Antakarinya language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antakarinya |
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|---|---|
| Region | northeast area of South Australia |
| Ethnicity | Antakirinja, Matuntara |
| Native speakers | 7 (2021 census) |
| Language family |
Pama–Nyungan
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| AIATSIS | C5 |
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Antakarinya (also known as Andagarinya or Antikirinya) is an important Australian Aboriginal language. It is one of the Wati languages which belong to the very large Pama–Nyungan family of languages found across Australia.
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What is Antakarinya?
Antakarinya is a special language spoken by some Indigenous Australians. It is part of a group called the Wati languages. These Wati languages are then part of an even bigger language family known as Pama–Nyungan. This family includes many Aboriginal languages from different parts of Australia.
Where is Antakarinya Spoken?
The Antakarinya language is traditionally spoken in the northeast area of South Australia. This region is home to the Antakirinja and Matuntara communities.
How Many People Speak Antakarinya?
Sadly, Antakarinya is a critically endangered language. This means very few people still speak it. According to the 2021 census, only about 7 people speak Antakarinya. When a language has so few speakers, it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Why is Antakarinya Endangered?
The Antakarinya language and the Antakirinja people have faced many challenges. In the 1950s, the area where they lived was affected by atomic tests. These events caused big changes for the community and their way of life. The language was also affected as people tried to explain these new and difficult experiences. This made it harder for the language to be passed down to younger generations.
