Features of Derbal Nara

The named features of the coastal environment are key to understanding the cultural landscape in which Nyungar live.

Click on the picture or name for more information on each item.

Click on the sound files in the right hand column of the table hear the Nyungar words.

land

click to play sound Boodjar

an island

click to play sound Boodjar-gordo

valley

click to play sound Boorda

rock

click to play sound Booyee

the sound of the wind blowing

click to play sound Dalagooroo

rain

click to play sound Dogee

the sea or the main ocean

click to play sound Gabee-wodin or wardan

sand

click to play sound Gooiara

hill

click to play sound Katta

Sea breeze

click to play sound Maaman mar

the firmament - also used to denote air

click to play sound Maar-book

the moon is set

click to play sound Meeka-derbaga

a hot or sweating sun

click to play sound Nanga-banya

the sun is set

click to play sound Nanga-ngnardog

the stars

click to play sound Nangar

rainbow

click to play sound Walgen

Sea side

click to play sound Wardan gaba boodjera

Easterly land breeze

click to play sound Yorga mar





References

1Lyon, R. M. ‘A Glance at the Manners, and Language of the Aboriginal Inhabitants of Western Australia; With a Short Vocabulary’, Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, 20 April 1833, 63-64.