Peramangk language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peramangk |
|
|---|---|
| Merildakald | |
| Region | South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges |
| Ethnicity | Peramangk |
| Language family |
Pama–Nyungan
|
| AIATSIS | S5 |
The Peramangk language is also known as Merildekald. It is a language from the lands of the Peramangk people in South Australia. This language is part of a very large group of languages called Pama-Nyungan languages. Like the Kaurna language, which is similar to it, the Peramangk language was once considered to be in danger of disappearing.
Contents
What is the Peramangk Language?
The Peramangk language is special because many of its words are still known. These include names for places, cultural practices, and characters from their traditional stories, often called "Dreamtime" stories.
How Peramangk Connects to Other Languages
The Peramangk language might share some words and grammar rules with other nearby languages. These include the Kaurna language, the Nganguruku language, and to some extent, the Ngarrindjeri and Ngadjuri languages. However, some parts of the Peramangk language are unique and different from Kaurna.
Why Peramangk Language is Important
The Peramangk language is very important to the Peramangk elders. Elders are respected older people in the community who hold a lot of knowledge. It is said that a person descended from the Peramangk people is working to collect and organize information about the language. This helps to keep it alive.
It is likely that Peramangk elders knew many of the languages spoken by surrounding tribes. This is because different tribes often met on Peramangk land. The Peramangk people would invite them to gather there.
Learning About the Peramangk Language
A long time ago, soon after European settlers arrived in South Australia, a group called The Lutheran Missionary Society put together a book. This book was a guide for the Kaurna language. Because the Kaurna and Peramangk languages are similar, this book can also help us learn about the Peramangk language.
Today, you can find a digital version of this book online. You can search through it easily. This makes it a helpful tool for people of all ages who want to learn more about these languages.
See also
In Spanish: Idioma peramangk para niños
