Speak //

How to say dragonfly in Dhauwurd Wurrung, language of the Gunditjmara Nation. I love that Indigenous languages like Dhauwurd Wurrung and Gaeilge are so poetic, that they take meaning from nature and their deep observation of the connections between natural elements and they create words that have such meaning that we will never forget them. The Gunditj word for dragonfly translates to “looks like a kangaroo nose”!

Who are the Traditional Owners of the land you are on? Can you say their name out loud? Can you find their word for lady beetle? You might find it on the website for the local mobs’ co-op or if you are connected to an Elder you might ask how you can find out. Be very sensitive if you are going to do this - White Colonisers who settled in So-called Australia banned Aboriginal mob from speaking their language - taking part of their heart and soul by doing so. Asking if they know their own language might seem like a simple thing to do but it could cause trauma for them.