Warluwarra language facts for kids

Warluwarra was an extinct Aboriginal language from Australia. It was spoken by the Waluwara people in Queensland. An extinct language means that no one speaks it anymore. The last known speakers of Warluwarra were recorded in 1981.

Where Warluwarra Was Spoken

The Waluwara people lived in a specific area of Queensland. This area included the Shire of Boulia. They lived around places like Walgra Station and Wolga. Their land stretched from Roxborough Downs north to Carandotta Station and Urandangi. This region was near the Georgina River. It also included areas along Moonah Creek and Rochedale, southeast of Pituri Creek.

How Languages Are Grouped

Languages are often grouped together based on how they are related. This is called "classification." Experts study how languages are similar to each other. They look at words and grammar.

A language expert named R. M. W. Dixon studied Warluwarra. He placed it in a group called the Southern Ngarna subgroup. Other languages in this group included Wagaya, Yindjilandji, and Bularnu. These languages are also related to the Yanyuwa language.

Warluwarra Sign Language

The Waluwara people had a special way of communicating. They used a signed form of their language. This means they used hand movements and gestures instead of spoken words. Many Aboriginal groups in Australia developed their own sign languages. These were often used for hunting or during ceremonies. They were also used when people could not speak aloud.