As a bilingual school it is important that Warlpiri values are also upheld by the school and equally respected as with English.
It is very difficult to translate from Warlpiri to English and convey the extent of meaning of each word chosen as a Warlpiri value.
We have decided to illustrate the each value word with the definition and some example sentences from the Warlpiri dictionary, using the word in context. Teachers should be aware that when they use the word, the understanding may not be the particular one they are meaning to convey.
- pukurl-pukurlpa
loving, kind, ^proud of, ^happy for, contented, friendly, peaceful, pleased
Kuurlurla karlipa jana wangkami kuja-piya,
“Pujurl-pukurlpa-jarrimi karlipa jana kurdu-kurduku kuja kalu warrki-jarrimi nurna-nyayirni.”
This is how we talk about this at school,
“We feel proud of the children when they work hard.”
- Yulkanjaku from the root word Yulkami
To like, love, be fond of, be pleased with, care about, cherish
Kuurlurla, kurdu-kurdu yungulu-nyanu yulkami kaninjarni manu yarlungka, yungulu wardinyilki nyinami kurdu-kurdu-kari-kirli.
At school we want children to care for each other and be happy with the other children.
- Jintangka from root word jinta meaning one
Jintangka -literally, ‘in one’
Habitually used to mean – together, in one group, as one
Kuurlurla karlipa jintangka warrki-jarrimi, yapa manu kardiya, tija manu kurdu-kurdu.
At school we work together as one, yapa and white people, teachers and children.
