The Ngarrindjeri nomenclature of birds in the Lower Murray River region, South Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper is a literature-based study concerning avian nomenclature of the Ngarrindjeri language formerly spoken in the Lower Murray River region of temperate South Australia. Ngarrindjeri and modern European Australian classification systems for birds were structurally different. There was no single Ngarrindjeri word that covered all birds. Some species were clustered together under a single term, while others had separate gender-specific names. This study investigates how avian terms were incorporated into the naming of people and places. Analysis of avian classification adds to the understanding of early Aboriginal use and perception of the Australian environment. A detailed list of Ngarrindjeri names for birds is provided.