Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “welcome” in Noongar, an indigenous Australian language spoken by the Noongar people of Western Australia. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express welcome in Noongar, focusing primarily on the standard dialect. While Noongar does exhibit some regional variations, we will highlight those as necessary. So, let’s begin our journey into the Noongar language!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Welcome” in Noongar
When it comes to formal expressions of welcome in Noongar, there are a few phrases you can use depending on the context. Here are some commonly used ones:
1. “Wardandi bidi!” (Wardandi dialect)
This phrase is used to give someone a warm formal welcome in the Wardandi dialect, which is spoken in the southern region of Western Australia.
Example: A Noongar elder addressing a gathering might say, “Wardandi bidi, boodja winyarn!” which translates to “Welcome, everyone, to this land!”
2. “Yongka moort bidi!” (Standard Noongar)
In the standard Noongar dialect, this phrase is commonly used to extend a formal welcome specifically to a group of people.
Example: At a community event, a Noongar speaker could say, “Yongka moort bidi! Kaya wer Malgani kwop wer Noongar boodjar!” which means “Welcome, everyone! Hello and welcome to Malgani and Noongar country!”
Informal Ways to Say “Welcome” in Noongar
When it comes to informal situations, there are a couple of expressions you can use to casually welcome someone in Noongar:
1. “Kaya!” (Standard Noongar)
“Kaya” is a versatile word in Noongar, which can mean “hello,” “welcome,” or “good.” It is commonly used in everyday informal settings when greeting friends, family, or acquaintances.
Example: If you visit a Noongar friend, you can say, “Kaya! Djena Kwop?” which translates to “Welcome! How are you?”
2. “Wilardong” (Standard Noongar)
This expression can be used to give a warm, informal welcome to an individual or a small group of people.
Example: If you have guests visiting your home, you can say, “Wilardong! Nyoondah kwobidak!” which means “Welcome! Make yourselves at home!”
Regional Variations
Noongar language exhibits some regional variations, but for the purpose of this guide, we are focusing on the standard Noongar dialect. However, it’s important to note that specific Noongar groups may have their own unique ways of expressing welcome based on their dialect or traditional practices. If you are interacting with a specific Noongar group, it’s always best to consult with them directly to learn their localized greetings.
Tips for Pronunciation
Pronunciation in Noongar can be challenging for non-speakers, but here are a few tips to help you get started:
- The letter “a” is always pronounced as in the word “father”.
- Stress generally falls on the second-to-last syllable.
- The letter combination “dj” is pronounced like the “j” in “job”.
- The letter “y” sounds like the “y” in “yes”.
- A single underline “_” beneath a vowel indicates a longer vowel sound.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed our guide on how to say “welcome” in Noongar. We’ve explored both formal and informal ways to express welcome, focusing primarily on the standard dialect. Remember that Noongar language carries great cultural significance, and by making an effort to learn and respect the language, you contribute to the preservation of Noongar culture. So, go forth and extend warm welcomes in Noongar to create connections and foster cultural understanding.
