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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Essential noongar culture and language introduction

According to learners, this course offers a profound and eye-opening journey into Noongar culture and history. Many praise the personal stories shared by Noongar guides, which make the content incredibly engaging and impactful, fostering deep cultural understanding and respect. The modules on 'boodja' (country) and 'moort' (family) are consistently highlighted for their significance. While the conversational Noongar elements provide a good foundational introduction, a few students noted that it is more of a cultural overview than an intensive language course, suggesting supplementary resources might be needed for deeper linguistic study. Recent feedback indicates improved pronunciation guides, enhancing the language learning experience.

Recent improvements in pronunciation guides for language learning.

"I appreciated the revised pronunciation guides, they really helped me with the conversational phrases."

"I felt the initial modules on language pronunciation could have used a bit more clarity, but later parts compensated well."

Sensitively presents key historical events and impacts.

"This course is a profound journey into Noongar culture. The historical context, especially the module on colonization, was presented sensitively yet powerfully."

"The historical parts were well done though."

"I found the cultural insights very valuable, and the course provided crucial information about Noongar history."

Personal stories from guides bring history to life.

"The personal stories shared by the Noongar guides were incredibly moving and brought the content to life."

"The instructors, particularly the Noongar guides, were passionate and knowledgeable. Their willingness to share their stories made the learning incredibly engaging."

Offers a deep, respectful understanding of Noongar culture.

"Absolutely essential course for anyone wanting to understand Australia's true history and rich Indigenous culture."

"An incredibly powerful and well-structured course... I felt a strong sense of cultural awareness growing throughout."

"What an eye-opening experience! I learned so much about the importance of 'boodja' and the resilience of Noongar people."

"The cultural insights were very valuable and the course provides crucial information about Noongar history."

Provides basic conversational Noongar, not deep linguistic study.

"While the language aspect provides a good foundation, I sometimes wished for more interactive practice or perhaps a supplementary resource for those wanting to dive deeper."

"I found the language learning part quite basic. It's more an introduction than a comprehensive language course. If you're looking for deep linguistic study, you might need more."

"I enrolled hoping for a more intensive language course, but it was primarily a cultural overview with only a few basic phrases."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Participate in Noongar Language Group Discussions

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Language

Show steps

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

Practice pronunciation of Noongar words

Show steps

Practice pronouncing Noongar words correctly to improve comprehension and fluency.

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Produce a Creative Storytelling Piece

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Storytelling

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Culture

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Heritage Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Development Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor