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The spelling of Aboriginal words is always a
difficulty as there are no definite rules for guidance,
at least none known to the writer, Phonetic spelling
has therefore been adopted as nearly as possible in accordance
with the sounds to be produced, But it is sometimes next to
impossible to spell some of the words so that the exact
blackfellow's pronunciation may be conveyed to anyone who
has never heard the language, The speech of the Aborigines
is, or rather was, swift, nimble, liquid, and unusual,
never harsh or nasal. Their tongues were as
deft as their hands, As written some of their words
doubtless appear harsh and hard but, by "whispering
them into favour," the roughness seems to wear off and
they gradually become smoother, rounder, and softer
as the correct and somewhat slurred accent
is caught. Children brought up in bush homes and
in frequent touch with the blacks, easily acquired
the accent but adults almost invariably found it difficult.
- These records are compiled from my own recollections
of the Richmond River blacks during the seventies,
from lists forwarded by Mr Thos Ranken, Surveyor, now
of Dubbo, and collected by him over 20 years ago
from a Mr F.
Mc Quilty of Blakebrook near Lismore, and from lists supplied
by Mr J.C. Edwards of Roseberry and Miss Edwards of Bentley,
Richmond River, to all of whom my best thanks are due.
Moruya N.S.W. Robt. L, Dawson
17.9.1922