Bigambal (also Bigambul, Bigumbil, Pikambul, or Pikumbul) is an extinct and unclassified Australian Aboriginal language from the Pama–Nyungan language family.[2] The Bigambul language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Goondiwindi Regional Council, including the towns of Goondiwindi, Yelarbon and Texas extending north towards Moonie and Millmerran.[3] The AUSTLANG database maintained by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies states that the Bigambal language was spoken by the Bigambul people, with Gambuwal and Kwiambal (or Gujambal) known dialects.[2] However, it is likely that the Gamilaraay (or Yuwaaliyaay) language was used by those peoples living in southern Bigambul territory.[4]

Bigambal
Native toAustralia
EthnicityBigambul people
Extinct1996[1]
Pama–Nyungan
  • (unclassified)
    • Bigambal
Language codes
ISO 639-3xbe
Glottologbiga1237
AIATSIS[2]D34
ELPBigambal

Classification edit

Dixon (2002)[5] groups Bigambal together with the Bundjalung languages while O'Grady, Voegelin and Voegelin classify it as a 'Wiradjuric' language.[6]: 333 

Glottolog states that Wafer and Lissarrague (2008)[6]: 332–340  have classed Bigambal and Yugambal together.[7]

Vocabulary edit

Some words from the Bigambal language, as spelt and written by Bigambul authors, include:[3]

  • Bamburr: kangaroo
  • Dhigaraa: bird
  • Dhimba: snake
  • Dhurrii: land
  • Gayker: echidna
  • Gillee: sun
  • Gool: fish
  • Gulli: rain/water
  • Koobee: possum
  • Noorah: home/camp
  • Warril: river
  • Weeimba gilee: hello
  • Woodyun: grass

References edit

  1. ^ ISO 639-3 change request code: xbe
  2. ^ a b c D34 Bigambal at the Australian Indigenous Languages Database, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
  3. ^ a b   This Wikipedia article incorporates text from Bigambul published by the State Library of Queensland under CC BY licence, accessed on 25 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Map of NSW Aboriginal Languages". New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  5. ^ Dixon, R. M. W. (2002). Australian Languages: their nature and development. Cambridge University Press.
  6. ^ a b Wafer, Jim; Lissarrague, Amanda (2008). A Handbook of Aboriginal Languages of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Muurrbay Aboriginal Language & Culture Co-operative.
  7. ^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin; Bank, Sebastian, eds. (2020). "Bigambal". Glottolog 4.3.

External links edit