Lhotsky/Blackhouse Tasmanian language facts for kids

"Lhotsky/Blackhouse" is the name given to an Aboriginal Tasmanian language. It was spoken by a group of Tasmanian people in the northeast part of Tasmania. We don't know the exact location where this language was spoken.

This language is now extinct, meaning it is no longer spoken by anyone. Experts believe it disappeared during the 1800s.

What is the Lhotsky/Blackhouse Language?

The language itself doesn't have a known original name. The label "Lhotsky/Blackhouse" comes from the names of people who collected lists of its words. These word lists helped language experts, like Claire Bowern, to identify it as a unique language.

How Do We Know About This Language?

Researchers found out about this language by studying old word lists. These lists were created by different people who met the Aboriginal Tasmanians. They wrote down words they heard.

Important Word Lists

• Jorgen Jorgenson's lists: He collected two lists of words. One had 345 words and was published in 1846. The other was shorter, with 68 words.
• James Backhouse and G.W. Walker's manuscripts: These two people wrote down 148 words together.
• Alexander McGeary's list: This list had 105 words and was published by John Lhotsky in 1839.

By putting these different word lists together, experts could learn about this language, even though its original name and speakers' exact location are unknown.