Noongar Language and Culture from edX

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned photographs/videos in this course may contain images of deceased persons which may cause sadness or distress.

Noongar people are the original inhabitants of the vast geographical area in the south-western corner of Western Australia. They have been there for over 45,000 years. Through the millennia, ancient wisdom and culture have guided the people throughtheir interactions with the land, nature, and with one another.

In 1826, the Noongar land was first colonised by the British. What unfolded in the years that followed was catastrophic for Noongar people; the impacts of which are still seen and felt today.

Despite this dark history, Noongar culture has survived. Today, Noongar people are passionate about preserving their cultural knowledge while embracing the changes that come with living in a contemporary society.

This course provides an introduction to Noongar culture and language. Learners will be taken on a journey through Noongar boodja (Noongar country). They'll joinNoongar guides as they share knowledge and personal experiences of history, land,and culture.

Learners will be introduced to conversational Noongar - learning words and phrases that can be used in simple dialogue.

We hope this course enhances cultural understanding and respect for the Noongar people - and Aboriginal Australians, as a whole - more broadly.

Wandjoo noonakoort, which means: welcome everyone!

What's inside

Learning objectives

A range of conversational noongar words and phrases
How to incorporate and use noongar words within basic conversational sentences
Appreciation and respect for noongar spiritual and cultural beliefs
How contemporary expressions of noongar culture through art, music and dance can help noongar people strengthen their cultural identity

The importance of boodja (country) to noongar people and protocols for respecting boodja
Key events in recent noongar history and ways to recognise the impacts of colonisation on noongar culture, waangkaniny (language), society, and people
Examples of the vast cultural knowledge on boodja through bush medicines and bush foods

A range of conversational noongar words and phrases
How to incorporate and use noongar words within basic conversational sentences
Appreciation and respect for noongar spiritual and cultural beliefs
How contemporary expressions of noongar culture through art, music and dance can help noongar people strengthen their cultural identity
The importance of boodja (country) to noongar people and protocols for respecting boodja
Key events in recent noongar history and ways to recognise the impacts of colonisation on noongar culture, waangkaniny (language), society, and people
Examples of the vast cultural knowledge on boodja through bush medicines and bush foods

Syllabus

Module 1 – An introduction to speaking Noongar

In this first module, you will learn the basic principles of Noongar language. You will learn how to pronounce common Noongar sounds (vowels and consonants) and examine overall sentence structure and regional differences.

Module 2 – Wandjoo Noongar boodja (Welcome to Noongar country)

In this second module, you will examine Noongar people, their boodja (country) and important cultural protocols concerning boodja. You will be guided through the six Noongar seasons and learn about various aspects of Noongar spirituality including creation beliefs and totems.

**Module 3 – Koori yeyi (Past to today) **

In this third module, you will examine Noongar society pre-colonisation and learn about the key events (and rising tensions) that occurred following the arrival of the British settlers in 1826. Catastrophic segregation policies, land dispossession, and the attempted assimilation and genocide of Noongar culture and people will also be discussed. This module concludes by recognising the importance of reviving and celebrating culture today.

Module 4 – Ngalang moort koort (Family is our heart)

In this fourth module, you will learn about the heart of Noongar people’s lives - that of moort (family) and community. The kinship system, and the terms that identify who is who in the extended network that makes up Noongar families will be explored. This module will also illustrate ways in which family and communities ensure that culture and language are taught to younger generations.

Module 5 – Warangka, wongka, nyumbi (Song, story and dance)

Dance, music and art have always played a central role in Noongar culture. In this module, you will look at examples of how dance, music, and art have helped to strengthen cultural identity and build relationships not only for Noongar people – but also the wadjela (whitefellas) community.

Module 6 - Ngalang boodja moordit j (Our great country)

In this final module, you will return to boodja (country), to explore knowledge embedded in the land through bush medicines, bush foods, names of places, and in Noongar words themselves. This module aims to give you a glimpse into reading the land the ‘Noongar way’.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into the impacts of colonisation on Noongar culture, a highly relevant and often deeply personal topic for Aboriginal Australians

Taught by Brenda Larsen, who are recognized for their work in Noongar culture

Examines the importance of boodja (country) to Noongar people and provides protocols for respecting boodja, which can help learners understand and appreciate Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship

Develops a range of conversational Noongar words and phrases, which can be useful for building relationships and understanding Noongar culture

Provides examples of the vast cultural knowledge on boodja through bush medicines and bush foods, which can enhance learners' understanding of traditional Indigenous practices and their connection to the land

This course is a welcome addition to the growing body of educational resources on Aboriginal Australian cultures, which can help increase awareness and understanding among non-Indigenous learners

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge of Noongar culture, which may be a barrier for some

Reviews summary

Engaging aboriginal course

Learners say this engaging course offers a beginner-friendly way to learn about Noongar language and culture. Students appreciate the videos featuring Elders sharing stories, but mention that some parts of the course could use updating.

Introduces learners to Noongar culture while providing a beginner-friendly approach to learning the language.

"Great beginners course to "have a sniff" at the language and to get an idea of the very different culture, plus some not so well known historical facts."

Features engaging videos where Elders share stories and cultural insights.

"The videos of the Elders relating stories and culture were wonderful."

"You will pick up some words of Noongar almost effortlessly while learning about Noongar culture."

Could use updates in some areas to enhance the learning experience.

"Lots of areas that need fixing up still..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Noongar Language and Culture with these activities:

Review: 'Aboriginal Australians: An Introduction' by Larissa Behrendt

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Gain a foundational understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary issues facing Aboriginal Australians to contextualize the course material.

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Read the book.
Summarize key chapters or sections.
Relate the content to the course syllabus.

Participate in Noongar Language Group Discussions

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Enhance proficiency in Noongar language skills. Gain confidence in using Noongar words and phrases in a conversational setting.

Browse courses on Language

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Identify a Noongar language group.
Attend group discussions regularly.
Practice speaking and listening to Noongar.

Practice pronunciation of Noongar words

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Practice pronouncing Noongar words correctly to improve comprehension and fluency.

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Listen to audio recordings of Noongar words and phrases
Repeat the words and phrases aloud, paying attention to vowel sounds and intonation
Record yourself pronouncing the words and compare it to the original audio

Eight other activities

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Show all 11 activities

Review: 'The Longest Memory' by Fred D'Aguiar

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Explore themes of colonialism, identity, and cultural memory that parallel the experiences of the Noongar people.

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Read the book.
Identify and analyze relevant themes.
Connect the themes to the Noongar experience.

Produce a Creative Storytelling Piece

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Engage with Noongar culture through storytelling. Develop creativity, cultural awareness, and proficiency in using Noongar words and phrases.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Choose a storytelling format (e.g., poem, song, narrative).
Incorporate Noongar language elements.
Share the story with others and seek feedback.

Write a short story or poem using Noongar words and phrases

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Combine your knowledge of Noongar language and writing skills to create a unique piece of work that demonstrates your understanding.

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Choose a topic or theme for your story or poem
Brainstorm a list of relevant Noongar words and phrases
Write a draft of your story or poem, incorporating the Noongar words and phrases
Revise and edit your work for clarity, grammar, and flow

Create a Cultural Exchange Project

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Deepen understanding of Noongar culture through hands-on interaction with the community. Develop cultural sensitivity and respect.

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Research local Noongar organizations.
Identify a suitable project that contributes to cultural understanding.
Develop a project plan and timeline.
Seek approval from local community elders or representatives.
Implement the project and document the experience.

Explore Noongar Cultural Practices through Online Tutorials

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Gain insights into Noongar cultural practices, art forms, and ceremonies. Enhance understanding of the significance and symbolism behind these practices.

Browse courses on Culture

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Search for credible online tutorials.
Identify topics of interest (e.g., didgeridoo playing, traditional dance).
Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques.

Join a Noongar language learning group

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Engage with other learners to practice speaking and listening to Noongar, providing feedback and support.

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Find or create a Noongar language learning group
Attend regular meetings or online sessions
Participate actively in discussions and exercises

Contribute to Noongar Community Resources

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Demonstrate commitment to cultural preservation and language revitalization. Enhance Noongar resources by contributing to community projects.

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Identify existing community projects (e.g., language archives, cultural databases).
Contribute skills and support (e.g., content creation, data entry).
Collaborate with community members to improve resources.

Develop a Cultural Heritage Preservation Plan

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Combine knowledge of Noongar culture, history, and contemporary issues to create a comprehensive plan for preserving cultural heritage. Foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility.

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Research Noongar cultural heritage and its current status.
Identify potential threats and challenges.
Propose strategies and actions for preservation.
Present the plan to Noongar community leaders and stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Noongar Language and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cultural Consultant

Cultural Consultants are responsible for helping organizations understand cultural diversity and build inclusive workplaces. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to Noongar cultural beliefs, values, and history. This knowledge can help Cultural Consultants to develop a nuanced understanding of Australian Indigenous culture and effectively advise organizations on how to build more inclusive and respectful workplaces.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for preserving and managing cultural artifacts. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores ways to incorporate cultural knowledge into museum exhibits. This knowledge can help Museum Curators to develop more culturally sensitive exhibits and programming.

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Heritage Manager

Heritage Managers are responsible for preserving and managing cultural heritage sites. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history, culture, and beliefs of the Noongar people, and explores the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites. This knowledge can help Heritage Managers to develop more effective management plans and engage with Indigenous communities.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities who are facing challenges. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history, culture, and beliefs of the Noongar people, and explores the importance of cultural sensitivity in social work practice.

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Community Development Worker

Community Development Workers work with communities to address social, economic, and environmental issues. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history, culture, and beliefs of the Noongar people, and explores ways to work with Indigenous communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

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Teacher

Teachers work with students to help them learn and grow. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history, culture, and beliefs of the Noongar people, and explores ways to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history, culture, and beliefs of the Noongar people, and explores different anthropological methods for studying culture.

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Historian

Historians study the past and how it has shaped the present. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history of the Noongar people, and explores the role of Indigenous history in shaping Australian society.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news and current events. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the importance of cultural sensitivity in journalism.

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Linguist

Linguists study language and its structure. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the Noongar language, and explores the relationship between language and culture.

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Musician

Musicians write, perform, and record music. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the role of music in Indigenous cultures.

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Dancer

Dancers perform dance routines. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the role of dance in Indigenous cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dancer

Artist

Artists create visual, auditory, or performing art. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the role of art in Indigenous cultures.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers write, direct, and produce films. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an introduction to the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the role of Indigenous filmmakers in shaping Australian cinema.

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Actor

Actors perform in plays, films, and television shows. The Noongar Language and Culture course provides an overview of the history and culture of the Noongar people, and explores the role of Indigenous actors in shaping Australian performing arts.

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