Where Does the Word Koala Come From?

Published
January 28, 2021
July 9, 2024
Last Updated
October 20, 2022
Contributors
Written by
Rory Sinclair
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Ally
Written by
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Ally
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Many words commonly used in Australia are from First Nations languages or have been derived from them.

Non-Indigenous Australians use these words every day without knowing where they come from or which language they belong to.

Over 250 First Languages were spoken in Australia before colonisation, but only around 120 are still spoken. The loss of these languages is a serious threat to First Nations identity and wellbeing.

There are many First Nations words found in the common labels for Australian animals. Koalas are one such famous animal, and a popular symbol of Australia.

The name “koala” is derived from the Dharug word “gula” or “gulamany” meaning “no drink”.  Koalas don’t often need to drink water because they get enough moisture from the eucalyptus leaves they eat. However, koalas are increasingly being seen drinking water to try and survive heatwaves, deforestation and bushfires.

Koala habitat stretches along the eastern side of Australia. In the north past Yidinji Country in Gimuy (Cairns), out west along the longitude of Wiradjuri Country, right down to Gunaikurnai Country (Gippsland) and Gunditjmara Country (Portland) in Victoria, and west across to Tarntanya (Adelaide) in Kaurna Country.

While the koala population is declining, these animals have historically covered the Country of hundreds of different First Nations and language groups. So there are many different words for koala in different languages. Some of them include:

Guula, gulawayn

Nation(s): Birrbay (Biripi), Guringay (Gringai), Warrimay (Worimi)

Language: Gathang

Barrandhang, gurabaan, naagun, ginaagun

Nation(s): Wiradjuri

Language: Wiradjuri


Borobi

Nation(s): Yugambeh

Language: Yugambeh

Doombearpee, dumirripi

Doombearpee, dumirripi

Nation(s): Quandamooka

Language: Jandai

Goala

Nation(s): Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi)

Language: Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi)


Our friends Koala are supporting Common Ground to amplify First Nations voices, and spread awareness about the Australian environment and its wildlife.

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