Yolŋu kids having a ball at Garma (2022) by Leicolhn McKellarYothu Yindi Foundation
'Yolŋu Matha' means 'Yolŋu language'
Gumatj Traditional Owner Djapirri Mununggirritj (2022)Yothu Yindi Foundation
The ŋ in Yolŋu is pronounced as the ng in singing. There are over 40 Yolŋu languages and most Yolŋu peoples speak multiple languages. Here are some guidance to read and speak Yolŋu matha :
Yolŋu matha characters
Ŋ , ŋ ng as with song
Ḏ , ḏ tongue curled back
Ä , ä long a as with father
Ṉ , ṉ tongue curled back
’ glottal stop
Vowels
Short vowel
a as in about
i as in bin
u as in put
Long vowel
ä as in father
e no equivalent in English, try to lengthen i in bin
o as in pore
Consonant
b, g, k, l, p, m, n, t, w, y - are like the English equivalent
dh, th, nh — pronounced with the tongue between the teeth
d, t, n, l, r — pronounced with the tongue curled back
dj — as with jug
tj — somewhat similar to the ch in church
ny — as with news
ng — as in song
Now let's explore common Yolŋu words to get you started
Yolŋu
First Nations people from the north-east Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory, Australia.
Yiḏaki
Didgeridoo
The Miwatj (Arnhem Land) region is recognized as the home of the yiḏaki. Guests at Garma are on yiḏaki Country.
Miyalk
Woman, female
Gapan
Natural white clay used in ceremony dance and art. It is also used to paint stringybark trees which create the walls for the Gapan Gallery.
Gurtha
A place for reflection and contemplation at Garma.
Yolŋu man (2022)Yothu Yindi Foundation
Join in and dance through the story about Buŋgul: The Power of Song and Dance
