yaakan
The Noongar word for turtle is yaakan.
yaakan refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
Did you know?
- The concept of a 'turtle' in Noongar law is often tied to specific 'Moort', meaning family or kinship groups that hold responsibility for that animal.
- In Noongar culture, the turtle is not just an animal but a significant figure in 'Dreaming' stories that explain the creation of the landscape.
- In traditional Noongar seasonal calendars, the presence of certain turtles can signal the changing of the seasons and the availability of other food sources.
Example conversation
Kylie and Marcus are walking by a river.
- KylieMarcus, yaakan ngoor!Marcus, look at the turtle!
- MarcusWa, yaakan djinnin.Wow, the turtle is swimming.
- KylieYaakan karda wadjat.The turtle moves slowly.
- MarcusYaakan kaba ngoor.Look at the small turtle.
