Biri language


Biri, also known as Yuwi, Biria, Birigaba, Wiri, Wirri or Widi, is an Australian Aboriginal language of the Mackay area of Queensland. A grammar of Biri proper was written before the language became nearly extinct. it has been undergoing a revival for some years.
It was spoken by the Biri people.

Dialects

The Giya or Bumbarra language, spoken by the Gia people, may have been a dialect. Barna, spoken by the Aminungo in the midst of identified Biri dialects, may have been as well. There is some confusion as to whether the language spoken by the Yangga people was a dialect of Biri or of Mbara; possibly these were two dialects with the same name.

Revival

Biri was facing extinction in the early 21st century, but, after a group of Yuwi descendants had worked hard to revive the language, by January 2020 elders were able to conduct "Welcome to Country" ceremonies in language. It was a long process, which included Elders consulting with the State Library of Queensland, working on building word lists and developing a dictionary. The organisation First Languages Australia lends support.

Phonology

Sounds

LabialVelarDentalPalatalAlveolar/
Retroflex
Stopbɡd̪ɟd
Nasalmŋn̪ɲn
Laterall
Rhoticr
Approximantwjɻ

Vowels are noted as /a, i, u/.