Maningrida is a linguistically unique remote coastal Aboriginal Community in North Central Arnhem Land where 51 Indigenous languages are spoken by approximately 2,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In per capita terms it is perhaps the most multilingual community in the world, with most people having command of three, four or more languages. The intense multi-lingualism of the Maningrida community is testimony to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal ceremonial life, environmental knowledge and social organisation within the wider Australian community.
A "Needs Survey of Community Languages" 1996 was compiled by the then Cultural Research Officer of Maningrida Arts and Culture, Robert Handelsmann. The survey found 14 languages largely endemic to Maningrida and BAC (Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation) serviced outstations.
These languages are:
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Burarra
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Kune
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Rembarrnga
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Dandgbon
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Kunbarlang
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Dalabon
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Djinang
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Kununjku
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Wurlaki
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Gurrgoni
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Nakkarra
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Yan-nhangu
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Gunardba
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Ndjebbanna
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However there are in total 51 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages presently being spoken in the region.
They are as follows:
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Marrangu
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Badu (TI)
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Wagilag
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Murrungun
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Wagaman (Angumirri)
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Mayali
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Ganalpingu
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Anindilyakwa
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Gun-djeihmi
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Gupapuyngu
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Nunggubuyu
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Luritja
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Djambarrpuyngu
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Mara
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Pitjantjatjarra
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Kunwinjku (west)
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Tiwi
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Yawurru
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Kundedjnjenghmi
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Alawa
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Jawoyn
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Gumatj
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Gurindji
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Rirratjingu
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Maung
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Warlpri
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Galpu
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Ritharrngu
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Mudburra
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Miwatj
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Kriol
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Warramungu
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Dhuwal
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Arrente
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Djinba
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Yolngu Matha
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Alyawarra
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Language Ceremony 1
Language Ceremony 2
