Kala Lagaw Ya is one of two traditional languages of the Torres Strait.
Kala Lagaw Ya (also written as Kalaw Lagaw Ya) is the traditional language owned by the Western and Central islands of the Torres Strait. It is linguistically connected to the Aboriginal languages of the Australian mainland and has four distinct regional dialects derived from this language:
- Mabuyag
- Kalaw Kawaw Ya
- Kawrareg – The dialect of the south-western islands of Kubin, Kaiwalagal, Muralag (Prince of Wales), Nurupai (Horn Island), Giralag (Friday Island), Waiben (Thursday Island), Keriri (Hammond), Maurura (Wednesday), Moa (Banks). It is also known as Kawalgau Ya.
- Kulkalgau Ya – The dialect of the central islands of Aurid (Aureed), Damut (Dalrymple), Iama (Yam or Turtle-backed), Masig (Yorke), Mauar (Rennel), Naghir (Mt Earnest), Poruma (Coconut) and Warraber (Sue).
The evolution of these dialects was determined geographically and developed over time with influences by traditional trade, visits, inter-marriage and kinship ties.
“Apasin poeyban muruyguka a koey mabaygika, kaypaypa kulay a matha kedha kay kayib”
