Dhanggati language facts for kids

Dhanggati (also called Dunghutti or Thangatti) is an Aboriginal language. It was once spoken by the Djangadi people. They lived in the Macleay Valley and the nearby mountains in New South Wales, Australia. The language was thought to be extinct by the mid-1980s. However, there is now a program to bring it back to life.

Some people believe Ngaagu (Ngaku) and Burgadi (Burrgati) were different ways of speaking Dhanggati. These three together were sometimes called the Macleay Valley language.

Aboriginal groups like the Anaiwan and Gumbaynggirr shared special ceremonial places. One important site was where the University of New England is now. This place was used for a ceremony called the "Original Square Dance." Elders said the New England Tablelands were "too cold." So, groups from the mountains joined coastal tribes for ceremonies. The Dhanggati people called their Creator Spirit 'Woorparow Yo Wa' (pronounced Woo-PA-Ra Yo- Wa). This spirit is also known as 'Bhiamie'. The "Original Square Dance" ceremony was performed in high places, close to the sky.

History of Dhanggati Language

Dhanggati was still spoken in the 1960s. It survived for so long because of working camps. Men from Bellbrook and Lower Creek worked there. They cleared land for property owners in the western part of the valley. In these camps, Dhanggati was the main language. This helped keep it alive. People were away from towns and missions. There, they felt less pressure to switch to English.

In 1925, an important event happened. James Linwood spoke in Dhanggati at the Kempsey Showground. He was at a meeting of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association. He spoke to protest against the Aborigines Protection Board.

Learning About Dhanggati

There are many old records of the Dhanggati language. These include written notes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are also recordings of the last speakers from the 1960s and 1970s. These records are very important for bringing the language back. They help people learn about its sounds, words, and how sentences are built.

Some place names in the Macleay Valley still use Dhanggati words. For example, Yarrahappinni Mountain comes from "yarra yabani." This means "koala rolling."

How Dhanggati is Related to Other Languages

Experts believe Dhanggati is closely related to Anaiwan (Nganyawana) and Yugambal. These languages are spoken on the Tablelands. Dhanggati had at least two dialects. One was Dhanggati itself. The other was Buurrgati, which was spoken around Macksville.

Dhanggati Culture and Neighbors

Aboriginal people often spoke many languages. They knew their own language and those of their neighbors. The Dhanggati, Gumbaynggirr, and Biripi peoples have strong connections. They share certain social customs, including marriage rules. The Anaiwan people also share these customs.

Dhanggati Language Features

Dhanggati has some interesting sounds. For example, the 'r' sound can be different. When it's between vowels, it can sound like a "fricitivised rhotic." This is heard in words like mirri and yarri.

The language also has complex ways to build words. It adds endings to nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. These endings can show if a word is singular or plural. They can also show its role in a sentence. Verbs also have complex patterns. These patterns show when something happened (past, present, future). They also show how an action is done.

Bringing Dhanggati Back to Life

Dhanggati is now taught in two schools. These schools are on the NSW Mid North Coast. The language program is part of the lessons at Dalaigur Pre School and Green Hill Public. Both schools are in Kempsey. The program started around the year 2000. It uses new learning materials and the Dhanggati Language Dictionary.

In this program, elders work with school staff. They also work with the education department. This helps local kids connect with their land and culture. It helps them strengthen their identity.

See also

• Dyangadi languages