Yan-nhangu Language

Yan-nhangu Language

Nhangu (Nhaŋu), also Yan-nhaŋu (Jarnango) is an indigenous Australian language spoken by about 15 people the traditional owners of the seas and Crocodile Islands, off the coast of the Northern Territory. The Yan-nhaŋu language belongs to the Yolŋu Matha language group of the Yolŋu people of Arnhem Land in northern Australia. The varieties of the two moieties are (a) Gorlpa and (b) Yan-nhangu.

The Yan-nhaŋu Language Team, started in 1994 by Laurie Baymarrwangga consists of linguists and native speakers working to compile resources for the description of Yan-nhaŋu culture and the revitalization of Yan-nhaŋu language. Having started with a mere 250 words, this dictionary work has expanded to over three thousand forms. This work has also initiated a family of projects aimed at sustaining the linguistic, cultural and biological diversity of the Crocodile Islands. These include the Yan-nhangu Ecological Knowledge YEK data base, CII Cultural mapping project, Crocodile Islands Rangers, an ethnographic description of Yan-nhangu marine identity, learner's guide and an on-line dictionary project.

Read more about Yan-nhangu Language:  Language and Speakers, See Also

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