Aboriginal language programmes and language maintenance in the Kimberley

Different types of language programmes for indigenous Australian languages should be developed to suit different language situations. Programmes are here divided into three types: Bilingual Education, Language Maintenance and Language Renewal. The Kija language of Warrmarn community, Western Australia is cited as an example of a situation requiring a Language Maintenance programme. In Language Maintenance programmes thought needs to be given to the intended function of the target language in the future. Consideration of this question tends to favour an approach which emphasizes cultural maintenance and the oral side of the programme.