Port Sorell language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Sorell |
|
|---|---|
| Port Sorell Tasmanian | |
| Region | North-central coast of Tasmania |
| Ethnicity | Northern tribe of Tasmanians |
| Extinct | 19th century |
| Language family |
Northern–Western Tasmanian?
|
| AIATSIS | T13 |
The Port Sorell language was an Aboriginal language once spoken in Tasmania. It is now extinct, meaning no one speaks it anymore. This language was used by the Aboriginal people living near Port Sorell, which is on the north-central coast of Tasmania.
Experts like Claire Bowern have studied what little we know about it. They believe it was part of the larger group of Northern Tasmanian languages. However, some researchers, like Dixon and Crowley, think it might not have been closely related to other Tasmanian languages.
What Happened to the Port Sorell Language?
The Port Sorell language became extinct in the 19th century. This happened because of the arrival of European settlers in Tasmania. Many Aboriginal languages disappeared during this time.
How Do We Know About This Language?
Even though the Port Sorell language is extinct, we know a little about it from old records. These records are called word lists or vocabularies. They are like small dictionaries created by people who heard the language being spoken.
Important Word Lists
Two main word lists help us understand the Port Sorell language:
- One list has 268 words. It was collected by Charles Robinson in Port Sorell.
- Another list has 77 words. This one was called the "Little Jemmie’s" vocabulary. It was collected by George Augustus Robinson, who was an important figure in early Tasmanian history.
These word lists are very important. They are the only way we can learn about how the Port Sorell language sounded and what words it used. They help us understand the history and culture of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania.
