Frequently asked questions

What are some of the Noongar names for birds?

Noongar  English
Waardong Crow
Manatj White Cockatoo
Koolbardi Magpie
Kooldjak/Maali Black Swan
Waalitj Eagle
Djidi-djidi Willy Wagtail

What are some greetings in the Noongar language?

Noongar  English Literal Translation
Kaya! Hello/yes Hello/yes
Boordawan! Goodbye Talk-later
Wandjoo! Welcome Welcome
Noonook moorditj? How are you? You good?
Kaya, ngany moorditj I’m well Yes i’m strong/solid
Yoowart, ngany menditj No, i’m unwell No i’m sick

 

What are some examples of the Noongar names for plants?

Noongar name Common name Scientific name
Kwondong Bush Peach Santalum acuminatum
Balgka Grass Tree Xanthorrhorea preissi
Beyen Coastal Pigface Carpobrotus virescens
Moodjar Christmas Tree Nuytsia floribunda
Kwel Western Sheoak Allocasuarina fraseriana
Mari Marri Corymbia calophylla

 

How do you count in the Noongar language?

Number Noongar English
1 keny one
2 koodjal two
3 dambart three
4 koodjal-koodjal four
5 maar five
6 maar keny six
7 maar koodjal seven
8 maar dambart eight
9 maar koodjal-koodjal nine
10 maar maar ten
boola lots