Worimi languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Worimi |
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|---|---|
| Hunter–Hastings | |
| Geographic distribution: |
New South Wales |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: | |
The Worimi language family is a small group of Australian Aboriginal languages that were once spoken in New South Wales, Australia. Most of these languages are no longer actively spoken, meaning they are "extinct," but some are now being brought back to life!
This language family includes two main languages: Awabakal and Worimi (also known as Gadjang). These languages are so similar that experts agree they are related.
Contents
Awabakal Language
The Awabakal language was spoken by the Awabakal people around Lake Macquarie in New South Wales.
Studying Awabakal
A missionary named Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld studied Awabakal for many years, from 1825 until he passed away in 1859. He had a lot of help from Biraban, who was a leader of the local Aboriginal community. Together, they even translated parts of the Bible into the Awabakal language. For example, the Gospel of Mark starts with: "Kurrikuri ta unni Evanelia Jesu úmba Krist koba, Yenal ta noa Eloi úmba."
Bringing Awabakal Back
Today, people are working hard to revive the Awabakal language. This means they are teaching it to new generations and bringing it back into everyday use.
Worimi Language (Gadjang)
The Worimi language, also called Gadjang, was spoken by the Worimi people. They lived along the coast of New South Wales, in areas like eastern Port Stephens and Great Lakes.
Reviving Worimi
Like Awabakal, the Worimi language was once extinct, meaning no one spoke it anymore. However, it is now in the early stages of being brought back to life. This is an exciting time for the Worimi people as they work to reconnect with their language and culture.
How Languages are Related
Linguists, who are scientists who study languages, look at how similar languages are to each other.
Classifying Worimi Languages
A well-known linguist named Robert Dixon agreed that Awabakal and Worimi are closely related. Another expert, Bowern (in 2011), thought that Gadjang, Worimi, and another language called Birrpayi were actually separate languages, even if they were related. This shows how linguists sometimes have different ideas about how languages are grouped.
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas worimi para niños
