Richard Birrinbirrin talks about Djirrididi body painting

Richard Birrinbirrin starred as the Honey Man in the epic Ten Canoes feature film and was also the associate producer for it. He is an artist, songman and community leader and resides at Ramingining in north-central Arnhem Land. He is also the current Chairman of ANKAAA (Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists). His father was Burritjnga (deceased) and his second father David Malangi (also deceased). David Dharrapuy is his nephew, his sister's son.

Here, Birrinbirrin talks about the Djirrididi body painting and relates a small part of the Djan'kawu Sisters' story. Djirrididi means Kingfisher bird, a special bird for the people for whom the Djan'kawu were their progenitors.

Birrinbirrin sings the Djirrididi song towards the end of this clip. It is a sacred song that has no didgeridoo accompaniment, it is the song the Djan'kawu Sisters themselves sang in the 'Dreamtime'.

In this clip Birrinbirrin speaks his native tongue, Djinang, interspersed with English. Djinang is quite different in its vocabulary to Yolngu Matha, the sounds distinct too. This recording was made not only to document the meaning of Djirrididi and its ceremonial/religious significance, but also as an oral history project to preserve the Djinang language.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• richard
• birrinbirrin
• manharrngu
• ramingining
• ten
• canoes
• djan'kawu
• yolngu
• djirrididi
• djinang
• aboriginal
• language

[argentinasoldier]

could public it with subs?

[ididjaustralia]

@argentinasoldier i don't know how to do subs but i'll find out...

[darkhyena]

Does this language have articles and case declensions?

[ididjaustralia]

@darkhyena yes, the language is Djinang

[foxfire180]

What does he say at the beginning of the video? What language is it?

[ididjaustralia]

@foxfire180 its djinang language and at the very start he just says his name and his clan

[markusrosso]

Humans are diverse, soulful creatures inheriting ancient and rich traditions and languages which should be cherished and witnessed by as many as possible. This man spoke a language unknown to me but I took great joy in listening to him and understanding his knowledge.

[ccisis]

I luv aborinal people for your rich ancient history and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your story. I didn't understand most of what you said, but I felt your wonderful spirit.

[robsargent4]

@ohrightyth3n Of course the only way to really appreciate what Richard Birrinbirrin's saying's to learn the language he's speaking, but yes, subtitles would certainly be helpful.

[robsargent4]

@ohrightyth3n subtitles would be helpful, but I didn't find the lack of subtitles insulting the way that ohrighty3n clearly did. Anyway, all's well that ends well. Hopefully it'll all be sorted to everyone's satisfaction in the not too distant future.

[robsargent4]

@ohrightyth3n well I would've thought that if they know how to do subtitles now then they'll try to sort out this slight fault, so it should be all right. In the mean time he or she has done the best they can do, so I don't see the point in anyone complaining. There's nothing wrong with making a helpful suggestion, but as far as I'm concerned ohrighty3n's comment goes too far. I don't see what's disrespectful about doing the best you know how to do. I think this is a pretty good video, maybe it

[ohrightyth3n]

@robsargent4

I didn't note any passion, but it is important nonetheless.

I could care less for his language than I do about the content of the message which is lost due to the uploader's inability to supply subtitles

[robsargent4]

@ohrightyth3n aw, calm down, pal. apparently our uploader didn't know how to do subtitles a month ago. I'd say they probably still don't know what to do. this video'll be understood by some folk surely. even if you don't understand it, at least you're being exposed to a language you've probably never heard before.

[ohrightyth3n]

it is disrepctful on the part of the uploader for not supplying the tools needed to understand this man.

[frank6717]

yesterday i've seen the film 10 canoes, starring this wonderfull man.

I love the way they live. No stress, no chaos, and NO MONEY. I hope that culture will live on for ever

[hicham0202]

I know that language.is the language brrinbrrin.lambam.AC located on the plant.moulay moulay mala