Walpiri Sign Language

The Walpiri language is spoken by Aboriginal communities in the central desert region of Australia, and is also known as WALBIRI, ELPIRA, ILPARA, WAILBRI, WARLPIRI. When in mourning, Walpiri women often do not talk for long periods of time, and a signed mode of the language is used in its place. The language may also be used when hunting.

Other language groups of the region such as Aranda and Warumungu are known to have their own signed modes.

Further reading

• WRIGHT C.D. 1980. Walpiri Hand Talk: An Illustrated Dictionary of Hand Signs used by the Walpiri People of Central Australia. Darwin: N.T. Department of Education.
• MEGGITT M.J. 1954. Sign language among the Warlpiri of Central Australia. Oceania, 25(1), p. 2-16.
• KENDON A. 1985. Iconicity in Warlpiri Sign language. In Bouissac P., Herzfeld M. & Posner R. (eds), Inconicity: Essay on the Nature of Culture . TÅbingen: Stauffenburger Verlag. In press, p. .
• KENDON A. 1988. Parallels and divergences between Warlpiri sign language and spoken Warlpiri: analyses of signed and spoken discourses. Oceania, 58, p. 239-54.