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Re: the languages of "Rabbit Proof Fence" ?

From:Peter Kolb <peterwlkolb@...>
Date:Saturday, March 26, 2005, 2:46
On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 22:02:42 +0000, Rodlox R <rodlox@...> wrote:

>Having just seen the movie "Rabbit Proof Fence" a day ago, and having missed >the "Behind the Scenes" special, my not remembering if there was already a >discussion in here about the film... > >...does anyone know what languages were spoken in the movie? *curious* > >(besides English).
Doing some research: The two main characters, and the author of the book "Along the Rabbit-Proof-Fence", are all aborigines from Jigalong. That which was spoken ought to have been, aside the English, the Western Desert language of Kartujarra (Wati subgroup, Pama-Nyungan group) and is known as one of the Martu Wanga (Aboriginal Languages). Twenty alternate names exists for this language. The language is stated as having an avoidance style (I suppose indirection of communication) as well as the everyday style. The language is probably classified as endangered having about 700-800 native speakers but does have some literature, computerised dictionary. Ethnologue classification: Australian, Pama-Nyungan, South-West, Wati. Ethnologue comments: Mantjiltjara and Kartutjara are two tribal groups speaking almost identical dialects. High inherent intelligibility between Yulparitja and Wangkajunga. Speakers of the 4 dialects can use the same written language with possible minor adjustments, including vocabulary change, partly needed because of cultural identity factors. Bilingualism in Walmajarri, Kukatja, Kriol. Puditara dialect is extinct. Dictionary. Bible portions 1981-1994. References: * http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252444/ (Movie) * http://www.wangkamaya.org.au/languages.htm * http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVLPages/AborigPages/LANG/WA/4_6_1.htm * http://www.ethnologue.org/show_language.asp?code=MPJ * http://www.p-s.com.au/products.htm (Dictionary) Is that enough? On a side issue: the actor for Molly Craig went AWOL -"walk about"- twice. You can't say no to CC!! Peter Kolb. PS: I seem to be having alot of trouble mailing to this list from Thunderbird. I can mail to myself but when I do a REPLY-ALL to a conlang message, the e-mail disappears into oblivion. Could this problem be related to the DISPOSITION-NOTIFICATION-TO field? I don't like to mail through the web interface. Advice welcome.

Replies

Rodlox R <rodlox@...>
Rodlox R <rodlox@...>test language - advice is welcome