This book presents the historical background of different Australian Aboriginal languages followed by very detailed analyses of traditional narrative texts in those languages using relatively non-technical terms. This makes it useful for the descendants of the story tellers and also for linguists, anthropologists, and historians. - Randy J. LaPolla, Professor of Linguistics, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Among functional approaches to language and related semiotic systems, Systemic Functional theory stands out as an evolving paradigm, constantly developing new systems to accommodate descriptive challenges. Bloomsbury Studies in Systemic Functional Linguistics responds to this ever-developing field, speaking to instances of evolution at the frontier of the discipline. Publishing contemporary, cutting edge research in Systemic Functional Linguistics, this cohesive series unites complementary developments into an integrated multiperspectival whole. Titles focus on specific themes to explore emerging new fields of research in Systemic Functional theory alongside innovations within long established areas of SFL research. Placing emphasis on new voices and directions, Bloomsbury Studies in Systemic Functional Linguistics demonstrates how a disciplinary singular like SFL continues to evolve and subsume its past into possible futures. Advisory Board: Thomas Andersen (The Danish Language Council, Denmark) Chang Chenguang (Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China) Priscilla Cruz (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines) Meg Gebhard (University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA) Isaac Mwinlaaru (University of Cape Coast, Ghana) Teresa Oteíza (Pontifical University of Chile, Chile) Mary Schleppegrell (University of Michigan, USA) Akila Sellami Baklouti (University of Sfax, Tunisia) Miriam Taverniers (University of Ghent, Belgium) Orlando Vian (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) Li Zhanzi (National University of Defence Technology, Nanjing, China)