Ngardi language facts for kids

Ngardi, also called Ngarti or Ngardilj, is an Aboriginal language from Australia. Sadly, very few people speak it today, which means it is a dying language.

For a while, people thought Ngardi was just another name for the Bunara language. But now, experts know they are two different languages. The Ngardi language was, and still is, spoken by the Ngarti people. They live in parts of the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia.

How Ngardi Connects to Other Languages

Experts who study languages, called linguists, have worked hard to understand how Ngardi fits in with other Aboriginal languages.

In the past, some thought Ngardi was a different way of speaking the same language as Warlpiri and Warlmanpa. These languages were sometimes grouped together.

Later, other linguists found that Ngardi is actually part of a group called Ngumbin languages. This group is closely related. However, some experts also think it might be a more distant part of the Wati language family.

It's important to remember that Ngardi is its own language. Even though it was once confused with the Bunara language, they are now officially listed as separate languages by the AIATSIS database.

What About Waringari?

You might find some old recordings or writings that mention a language called Waringari (or Waiangara). These old records suggested it was related to Ngardi.

However, linguists have since agreed that Waringari is not a language name at all. Instead, it's a geographical name, meaning it refers to a place or region.

A researcher named Norman Tindale also noted that Waringari was sometimes used as a negative name for the Ngarti people. It was also used for other groups like the Yeidji, the Worla, and the Warlpiri. This name suggested they were cannibals, which was a harmful stereotype.

Sounds of Ngardi

Just like English, the Ngardi language has its own unique sounds, including vowels and consonants.

Vowel Sounds

Ngardi has three main vowel sounds. These are similar to the 'ee' sound in "see", the 'oo' sound in "moon", and the 'ah' sound in "father".

Consonant Sounds

Ngardi has many different consonant sounds. Some of these sounds are made using your lips, the back of your throat, or different parts of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

More to Explore

• Ngururrpa is a group of Aboriginal peoples and language groups that includes the Ngardi people.