Perth

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Indigenous Languages

Awareness of Aboriginal languages and their cultural significance in Perth and Western Australia.

Sections

Indigenous Languages of Perth, Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, one of the 14 Noongar language groups that make up the Noongar Nation. The Noongar people are the traditional custodians of the southwest corner of Western Australia, and their languages, culture, and history are deeply intertwined with the land, including the area now known as Perth.

1. Historical and Cultural Significance

The Noongar language (or Noongar/Nyungar/Nyoongar, with variations in spelling) is part of the Pama-Nyungan language family, which is the largest language family in Australia. Historically, the Noongar language was spoken across the southwest region of Western Australia, encompassing Perth and surrounding areas. It is not a single language but rather a group of closely related dialects, including Whadjuk, Ballardong, Wardandi, and others.

The Noongar language is more than a means of communication; it is a repository of cultural knowledge, spirituality, and connection to the land. The language reflects the Noongar people's understanding of the environment, including the six-season calendar (Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang), which guides their traditional practices and way of life.

Colonization had a devastating impact on the Noongar language, as Indigenous people were displaced, and their languages and cultural practices were suppressed. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant revival of the Noongar language, driven by the Noongar community and supported by local organizations and educational institutions.

2. Communities That Speak Noongar

The Noongar Nation consists of 14 language groups, and the Whadjuk people are the traditional custodians of the Perth area. While the number of fluent Noongar speakers is relatively small due to the historical impacts of colonization, there is a growing movement to revive and teach the language.

Many Noongar people in Perth and surrounding areas are involved in cultural and linguistic revitalization efforts. These efforts are supported by organizations such as the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and the Noongar Boodjar Language Cultural Aboriginal Corporation (NBLCAC).

3. Ways to Learn or Experience the Noongar Language

If you are interested in learning or experiencing the Noongar language, there are several resources, programs, and cultural experiences available in Perth:

a) Language Learning Resources
  • Noongar Boodjar Language App: This free app, developed by the NBLCAC, provides an introduction to the Noongar language, including vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation guides. It is an excellent starting point for beginners.
  • Noongar Language Courses: Some universities and community organizations in Perth offer Noongar language courses. For example:
    • Curtin University has offered Noongar language and culture units as part of its Indigenous studies programs.
    • Community Workshops: Local councils and cultural centers occasionally host Noongar language workshops. Check with the City of Perth or nearby councils for upcoming events.
  • Books and Educational Materials: Books such as "Noongar Mambara Bakitj" (a bilingual children's book) and other resources are available for purchase online or at local bookstores.
b) Cultural Experiences
  • Cultural Tours: Several Noongar-led tours in Perth incorporate language learning alongside cultural education. For example:
    • Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences: These tours, led by Noongar guides, provide insights into Noongar culture, history, and language while exploring significant sites around Perth.
    • Koomal Dreaming: While based in the Margaret River region, this experience offers a deeper understanding of Noongar culture and language, which is relevant to the broader Noongar Nation.
  • Festivals and Events: Events such as NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week often feature Noongar language workshops, storytelling, and performances.
c) Online Resources
  • Kaartdijin Noongar โ€“ Sharing Noongar Culture: This website, managed by SWALSC, provides a wealth of information about Noongar language, culture, and history.
  • AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies): AIATSIS offers resources and research on Indigenous languages, including Noongar.

4. Costs and Services for Language Learning

  • Free Resources: Many introductory resources, such as the Noongar Boodjar Language App and online materials, are free.
  • Workshops and Courses: Costs for workshops and courses vary. Community workshops may be free or low-cost (e.g., $20โ€“$50 per session), while university courses may have higher fees depending on the institution and program.
  • Cultural Tours: Prices for cultural tours range from approximately $50 to $150 per person, depending on the duration and content of the tour.

5. Notable Local Sites and Initiatives

Perth and its surrounding areas are home to several sites and initiatives that promote and preserve the Noongar language and culture:

a) Significant Sites
  • Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba): This iconic park in Perth is a place of great cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people. Guided tours often include Noongar language elements and stories about the land.
  • Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River): The Swan River is central to Noongar culture and spirituality. Its Noongar name, Derbal Yerrigan, is increasingly used in signage and educational materials.
  • Yagan Square: Named after the Noongar leader Yagan, this central hub in Perth features public art and cultural displays that celebrate Noongar heritage.
b) Language and Cultural Initiatives
  • Noongar Radio (100.9FM): This community radio station broadcasts in Perth and features programs in the Noongar language, as well as music and discussions about Noongar culture.
  • Noongar Language Centre: Based in Bunbury, this organization works to preserve and promote the Noongar language through research, education, and community engagement.
  • South West Native Title Settlement: This historic agreement between the Noongar people and the Western Australian government includes provisions for cultural and language preservation.

6. Modern-Day Context and Revitalization Efforts

The revitalization of the Noongar language is part of a broader movement across Australia to preserve and promote Indigenous languages. In 2019, the Australian government launched the International Year of Indigenous Languages, which brought attention to the importance of language preservation. Locally, the Noongar community has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to ensure that the language is passed on to future generations.

In Perth, there is growing recognition of the Noongar language in public spaces, education, and media. For example:

  • Dual-language signage is becoming more common in public areas.
  • Schools are incorporating Noongar language and culture into their curricula.
  • Local governments and organizations are increasingly consulting with Noongar elders and language experts to ensure the respectful use of the language.

7. Conclusion

The Noongar language is a vital part of Perth's cultural heritage and offers a unique lens through which to understand the land and its history. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, engaging with the Noongar language and culture is a meaningful way to connect with the traditional custodians of the land. From free apps and workshops to cultural tours and community events, there are many opportunities to learn and experience the richness of the Noongar language in Perth.