Kungarakany language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kungarakany |
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|---|---|
| Gungaragany Koongurrukuñ |
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| Native to | Australia |
| Region | Northern Territory |
| Ethnicity | Kungarakan people |
| Extinct | 1989, with the death of Madeline England |
| Language family |
Macro-Gunwinyguan?
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| Dialects |
Gungarakanj
? Mukngirru
|
| AIATSIS | N14 |
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The Kungarakany language, also known as Kungarakan, Gunerakan, or Kangarraga, is an important language from the Northern Territory in Australia. For a while, it was thought to be an extinct language. This means that no one spoke it as their first language anymore. The last known speaker, Madeline England, passed away in 1989.
But there's exciting news! The Kungarakany language is now being brought back to life. Many dedicated people are working hard to revive it. This amazing effort is supported by a grant from the AIATSIS.
How a Language Comes Back
Bringing a language back from being "extinct" is like a phoenix rising from ashes. It's a huge team effort! The revitalisation of Kungarakany has been possible thanks to a partnership. This partnership is between the Batchelor Institute Indigenous Tertiary Education and the Kungarakan Culture and Education Association.
Important Voices and Records
Many people have helped make this language revival happen. They have shared their time, skills, and knowledge. A big part of this work involves using old voice recordings. These recordings capture the voices of people who spoke Kungarakany in the past. Key speakers include George Abluk, Madeleine England, and Valentine Bynoe McGinness/McGuinness.
Another very important contribution comes from Senior Elder Ida Koormundum Bishop. She created a detailed dictionary of the language called Ngun Koongurrkun. This book is a treasure for anyone learning Kungarakany today.
A Promise Kept
Ida Koormundum Bishop worked for over 30 years to restore and revive the language. She was driven by a special promise she made to her mother, Margaret Edwards (McGuinness). Her mother asked her to record the language of the Kungarakany country.
This huge task would not have been possible without the support of many relatives and tribal Elders. These include Uncles John (Jack McGinness), Valentine McGinness, and Joseph Daniel McGinness. Other helpers were George Abluk, Magdeline England, Roger Yates, and Jimmy Tupnook. Toby Metcalfe from Edith Cowan University also provided support, along with Koormundum's mother, who was her mentor.
