Ngan'gityemerri: a language of the Daly River region, Northern Territory of Australia

Abstract

This thesis is a study of Ngan'gityemerri, a language spoken primarily in and around the two communities of Nauiyu Nambiyu and Peppimenarti in the Northern Territory. Chapter One provides an introduction to the names by which speakers of this language have been referred to, comments on the relationship between the two dialects, and establishes my use of the term Ngan'gityemerri as a language name. Also included in this chapter is a brief account of the history of these people since European invasion of their country began late last century, some comments on social organisation, cultural affiliations, Wangga and Lirrga songstyles, and a description of their country. The current status of the language is reviewed, and the language variety presented in this work is clearly identified. A survey of previous work on Ngan'gityemerri, and a description of my fieldwork methodology are additionally included. Chapter Two presents the segmental phonology, phonotactics, stress patterns and morphophonological processes. Particular attention, in the form of a detailed acoustic study, is given to the mechanism by which the contrast between two series of stops is maintained.