Ngumbin languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ngumbin |
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| Geographic distribution: |
Western Australia and Northern Territory |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: | |
 Ngumpin languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan).
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The Ngumbin (say "Ngoom-bin") languages are a small group of related languages. They are spoken by Aboriginal peoples in parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory in Australia. These languages are part of a much larger group called the Pama–Nyungan languages, which covers most of Australia.
The Ngumbin language family includes several distinct languages. They are spoken across different areas, generally from west to east:
- Walmajarri
- Djaru
- Gurindji (This includes Gurindji proper, Bilinarra, Wanyjirra, Malngin, and Ngarinyman)
- Mudburra
These languages share similar words and grammar. This shows they all came from an older, common language.
Contents
Understanding Language Families
A language family is like a family tree for languages. It means that different languages have grown from a single older language. Think of it like how you and your cousins might share a grandparent. The Ngumbin languages are "cousins" because they share a common "ancestor language."
Where Ngumbin Languages Are Spoken
The people who speak Ngumbin languages live in a large area of northern Australia. This region includes parts of the Tanami Desert and areas near the Victoria River. Each language is spoken in a specific traditional country.
Connection to Other Languages
Scientists who study languages, called linguists, have found connections between different language families. In 2004, it was shown that the Ngumbin languages are related to the nearby Ngarrkic languages. This means they might share an even older common ancestor. This discovery helps us understand how Aboriginal languages across Australia are connected.
The Ngumpit People
The term "Ngumpit" is used by several Aboriginal groups to refer to themselves as a whole. These groups include the Gurindji, Malngin, Bilinara, Mudburra, and Ngarinyman peoples. Using "Ngumpit" shows their shared heritage and connection through the Ngumbin language family.
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas ngumbin para niños
