Bayala is all about connecting our community. It’s a space to learn, share ideas, and celebrate our experiences with the Dharug Dhalang (language). We especially welcome all of the family groups across the Dharug language group of Sydney to join us. Our invitation extends beyond – we want our allies (ngalaya) to feel welcome, too.
A Living Language
Dharug Dhalang (language) is far from a relic of the past. The revival of the Dharug Dhalang language is key to unlocking everyday language and ensuring its transmission to future generations. The dhalang is living and thriving and is expressed and weaved through everyday conversations, storytelling, connecting to country experiences, and cultural practices such as ceremony, song, and dance. We believe everyday dhalang is key to unlocking the deeper forms of Dhalang and strengthening our connection to Ngurra (Country) and each other.
Learning Dharug | Your Guide to Success
Budyari Dharrabarra (Welcome) to the Dharug Bayadyi Ngurragu (Dharug Speaking Country)! Whether you’re a Dharug Custodian, local resident or just curious about our beautiful dhalang, you’ve come to the right place. We know learning a new language can be challenging, but there are some key things that can make your Dharug learning journey smoother and more successful.
Connecting Language and Culture
Like all languages, the Dharug Dhalang is deeply connected to the culture and traditions of the Dharug Bayadyi Yiyura (Dharug Speaking people). A Dharug language educator/knowledge holder and speaker will weave these elements together, so you’re not just learning words and grammar, but also gaining a deeper understanding of Dharug storying of Country and kin. It’s like learning a song – the melody and lyrics are important, but understanding its story makes it even more meaningful.
Formulaic Learning | Building Blocks for Dharug Conversations
Formulaic learning is like laying the foundation for your Dharug language journey. It involves a structured approach that emphasises memorising and practising essential elements to build a strong base.
Imagine it as the building blocks to assembling the gunya (shelter) for your mudyin (family), sheltering from the elements. When you build a strong gunya it is not all done at once. First you gather the sturdy wadi (branches) as the foundation poles, just like learning the Dharug dhalang (language). It starts with strong words and grammar – like learning “dhiyin” (woman) and “mala” (man). These are the building blocks of your Dharug knowledge.
Next comes the ngarang wadi (smaller branches), durawayi (grasses), dyirang (leaves), woven together to create the walls. It takes practice, just like repeating phrases like “Warimi” (Where from you?) “Budyari nhaady’unya (Good that I see you) and “nhaabawunya” (I will see you later). Each time you say them, you’re weaving the language tighter/stronger and growing your gunya.
It is also like gathering the wadi (sticks) for the guwiyang (fire) Little by little, you build a pile, ready to spark into life. Formulaic learning is like those wadi – sticks). Flashcards and drills are like gathering those small pieces – they might seem little on their own, but together they’ll become the fire of your Dharug frequency, keeping your conversations warm and bright.
Finally, the gunya is built, step by step, a safe haven for the mudyin -family. Just like that, your Dharug learning progresses. You start with greetings, then simple questions, building your knowledge bit by bit. Soon, you’ll be having conversations, as comfortable and warm as a gunya on a cold night. So keep practicing, keep learning, and your Dharug language skills will flourish.
By combining communicative language learning and speaking, culture and a focus on practical language use, your Dharug learning journey will be fun, engaging, and most importantly, relevant. You’ll be learning things you can actually use in everyday situations, making your efforts feel worthwhile and motivating you to keep exploring this rich language.
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey! Whether you’re a Dharug Dhalang ngarradyi Bayadyi (Language learner/speaker) or an ally (ngalaya), you play a vital role in keeping the Dharug language (Dharug Dhalang) strong.
