Biri language

Biri refers to a grouping of at least 12 Australian Aboriginal dialects comprising a singular language, spoken in an area between Mackay and Townsville of Queensland by the Birri Gubba people. A grammar of Biri proper was written before the language was silenced. As of January 2020 some of the dialects have been undergoing a revival for some years.

At least eight distinct languages have been historically regarded as dialects of Biri. Recent research is finding that at least some of these "dialects", such as Gangulu, Barada, Wirri and Garaynbal, have significant lexical, morphological and phonological differences to Biri, and as such should be considered distinct languages. All are covered in this article.