The Gundungurra Language

Name: The Gundungurra Language
Author: R. H. Mathews

By R. H. Mathews

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About This Book

A linguistic description presents the sound system and a phonetic orthography, with detailed guidance on vowel length, consonant values and several special sounds. It outlines noun morphology showing singular, dual and plural forms, gender distinctions and sex-specific animal terms. Case and possession are handled primarily by suffixation, including double marking on possessor and possessed and examples of dative/oblative usage. The pronoun system is given with full person, number and case paradigms and two distinct first‑person dual and plural series (inclusive and exclusive). Comparative remarks note similarities with certain Polynesian and North American patterns and the relative rarity of these features in nearby dialects.

About the Author

R. H. Mathews

R. H. Mathews was an Australian linguist and ethnographer known for his significant contributions to the study of Indigenous Australian languages. His works, including "The Gundungurra Language" and "The Wiradyuri and Other Languages of New South Wales," provide valuable insights into the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. Mathews' research not only documented these languages but also highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions. His dedication to the field has left a lasting impact on the understanding of Australia's linguistic landscape.