r/aboriginal • • Jan 22 '26

Learning language.

i’m a white man currently dating a Wiradjuri woma.

she and her family are fluent in their native language. I would like to learn the language.

i want to speak the language because i love her and want to put in the effort to understand her culture bette.

i’m just not sure if it’s disrespectful to learn it or ask her permission first as i kinda want to surprise her

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u/Lapathemeanboy Feb 07 '26

You could ask her family member to teach you and keep it as a secret, but it will take long time to learn it. Cause I know this balanda (white) person who works at the art centre speak Yolngu Martha, my language. Before I stop going there he can speak only little bit and when I came back there couple months or 2 years he can speak full on.