LEARNING the language of the land around her, Windale preschool student Hazel is becoming more fluent in Awabakal, as part of a state-wide Aboriginal Language Program.
"My favourite word is Muwani which means kangaroo," the four-year-old said.
It's the first year the Nubalin Windale Public School Preschool has participated in the program.
Hazel and her class peers have spent weekly sessions learning from Mitomaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre's Jacqui Allen, through music, movement and games.
"So far they've learnt how to say hello, welcome, goodbye, and how to say I am and then named their family members," Ms Allen said.
"They've got about 10 animals in their vocabulary and they know their colours and numbers."
The students have also learned two songs including the classic Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
"They already know all the fundamental words they need for their body and their environment including the word for tree, grass, leaves and flower," Ms Allen said.
"This last term is where we'll really pick it up, and luckily kids pick it up quite quickly. We don't use any written language, it's all pictures or just repeating after myself."
Ms Allen said it was important for them to not only learn about the culture of the land they live on, but the language as well.
"Without our language, our culture can't exist, and without culture, our language can't exist," she said.
In the preschool 20 of the 37 children are Indigenous. The language is now being embedded in daily activities and conversations in the playground and at home.
"Many children now demonstrate familiarity with Awabakal words, using them not only during Jacqui's sessions but throughout the day," Windale PS Preschool assistant principal Angela Smith said.
"The children's level of engagement in cultural activities has grown, along with their eagerness to share their newfound knowledge with others, including parents, siblings, and educators."
NSW Aboriginal Languages Week runs from October 20 to 27 aims to raise awareness, spark conversations and highlight the work of local communities to revitalise Aboriginal languages.
A total of 23 public preschools in NSW participate in the Preschool Aboriginal Language Program, learning languages including Paakantji, Dhurga, Gamilaraay, Dharawal, Dharug, Bundjalung, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Gathang, Dharug Dhalang, Awabakal and Darkinjung.'
