Alf Palmer | |
---|---|
Jinbilnggay | |
Born | c. 1891 |
Died | 1981 |
Other names | Jinbilnggay |
Known for | Being 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]