Boodja means land/country in Noongar language and the care for Boodja is central to Noongar culture, with the natural environment and culture intrinsically linked. It also relates to a sense of belonging and custodianship, as opposed to ownership.
Overall there are many common words in Noongar, for example: kaya = hello, moort = family, boodja = country and yongka = kangaroo. These words are used everyday but they sound slightly different from region to region.
Overall there are many common words in Noongar, for example: kaya= hello, moort = family, boodja = country and yongka = kangaroo.
Boodjar means country. Nyungar boodjar (country) extends from north of Jurien Bay, inland to north of Moora and down to the southern coast between Bremer Bay and east of Esperance.
For thousands of years Noongar people have resided on and had cultural connection to the booja – land. Everything in our vast landscape has meaning and purpose. We speak our own language and have our own lore and customs.
“Kaya, Nala Maat Kaya Noonduk (Hello, Our Family Welcomes You) to Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater People's Country) – we all come together on Boodja (Country).
Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), Boorloo (Perth), 'Kaarta Gar-up' or 'Mooro Kaarta' (Kings Park) are all Noongar names.
Noongar Boodja
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, it is estimated that some 6000 to 10,000 Noongars were living in the South West with these populations divided into fourteen language groups (previously known as 'tribes').
Noongar word for mum is Ngangk. Its also. the word for the sun.
Wadjemup means the land across the sea where the spirits are. It is a name the island was given by the traditional owners, the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Bunji: Aboriginal English for mate. Eg. “How're you doing bunji?” Corroboree: An assembly of sacred, festive or warlike character. Cooee: Meaning come here.
Gubba: Is one of many words that means white people. Gubba actually comes from the word government and is used mostly in a derogatory manner. Other more traditional words used to describe white people include migaloo & wadjela.
The kangaroo is called Buru (older male).
The local Aboriginal people and custodians of the land are Whadjuk Noongar people.
kesalul - I love you.
whitefella (plural whitefellas) (Australia) A white man or Caucasian person, especially as opposed to an Aboriginal Australian.
Aboriginal people refer to an Elder as 'Aunty' or 'Uncle'. However, it is recommended that non-Aboriginal people check the appropriateness of their use of these terms as referring to an Elder or leader as Aunty or Uncle may not be appropriate for an outsider unless a strong relationship has been established.
Mia mia. Shelter made from natural bush; sticks and branches.
There is no one Aboriginal word that all Aborigines use for Australia; however, today they call Australia, ""Australia"" because that is what it is called today. There are more than 250 aboriginal tribes in Australia. Most of them didn't have a word for ""Australia""; they just named places around them.
Boorloo is the Nyoongar name for Perth. Celebrated as 'Heritage Perth Weekend' for the past 12 years, The City of Perth Boorloo Heritage Festival is bigger and better with all City neighbourhoods hosting a variety of diverse events throughout April.
Bidyadanga is the largest remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia with a population of approximately 850 residents and is home to the Karajarri, Juwalinny, Mangala, Nyungamarta and Yulpartja language groups.
The largest Aboriginal communities – the Pitjantjatjara, the Arrernte, the Luritja and the Warlpiri – are all from Central Australia. Throughout the history of the continent, there have been many different Aboriginal groups, each with its own individual language, culture, and belief structure.
The name Joondalup is a Whadjuk Noongar word, possibly meaning either “place of whiteness or glistening”, or “place of a creature that can only move backwards”. There is also a reference to the name of an important Whadjuk Noongar elder named Joondalup.
yaankga (thank you) to Brenda and George who have graciously recorded the following Noongar terms and phrases used throughout this course.
Demban – Grandfather. Dembart – Grandmother. Ngangk – Mother. Maam bart/maaman/naan – Father.