Mapping placenames & language anecdotes!

Mapping placenames & language anecdotes! - 

 Welcome to Episode 38 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series.

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

Audio - A snippet of ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ - captured at a 2011 singalong at an island home.

In this episode we are going to delve a little deeper into the place names of Norfolk Island.

Previously in Episode 8, I introduced excerpts from Dr Joshua Nash's book, ‘Norfolk Island Placenames’ which represented a contribution to the preservation and understanding of the island's linguistic heritage. Josh interviewed a number of islanders as he compiled and documented his book publication and he shared with me these audio recordings which now form part of my oral history collection.

It is through the careful preservation of our elders' knowledge in oral history formats contributes to enriching the experience of visitors to our island who may be seeking authentic cultural immersion.

Many small island communities often possess complex systems of placenames that exist in parallel to official cartography. These are embedded within, in our case here on the island, the local Norf’k language. Unlike standardised English maps, which frequently anglicise or replace traditional names, oral histories preserve placenames that convey cultural significance, historical events, geographical features, or practical knowledge about a location.

AUDIO>> Have a listen now to excerpts from Josh Nash’s interview with Norfolk Islander, Joy Cochrane (nee Christian) as they peruse a hardcopy outline of a Norfolk Island map and discuss placenames and areas.

Audio  >>You have just heard the song “The Right Whale” as composed and sung by Norfolk Islander, George ‘Toofie’ Christian. This song is one from his album Pilli Lornga NI which means 'sticking to' in the Norf’k language.


Many small island communities lack funding for comprehensive documentation projects, technical expertise in archival methods, or infrastructure for maintaining digital collections. When oral histories are recorded through external research projects - such as the Placenames project by Dr Josh Nash, there can be a risk in the loss of access to our own knowledge if researchers fail to provide accessible copies of recordings or transcripts. It is with appreciation to Josh for sharing these interview audios with me, so I can share them with you.

Ultimately, the preservation of placenames, fishing marks, and associated oral histories represents a form of cultural resilience in the face of homogenising global influences. These knowledge systems remind us that there are multiple ways of mapping, naming, and understanding our world—and that some of the most sophisticated navigation techniques arise not from modern technology but from generations of careful observation and intergenerational wisdom. By valuing and preserving these traditions, we maintain not just cultural diversity but also vital perspectives on sustainable human relationships with the land and sea.

A project currently underway is a published artwork of placenames upon a map of Norfolk Island as assembled by the Language Commission and supported by the Council of Elders - This printed map will be available for visitors to complement the standard English directional map version that you receive when you arrive here.

We look forward to welcoming you here!

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

Sponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com

> When booking with Baunti Tours, mention 'Podcast' to receive a 10% discount on tours.

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Transcript

Mapping placenames & language anecdotes! - 

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series.

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

Audio - A snippet of ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ - captured at a 2011 singalong at an island home.

In this episode we are going to delve a little deeper into the place names of Norfolk Island.

Previously in Episode 8, I introduced excerpts from Dr Joshua Nash's book, ‘Norfolk Island Placenames’ which represented a contribution to the preservation and understanding of the island's linguistic heritage. Josh interviewed a number of islanders as he compiled and documented his book publication and he shared with me these audio recordings which now form part of my oral history collection.

It is through the careful preservation of our elders' knowledge in oral history formats contributes to enriching the experience of visitors to our island who may be seeking authentic cultural immersion.

Many small island communities often possess complex systems of placenames that exist in parallel to official cartography. These are embedded within, in our case here on the island, the local Norf’k language. Unlike standardised English maps, which frequently anglicise or replace traditional names, oral histories preserve placenames that convey cultural significance, historical events, geographical features, or practical knowledge about a location.

AUDIO>> Have a listen now to excerpts from Josh Nash’s interview with Norfolk Islander, Joy Cochrane (nee Christian) as they peruse a hardcopy outline of a Norfolk Island map and discuss placenames and areas.


Audio - ‘The Right Whale’ by George ‘Toofie’ Christian.

You have just heard the song “The Right Whale” as composed and sung by Norfolk Islander, guitarist and singer/songwriter, George ‘Toofie’ Christian. This song is one from his album Pilli Lornga NI which means 'sticking to' in the Norf’k language. 


Many small island communities lack funding for comprehensive documentation projects, technical expertise in archival methods, or infrastructure for maintaining digital collections. When oral histories are recorded through external research projects - such as the Placenames project by Dr Josh Nash, there can be a risk in the loss of access to our own knowledge if researchers fail to provide accessible copies of recordings or transcripts. It is with appreciation to Josh for sharing these interview audios with me, so I can share them with you.

Ultimately, the preservation of placenames, fishing marks, and associated oral histories represents a form of cultural resilience in the face of homogenising global influences. These knowledge systems remind us that there are multiple ways of mapping, naming, and understanding our world—and that some of the most sophisticated navigation techniques arise not from modern technology but from generations of careful observation and intergenerational wisdom. By valuing and preserving these traditions, we maintain not just cultural diversity but also vital perspectives on sustainable human relationships with the land and sea.

A project currently underway is a published artwork of placenames upon a map of Norfolk Island as assembled by the Language Commission and supported by the Council of Elders - This printed map will be available for visitors to complement the standard English directional map version that you receive when you arrive here.


We look forward to welcoming you here!

Thanks so much for joining me this week!