cultural continuity.
FEATURES
* Swipe-to-Read™
* Touch-to-Hear™
* Banyijima readthrough
* English language readthrough
* read-to-me and read-it-myself options
* extensive background and linguistic notes in a printable PDF
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