Noongar is an Australian language of the Nyungar group of the Pama-Nyungan language family. It was once spoken in the south-western part of Western Australia between the area north of Perth and the south coast east of Albany. Most of Nyungar-speaking people lived in the eastern part of this region. About 440 people speak or are learning Noongar, however few of them are fluent in the language.
Noongar is also known as Nyungar or Nyoongar. There was no standard Nyungar language, but a number of dialects, including Wudjari, Mineng, Bibbulman, Kaniyang, Wardandi, Balardung, Yuat, Wiilman and Whadjuk.
Noongar was first written in 1801 by Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), a British Royal Navy officer, navigator and cartographer, who made a number of word lists. Since then a number of different spelling systems have been devised. A standard orthography was agreed on in 1997, and the language is being taught in schools, and is also used for songs, plays and online.
A variety of English with Noongar influences, known as Neo-Nyungar, is the main language currently spoken by the Noongar people. However, since the late 20th century, efforts have been made to preserve, revive and revitalize Noongar. The Noongar Language and Culture Centre was set up in Northam and Perth in 1986. They have published books in and about the language, and started making recordings of elders speaking Noongar.
Download an alphabet for Noongar (Excel)
Information compiled by Wolfram Siegel.
Kaya noonakoort. Wandju, wandju, nidja Noongar Boodja. Nguny djurapin, nguny koort djurapin wanganiny noonakoort. Nyininy, nih wer kaartdjinin Noongar wangkiny. Noonakoort kaartdijin wangkiny deman, maam, ngarnk wer boordier kura kura.
Hello everyone. Welcome to Noongar country. We are happy, our heart is happy to be speaking with you all. Sit, listen and learn about Noongar language. We Noongar people were given our knowledge through the oral tradition from our grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers and Noongar bosses long long ago.
Source: https://www.noongarculture.org.au/language/
Information about the Noongar people and language
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noongar
https://www.noongarculture.org.au/language/
https://studyres.com/doc/15430025/noongar-waangkiny---noongar-language-centre
https://noongarboodjar.com.au
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/language-and-linguistics/noongar-indigenous-australian-people
Alyawarr, Arrernte, Bundjalung, Dharawal, Dhuwal, Diyari, Djabugay, Djinang, Djinba, Gamilaraay, Gooniyandi, Gugadja, Guugu Yalandji, Guugu Yimithirr, Kala Lagaw Ya, Kalkatungu, Kaurna, Kuku Nyungkal, Kunjen, Kuuk Thaayorre, Lamalama, Martu Wangka, Ngaanyatjarra, Ngiyambaa, Nhangu, Noongar, Paakantyi, Pintupi, Pitjantjatjara, Warlpiri, Wemba Wemba, Wik-Mungkan, Wiradjuri, Yankunytjatjara, Yindjibarndi, Yolŋu
Languages written with the Latin alphabet
Page last modified: 15.02.26
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