I'm reading a book about Aboriginal astromony (the Wardaman people from
Victoria River, NT).
It's not a very good book because of the prolix style and poor presentation.
One annoying feature is that the Elder's Aboringal English is quoted
verbatim and then his bird-names are taken over without explanation. This
isn't a problem when he talks about Bush Turkeys (Bustards), Long-tailed
Pheasants (Pheasant Coucals) &c, but what is a "Lyrebird". (Obviously some
ill-informed English-speaker told the Wardaman that the English name for a
particular bird was a Lyrebird, and the name stuck in Aboriginal English for
that area). But what is it? All I can think of is Pied Butcherbird
(beautiful song, mimicry).
Any other suggestions?
cheers
John L
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John Leonard (Dr)
http://www.webone.com.au/~jleonard
PO Box 243, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia
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