Also Known As:
Kala Yagaw Ya, Yagar Yagar, Mabuiag, Kala Lagau Langgus, Langus, West Torres
Dialects & Varieties
- Kalaw Kawaw Ya (Saibai dialect: kala1378)
- Mabuyag
- Kulkalgau Ya
- Kawrareg
Kalaw Kawaw Ya (Saibai Island, Western Torres Strait Islands, Australia) - Language Snapshot
Harvey, Alistair. 2021. Kalaw Kawaw Ya (Saibai Island, Western Torres Strait Islands, Australia) - Language Snapshot. Language Documentation and Description 20, 75-85. http://www.elpublishing.org/PID/228
Severely Endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
approximately 900
Native Speakers Worldwide
Speaker Number Trends
Speaker Number Trend 3
Only about half of community members speak the language. Speaker numbers are decreasing steadily, but not at an accelerated pace.
3
Domains of Use
Domain Of Use 4
Used mainly only in the home and/or with family, and may not be the primary language even in these domains for many community members.
4
Transmission
Transmission 3
Some adults in the community are speakers, but the language is not spoken by children.
3
Speakers
Native or fluent speakers:
No results found.
Second-language speakers and learners
No results found.
Semi-speakers or rememberers
No results found.
Children:
No results found.
Young adults
No results found.
Older adults
No results found.
Elders
No results found.
Ethnic or community population
1300
Year information was gathered
No results found.
Comments on speakers
No results found.
Location and Context
Countries
three most northerly Western Torres Strait Islands of Saibai, Boigu, Dauan; and in Bamaga and Seisia, Northern Cape York Peninsula; Australia
Location Description
No results found.
Government Support
No results found.
Institutional Support
No results found.
Speakers' Attitude
The strongest speakers are senior Saibaians; young people speak Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) and/or Australian English. There are continuing efforts to revitalise KYY.
Other Languages Used By The Community
Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole), Australian English
Number of Other Language Speakers:
None
Domains of Other Languages:
None
Writing Systems
Standard orthography:
No results found.
Writing system:
No results found.
Other writing systems used:
No results text.
Comments on writing systems:
No results found.