Wiray ngiyang, wiray mayiny: No language, no people

In this episode of Ngiyang brothers Darren and Luke Wighton share stories with Lowanna Grant about learning, speaking and teaching Wiradyuri language.

Darren (left) and Luke Wighton share stories of how language has strengthened their cultural identity.

Darren and Luke Wighton, were born and raised in Condobolin in Central West NSW , and share the same life purpose - to pass on their Wiradyuri language and culture to their community - continuing the work of their old people.

You know, I have to pinch myself to realise, is this really what I do for a living and work, sharing our culture with with the future generations? It fills my cup.

Luke Wighton

Both Darren and Luke enrolled into the Wiradyuri Language Graduate Certificate at Charles Sturt University, established 10 years ago by Uncle Stan Grant Snr. After graduating from university, Luke and Darren are both carrying on this legacy of language and culture through the important work they are doing within the Wiradyuri community.

There's still a few of those elders around that were originally involved in the setup and the development and the teaching of that language way back when, and I'm sure they're proud of the work that we're continuing to do.

Darren Wighton

Special thanks to Letitia Harris and Bernard Higgins.

Artwork: Darren Wighton

Digeridoo Track: Luke Wighton

Follow Ngiyang, a series about language, culture, and identity on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.