Nuenonne language facts for kids

Nuenonne (pronounced "Nyunoni"), also known as Southeast Tasmanian, was an Aboriginal language once spoken on the island of Tasmania. It was used by the Bruny tribe, who lived in the southeastern part of mainland Tasmania. This language is part of what experts like Claire Bowern have pieced together about the ancient languages of Tasmania.

What Was the Nuenonne Language?

The Nuenonne language was one of the many unique languages spoken by the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. These languages are often grouped into families, and Nuenonne belonged to the Eastern Tasmanian language family. Sadly, like many other Aboriginal languages, Nuenonne became extinct in the 19th century. This means that there are no longer any native speakers of the language today.

Who Spoke Nuenonne?

The Nuenonne language was the traditional tongue of the Bruny tribe. This tribe lived in the southeastern part of Tasmania, including areas around what is now known as Bruny Island. One of the most famous people who spoke Nuenonne was Truganini. She was an important Aboriginal woman who lived from about 1812 to 1876. She is often remembered as one of the last fluent speakers of a Tasmanian Aboriginal language. Her knowledge helped preserve some words and understanding of these languages.

How Do We Know About Nuenonne?

Even though Nuenonne is no longer spoken, we know some things about it thanks to early explorers and researchers.

• In 1802, a French explorer named François Péron collected about 202 words from the language.
• Later, between 1792 and 1793, another French expedition led by Antoine Bruni d'Entrecasteaux also gathered words. Their findings, including about 573 words, were published by Labillardière in 1800 and Rossel in 1808.

These word lists are very important because they are some of the only records we have of the Nuenonne language. The way the French explorers wrote down the words was different from how English speakers might have spelled them. This can sometimes make it tricky for experts to understand the exact sounds and meanings today.

The Legacy of Nuenonne

The Nuenonne language, and all the Aboriginal languages of Tasmania, are a vital part of Australia's history and culture. Even though they are no longer spoken, efforts are being made to learn from the existing records. This helps people understand the rich heritage and deep connection Aboriginal Tasmanians have to their land and traditions. Studying these languages helps us appreciate the diversity of human communication and the importance of preserving cultural knowledge.