Alf Palmer
Appearance
Alf Palmer | |
---|---|
Jinbilnggay | |
Born | c. 1891 |
Died | 1981 |
Other names | Jinbilnggay |
Known for | Being the last native speaker of Warrungu |
Alf Palmer (c. 1891–1981), or Jinbilnggay in the Warrongo language, was the last native speaker of the Australian aboriginal language Warrongo.[1] He lived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
He worked together with linguists Drs. Tasaku Tsunoda from Japan and Peter Sutton from Sydney, Australia, to preserve his language.[1] He was anxious for his language to be preserved and repeatedly told Tsunoda, "I'm the last one to speak Warrungu. When I die, this language will die. I'll teach you everything I know, so put it down properly."[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Tsunoda, Tasaku (14 December 2011), "Preface", A Grammar of Warrongo, DE GRUYTER, pp. v–vi, doi:10.1515/9783110238778.v, ISBN 978-3-11-023876-1, retrieved 31 January 2024
- ^ Tsunoda, Tasaku (21 February 2006). Language Endangerment and Language Revitalization: An Introduction. De Gruyter Mouton. pp. vii. hdl:20.500.12657/31654. ISBN 978-3-11-089658-9.
External links
[edit]- An article on Alf Palmer and Warrungu, with photographs
- Warrungu Stories & Interactive Concordance: Stories from Alf Palmer