Nhaawuparlku facts for kids
The Naualko (also called Nhaawuparlku) were an Indigenous Australian group. They lived in New South Wales, Australia.
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What's in a Name?
The name Naualko comes from their word for 'yes'. This word was once written as naua or nawa. Today, experts believe the word was nhaawu. So, the Naualko were known as 'the people who say nhaawu for yes'.
Their Language
The Naualko people spoke the Naualko language. This language was used around the Wilcannia area. Sadly, it disappeared very early on when European settlers arrived.
Some language experts, like Luise Hercus, think the Naualko language might be more closely related to the Kurnu language. This is different from the Paakantyi language. There's also a thought that the language of the Milpulo people might have been a dialect of Naualko.
Where They Lived
The Naualko people lived in the far western part of New South Wales. Their traditional lands covered a large area, about 26,000 square kilometres (10,000 square miles).
They lived along the upper Darling River, from a place called Dunlop to Murtee. They also lived near the lower Paroo River and north towards Lake Tongo.
Who Were the Naualko People?
There has been some discussion about whether the Naualko were a separate group. Some people thought they might be a northern part of the Paakantyi people.
However, a researcher named Norman Tindale believed they were their own independent group. He thought this because their word for 'yes' was very unique. Early settlers, like Frederic Bonney, also saw them as a distinct group. These settlers knew the different Indigenous groups in the area well.
Other Names for the Naualko
Over time, the Naualko people were known by several other names. These include:
- Bungyarlee
- Nawalko
- Ngunnhalgu
- Ngunnhlgri (This is thought to be a mistake in writing)
- Nhaawuparlku
- Unelgo
- Wampandi (This name means 'I do not understand')
- Wampangee, Wompungee, Wombungee
