Djalu’s Statement from Garma 2002
Djalu’ was asked to tell a story about the yidaki for the cameras during the Garma Festival in 2002. He spoke for almost 40 minutes in his own language, Gälpu. A team including Randin Graves, Waymamba Gaykamaŋu and Dhäŋgal Gurruwiwi transcribed and translated the statement which covers a wide range of topics from yidaki to kinship, from the Garma Festival to Djalu’s trip to Germany in 2002. Djalu’s statements quoted elsewhere on this website are excerpted from this larger document. It is provided here for you in entirety in audio and PDF Format.
In the lefthand column is the transcription in Gälpu. In the centre is a word for word translation with linguistic notes so you can see literally how the language works. A free and very simple translation is provided on the right hand side. Hopefully this helps you understand a bit of how Yolŋu communicate in their own languages, and gives you insight into the real concerns of a Yolŋu elder like Djalu’.
