Learning another language is difficult enough, learning two even more. But can you imagine learning 17?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Celebrating her heritage, singer-songwriter Shellie Morris has learnt numerous dialects of the Aboriginal language and is sharing them through song.
Morris is on tour with Troy Jungaji Brady who mix the English and ancient language while focusing on the journeys both artists have traversed. The folk duo are performing at City Diggers Wollongong on August 18.
“Being able to sing in more than 17 Aboriginal languages and share with people my journey of connection and belonging is a gift,” Morris said.
“I would say to people: Go Malthu ngarraku Luku-dhinthu wangayina. Marrtji ngali rrambangina, which in Yolgnu Matha translates to: You are welcome to follow my footsteps home. Come with me on this journey.”
Brady said being able to “carry the cultural spear and hand it on” is key to his work.
Shellie Morris is of the Yanyuwa and Wardaman in the Northern Territory, connecting to the Yolngu people through blood ties, thus able to use the Yolgnu Matha word for where the freshwater meets the saltwater, Miliyawutj.
Troy is from the GuGu Yelanji nation of the south west Cape York region of Queensland on his father's side a descendent of the Kawanji clan group, sunset Bama (Aboriginal people). On his mother's side, his blood ties are to the Birri Gubba (Gia) peoples.
Shellie Morris & Troy Jungaji Brady present GuGu Miliyawautj, Illawarra Folk Club, City Diggers Wollongong on August 18.
For tickets or more information CLICK HERE.