Yaygir was one of the two
Gumbaynggiric languages, closely related to
Gumbaynggir, both of which split from the same proto-language, though in developing their differences, their lexical
cognate count was reduced to half, 46%.[2] It is considered by
Terry Crowley to be the most 'aberrant' of New South Wales languages for its phonology and acceptance of initial vowels, as opposed to the standard formation of words,[3] which normatively begin with consonants, the latter feature something it shares with
Nganjaywana. The last speaker was Sandy Cameron of
Yamba (d.1973). It had a
voiceless trill unique to Australian languages.[4]
Country
Yaygir country stretched from
Coffs Harbour northwards to
Evans Head, and inland to Cowper on the
Clarence River. They were and are a coastal people.[3] Some reports state that the tribe or
horde local to Coffs Harbour itself was called 'Womboyneralah', meaning 'where the kangaroos camped.'[5]
^'In 2008, the Lower Clarence Elders use the preferred spelling of 'Yaegl'. In 1977, the spelling of 'Yuraygir' was considered the closest reflection of the Aboriginal usage of the word, allowing it to be phonetically accurate and easy for visitors to pronounce.[1] ' (
Kijas 2009, p. 15)