Dhangu/Djangu Project

The Dhangu/Djangu language is a Yolngu language of NE Arnhem Land and is still spoken throughout the area,
but is not one of the dominent languages. Most language work is carried out in Dhuwal/Dhuwala dialects. There
are about six Dhangu/Djangu dialects that are still used, but which have very little, if any, documentation.

Dhangu/Djangu languages still have old speakers and some middle-aged speakers, but there are few in the younger age ranges that are speaking these dialects. Dhuwal/Dhuwala languages have become dominant and are interfering with Dhangu/Djangu language acquisition. It is important to the Dhangu/Djangu speakers themselves that these languages are documented. It is also important for the structure of the whole Yolngu political and legal integrity that these languages be documented. The laws of the land and political system are encoded in the songs of the different dialects. If these songs are not continued, or if the people do not understand the songs, then these systems are in danger of being lost.

By documenting the texts of the older speakers, the content of the texts will be protected for future generations. Present generation speakers will also be able to access the information that is being preserved.

The Dhangu/Djangu dialects which ARDS anticipates will eventually have texts documented are: Wangurri, Galpu, Golumala, Rirratjingu, Ngaymil and Warramiri.

ARDS would like to acknowledge the support of our main funder for this valuable work :

.