Gathang language

Australian Aboriginal language

The Gathang language, also spelt Gadjang, Kattang, Kutthung, Gadhang, Gadang and previously known as Worimi language (also spelt Warrimay), is an Australian Aboriginal language or group of dialects. The three known dialects are Birrbay, Guringay, and Warrimay, which are used by the Worimi, Guringay, and Birrbay peoples. It became dormant during the latter half of the 20th century, but has been revived during the 21st century.

After the colonisation of Australia, many of the hundreds of Aboriginal languages fell into disuse. The Worimi people comprised 18 clan groups (ngurras), all of whom spoke Gathang. The four ngurras of the Port Stephens area moved to the settlement at Carrington to work at the Australian Agricultural Company, and over the years lost their language and culture as they learnt European ways. Many Worimi people were forced into missions and reserves. In 1887: E. M. Curr published the first word list of the Gathang language, which had been compiled by John Branch, and in 1900, W. J. Enright published a description and word list. In 1929, American linguist Gerhardt Laves worked with Gathang speakers Charlie Briggs, Bill Dungie, Charlie Bugg, Jim Moy, Albert Lobban, Hannah Bugg, Susan Russell, Ted Lobban, and Mrs Russell. and the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co operative started running classes in Taree, Forster, and Port Macquarie. The number of speakers soon grew, and classes were introduced at TAFEs, schools, and within family groups. As of 2014, there were 40 recorded speakers of the language, and by 2018 2019 there were more than a thousand, after work had been done on reviving the language. Today, books, songs, dance, storytelling, and language workshops are all used to help revive and preserve the language, The description that follows was extracted from the updated phonology by Amanda Lissarague (2010).