Gija is a Jarrakan language spoken in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia, particularly in and around Warmun and Halls Creek. In 2016 there were 170 speakers of Gija, most of whom were elderly. Younger Gija people tend to speak Kimberly Kriol and English. Gija is also known as Gidja, Kija, Kidja or Kitja.
Efforts are being made to revitalize Gija. These include language and culture classes for children and adults, and the creation of learning materials. Since the 1970s a dictionary of Gija has been produced, and parts of the Bible have been translated into the language. There are also occasional broadcasts in Gija on a local radion station in Halls Creek.
There are two spelling systems for Gija: one based on Miriwoong, a related language, and one based on English.
Information about Gija
Page last modified: 23.04.21
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