Kaytetyemoji (2023)
app
 

Kaytetyemoji is a sticker set of Kaytetye emojis, words and audio pronunciations available via a free app.

After the success of the Indigemoji app, the Arrernte Indigemoji team decided to support a Kaytetye language project. They knew Kaytetye was considered a highly endangered Australian language, with only 109 speakers listed in the 2021 census, down nine per cent since the previous census.

Over many months, the Kaytetye team led by Philip Janima, Valentine Shaw, Tommy Jangala, Kathleen Rambler went through a process of translating the relevant Indigemojis from Arrernte to Kaytetye as well as designing 44 new emojis for plants, animals and other important parts of Kaytetye life and culture, with the help of graphic designers. with recordings of words and phrases to match.

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The main emoji representing the set is ‘artnke’ which means flat-topped hills, a significant feature of Kaytetye country. You see these hills when you come towards Barrow Creek. Other neighbouring language groups also recognise artnke as a feature of Kaytetye country.​ It was launched in April 2023 at the Barrow Creek Hotel.

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Indigemoji, Regional Arts Australia, Johnston Foundation, University of Sydney and the Australian National University.

In collaboration with Philip Janima, Valentine Shaw, Tommy Jangala, Kathleen Rambler with Myfany Turpin and Bridey Lea

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More: www.indigemoji.com.au/kayetyemoji

Selected media: Emojis help immortalise endangered Kaytetye language in Central Australia in new Kaytetyemoji app, ABC News

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Photos: Bridey Lea, Caddie Brain​