Nakkara language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nakkara |
|
|---|---|
| Region | Northern Territory |
| Ethnicity | Nagara people |
| Native speakers | 58 (2016 census) |
| Language family |
Macro-Gunwinyguan
|
| AIATSIS | N80 |
Nakkara (Na-kara) is an Aboriginal language from Australia. It is spoken by the Nagara people in a special part of Australia called Arnhem Land. This area is in the Northern Territory.
Sometimes, you might see Nakkara spelled as Nakara or Nagara. It is also known by another name, Kokori.
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About the Nakkara Language
Nakkara is a language with a long history. It belongs to a larger group of languages. These are called the Macro-Gunwinyguan language family. Within this big family, Nakkara is part of a smaller group. This smaller group is known as the Maningrida languages.
Who Speaks Nakkara?
The people who speak Nakkara are the Nagara people. They are an Indigenous Australian group. Their traditions and culture are deeply connected to their language. Languages like Nakkara are very important. They help keep the stories, knowledge, and history of a people alive.
Where Nakkara is Spoken
Nakkara is spoken in a specific region of the Northern Territory. This region is called Arnhem Land. Arnhem Land is a large area in the northern part of Australia. It is known for its beautiful landscapes. It also has a rich Aboriginal culture.
In 2016, a study found that only about 58 people spoke Nakkara. This means it is a language that needs special care. Many people are working to help keep Aboriginal languages like Nakkara strong. They want to make sure these languages continue to be spoken for many years.
The Sounds of Nakkara
Every language has its own unique sounds. These sounds are like the building blocks of words. The study of these sounds is called phonology. Nakkara has a special set of sounds. These sounds make it different from other languages.
Consonant Sounds
Consonants are sounds made by blocking air in your mouth. Think of sounds like 'b', 'd', or 'm'. Nakkara has many different consonant sounds. Some of these sounds are made with your lips. Others are made with your tongue touching different parts of your mouth.
For example, Nakkara has sounds like 'b', 'd', and 'g'. It also has sounds like 'm', 'n', and 'ŋ' (the 'ng' sound in 'sing'). Some sounds are made by tapping your tongue. Others are made by rolling your tongue.
How Consonants Change
In Nakkara, some consonant sounds can change a little. For example, a 'stop' sound (like 'p' or 'b') can be either soft or strong. This depends on where it is in a word. Sometimes, a stop sound can be held for a longer time. This can change the meaning of a word.
Vowel Sounds
Vowels are sounds made with an open mouth. Think of sounds like 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u'. Nakkara has a simpler set of vowel sounds compared to its consonants. It has sounds like 'i' (as in 'ski'), 'u' (as in 'blue'), 'e' (as in 'bed'), 'o' (as in 'go'), and 'a' (as in 'father'). These vowels help form the words in Nakkara.
