Vocabulary borrowed from Traditional Aboriginal Languages
Though most of the actual words used by speakers of Aboriginal English are part of the lexicon of Standard English, the heaviest varieties of Aboriginal English include some words from traditional Aboriginal languages, some expressions borrowed from Kriol, and some Standard English words that have a slightly different meaning in terms of semantics in Aboriginal English.
Some words that are borrowed from traditional Aboriginal Languages are such as 'murri' which means an Aboriginal person, 'bunji' which means 'mate' in Standard Australian English, and 'durri', which means a cigarette.
Some words that are borrowed from traditional Aboriginal Languages are such as 'murri' which means an Aboriginal person, 'bunji' which means 'mate' in Standard Australian English, and 'durri', which means a cigarette.
Words that have a different meaning in Aboriginal English
Some words relating to kinship will be discussed first. In Aboriginal English, 'Aunty' and 'uncle' are terms of address for older people, to whom the speaker may not be related, whereas in Australian Standard English, 'Aunty' and 'Uncle' refer to your parents siblings. The terms 'brother' and 'sister' in Aboriginal English has the same meaning as cousin, but in Standard Australian English, this refers to your direct siblings. In Aboriginal English, 'Father' and 'Mother' include any relative of one's parents' generation, such as uncles, aunts, their own cousins and in-laws. The broadening in semantic meaning of these terms reflect on how intimate Aboriginal people are within communities in regards to kinship.
Other words in Standard Australian English also differ greatly in Aboriginal English. The word country which refers to land generally, but also has a more specific meaning of 'place of belonging'. However, in Standard Australian English, 'country' refers to a nation with its own government. Many Aboriginal English speakers also use the word 'camp' to refer to their home, whereas in Standard Australian English, 'camp' means a place where people lodge temporarily for shelter. Other words which differ semantically from Standard Australian English are, 'deadly' to refer to something excellent, 'solid' to refer to something fantastic, 'growl' to mean scold, and 'mob' to mean a group of people.
Other words in Standard Australian English also differ greatly in Aboriginal English. The word country which refers to land generally, but also has a more specific meaning of 'place of belonging'. However, in Standard Australian English, 'country' refers to a nation with its own government. Many Aboriginal English speakers also use the word 'camp' to refer to their home, whereas in Standard Australian English, 'camp' means a place where people lodge temporarily for shelter. Other words which differ semantically from Standard Australian English are, 'deadly' to refer to something excellent, 'solid' to refer to something fantastic, 'growl' to mean scold, and 'mob' to mean a group of people.
Regional vocabulary variation of Aboriginal English
There is variation of Aboriginal english in terms of its lexicon acrros different regions of Australia. For example, the word for policeman
in parts of NSW and Queensland is 'buliman', in other parts of NSW it is 'gandjibal', in Perth it is 'monartch', and in Geraldton it is 'mardanyuwa'. 'Mardanyuwa' means ‘person with chains’. 'Buliman' and 'gandjida'l were originally borrowed from the English word 'policeman' and 'constable' respectively, and then incorporated into Aboriginal English.
Another regional variation of lexicon is with the word 'white man'. The word is pronounced as 'balanda' in the Northern Territory, 'gubba' in south eastern Australia, 'migaloo' in Queensland, 'wajala' in Western Australia, and 'walypala' in parts of northern Australia.
in parts of NSW and Queensland is 'buliman', in other parts of NSW it is 'gandjibal', in Perth it is 'monartch', and in Geraldton it is 'mardanyuwa'. 'Mardanyuwa' means ‘person with chains’. 'Buliman' and 'gandjida'l were originally borrowed from the English word 'policeman' and 'constable' respectively, and then incorporated into Aboriginal English.
Another regional variation of lexicon is with the word 'white man'. The word is pronounced as 'balanda' in the Northern Territory, 'gubba' in south eastern Australia, 'migaloo' in Queensland, 'wajala' in Western Australia, and 'walypala' in parts of northern Australia.