Key words in Wadawurrung Language

Wadawurrung Language is inseparably culturally connected to us, our Country, Culture, kinship and family. It was traditionally spoken rather than written, so there can be different meanings and spelling variations.

“If we look, we can see and if we hear language, it belongs to country; it's always been here and describes country.”

Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner

Things

Dja: Country
Ngubiyt: Water
Yulluk / Yaluk: Waters or waterways
Warre: Ocean
Barre: Mountains
Wiyn: Fire
Murrup: Spirit/s
Tarnook: Bowl or vessel
Beenyak: Basket

Feelings

Paleert: Good
Gobata: Take care / be good

Animals

Bundjil: Wedge Tail Eagle
Kunnawarra / Connewarre: Black Swan
Yoorn: Quoll
Kwenda: Bandicoot
Walart / Walert: Possum
Goim / Gooyem: Kangaroo
Go-yin: Wallabies
Porronggitj: Brolga
Waanawal: Tawny Frogmouth
Beniyak / Buniya: Eel

Plants

Murnong: Yam Daisy
Lurrup: Manna gum

Places

Djilang: Geelong
Bellawiyn: Bellarine — resting by the fire
Weribbi: Werribee
Jan Jook: Torquay
Mangowak: Airey's Inlet
Kareet Bareet: Black Hill
Anakie: Little hills
Worram: Skipton
Yarram Yarram: Beaufort

We are the custodians of our language and the cultural authority on correct spellings and usage. Protocols are in place to protect the cultural heritage of Traditional Owners from cultural misappropriation. WTOAC may assist and provide guidance on the use of Wadawurrung Language for publication.