Dharawal language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dharawal |
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|---|---|
| Tharawal | |
| Region | New South Wales, Australia |
| Ethnicity | Dharawal, Wodiwodi, Gweagal |
| Language family |
Pama–Nyungan
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| AIATSIS | S59 |
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The Dharawal language, also known as Tharawal or Thurawal, is an Aboriginal language from New South Wales, Australia. It was traditionally spoken by the Dharawal people, including the Wodiwodi and Gweagal groups. Sadly, like many Aboriginal languages, Dharawal is now considered critically endangered. This means very few people speak it today, but there are efforts to bring it back to life.
Where is Dharawal Spoken?
The Dharawal language comes from the coastal areas of New South Wales. This region is south of what is now Sydney. The traditional lands of the Dharawal people stretch from Botany Bay in the north to the Shoalhaven River in the south. They also extended inland towards the Southern Highlands.
Is Dharawal Still Spoken Today?
The Dharawal language is classified as critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing completely. In the 2016 census, only 27 people identified themselves as speakers of the language. However, there are important efforts being made to revive and teach Dharawal. This helps keep the language and culture alive for future generations.
Language Family
The Dharawal language belongs to a large group of languages called Pama–Nyungan. This is the biggest family of Aboriginal languages in Australia. Within this family, Dharawal is part of a smaller group known as Yuin–Kuric. This shows how different Aboriginal languages are connected to each other.
See also
