Yuin–Kuric languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yuin–Kuric |
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| Ethnicity: | Yuin, Eora, Koori |
| Geographic distribution: |
New South Wales, ACT, and SE Queensland, Australia |
| Linguistic classification: | Pama–Nyungan
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| Subdivisions: |
Yuin
Yora
Kuri
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 Yuin–Kuric languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan). From southwest to northeast, the three groups are Yuin, Yora, and Kuri.
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The Yuin–Kuric languages are a group of Australian Aboriginal languages. They were once spoken in southeastern Australia. This area includes parts of New South Wales, the ACT, and southeastern Queensland.
Most of these languages are now extinct. This means they are no longer spoken by anyone. They are part of a larger group called the Pama–Nyungan family.
The Yuin–Kuric languages are divided into three main groups: Yuin, Yora, and Kuri. These languages were spoken by the first people living in places like Sydney and Canberra.
Did you know the word "koala" comes from these languages? It comes from the word gula. This word was used for the animal in the Dharug language (a Yora group language). You can find similar words in other Yuin–Kuric languages too.
As of 2020, the Yuin language is getting special help. It is part of a project by First Languages Australia. This project helps find and record languages that are almost gone. The goal is to save these important languages.
Contents
Languages of the Yuin–Kuric Family
The Yuin–Kuric languages are grouped by where they were spoken. We will look at them from southwest to northeast.
The Yuin Group
The Yuin group is the southernmost part of this language family. It includes several languages, some of which are now extinct.
- The extinct Tharawal languages were spoken along the South Coast of New South Wales. This group includes Thawa, Dyirringany, Thurga, Tharawal, and possibly Gweagal.
- Nyamudy language was spoken by people around Canberra.
- Ngarigo (also called Ngarigu) was spoken by the Ngarigo people.
- Ngunnawal is also known as Gundungurra. It was spoken by the Ngunnawal people and Gandangara people. This was in inland southeastern New South Wales, near the Yass region.
The Yora Group
some Yuin-Kuric languages
The Yora group is the central part of the Yuin–Kuric family. These languages were spoken in the Sydney area.
- Dharug is an extinct language. People are now trying to bring it back to life.
- Darkinjung is another extinct language from this group.
The Kuri Group
The Kuri group is the northernmost part of the Yuin–Kuric family. Today, only its southernmost languages are still classified here.
- Worimi languages include Worimi (Worimi, Katthang, Birrpayi) and Awabakal.
- Dunghutti language is also part of this group.
Some languages further north were once thought to be Kuric. These include Yugambal, Yuggarabul (Yuggera), and Nganyaywana (Anaiwan).
How the Languages Compare
Languages in the same family often share similar words. This table shows how some pronouns (words like "I," "you," "he") are similar or different across Yuin–Kuric languages.
| Language | Group | I | You (singular) | He | We two (inclusive) | We two (exclusive) | We all (inclusive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gundungurra | Yuin | gula-ngGa, gula-nga | gulandyi | dhanaladhu | gulanga | gulangala(ng) | gulanyan, gulambanya(n) |
| Tharawal | Yuin | ngayagang(ga) | nyindigang | namarang | ngulgang | ngangaling(ga) | nyulgang(ga) |
| Awabakal | Kuri | ngaduwa | nginduwa | nyuwuwa | bali | balinuwa | ngiyin |
| Darkinjung | Yora | ngaya | nyindi, ngindi | nuwa | ngaliya | ngungaliya | ngiyang |
| Dharug | Yora | ngaya | nyindi, ngindi | nanu | ngali | — | — |
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas yuin-kuric para niños
