Warami Midigar! The value of First Nations languages for every reader
If you have had a conversation with the Wingaru Team lately, we probably pointed out that we wrote a book. Not just any book, a book written exclusively in our language, Dharug dhalang. The language is simple, the pages are beautiful and the story is one of connection. All in all, it is a pretty cool thing to have put together. Even if we do say so ourselves! The book is called Warami Midigar and you can check it out in the Wingaru Store now.
Today is Indigenous Literacy Day and this year’s theme is ‘Be a Proud Voice for Country’ so it feels like an appropriate day to talk about this book that we are proud to have written, about Country that we are proud to be part of.
We are so proud to have released a book written exclusively in language; why? Because it is an important part of language revitalisation, because the value of Aboriginal language to all Australians is becoming ever more apparent, and because writing in Dharug feels like a respectful honouring of Country. Warami Midigar tells a simple story of friendship, and is written exclusively in Dharug Dhalang, the traditional language of 29 First Nations communities in the Sydney Basin. We meet Kangaroo, Wombat, Emu and other friends, greeting them, and asking how they are. By repeating the structure of greeting for each, the reader quickly learns that the different word in the sentence relates to the animal in question: Warami Buru, ngiyini budyari? introduces us to Kangaroo (Buru), while Malya, the python, is introduced a little later: Warami Malya, ngiyini budyari?
The repetition of language is intentional. The rhythmic pattern of sound encourages recognition of the words, and increased understanding as the book progresses. And while it is unusual to not include English translations on each page, this is also intentional. By only including Dharug, the language is the focus, and the reader asked to react to something new in the moment. The mental acuity this stimulates generates a powerful sense of achievement, a shared sense of understanding that is potent.
Each image in this beautifully illustrated 32-page book depicts stunning native flowers alongside the animals, cementing a deep connection to Dharug Country, and the repetition of the same Dharug phrases holds vital space for the revitalisation of this important traditional language. While English translations and pronunciations are provided at the back of the book, there is a real beauty in the simplicity of a concept that allows us to ‘understand’ innately, without these aids.
It is widely recognised that Reclaiming language – with its connections to Country, spirituality and kinship – is key to Aboriginal cultural identity and wellbeing.
Dr Claire Hill, a linguist from UNSW Arts, Design + Architecture who specialises in Australian languages, further expresses the importance of revitalisation for Australia more broadly:
“When you hear people talk about the grief of the loss of language… and then you work on the languages and discover how much of the semantics – the meanings of the words and other interactional aspects – express important cultural views and cultural knowledge… the cultural value in revitalising these languages is self-evident. It’s not only essential to these communities, but also for the whole of Australia.”
Building capacity around language increases self-worth, creating a sense of belonging and shared connection. The cultural knowledge contained in language and shared through the generations preserves this vital information for future generations, and directly strengthens understanding and recognition of First Nations identity.
Evidence is emerging, too, that the revitalisation of language and its increased use doesn’t just preserve history and culture – it may even protect the health of First Nations people, particularly in relation to reducing rates of psychological distress and suicide.
Language provides First Nations communities with a profound new purpose, while reinforcing our own personal and cultural values, but as part of the oldest continuous culture on earth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are essential parts of a culture that have a place in the everyday world; in fact, it’s fair to say they form the bedrock of Australia’s cultural heritage.
Learning an Aboriginal language is one of the most useful tools you can use to help close the gap; it helps you stand apart from the dominant culture, it shows respect, and it helps to bridge the communication gap that most First Nations people have to do all the heavy lifting for. And by attempting to relate to native language speakers is likely to be supremely rewarding: you may be told things that you would otherwise not hear because you are trying to relate, and you may find you can communicate better with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because you are beginning to see things from the perspective of an original Australian culture. That’s deadly!
Wingaru has plenty of resources that are focused on championing First Nation languages that sit alongside Warami Midigar. These are a few of our favourites:
The Wingaru Kids platform has digital lessons available, which are a great introduction to understanding the diversity of Aboriginal languages in Australia, and the boundaries of Country they relate to.
Our language revitalisation lesson discusses the powerful benefits of not just reviving but protecting First Nations language.
Dharug specific language resources are also available. They offer a fantastic start to understanding the languages spoken in the Sydney Basin, and are delivered as a series of lessons including songs, body parts, and counting in Dharug.
Wingaru has an extensive collection of physical resources exploring Dharug dhalang too, including number cards, animal cards, verb cards and Ngurra (Country) cards, and posters.
