Pirriya language facts for kids

Pirriya (also known as Birria or Bidia) was an extinct Aboriginal language from Australia. It is no longer spoken today. This language was used by the Bidia people, who were from western and central-western Queensland.

The areas where Pirriya was spoken include places like Barcoo Shire, Whitula Creek, Cooper Creek, and Jundah. It's important not to mix up Pirriya with the Biri language. The Biri language is also from Queensland but was spoken by a different group of people.

Understanding the Pirriya Language

The Pirriya language is considered "unclassified." This means experts are not sure exactly how it connects to other Aboriginal languages. It was spoken in an area between two other language groups: the Karnic and Maric families.

Why is Pirriya Unclassified?

There isn't much information or data left about the Pirriya language. This makes it very hard for experts to study it. Because of the limited information, they can't clearly say if it belongs to the Karnic or Maric language families. Some researchers, like Dixon, have suggested it might be a part of the Maric languages. Others, like Breen, thought it could be a Karnic language.

Words from Pirriya

Even though Pirriya is no longer spoken, some words have been recorded. These words help us learn a little about the language. Here are a few examples, written as they were by Pirriya speakers:

• Billar: This word means spear.
• Binoor: This word refers to a bandicoot, a small marsupial animal.
• Boorong: This word means rock.
• Bowra: This word means kangaroo.
• Burlo moori: This phrase means "good day."
• Gulburri: This word means emu, a large Australian bird.
• Noka: This word means water.
• Ullatah: This word means moon.