What is the Dharug counting book Mii Marri Gaban? about?
Mii Marri Gaban? invites readers on a gentle journey through numbers 1 to 10 in Dharug language, while meeting ten unique egg-laying animals that call Dharug Ngurra home. This book celebrates culture, language and the wonders of nature, helping readers build a connection to Aboriginal knowledge and the Country we share, as well as confidence when it comes to incorporating Dharug language into their everyday lives.
Where is Dharug Country?
Didge Ya Know that there are 29 Dharug-speaking clans across Sydney? Oral and recorded histories show that the clans from the coast in the east to the mountains in the west, from the Georges River in the south to the Hawkesbury River in the north, all spoke Dharug language.
Why is Dharug language revival so important?
Dharug language is being revitalised and getting stronger every day, and I love that we can be part of sharing such an important part of our culture. It’s amazing to see more and more people having access to the first language of Sydney.
I was an adult before I had the opportunity to learn my language. There are many Aboriginal people living that same story, language unavailable or withheld because of past policies preventing Aboriginal people from freely practising our cultures. Lucky for us, our mob are strong and many continued to share culture so that we can still practise today.
How did yarning with Dharug language speakers inspire Mii Marri Gaban?
I remember sitting with language speakers and yarning about how and where they learnt language. The stories of language are just as important as the actual words, maybe even more so. I loved listening to the stories that Aunty Julie Jones (Webb) shared about learning from my grandfather and the times she spent with the uncles who are no longer with us. Sharing story, language and connection is the very centre of our culture.
One of the things that Aunt taught me that day was counting, sharing a clever system of naming numbers 1–10 that has become everyday language for my family. I am excited and proud to share this knowledge in Mii Marri Gaban? along with the words for 10 different animals. And of course, learning to ask a common question we use daily, mii marri? (how many?).
Why is counting such a great way to start learning language?
Numbers have always been an accessible introduction to language, and teachers have been introducing students to a variety of languages through counting for decades. I learnt to count in Spanish and remember one of my siblings learning Japanese.
Having the choice of Aboriginal languages is a positive step forward, and recognition should be given to all of the mob who have fought for this change. The people revitalising languages across Australia, the people sharing their knowledge to make language accessible, and the people taking the time to engage with this important part of sharing culture.
How can teachers include First Nations languages in the classroom?
I’ve shared some tips on including First nations language in your classroom previously. Go check them out at Aboriginal Languages in the Classroom and get counting.
How can we explore First Nations counting and maths systems in our learning spaces?
Check out the Deadly Science: Decoding the Universe Free Resource and discover some of the other systems of counting that First Nations mob have. We had so much fun working with the Deadly Science team and discovering some of these really clever maths systems.
