Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express your gratitude in the Wiradjuri language! The Wiradjuri people are the traditional owners of a vast territory in Central New South Wales, Australia. Learning to say thank you in their language can be a wonderful way to show respect and appreciation. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal expressions of thanks in Wiradjuri, and provide you with various examples and tips to help you along your language-learning journey.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of Gratitude in Wiradjuri
When expressing formal thanks in Wiradjuri, the word “yindyamarra” holds great significance. Yindyamarra encompasses more than just saying thank you; it also embodies a deep sense of respect, integrity, and acting in alignment with cultural values. Hearing this expression will surely bring warmth to the hearts of Wiradjuri people. Here’s an example:
“Ngayiny yindyamarra ngawa.”
(I show my gratitude.)
Informal Ways to Say Thank You
For casual or informal situations among friends or family, you can use the phrase “ngayu dthuunwuurru” to express your thanks. It is akin to saying “thanks” or “thank you” in English. Here’s an example:
“Ngayu dthuunwuurru.”
(Thanks.)
Regional Variations
Wiradjuri country is expansive, and different communities may have slight variations in their language. For instance, in the Nyemba dialect, instead of using “ngayu” for “I” in the informal way, you would use “ngawa.” Here’s an example:
“Ngawa dthuunwuurru.”
(Thanks.)
Tips for Pronunciation
Pronunciation is essential when speaking any language, so here are a few tips to help you when trying to say thank you in Wiradjuri:
- Ngayiny – Pronounced as “nga-yin-ee”
- Yindyamarra – Pronounced as “yin-dyuh-ma-ruh”
- Ngayu – Pronounced as “nga-you”
- Dthuunwuurru – Pronounced as “duhn-woo-roo”
- Ngawa – Pronounced as “nga-wa”
Examples for Everyday Use
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some common situations where you might want to express your gratitude in Wiradjuri:
Example 1: Thanking a Friend
You can say thank you to a friend using the informal expression:
“Ngayu dthuunwuurru, budya.”
(Thanks, mate/friend.)
Example 2: Appreciating a Gift
When receiving a gift, show your gratitude with a formal expression:
“Yindyamarra yalbilinya yamurra.”
(I sincerely appreciate this gift.)
Example 3: Thanking an Elder
When expressing gratitude to an elder, it is important to use a formal expression as a sign of respect:
“Yindyamarra nganha ngayinya, Yindyamarra murramali.”
(I show my gratitude to you, respected Elder.)
Summary
Congratulations! You’ve now learned formal and informal ways to say thank you in Wiradjuri. Remember to use “yindyamarra” for formal occasions and “ngayu dthuunwuurru” for casual situations. Respect the regional variations that may exist, and use the appropriate pronunciation to ensure clarity. Incorporating these expressions of gratitude into your interactions with the Wiradjuri people will undoubtedly foster deeper connections and mutual respect. Happy learning!
please note there has many update to the Wirajauri Language that are not listed here. The official Wirajauri dictionary is updated each year by Charles Sturt University with the guidance of the Wagga Wagga, Brungle and many other Elders groups of the region. please feel free to use this as a guide well. https://wcclp.com.au/wiradjuri-dictionary/