The Wiradjuri Nation

Within NSW there are at least 70 Aboriginal language groups, each with their own distinct language. The Wiradjuri are one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Australia, both in population and area of country. Their Land covers a vast area across the central west slopes and plains of NSW, from Nyngan to Albury, and Bathurst to Hay.

The stories of the Wiradjuri (like The Bunyip) have been around for many years, told orally, some through dance, and others through art. You may find that Wiradjuri People from the northern parts have different words for certain things. This means that there are different dialects, from the north, to the south, and some of these have come about through borrowing words from neighbouring Aboriginal groups.

Aboriginal English, this is best described as

Aboriginal English is a dialect of English. It is the first language, or home language, of many Aboriginal children in NSW and throughout the whole of Australia. Aboriginal English is a recognised form of communication in NSW government schools. It uses words, patterns and rhythms from both English and Australian Aboriginal languages, with each variety of Aboriginal English exhibiting the influence of one or more Aboriginal languages, (see Eades 1991, 1995). It also includes cultural forms of expression and communication such as, pause time, body language, and indirect forms of questioning.

When your class is looking at Aboriginal Languages it is best if you contact your local Aboriginal community groups to find out what the language is for your area. The owners or custodians can help you with pronunciation of words. Consultation with Aboriginal communities means that people from the relevant community are involved. To ensure that all owners and custodians are reached and consulted you will need to contact a wide range of Aboriginal organisations and groups. Each Aboriginal language is recognised as belonging to a group of people who are its custodians. Not all communities will have identifiable owners or custodians. Protocols need to be followed, as these people are the owners or custodians of the language. It is out of respect that you contact these people and ask for their assistance with language. (Taken from the NSW Aboriginal Languages Interim Framework K-10, NSW Board of Studies, 1998)

If you do not have a recognised Aboriginal community, contact your District Office for help and advice from the Consultant in Aboriginal Education. There are also a number of Aboriginal dictionaries that can assist you.

I can go on and on about the Wiradjuri. If you need any help with Aboriginal Language and culture please remember to contact your local Aboriginal community or feel free to ask me on this rap.

This Rap will hopefully assist students to:

• develop their knowledge and appreciation about Aboriginal Peoples and their cultures
• get to know a series of Aboriginal language words and phrases
• find out about a variety of songs, poems and stories.
• converse in English regarding their understanding of Aboriginal languages and cultures.

Reference: NSW Aboriginal Languages Interim Framework K-10, NSW Board of Studies 1998.

Some Wiradjuri words

Listed below is a list of Wiradjuri words and their meanings. I have written them in two ways: the first is the correct spelling, the second is how I would write the word to break it down for students to better understand.

In 1997 I was teaching a Year 5 class at Wellington Public School. We made a song up using Wiradjuri words. We called it Old Man Windradyne. The song is sung to the tune of Old MacDonald had a farm, we used Aussie animals with Wiradjuri terms.

The students chose an animal, along with the sound that it makes, for example, scratch ,scratch here or hop, hop there. The students made masks of the animals to go with the song. The masks were taped to the backs of rulers and then used for a puppet show. We performed the song and puppet show for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week.

A copy of the song and masks are provided for you. The didgeridoo and clap sticks could be used for sound effects. Ask students to think about which instrument would be best suited for each animal sound.