Alf Palmer

Alf Palmer
Jinbilnggay
Alf Palmer on Palm Island in July 1972
Bornc. 1891
Died1981 (1982)
Other namesJinbilnggay
Known forBeing the last native speaker of Warrungu

Alf Palmer (c. 1891–1981), or Jinbilnggay in the Warrongo language, was the last native speaker of the Australian aboriginal language Warrongo.[1] He lived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

He worked together with linguists Drs. Tasaku Tsunoda from Japan and Peter Sutton from Sydney, Australia, to preserve his language.[1] He was anxious for his language to be preserved and repeatedly told Tsunoda, "I'm the last one to speak Warrungu. When I die, this language will die. I'll teach you everything I know, so put it down properly."[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Tsunoda, Tasaku (14 December 2011), "Preface", A Grammar of Warrongo, DE GRUYTER, pp. v–vi, doi:10.1515/9783110238778.v, ISBN 978-3-11-023876-1, retrieved 31 January 2024
  2. ^ Tsunoda, Tasaku (21 February 2006). Language Endangerment and Language Revitalization: An Introduction. De Gruyter Mouton. pp. vii. hdl:20.500.12657/31654. ISBN 978-3-11-089658-9.


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