Rembarrnga language facts for kids

Rembarrnga, also called Rembarunga, is an Aboriginal language from Australia. It is spoken in the Northern Territory, near the Roper River. Rembarrnga is part of a group of languages called Northern Non-Pama–Nyungan languages. This language has three main types, or dialects: Galduyh, Gikkik, and Mappurn.

Sadly, Rembarrnga is a highly endangered language. This means very few people still speak it fluently. It's likely that children are not learning Rembarrnga anymore. Instead, they are learning other languages spoken nearby, like Kriol and Kunwinjku.

Where is Rembarrnga Spoken?

As of 2015, the people who speak Rembarrnga fluently live in remote towns. These towns include Maningrida and Ramingining. They also live in smaller communities nearby called outstations, such as Borlkdjam, Buluhkaduru, and Malnyangarnak.

Other communities linked to the Rembarrnga language are Ankebarrbirri, Barunga, Beswick, and Bulman. The languages spoken in areas next to Rembarrnga include Dalabon, Burarra, Ngalakan, Ngandi, and the Bininj Kunwok dialects Kunwinjku and Kune.

Who Studies Rembarrnga?

Some experts who study languages, called linguists, have worked with Rembarrnga speakers. They have created important materials to help people learn and understand the language. These linguists include Graham McKay, Carolyn Coleman, and Adam Saulwick.

Their main works on Rembarrnga include a grammar (which explains how the language works), a dictionary (which lists words and their meanings), and a learner's guide (to help new speakers learn the language). These resources are very important for keeping the language alive and helping others learn about it.