| Also Known As: Nyungar,Neo-Nyunga
Description:
The Noongar (alternate spellings: Nyungar/Nyoongar/Nyoongah/Nyungah/Nyugah), are an indigenous Australian people who live in the south-west corner of Western Australia from Geraldton on the west coast to Esperance on the south coast. Their country extends from Jurien Bay in the north to the southern coast, and east to Ravensthorpe and Southern Cross. 'Noongar' is also the name for their common language. Their name, in the various original dialects is thought to mean "people". In the south, the spelling 'Noongar' is preferred, reflecting a broader accent.
Prior to European settlement, the Noongar people, comprising some thirteen dialectal groups, shared a common language and culture. Newcomers noted that the Noongar people could be identified by two common factors:
Matrilineal moieties and totemic clans. Patrilineal local descent groups. Includes Amangu, Yued, Wadjuk, Binjareb, Wardandi, Ganeang and Wilmen.
Alternate generational levels similar to Western Desert type, with patrilineal local descent groups. Includes Balardong and Nyakinyaki.
Patrilieal moieties and patrilineal local descent groups. Includes Bibulmen and Mineng.
Similar to Nyakinyaki except they have named patrilineal..... full article at Wikipedia |