Gumbaynggirr Language

Learn to speak the traditional language of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Gumbaynggirr language is traditionally spoken between the Nambucca River in the south (southern dialect) and the Clarence River in the north (northern dialect) and west past Guyra (tablelands region).

The language is being revived through the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, though there are pockets of people who have grown up with the language.

Gary Williams is a Gumbaynggirr language teacher at Muurrbay who has been teaching his traditional language since 2000.

He is a part of the Coffs Coast Breakfast show each Wednesday morning where he teaches words and phrases to our listeners and Breaky presenter Fiona Poole.

You can join in too by listening here.

Translations.

Giinagay – hello.

Yaam darruy ngiina gaduyaygu – It’s good to meet you.

Ngiinda darruy – Are you well?

Ngaya yaam darruy – I am fine.

Giinagay and yaarri yarraang – hello and goodbye.

Miiimi – mother.

Baaba – father.

Gagu – brother.

Jiinda – sister.

Ngayan – sun.

Giidany – moon.

Ngaya yaam naaraway – I am sorry.

Niirum – cold.

Wiigun – hot.

Ngaya yaam niirumay – I am cold.

Guuru – black.

Garaaban – white.

Daagan – white northern.

Muluurr – red or blood.

Garlugun – one.

Bularri – two.

Guga – three (gugaamgan is emu).

Daan – four (daan.gi is talons).

Marla – five (hand).

Jugu – six.

Duwa – seven.

Janya – eight (short for octupus).

Wagaa – nine.

Ngaal – ten.

Muluny – platypus.

Nunguu – kangaroo.

Yamaarr – fish (eatable).

Jiibiny – bird.

Waanyji – dog.

Dunggiirr – koala.

Yugiirr – dolphin.

Gaagal – ocean and beach

Bindarray – river

Juluum – mountain

Waluurr – valley

Yuraal – tucker or food

Biyamba – eat

Ngambii – drink