Kanyara languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kanyara |
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| Geographic distribution: |
Western Australia |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: |
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 Kanyara languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan).
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The Kanyara languages are a group of languages spoken by Aboriginal people in the southern Pilbara area of Western Australia. These languages are very similar to each other.
The name kanyara means "man" in both the Burdana and Thalanyji languages. These languages are part of a much bigger language group called the Pama–Nyungan family.
What are Kanyara Languages?
Experts believe there are two main Kanyara languages. These are:
- Burduna (sometimes called Payungu)
- Thalanyji (sometimes called Pinikura)
A language expert named R. M. W. Dixon shared this idea in 2002. Another expert, Peter Austin, also agreed in 2008. He said that Binigura/Pinikura, Thalanyji, Payungu, and Purdana should all be seen as part of the Kanyara group.
Where are Kanyara Languages Spoken?
These languages are spoken along the coast of Western Australia. The area is between two rivers: the Gascoyne River and the Ashburton River. The Kanyara languages are also spoken a bit further inland from the coast.
