Nauo language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nauo |
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| Region | Eyre Peninsula, South Australia |
| Ethnicity | Nauo people |
| Extinct | 19th century |
| Language family | |
| Writing system | Latin |
| AIATSIS | L2 |
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Languages of South Australia.
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The Nauo language, sometimes called Nawu, is an Aboriginal language from Australia. It was spoken by the Nauo people in the southern part of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Sadly, Nauo is an extinct language, meaning no one speaks it anymore.
However, there's exciting news! A group called the Mobile Language Team (MLT) from the University of Adelaide is working hard to bring the language back to life.
What Happened to the Nauo Language?
The Nauo language was spoken by the Nauo people for many years. But during the 1800s, it slowly started to disappear. By the 19th century, it was considered extinct.
A researcher named Norman Tindale studied the language in the 1930s. He found that there were no longer any people speaking Nauo. No speakers have been recorded since 1975. This means the language stopped being used in daily life.
How is Nauo Being Revived?
Even though Nauo is extinct, it's not forgotten! The Mobile Language Team (MLT) is working to reconstruct it. This means they are trying to piece the language back together.
They started with only 10 words that a German missionary, C. W. Schürmann, had recorded a long time ago. Now, they have found about 300 words! This is a big step. The MLT is also creating a website. This website will help people learn the Nauo language online. It's a way to keep the language's spirit alive for future generations.
Is Nauo Related to Other Languages?
Scientists who study languages, called linguists, believe Nauo might be connected to other languages. These languages were also spoken in the Eyre Peninsula area. For example, it might be related to the Barngarla or Wirangu languages. These languages are like cousins in a language family.
What Other Names Did Nauo Have?
Over time, the Nauo language was written down in different ways. Some other spellings include Nawu, Nhawu, Nawo, Njao, Gnowoo, and Growoo. It also had other names, like Battara, Hilleri, Kadu, Kartwongulta, and Wiljaru. Sometimes, people even thought it was just a different way of speaking the Wirangu language.
