G is for gugunyal: A Dhurga alphabet book helps new speakers pronounce the 24 sounds used in Dhurga language. It complements the Dhurga Dictionary and Learner’s Grammar: A south-east coast NSW Aboriginal language.
Dhurga is one of four traditional languages of the south coast of New South Wales. It was spoken by Yuin (Yuwinj) people between Nowra and Narooma, and as far inland as Braidwood and Araluen. Our language connects us to our people and our physical world. Traditional languages are being reclaimed and spoken across Australia. Fragments of Dhurga were kept by Elders and in books. Dhurga was sleeping; but is now being taught, learned and spoken by Yuin people.
Listen to Aunty Trish Ellis read G is for gugunyal: A Dhurga alphabet book
Aunty Trish Ellis is a proud Brinja Yuin woman, a mother, a grandmother, an aunty, a sister, a life partner, a knowledge holder and a highly respected but reluctant Elder. She is the oldest of eight children and has kinship ties from Bega in the south to the Dhangatti people of northern NSW.
Aunty Trish Ellis has taught the Dhurga local Aboriginal language for the past 11 years, both in educational institutions and in the Aboriginal community. She is currently in her third year of teaching the Dhurga language two days a week at St Bernard’s Primary School, Batemans Bay. In addition she teaches Dhurga at Carroll College, Broulee, and Ulladulla Public School. Her knowledge of Aboriginal culture and language is well utilised by many other schools too numerous to mention. She is extremely passionate about her culture, heritage and language.
In 2020 Aunty Trish Ellis published the Dhurga Dictionary and Learners Grammar: A South-East Coast NSW Aboriginal Language. Her co-compilers were her siblings, Kerry Boyenga and Waine Donovan.
About the author and illustrator
Leanne Brook is a proud Murramarang Yuin woman living in Ulladulla, New South Wales. She is a contemporary artist, illustrator and author, and uses her art to connect with her culture, land, people and language.
Leanne began learning Dhurga after starting work at Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council. She felt she was regaining something that had been missing, for her, her community and especially for her mother and Dhurga Elders. ‘Now I feel a sense of responsibility and a calling to help my community restore and teach our native tongue,’ says Leanne.
