A worksheet exploring the connection of Australian place names to First Nations languages.
Discover the richness of First Nations languages by exploring the origins of some well-known Australian place names.
Ever wondered what the words Coolangatta, Parramatta or Wagga Wagga really mean?
Before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, at least 250 languages (with at least 750 dialects) were spoken by Australia’s First Nations peoples. These Indigenous languages are reflected in the names of many towns, waterways, mountains, deserts and forests around Australia.
In this resource, students explore a variety of Asutralian place names that originate from the language spoken by the local First Nations people.
A great addition to your collection of First Nations resources
This worksheet addresses the cross-curricular priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Culture. It is also perfect for NAIDOC Week.
Please note that in 2019, Wagga Wagga adopted a new meaning. It is now place of many dances and celebrations. No more crows. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-27/wagga-wagga-officially-adopts-citys-aboriginal-meaning/11452096 Could you please update this resource?
Hi there Carmel. Thank you so much for taking the time to contact us about this resource! I was born and bred in Wagga Wagga myself, but I no longer live there and I wasn't aware of this change. How lovely to be known as "the place of many dances and celebrations" - it certainly beats crows! We have updated the resource accordingly. Have a wonderful day!
I wonder the same thing and if there was a specific link but it is pretty much a basic web search ...
That's correct, Kellie. Students would need to use a search engine and some carefully chosen keywords to assist them in completing this task.