Lesson: Emus – Core Vocabulary

Lesson: Emus – Core Vocabulary

In the table below, you will see the seven (7) core vocabulary items that this module will cover relating to words for emus. Take a minute to look at the table below, then reflect on the following basic question:

What do you notice about the way Gamilaraay thinks about emus that might be different to the way English thinks about them?

* This word changes with some suffixes and becomes walaa-

Lesson Instructions

Below you will find recordings of each of the core vocabulary items and some basic description. Each of the audio link directly to the online dictionary on Yaama.org, which has much more detail on the words if you are interested. Listen closely to the audio in each section, then read the description which will help you understand the words. A good way to practice will be to listen to the word, and then repeat after the speaker. The more you listen, and the more you speak, the more it will sink in to your body and you will remember.

Don’t be shy about speaking, the ancestors understand our intent, even if we won’t get the words right every time!

3.1.1. Bagabaga.

Bagabaga is the Gamilaraay word for a striped emu chick. Analysis of the word suggests that it is related to the Gamilaraay word Bagan, meaning striped. Listen to the recording and try to repeat it.

3.1.2. Barrgay

Barrgay is an older emu chick. Barrgay are older than bagabaga, and is the name given to young emu once their stripes are gone. Uncle Fred Reece said that an emu chick is ‘Barrgay’ when half grown till full grown.

3.1.3. Dhinawan.

Dhinawan is the Gamilaraay word for emu when fully grown. Analysis of the word suggests it is composed of dhina (foot) and -wan (prominent or important feature). Emu is an important food; both meat and eggs are eaten. Emu oil is used in cold weather to protect people’s skins.

3.1.4. Ganduwi.

Ganduwi is used to refer to a single male emu. The word has taken on an extended meaning to refer to a bachelor. Listen to the recording and try to repeat it.

3.1.5. Gawu.

Gawu is the Gamilaraay word for egg or eggs. The word also means brain, and insect! Take some time think about what the connection might be? You may have heard this word as Gabu before as well, which is in use in some communities. If you know this word as gabu, you should use the one you know and are comfortable with.

There are some really wonderful sentences on the online dictionary about eggs, so if you want to hear more, follow this link to hear Uncle Fred Reece and Uncle Arthus Dodd talking about gawu!

3.1.6. Ngurran.gali.

Ngurran.gali is the Gamilaraay name for a sitting male emu. In this story about on the eggs, but can be said of an emu sitting anywhere, whether on its nest, drinking or sharpening its beak.

Notice how this word has a full stop between the n and the g – this means that the n and g are sounded, and it is not the single ng sound like in sing. Listen closely, you will hear the g very deliberately sounded.

3.1.7. Walaay.

Walaay is the Gamilaraay name a nest. The word also means a camp, or a humpy. Did you see what happens in the core video for the unit when talking about the ngurran.gali are sitting on their nests? The word drops the y from the end. There will be more about his in other units, it is enough now just to notice that something is happening!

3.1.8. Re-watch the core video.

Now that you have been introduced to the core vocabulary items about the sky and the land, watch the main video again, focussing on the ideas that are introduced about how the names and words for these elements are introduced and used. Because there is no wider recording of dhuudha, pay close attention to the speaker here saying it.

3.1.9. Reflect.

This video forms the basis for this unit, so come back to it often. What have you learned so far? Are there any words that have really stuck out to you in this set of core vocabulary items?

When you are ready, move on to the next syllabus item and complete the quiz on the core vocabulary about the sky and the land in this unit.