Guwar language facts for kids

The Gowar language was an Indigenous language from Australia. It is now extinct, meaning no one speaks it today. This language was once spoken by the Ngugi and Quandamooka on Moreton Island. Moreton Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Brisbane, in Queensland.

The last time the Gowar language was recorded was in 1886. This means that by then, very few people, if any, were still speaking it.

Other Names for Gowar

The Gowar language was known by several different names and spellings. These include:

• Goowar
• Gooar
• Guar
• Gowr-burra

It was also called Ngugi, Mugee, Wogee, Gnoogee, Chunchiburri, and Booroo-geen-merrie. These different names often came from how different people heard and wrote down the sounds of the language.

Language Family and Connections

Languages are often grouped into "families" based on how they are related. Think of it like a family tree for languages!

Possible Language Relatives

Experts believe Gowar might be connected to other language groups. One idea is that it belongs to the Durubalic languages family. Another idea is that it could be related to the Bandjalangic languages. The Pimpama language is another extinct language that some think might be part of this Bandjalangic group along with Gowar.

Studying these connections helps us understand the history of Indigenous languages in Australia. It shows how different groups of people might have interacted and shared parts of their culture and language over many years.

Why Study Extinct Languages?

Even though Gowar is no longer spoken, studying it is very important. It helps us learn about the history and culture of the Ngugi and Quandamooka peoples. Languages carry stories, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. By studying them, we can understand more about the rich heritage of Australia's First Peoples.