Dalabon

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A language of Australia

Alternate Names
Bouin, Boun, Buan, Buin, Buwan, Dangbon, Gundangbon, Nalabon, Ngalabon, Ngalkbon, Ngalkbun
User Population

5 (2010 ELDP).

Location

Northern Territory: Arnhem Land, Katherine area, Bulman and Weemol.

Language Maps
Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct).

Language Use

Few domains. Elderly only. Shifted to English [eng]. Also use Gunwinggu [gup]. Also use Kriol [rop]. Also use Rembarrnga [rmb]. Used as L2 by Djauan [djn], Rembarrnga [rmb].

Language Development

Dictionary. Diwurruwurru-jaru Aboriginal Corporation made a teacher’s guide and video materials in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Sarah Cutfield ran the Dalabon Oral Histories Project from 2006 to 2008. There are a number of younger ‘semi-speakers’ who are actively engaged in documentary and revitalization work on their language.

Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].