ABSTRACT
In this final chapter we begin by summarising (§13.1) the main characteristics of Kimberley Aboriginal languages, remarking in particular on aspects in which they differ from what is believed to be normal for Australian languages. A book such as this can of course cover only a selection of topics. Important topics that escaped notice are gesture and sign language, and applications of linguistics; these are discussed briefly in §13.2 and §13.3. The final section, §13.4, adds a temporal dimension, looking back to the past, here at the present, and forward to the future; a few tentative predictions are made concerning the future of Kimberley Aboriginal languages.
