kaya wandjoo
To say "hello and welcome" in Noongar, use kaya wandjoo.
This phrase is used as a friendly greeting to welcome someone to a place or event.
What does it mean word for word?
The greeting is composed of the word kaya, which means "hello"
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'hello' to start a conversation, kaya functions as a way to acknowledge the presence and spirit of the person you are meeting.
- In Noongar culture, a greeting like kaya wandjoo is often paired with a 'Welcome to Country', a protocol that can only be performed by a Traditional Owner of that specific land.
- Noongar is not a single language but a group of dialects spoken across the southwest of Western Australia, meaning you may hear subtle variations of kaya wandjoo depending on the region.
Examples in context
- Kaya wandjoo.Hello and welcome.
- Kaya wandjoo, baragoo.Hello and welcome, everyone.
