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Pitjantjatjara dialect

Pitjantjatjara

Also known as: Western Desert language, Anangu

A Western Desert language of central Australia, spoken by the Anangu communities around Uluṟu and the APY Lands. One of the most-spoken Aboriginal Australian languages, with active bilingual education.

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Frequently asked questions

What language is Pitjantjatjara?

Pitjantjatjara is a dialect of the Pitjantjatjara language.

Where is Pitjantjatjara spoken?

Pitjantjatjara is primarily spoken in Australia.

Which region is Pitjantjatjara associated with?

Pitjantjatjara is part of the Southeast Asia region on DialectAtlas.

Is Pitjantjatjara known by other names?

Yes — Pitjantjatjara is also referred to as Western Desert language, Anangu.

Nearby dialects

See on the atlas →
Broad Australian

340 km away

The most strongly-marked sociolect of Australian English, traditionally rural and outback in association. Famously caricatured as "Strine"; recognisable by its diphthongal vowels and broad nasalisation.

Warlpiri

350 km away

A Pama-Nyungan language of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. Spoken across communities including Yuendumu and Lajamanu; the subject of substantial linguistic documentation.

Kriol

1,217 km away

An English-based creole spoken across northern Australia by Aboriginal communities, especially in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. Native to many speakers and used in bilingual schools and broadcasting.

Aboriginal Australian English

1,432 km away

A distinct Australian English variety used widely across Aboriginal communities. Shows substrate influence from many Aboriginal languages and forms a continuum with Kriol in northern Australia.

Tiwi

1,513 km away

A non-Pama-Nyungan language of the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, the only living member of its family. One of the most morphologically complex languages on record, with a famously elaborate noun-classification system.

Yolŋu Matha

1,578 km away

A cluster of closely-related Pama-Nyungan languages spoken across Yolŋu communities of north-east Arnhem Land. Centred on Yirrkala and Galiwinʼku.

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