Warrgamay is an extinct Australian Aboriginal language of northeast Queensland. It was closely related to Dyirbal.

It is also known as Waragamai, Wargamay, Wargamaygan, Biyay, and Warakamai. The language region includes the Herbert River area, Ingham, Hawkins Creek, Long Pocket, Herbert Vale, Niagara Vale, Yamanic Creek, Herbert Gorge, Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island and the adjacent mainland.

Phonology

Consonants

PeripheralLaminalApical
LabialVelarPalatalAlveolarRetroflex
Plosivebɡɟd
Nasalmŋɲn
Rhoticr
Laterall
Approximantwjɻ
  • Rhotic sounds /r/, /ɻ/ can also be heard as taps [ɾ], [ɽ].

Vowels

FrontCentralBack
Closei iːu uː
Opena aː

Sources

  • Dixon, R. M. W. (1981). "Wargamay". In Dixon, R. M. W.; Blake, B. J. (eds.). Handbook of Australian languages. Vol. 2. Canberra: ANU Press. hdl:. ISBN 0-7081-1212-9.

External links

  • , State Library of Queensland. A short video about the Warrgamay Maya Language Story project, undertaken by Melinda Holden and Bridget Priman, to document and preserve the Warrgamay Language.
  • , State Library of Queensland
  • , State Library of Queensland. Digital Story discussing Wargamaygan language