An ode to the mother/baby relationship and ties to family and land
Being your miimi (mother) is the most precious gift life can give.
When you were born you opened my heart as wide as the ocean.
Join Miimi (Mother) as she shares stories with her Buwaarr (baby) about the environment, language and totems; passing on the wisdom of Gumbaynggirr culture and a mother's hopes for baby's future.
A lyrical and heart-stirring series by Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, creator of Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) and Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean.
Check out this pronunciation guide to navigating the unique sounds of Gumbaynggirr.
In Gumbaynggirr, there are three different ‘r’ sounds, each with its own distinct representation:
* r: This sounds the same as the ‘r’ in English.
* rr: Known as a ‘trill’ or a ‘rolled r’, similar to what you hear in Scottish or Italian.
* rl: Known as a ‘tap’ or a ‘flap’. To make this sound, tap the tongue forward across the gum ridge, behind the teeth.
Many of these sounds can be found in words within this book, so you can practice at home as you read.
Furthermore, Gumbaynggirr has only three vowel sounds: a, i, and u. However, they all have long forms as well: aa, ii, and uu. The length of a vowel sound in a word affects the meaning, so it’s important to take note of vowel length when pronouncing Gumbaynggirr.
Thanks to (Gawa) Uncle Gary Williams from @muurrbay for this translation & knowledge around this beautiful language.
