This phrasebook has been developed by the Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre for people to learn more about the language and cultures of Western and Central Arnhem Land. It provides useful words and phrases for interacting with Bininj in appropriate and respectful ways, and gives additional information about the culture and life in the region.

Bininj has various meanings, including human (as opposed to nonhuman), Aboriginal (as opposed to non-Aboriginal) and man (as opposed to woman). Kunwok can mean language, speech, story, report, discourse.

Together, Bininj Kunwok basically means ‘the people’s language.’ Bininj Kunwok includes the languages or dialects of Kunwinjku, Kuninjku, Kundjeyhmi, Kundedjnjenghmi, Kune and Mayali.

Proceeds from this book go back to supporting the Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre and keeping First Nation’s languages alive and strong for future generations. The artwork in this book is by Graham Rostron, a Kune speaking artist from remote homelands of Central Arnhem Land.