Durubalic languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Durubalic |
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| Geographic distribution: |
Queensland |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: |
Turrubal (Yagara)
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 Durubalic languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan)
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The Durubalic languages were a small group of Australian Aboriginal languages. They were once spoken in the Queensland region of Australia. Sadly, these languages are now extinct, meaning no one speaks them as their main language anymore.
Contents
What are Durubalic Languages?
Durubalic languages are a "family" of languages. This means they are related to each other, much like people in a family are related. They all came from an older, common language. These languages were part of the larger Pama–Nyungan language family, which covers most of Australia.
Where were they spoken?
These languages were spoken by Aboriginal people in the southeastern part of Queensland. This area is now home to cities like Brisbane.
Languages in the Durubalic Family
Experts have different ideas about exactly how many Durubalic languages there were. They also debate how closely related they were.
Main Durubalic Languages
One expert, Bowern (in 2011), listed five languages in the Durubalic family:
- Turrubal (also called Turubul)
- Yagara (also known as Jagara)
- Jandai (or Janday)
- Nunukul (also called Nunungal or Moonjan)
- Gowar (or Guwar)
Different Ideas About the Languages
Another expert, Dixon (in 2002), thought that most of these were not separate languages. Instead, he believed that Turrubal, Jandai, and Nunukul were actually just different ways of speaking the Yagara language. These different ways of speaking are called dialects.
There's also a discussion about the Gowar language. Tony Jefferies (in 2011) suggested that Gowar might be more closely related to the Bandjalangic languages. These are another group of Aboriginal languages spoken nearby.
The Pimpama Language
The Pimpama language also seems to be connected to Gowar. However, it's still unclear if Pimpama and Gowar belong to the Durubalic family or the Bandjalangic family.
Why are these languages important?
Even though Durubalic languages are extinct, they are very important. Studying them helps us understand the history and culture of the Aboriginal people who spoke them. Languages carry stories, knowledge, and unique ways of seeing the world. Learning about these languages helps keep that knowledge alive.
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas durubálicas para niños
