Statement on the Release of the Bayala Dharug Language App
The release of the Bayala Dharug App marks a generous and deeply significant offering from the Dharug Community. Sharing this language with the broader public is an act of cultural strength and reciprocity. It is an invitation to learn, connect and walk alongside us in the ongoing journey of revitalising Dharug.
We ask that you use this app with respect and care. It has been created to support personal and family-based learning. It is not intended to be turned into a school program without the guidance and involvement of the Dharug community. It will also be a valuable resource for community, school and university Dharug language programs, as it will help everybody be on the same page in our language revival journey, together. If your school or organisation wishes to develop a formal Dharug language program, please reach out and engage with Dharug educators and knowledge holders to ensure cultural safety and proper protocols are followed.
If you are a non-Indigenous person, please be mindful that many Aboriginal people have not had the opportunity to learn their own language. Always 'read the room' before speaking Dharug in public settings. Check in with any Aboriginal people present to see if it is appropriate.
We encourage small, respectful acts of language use such as introducing yourself in Dharug. "Ngaya giyara" or incorporating a single phrase like. "Bayad'yu budyari Dharug yiyuragu' into an acknowledgement of Country. These are meaningful steps toward honoring the Country, language and people of this place.
Bayala Aboriginal Corporation believes that it is a cultural responsibility to lead the reclamation of the Dharug language through dedicated research, knowledge sharing and opportunities for teaching and learning. Language is just as vital to our wellbeing as caring for Country and community.
Purpose of the Bayala Dharug App
Learn Dharug dhalang, the original language of Sydney, with the Bayala Dharug App!
Bayala Aboriginal Corporation has created the Bayala Dharug App to support the revival of the Dharug language. Bayala Dharug means 'talk Dharug with each other'.
The Bayala Dharug App is a personal language resource designed to help users:
- Hear and speak Dharug words and sentences
- Learn through images, voice, and story
- Build confidence in conversation
- Practice reading and saying written forms
- Grow an understanding of sentence making
- Connect to Country and community
Looking after language is a cultural responsibility. Bayala Aboriginal Corporation offers the App in the spirit of sharing with the Dharug community and its allies, who are committed to learning and speaking Dharug dhalang with respect.
The Bayala Dharug App is a living language learning and reference resource. Language materials will be added continually to the App, sharing our ever growing understandings. Language content and app functionality* is updated regularly when used with internet connection.
*At the time of release, the self-record function is being rebuilt - we suggest using other recording apps on your phone while this is being rectified.
About Dharug Dhalang
Dharug dhalang (also spelt Darug or Dharruk), known as the Sydney Language, was traditionally spoken across the Sydney Basin, from the Hawkesbury to the Georges River, and from the Blue Mountains to the sea.
As Dharug Country was the site of the first British colony, speaking Dharug language and passing it on to future generations was disrupted early and deeply. Dharug people have since walked the long path of language revival, reclaiming voice, place, and kinship.
The Bayala Dharug App offers an accessible language learning tool to help us take steps forward on the revival pathway.
Our Language, Our Responsibility
Language revival is a long journey. Our words are amongst our oldest laws. Bayala Aboriginal Corporation upholds the cultural responsibility of nurturing Dharug dhalang and guiding all who live in or visit Dharug Ngurra (Country) in respectful language use.
Bayala Dharug 'talk Dharug with each other' is about unity, many ways to learn, many voices together, like strands in a strong weave. We walk in the footsteps of our Dharug langauge leaders like Aunty Edna Watson and Richard Green, whose efforts continue to guide us. We have a responsibility to learn, speak and share the fruits of current language work with our community and their allies now, so we can revive and regain fluency together. This language responsibility is just as important as caring for Country and supporting our community. We work to ignite Dharug language again through:
- Sharing with family, Dharug community and their allies
- Learning and teaching in community, schools & universities
- community
- Researching and publishing language resources
What the App Offers
The Bayala Dharug App is a living language resource, currently featuring:
- Over 500 Dharug words and sentences
- Voice recordings and illustrations
- Grammar, sentence structure, and meaning notes
- A progression from single-word learning to conversational use
Each entry is a model for how Dharug is spoken, written, and structured, helping all learners build shared understanding and mutual respect in speakership.
The App is regularly updated as part of Bayala Aboriginal Corporation’s ongoing work in teaching, research, and community language projects.
Intended Use of the Bayala App
Bayala Aboriginal Corporation has developed the Bayala Dhaug App with support from eLearn Australia, AIATSIS, and Western Sydney University. The App encourages the everyday use of Dharug language in homes, schools, and community spaces.
The Bayala App is designed for:
- Families learning together
- Shared learning among community members
- Independent student use
- Personal and private practice
The App does not replace community-led Dharug language programs in educational institutions. For public use of App content (audio, images, text), please seek permission from Bayala Aboriginal Corporation.
See our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more.
OUR APP IS LIVE AND WAS LAUNCHED ON TIME!
Acknowledgements
Illustrations: Corina Norman, Jasmine Seymour, Leanne Watson, Rhiannon Wright
Sound Recordings: Corina Norman, Debbie Smith, Jasmine Seymour, Lani Barnes, Leanne King, Leanne Watson, Libby Coplin, Rhiannon Wright, Richard Torning