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Mayi-Kutuna language facts for kids

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Mayi-Kutuna
Mayaguduna
Native to Australia
Region Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Ethnicity Maikudunu, ?Marrago
Extinct (date missing)
Language family
Pama–Nyungan
AIATSIS G24

Mayi-Kutuna, also called Mayaguduna or Maikudunu, was an Aboriginal language from Australia. It is now extinct, meaning no one speaks it anymore. This language was once used by the Mayi-Kutuna people. They are an Aboriginal Australian group from the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, Australia.

What is Mayi-Kutuna?

Mayi-Kutuna was part of a group of languages called Mayabic. These languages were spoken by different Aboriginal groups in the same area. Sadly, many of these languages, including Mayi-Kutuna, are no longer spoken today.

Who spoke Mayi-Kutuna?

The Mayi-Kutuna language was the traditional language of the Mayi-Kutuna people. They lived in the northern part of Queensland, a state in Australia. Like many Aboriginal groups, their language was a very important part of their culture and history.

Some researchers, like Gavan Breen, thought that another group, the Marrago, might have been related to the Mayi-Kutuna people. However, it is not fully confirmed if the Marrago people spoke the same language or a very similar one.

Why are languages important?

Languages are like special keys to a culture. They carry stories, traditions, and knowledge from one generation to the next. When a language becomes extinct, it means a unique way of seeing the world is lost. Learning about languages like Mayi-Kutuna helps us understand the rich history of Aboriginal Australians.

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