Yaygirr facts for kids
The Yaygir, also known as Yuraygir or Yaegl, are an Aboriginal group. They have traditionally lived in and around Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. The name 'Yaegl' is preferred by the Lower Clarence Elders today. In the past, 'Yuraygir' was thought to be the best way to write the name. This made it easy to say and understand.
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Yaygir Language
The Yaygir language was one of two Gumbaynggiric languages. It was closely related to the Gumbaynggir language. Both languages came from the same older language. However, they became quite different over time. About half of their words were no longer similar.
A linguist named Terry Crowley thought Yaygir was very unique. It had special sounds and words that could start with vowels. This was unusual for Australian languages. Most Australian words usually begin with consonants. The last person who spoke Yaygir was Sandy Cameron. He lived in Yamba and passed away in 1973. The language also had a special sound, like a rolled 'r'. This sound was not found in other Australian languages.
Yaygir Country
Yaygir country stretched along the coast. It went from Coffs Harbour in the south. It reached northwards to Evans Head. Inland, their land went to Cowper on the Clarence River. The Yaygir people have always lived near the coast. Some stories say that a group near Coffs Harbour was called 'Womboyneralah'. This name means 'where the kangaroos camped'.
Yaygir People and Neighbors
The Yaygir people lived next to other Aboriginal groups. To their north were the Bandjalang people. To their south lived the Gumbaynggirr people. These groups shared borders and sometimes interacted.
Other Names for Yaygir
The Yaygir people have been known by several different names. These names include:
- Jeigir
- Jungai
- Yaegl
- Yagir
- Yegera
- Yegir
- Yiegera
- Youngai
Some Yaygir Words
Here are a few words from the Yaygir language:
- abl (wallaby)
- dalga (sing)
- dulbay (language)
- duwo (boomerang)
- ngaluunggirr (clever-man, a person with special knowledge)
