kids encyclopedia robot

Gkuthaarn language facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Gkuthaarn, also called Kuthant, Kutanda, and other names, was an Aboriginal language from the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. It was spoken by the Gkuthaarn people. Sadly, this language is now extinct, meaning it is no longer spoken by anyone. Sometimes, it was also known as Karundi or Garandi. However, the Garandi language might have been a different language or dialect.

Quick facts for kids
Gkuthaarn
Kuthant
Native to Australia
Region Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Ethnicity Gkuthaarn
Extinct (date missing)
Language family
Dialects
AIATSIS G31

Other Names for Gkuthaarn

Over time, the Gkuthaarn language was known by several different names. This can sometimes make it a bit confusing to track its history.

Names from Norman Tindale

Norman Tindale, a famous researcher, recorded some names for the language and the people. These included:

  • Kotanda (also spelled Kutanda, Goothanto)
  • Karundi (also spelled Karunti, Kurandi, Ka-rantee, Karrandi, Karrandee, Gar-und-yih)

The name Karundi is thought to come from words meaning "scrublands people."

Different Views on Names

Another researcher, Lauriston Sharp, believed that Kotanda was also used for a different language called Kalibamu. He also thought that Karandi or Garandi was a separate local group. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) agrees with this view.

Other Spellings

Other ways the name Gkuthaarn has been spelled include:

  • Karaldi
  • Gudanda
  • Gudhanda
  • Gudhand
  • Guandhar

A Few Gkuthaarn Words

In the past, an inspector of the Native Police, W.E. Armit, wrote down some words from the "Karrandee tribe." These words give us a small glimpse into the Gkuthaarn language:

  • irruag (tame dog)
  • nyet (father)
  • mooruk (mother)
  • morbuy (whiteman)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Idioma kuthant para niños

kids search engine
Gkuthaarn language Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.