Kumbainggar language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gumbaynggirr |
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|---|---|
| Kumbainggar | |
| Region | New South Wales, Australia |
| Ethnicity | Gumbaynggirr, Banbai, ?Ngamba |
| Native speakers | 310 (2021 census) (may include L2 speakers) |
| Language family |
Pama–Nyungan
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| Dialects |
Gumbaynggirr
Nymboidan
Gambalamam
Baanbay
? Ngambaa
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| AIATSIS | E7 |
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The Gumbaynggir language is an old Aboriginal language from Australia. It is spoken by the Gumbaynggirr people. They live on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Gumbaynggir is special because it is the only language left from its family group. This language even has a unique way of counting numbers, using a "binary" system.
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Bringing the Gumbaynggir Language Back
People have been working hard to bring the Gumbaynggir language back to life since 1986. This effort started when the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative was created. They teach Gumbaynggir classes at the North Coast Institute of TAFE.
How Language Centers Help
The Muurrbay and Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre (MRALC) helps bring Aboriginal languages back. They do this by:
- Giving Aboriginal people access to language experts and training.
- Recording languages and helping people find old language materials.
- Making language books like dictionaries and grammar guides.
- Helping communities use computers to learn and record languages.
- Hiring language experts and people who work with technology.
- Teaching everyone about how important Aboriginal languages are.
New Schools and Programs
In recent years, the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) has done a lot to help the Gumbaynggirr language. This group was started in 2010 by Clark Webb, a Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man.
After School Learning Centers
The BMNAC began by setting up two after-school learning centers in 2010. These centers were at the Wongala Estate Aboriginal Reserve and Woolgoolga High School. A third center opened in 2012 at William Bayldon Primary School in Sawtell. These centers help kids learn the language.
Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School
A big step for the BMNAC was opening the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School in February 2022. This was the first independent school in New South Wales to teach children in an Indigenous language. The school teaches students from kindergarten to second grade. Its motto, "Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan," means "Two Path Strong" in Gumbaynggirr. This shows that the school helps students learn both their traditional language and modern education.
Supporting Language Revival with Funding
The Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Cooperative Ltd gets money from different government groups. This funding helps them continue their important work.
Government Support Programs
- The Australian Government has a program called Indigenous Languages Support (ILS). This program gives money to communities to create digital and multimedia tools. These tools help keep native languages alive and help them grow.
- The New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs has also given money to the Muurrbay Center. This helped fund an Aboriginal Languages Summer School in Sydney.
Protecting Land and Culture
In November 2011, the Australian government created an Indigenous Protected Area for the Gumbaynggirr people. This act helps protect the traditional lands of Indigenous Australians. Protecting the land is very important to the Gumbaynggirr people's spiritual beliefs. By protecting their land, the government also helps to bring their culture back to life.
See also
