Wakka Wakka language

The Wakka Wakka language, also spelt Waga, or Wakawaka, is an extinct Pama–Nyungan language formerly spoken by the Wakka Wakka people, an Aboriginal Australian nation near Brisbane, Australia. Kaiabara/Gayabara, Nguwera/Ngoera, and Buyibara may be varieties or alternative names.

Initiation language

A distinct style of the language was used in male initiation ceremonies. Two phrases or words were given by an unitiated informant with unknown meaning., being and .

Phonology

Consonants

• /l/ may occasionally be velarized as [É«].
• /l/ may also exist in the sequence /-lj-/, however; it is not realized as a palatal lateral sound [ʎ].

Vowels

References