Total population | |
---|---|
Unknown (110 recorded fluent speakers of Adnyamathanha language) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Flinders Ranges | |
Languages | |
Adnyamathanha, English (Australian Aboriginal English, Australian English) | |
Religion | |
Christianity (Baptist), traditional beliefs |
The Adnyamathanha (Pronounced: /ˈɑːdnjəmʌdənə/) are an Indigenous Australian people from the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Adnyamathanha is also often used as the name of their traditional language, although the language is more commonly called 'yura ngarwala' by Adnyamathanha people themselves (being Adnyamathanha for - loosely translated - 'our speech').
Adnyamathanha is a member of the Thura-Yura language family and the only one which still has fluent native speakers.
On the northern edges of the Adnyamathanha tribal lands were the Diyari tribe, on the western edges were the Kokatha people. To the south were the Barngarla, Nukunu, and Ngadjuri. To the east were the Malyangapa.
The Adnyamathanha are made up of the Kuyani, Wailpi, Yadliaura (or Yadliyawara), and Pirlatapa (amongst others), which are traditional groups of the northern Flinders Ranges and some areas around Lake Torrens. The name Adnyamathanha means "rock people" in the Adnyamathanha language, and is a term referring to the Lakes Culture societies living in that area. They share a common identity, which they get from their ancestors; this common bond is their language and culture which is known as Yura Muda. The origins of the Adnyamathanha are told through creation stories, passed down from generation to generation.