Muurrbay’s publishing wing publishes a variety of books that support the revitalisation of the Aboriginal Languages of New South Wales. These include Dictionaries and Grammars that document the languages of New South Wales, particularly those of the north coast of N.S.W, through the Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre. Muurrbay also publishes educational resources such as children’s stories, student workbooks and teaching tools like Mayalambala, a set of interactive posters and pictures.
Ordering resources: please click here to download the pdf order form and send with your cheque or money order. If you don’t have the latest version of Adobe PDF Reader, please click here to download from the Adobe website.
To make a payment via electronic transfer, please email your order to mralcadmin@westnet.com.au and we will issue an invoice.
Dictionaries and Grammars
Yaygirr Dictionary and Grammar
For many years the Yaegl Elders have dreamt of showing respect to the country of the Lower Clarence by restoring the language that this land speaks. This grammar and dictionary has been developed with extensive community consultation to support them as they revive their language and culture and pass these on to their children.
Steve Morelli is community teacher–linguist with Muurrbay . His research is based on the language of Uncle Sandy Cameron, one of the last Yaygirr speakers, many historical records and the knowledge of other Yaegl people. It includes: a dictionary of almost 1000 words, a description of the way the language works, information on family words and maps depicting the Yaegl word.
Pages: 254
Format: Hard Cover
Images-maps: 3
Size: 18 x 25cm
ISBN: 978-0-9808405-0-6
RRP $50.00
Gumbaynggirr Bijaarr Jandaygam, Ngaawa Gugaarrigam
Gumbaynggirr Dictionary and Learner’s Grammar
The homelands of the Gumbaynggirr lie between the Clarence and the Nambucca rivers in northern New South Wales. The Baanbay people to the West speak the same language. As with many Aboriginal Australian languages, Gumbaynggirr had fewer speakers and was in danger of extinction. All that changed in 1986 when a small group of Elders took steps to revive it, and this book is a tribute to their efforts.
Brother Steve Morelli’s research is based on the recordings of Gumbaynggirr Elders, written sources and the knowledge of Gumbaynggirr people today. This book includes more than 2700 word entries, easy-to-read grammar section, a semantic fields section which groups words such as birds, emotions, insects or artefacts. A new words section lets people use Gumbaynggirr in a modern context, a section on traditional families as well as two new maps depiciting the Gumbaynggirr world and several pictures to complement the word entries.
414 pages, Hard Cover, Images: 35, Size: 18 x 25cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-5-6
RRP $60.00
Darkinyung grammar and dictionary revitalising a language from historical sources
‘This resource will be used as a tool to help us teach our people, children and future generations the importance of language and that it is key to discover our culture, identity and heritage‘.
Bronwyn Chambers, Chairperson, Darkinyung Language Group
Darkinyung is an Aboriginal language of New South Wales which is now again being taught and learned. Caroline Jones (Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong) has worked alongside the Darkinyung Language Group to develop a concise and authentic record of what is known of Darkinyung language today, based on research into historical sources mainly from the nineteenth century. This first modern documentation of Darkinyung language includes:
- an explanation of the speech sounds and a suggested writing system
- how the grammar works, in accessible terms with examples
a database of source words, including R. H. Mathews’ notebook material - several dictionary list formats suited for different learners’ needs.
182 pages, Soft Cover, Images: 5, Size: 17.5 x 24cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-9-4
RRP $40.00
A grammar and dictionary of Gathang: The language of the Birrbay, Guringay and
Warrimay
The Gathang people of NSW mid-north coast are reviving their language and culture and passing it on to their children. Gathang (or Kattang) is a general name for the language also known as Birrbay (Biripi), Guringay (Gringai) and Warrimay (Worimi), technically these are dialects of the same language. This grammar and dicitonary has been developed with extensive community consultation to provide a strong foundation for future language revival.
Amanda Lissarrague’s research is based on Nils Holmer’s recordings of Uncle Eddie Lobban, one of the last speakers, together with numerous written historical records and the knowledge of Gathang people today.
This dictionary has over 1000 words and suffixes with original sources, handy English finder lis and word group list. It also has translations of Gathang stories told by Uncle Eddie Lobban.
376 pages, Hard Cover, Images: 28, Size: 18 x 25cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-7-0
RRP $50.00
A Salvage Grammar and Word List of the Language from the Hunter River & Lake Macquarie
OUT OF PRINT
This grammar and wordlist is a valuable language revitalization tool for Aboriginal people of the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie Region. It will appeal to anyone who is interested in the Aboriginal Languages of Australia. It is primarily based on the work of the Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld, who, in the first half of the nineteenth century, wrote a comprehensive account of the language taught to him by Biraban. The evidence from archival sources suggests that the language described by Threlkeld as ‘The language of the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie’ was spoken by people now known as Awabakal, Kuringgai, Wonnarua, and perhaps Geawegal.
Amanda Lissarrague presents a clear and succinct interpretation of the phonology and grammar of the language in terms that are accessible to both the layman and the specialist. This work also contains a wordlist and database of example sentences.
276 pages, Soft Cover, Images: 5, Size: 17 x 25cm, ISBN: 0-9775351-0-X
RRP $40.00
Dhanggati grammar and dictionary with Dhanggati stories
OUT OF PRINT
The heartland of the Dhanggati people is the Macleay Valley on the New South Wales mid-north coast. The Dhanggati language is undergoing a revival as growing numbers are learning more of their language and passing it on to children. This grammar and dictionary has grown out of the community’s efforts to revive their language.
Amanda Lissarrague’s research is based on the recordings of Dhanggati Elders, written historical records and the knowledge of Dhanggati people today. This book includes a pronunciation guide, a comprehensive grammar with example sentences from Elders traditional and other stories, a dictionary of over 1000 words and an English finder list to help locate particular words.
238 pages, Soft Cover, Images: 33, Size: 17 x 25cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-6-3
RRP $50.00
Educational Resources
A handbook of Aboriginal languages of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales was the first part of Australia to be colonised, so the written records of the state’s Indigenous languages go back more than 200 years.
The handbook is a guide to Aboriginal languages, with illustrative vocabularies. It is divided into two parts: the first part, which includes maps, is a survey of the Indigenous languages of NSW and the ACT, giving information about dialects, locations, and resources available for language revitalisation; the second part provides word-lists in practical spelling for 42 distinct language varieties. There is also useful information on contact languages, sign languages and kinship classification, as well as an appendix on placenames.
The handbook is a valuable reference and educational resource, useful to Aboriginal people who want to revitalise their language.
830 pages, Hard Cover, 18 maps, Size: 26.5 x 20cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-8-7
RRP $135
Barriyala: Let’s Work – Gumbaynggirr Language Student Workbook 1
Barriyala is a set of three student workbooks designed to support Gumbaynggirr language learning in primary schools. This is the first workbook in a set of three that have been designed to support Gumbaynggirr language learning in primary schools. There is a separate workbook for each primary school stage, each workbook building on students’ prior learning. The workbooks, for use with Junga-Ngarraangala Gumbaynggirr, the Gumbaynggirr Primary Language Program are not intended to be stand alone workbooks.
Each workbook provides a range of activities that will reinforce language learnt in the classroom. The activites are divided into eight different themes based on aspects of Gumbaynggirr culture, with associated language tasks. Julie Long, with the support of Muurrbay staff, presents a series of interesting and culturally appropriate language activities that draw on her wealth of classroom experience.
90 pages, soft cover, 200 images, Size: 20 x 29cm ISBN: 978-0-9775351-2-5
RRP $20.00
Barriyala: Let’s Work – Gumbaynggirr Language Student Workbook 2
This is the second workbook in a set of three that have been designed to support Gumbaynggirr language learning in primary schools. There is a separate workbook for each primary school stage, each workbook building on students’ prior learning. The workbooks, for use with Junga-Ngarraangala Gumbaynggirr, the Gumbaynggirr Primary Language Program are not intended to be stand alone workbooks.
Each workbook provides a range of activities that will reinforce language learnt in the classroom. The activites are divided into eight different themes based on aspects of Gumbaynggirr culture, with associated language tasks. Julie Long, with the support of Muurrbay staff, presents a series of interesting and culturally appropriate language activities that draw on her wealth of classroom experience.
132 pages, soft cover, 150 images, Size: 20 x 29cm, ISBN: 978-0-9775351-3-2
RRP $20.00
Barriyala: Let’s Work – Gumbaynggirr Language Student Workbook 3
This is the third workbook in a set of three that have been designed to support Gumbaynggirr language learning in primary schools. There is a separate workbook for each primary school stage, each workbook building on students’ prior learning. The workbooks, for use with Junga-Ngarraangala Gumbaynggirr, the Gumbaynggirr Primary Language Program are not intended to be stand alone workbooks.
Each workbook provides a range of activities that will reinforce language learnt in the classroom. The activites are divided into eight different themes based on aspects of Gumbaynggirr culture, with associated language tasks. Julie Long, with the support of Muurrbay staff, presents a series of interesting and culturally appropriate language activities that draw on her wealth of classroom experience.
136 pages, soft cover, 50 images, size: 20 x 29cm ISBN: 978-0-9775351-4-9
RRP $20.00
Mayalambala – Let’s Move It
Mayalambala is an innovative language teaching resource that supports the teaching of Aboriginal languages. It consists of three background posters ‘In the Bush’, ‘At the Beach’ and ‘At Home’, and over two hundred pictures of people and things that can be manipulated. A User’s Guide for Gumbaynggirr suggests a sequence that allows for a gradual increase in the vocabulary and grammatical features taught, and may be adapted to other languages.
This resource has been inspired by Asher’s Total Physical Response approach which focuses on learners developing their comprehension skills, as seen in their physical response to commands, before they are expected to respond verbally. Several Gumbaynggirr language teachers have successfully used this approach, so we have developed posters and pictures that are appropriate for Aboriginal languages of coastal NSW, and beyond.
Images: 3 background images
Size: 84 x 60cm
RRP $120.00 unlaminated OR $150.00 laminated
Bamay Possum’s Party
Bamay Possum’s Party is an educational musical that little children find entertaining at home or in schools. The CD has words in the Gumbaynggirr language (from Northern NSW).
The story was created as teaching material for pre-schoolers and infants, especially for the Koori children, of the Mid North Coast of NSW. In this way some of our language will be passed on to our children. The culture, too, is reinforced – Koori children often stay with extended family members other than parents. An illustrated book accompanies this CD. Teachers and children will find this enjoyable.
Click here to listen to an exerpt of the CD (MP3)
Pages: 20
Format: Soft Cover
Images: 20 images
Size: 14 x 19cm
ISBN: 0-646-19283-3
RRP $16.50
Dulaybam Dunggiirr Grey-faced Wallaby and Koala – A Gumbaynggirr Dreaming Story
Long ago in the Dreamtime, the Greyfaced Wallaby had no tail and the Koala was always thirsty. How these animals helped each other is the subject of this traditional Gumbaynggirr children’s story.
Philip Shannon was a Gumbaynggirr man from the Nymboida area of Gumbaynggirr country in coastal New South Wales, Australia. This is one of the stories that Philip Shannon told researcher Gerhardt Laves in 1929.
The storybook is brought to life with Dallas Walker, Michael Jarrett, Tyson Ferguson and Sue Tomkins as the characters.
Pages: 40 pages
Format: Soft Cover
Images: 12 images
Size: 20 x 20cm
ISBN: 1-4251-0448-7
RRP $25.00 book only OR $40.00 book and CD
Nganyundiya Miimingundiya Jagunda – Into My Mother’s Country
This is the story of Gumbaynggirr Elder Aunty Jessie Williams who was born on the North Coast of NSW in 1924, during the time of the Stolen Generation.
NGANYUNDIYA MIIMINGUNDIYA JAGUNDA – Into My Mother’s Country – gives an insight into Aboriginal ways of healing as Aunty Jessie was given the mantle of Healer by her uncle, Lambert Whaddy, who was a Healer himself.
A devout Catholic, Aunty Jessie says that Uncle Lambert Whaddy believed the Catholic religion to be very like Aboriginal spiritual ways.
Pages: 150 pages
Format: Soft Cover
Images: 25
Size: 14.5 x 20.5cm
ISBN: 0-646-45601-6
RRP $20.00
Gumbaynggirr Song Book
This Song Book comprises of 20 tracks:
- Ngaya Song
- Gami’s Place
- Giinagay Song
- Opposites Jingle
- From My Gaali
- Gumbaynggirr Body Song
- Life Song
- Where You Went?
- Gurraam Song
- Nganyundi Baaliga
- Yuludarla Muugang Bindarray
- Yuludarla Made this Land
- Pipi song
- Kookaburra Sit In The Old Gum Tree
- Tree of Life
- Ngiyambandi Baaba
- The River Is Flowing
- Happy Birthday Song
- Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
- Eyes, Ears, Mouth and Nose
There is a CD that comes with the book.
Pages: 22
Format: Soft Cover + CD
Images: 50
Size: 21 x 29.5cm
RRP $25.00
