Preserving a Sacred Language: Ngardi to English Dictionary Launches After 40 Years of Work

Ngardi Elders Publish New Dictionary to Keep Language Alive

A new Ngardi to English Dictionary is helping preserve the language of the Ngardi people of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. This effort is the result of nearly 40 years of work by Elders and the Ngardi-speaking community of Central Australia.

A Community-Led Language Project

Marie Mudgedell, along with Tom Ennever, Lee Cataldi, and the late Tjama Napanangka, led the project. Mudgedell explained that this was a mission passed down by Elders before her. “They started the work, and we were proud to finish it,” she said. “Now, future generations can carry our language forward.” The team also included Patrick Smith and other community members. Together, they ensured the dictionary was true to the Ngardi voice and culture.

From Desert Roots to a Bound Legacy

The Ngardi people originally lived in the desert country south of Balgo. This area, known as Ngururrpa or “central country,” is deeply tied to their identity. Today, many still live nearby, in communities like Balgo, Mulan, Billiluna, and Halls Creek. Others reside further north or across the border in Yuendumu.

What’s Inside the Dictionary?

The 720-page hardback book includes:

• Ngardi-to-English word entries
• Example sentences
• Kinship and grammar guides
• A full alphabet and verb list
• Maps and regional place names
• Scientific names for native plants and animals
• Climate and seasonal insights

It also features art by Ngardi Elders. The cover shows Nakarra Nakarra, a painting by the late Kathleen Paddoon, symbolizing the Seven Sisters Dreaming.

A Milestone for Language Preservation

Linguist Tom Ennever, who worked on the project, praised the dedication of the Ngardi people. “This is the result of decades of hard work. Now, the language can be learned, shared, and passed on.” Ngardi is one of many Indigenous languages at risk of disappearing. Only a small number of people speak it fluently today. This dictionary gives new life to a language spoken for thousands of years.

National Recognition and Support

The dictionary is published by Aboriginal Studies Press and supported by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). It is the 11th dictionary published by the AIATSIS Dictionaries Program since 2018. Mary Laughren, a linguist at the University of Queensland, called the dictionary “a powerful document that captures the past and future of the Ngardi language.”

Why This Matters to The Dictionary Project

The Ngardi Dictionary is more than a book — it’s a tool for empowerment and education. Just like The Dictionary Project, it helps young people understand and connect with language. It shows how a simple resource like a dictionary can preserve culture, strengthen identity, and shape futures.