Ngarrkic languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ngarrkic |
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|---|---|
| Yapa | |
| Geographic distribution: |
Central Australia |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: | |
 Ngarrkic languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan).
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Imagine a group of languages that are like close relatives! The Ngarrkic or Yapa languages are a small family of languages spoken in Central Australia. This family includes two languages that are very similar: Warlmanpa and the more widely spoken Warlpiri.
These languages are part of a much larger group called the Pama–Nyungan family, which covers most of Australia.
How These Languages Got Their Names
The name Ngarrkic comes from a special word, ngarrka. This word means 'initiated man' in both Warlmanpa and Warlpiri. An 'initiated man' is someone who has gone through important cultural ceremonies to become an adult in their community.
You might also see an older spelling, Ngarga.
Around the year 2000, another name was suggested for this language family: Yapa. This name comes from the word yapa, which means 'Aboriginal person' in both Warlmanpa and Warlpiri.
Language Connections
Scientists who study languages, called linguists, have found that the Ngarrkic languages are related to other languages nearby.
In 2004, it was shown that Ngarrkic languages are connected to the Ngumpin languages. This means they share a common ancestor language from a very long time ago.
