Re: the languages of "Rabbit Proof Fence" ?
| From: | Peter Kolb <peterwlkolb@...> |
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| Date: | Saturday, March 26, 2005, 2:46 |
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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.
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