Word Up

They say some babies grow into their names. Meanwhile others fully inhabit the name their parents choose, as if it was ordained to be so before they were born. That’s what Lorna Munro found when she named her son a particularly beautiful word in Gomeroi, her father’s language.

Poet and podcaster Lorna Munro explains how meaning and a particular worldview is embedded, and embodied, in the Gomeroi word 'yilaalu'.

Ray Ingrey is a Dharawal man and chairperson of the Gujaga Foundation. Based in La Perouse it was created to instil a sense of cultural belonging in the area, and for Ray learning Dharawal language is central to this mission.

Singer-songwriter Royston Sagigi-Baira (also known as Royston Noel) shares some Kala Lagaw Ya and explains why he loves being an uncle.

Stephanie Skinner is a traditional owner of Wadawurrung country and she started learning her language as a kid, before eventually building her conversational skills and becoming a passionate language advocate.

For Word Up this week, Merindi Schreiber shares some Kuku Yalanji, including a phrase that encapsulates what learning means to her.

For Word Up this week, Rulla Kelly-Mansell shares some palawa kani — a constructed language based on various languages spoken around the east of the island.

For Karuna Narangga woman Elaine Magias learning her language wasn't just something she wanted to do, it was something she needed to do.

Maya Johnson is a Wulgurukaba woman, from Magnetic Island. For Word Up this week she shares the cultural name of the island and explains how it came to be formed.

Juanita Scott-Funaki is a Yuin and Kamilaroi woman who grew on New South Wales' south coast. This week she shares some Yuin words that remind her of her beloved grandfather. 

Musician Nathan May shares some of his language — Arabana.

Central and Eastern Arrernte man Craig Tilmouth grew up in and around Mparntwe (Alice Springs). He shares some Arrernte language, including a few phrases likely to be heard around Mparntwe.

Clark Webb has been hugely influential in bringing Gumbaynggirr back into his home community, even helping establish the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School.

Actor and singer Ursula Yovich's love of languages is intrinsically linked with her love of music. For Word Up today Ursula is sharing some of her mother's language, Burarra.

For Word Up this week, artist Gordon Hookey shares some Waanyi language, including a word that describes the sound of a boomerang spinning in the water.

Deline Briscoe shares three more Kuku Yalanji words and explains how her relationship with language has developed.

Aunty Christine Stuart is a Gubbi Gubbi elder and cultural educator living and working on her country. For Word Up this week she takes you to Queensland's sunshine coast to share some of her language, including the Gubbi Gubbi word for 'fire'.

In the heart of the southern Murray Basin, Uncle Vince Ross shares some of his language — Muthi Muthi.

For Word Up, author Debra Dank shares some Gudanji language, including the name of her favourite food.

Joy Bulkanhawuy shares some of her language — Djabarrpuyŋu Matha.

Meriam artist Aunty Gail Mabo shares some of her language, including a song that she sings to her young ones.

Craig Quartermaine didn't start learning Noongar language until later in life, but being surrounded by a passionate community is helping him make up for lost time.

Wakka Wakka woman Brooke Prentis explains how learning the word for 'emu' highlighted the impact of colonisation for her.

Musician Stephen Pigram explains why he cherished learning Yawuru language from his grandmother.

Yued and Wiilman Noongar actress Tuuli Narkle shares some Noongar language, including the word for spirit.