Everyone!
Dialects are generally considered variations of a language that speakers can still understand each other. Imagine two people from different English-speaking Countries, such as the UK and the USA. They might use words like "pop soda" vs. "fizzy drink" or pronounce "tomato" differently, but they can still communicate.
Dharug is not spoken widely as a first language today. This is due to the devastating effects of colonisation on the Dharug people and their language. Bayala and other Dharug yiyura (people) are making significant efforts to revitalise the Dharug Dhalang (language). These efforts involve teaching the language to younger generations and incorporating it back into the community. While fluency in Dharug as a first language is not common, the language is experiencing a positive revival.
The Dharug language is not our first language acquisition. This means Dharug people did not learn their language at birth and are fluent. It is a second language for Dharug yiyura (people). Our language has been sleeping, and only fragments and the utterances of the remembers from long ago have provided us with clues on language words and some phrases.
Dharug is a language undergoing revitalisation efforts. While it might not be considered "intact" in the sense of being widely spoken in its original form, fluency in Dharug today would mean achieving a high level of proficiency in the revitalised language as it's being taught and used by the community.
Studies show that learning a new language can improve cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills. It's a great mental workout! Dharug is the language of most of the Sydney region, and learning it allows you to connect with the rich history and culture of the Dharug people. It's a way to understand their worldview and relationship with their Country. Reviving Dharug is a powerful act of reconciliation. It acknowledges the damage caused by colonisation and celebrates the ongoing survival of Dharug language and culture. Learning the language shows respect and helps heal past wounds.
Communities and linguists work collaboratively to reconstruct the phonetics and phonology of Aboriginal languages despite historical disruptions. Dharug belongs to the Pama–Nyungan family, which means we share similar sounds with most other Aboriginal languages in Australia. Reconstructing the sounds of an Aboriginal language that has experienced disruption since colonisation typically involves a combination of historical, linguistic, and community-based approaches. A unified spelling system lets everyone understand the sounds and their related symbols.