In a new episode of Monash University’s podcast, What Happens Next?, linguists and Indigenous hum
Also Known As:
Karrwa, Garawa, Karawa, Leearrawa, Gaarwa, Karwa, Karrawar, Kurrawar, Korrawa, Karrwaz, Garuwa, Grawa, Kariwa, Leearawa, Wollongorang, Wulungwara
Dialects & Varieties
- Kunindirri
- Eastern Garrwa
- Western Garrwa
A grammar of (Western) Garrwa
A grammar of (Western) Garrwa
Severely Endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
59
Native Speakers Worldwide
Speaker Number Trends
Speaker Number Trend 4
Less than half of the community speaks the language, and speaker numbers are decreasing at an accelerated pace.
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Domains of Use
Domain Of Use 4
Used mainly only in the home and/or with family, and may not be the primary language even in these domains for many community members.
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Transmission
Transmission 4
Many of the grandparent generation speak the language, but younger people generally do not.
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Speakers
Native or fluent speakers:
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Second-language speakers and learners
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Semi-speakers or rememberers
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Children:
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Young adults
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Older adults
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Elders
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Ethnic or community population
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Year information was gathered
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Comments on speakers
"While efforts at language maintenance are ongoing, which includes the teaching of songs, dances, and vocabulary, they depend largely on the initiative of the older generations."
Location and Context
Countries
Northern Territory, Australia
Location Description
Borroloola, Wandangula, Robinson River,
Government Support
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Institutional Support
Li-Kurlurluwa Language Centre (funding discontinued in 2011)
Speakers' Attitude
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Other Languages Used By The Community
Kriol
Number of Other Language Speakers:
None
Domains of Other Languages:
None
Writing Systems
Standard orthography:
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Writing system:
Latin
Other writing systems used:
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Comments on writing systems:
"The Furbys’ published work from the late 1960s and early 1970s uses a transcription system based on IPA symbols, but Garrwa orthography has been well established since at least the 1970s.... [T]he orthography was originally developed by SIL linguists in collaboration with Garrwa speakers as part of the translation of scripture into Garrwa. Biblical translations from 1976 show virtually the same writing conventions that are used in this grammar and other contemporary written Garrwa."