About Kayardild

Page Index

• Introduction
• Grammar
• Culture
• Phonology
• Follow the path of the Kayardild data

Introduction

Kayardild, also known as Kaiadilt, Gayardilt, Gayardild and Guyadilt, is a non-Pama-Nyungan language of the Tangkic family. It was originally spoken on Bentinck Island, in the Gulf of Carpenteria in northwest Queensland, Australia, although now many of the remaining 10 speakers live on Mornington Island.

Grammar

The language is probably most notable for its unusual case system. Not only can multiple cases be stacked onto a single nominal, but there are multiple series of case systems. Furthermore, the language uses case functions to mark the tense, aspect and mood of the clause to which a noun belongs.

Culture

The Kayardild culture evolved in isolation; there was minimal contact with outside groups - even other aboriginal ones. Therefore, while some cultural aspects (such as religion) still resemble those found elsewhere in Australia, others (such as tool composition) differ significantly.

Phonology

Kayardild phonology resembles that of most Australian languages. The language, for instance, lacks fricatives and a voicing distiction, and boasts six places of articulation for stops.

Follow the path of the Kayardild data

1. Get Started Summary of Kayardild conversion
2. Digitize Audio: Audio page (Classroom)
3. Interlinearize Text: IGT page (Classroom)
4. Build Lexicon: Lexicon page (Classroom)
5. Collect Metadata: Metadata page (Classroom)

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