Jurruru language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jurruru |
|
|---|---|
| Region | Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Ethnicity | Tjuroro people |
| Extinct | 2 speakers left in 1967. No speakers by 1986. |
| Language family |
Pama–Nyungan
|
| AIATSIS | W33 |
The Jurruru language was an Aboriginal language from Australia. It was spoken by the Tjuroro people in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Sadly, Jurruru is now an extinct language, meaning there are no longer any people who speak it.
The name of this language has been spelled in many different ways over time. Some of these spellings include Chooraroo, Choororoo, Churoro, Djuroro, Djururo, Djurruru, Dyururu, Jururu, Thuraru, Tjororo, Tjuroro, Tjururo, and Tjururu.
What Was the Jurruru Language?
Jurruru was part of a larger group of languages called the Pama–Nyungan family. This is one of the biggest groups of Aboriginal languages in Australia. More specifically, Jurruru belonged to a smaller group within that family known as the Ngayarta languages. These languages were spoken by many different Aboriginal groups in the Pilbara area.
Where Was Jurruru Spoken?
The Jurruru language was spoken in the Pilbara region, which is in the northern part of Western Australia. This area is known for its vast landscapes, red earth, and ancient Aboriginal heritage. The people who spoke Jurruru, the Tjuroro people, lived in and cared for this land for thousands of years.
Why Did Jurruru Disappear?
Sadly, the Jurruru language slowly faded away. In 1967, only two people were known to speak it. By 1986, there were no speakers left at all. This means the language became extinct.
When a language becomes extinct, it means that the unique way of speaking, thinking, and sharing stories from that culture is lost. Many Aboriginal languages in Australia have faced this challenge due to various historical reasons. Efforts are now being made to record and revive some of these important languages.
