Yugambal language facts for kids

Yugambal (also called Yugumbal or Jukambal) is an Aboriginal language from northern New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Yugumbil (or Jukambil). This language was spoken by the Jukambal and Ngarbal people.

Where Was Yugambal Spoken?

In 1905, a researcher named Macpherson wrote about the Yugambal language. He said it was used in an area from Boggy Camp and Inverell. This area stretched almost to Bingara in the west, Bundarra in the south, and Tingha in the southeast.

Understanding Different Dialects

Macpherson also noted that people speaking Yugambal, Ngarrabul, and Marbul could understand each other. This suggests they were all speaking different forms, or dialects, of the same language. Another expert, Dixon, also confirmed that Ngarrabul (or Ngarrbal) was a dialect of Yugambal.

Is Yugambal Still Spoken Today?

The current status of the Yugambal language is not fully known. Some people who spoke the language, like Sira Draper, Hughie Green, and Archie Green, were alive in the mid-to-late 1900s. However, it is uncertain if anyone still speaks Yugambal today.

Learning About the Language

There isn't a lot of detailed information available about the Yugambal language.

Early Records and Word Lists

In 1902, R.H. Matthews published a basic grammar of Yugambal. A grammar is like a rulebook for a language. Word lists from places like Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and Ashford also give us some information. These lists include words from the Ngarrabul, Kwiambal, and Marbul dialects.

Researchers and Their Work

John Macpherson and Thomas Wyndham spent time living with the Yugambal and Ngarrabul people. They wrote down many Yugambal and Ngarrabul words. They also recorded information about the culture and traditions of these groups. Many of their notes from the late 1800s and early 1900s are still unpublished.