No Sugar-Language

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  • Topic: Colloquialism, White people, A. O. Neville
  • Pages : 3 (1116 words )
  • Download(s) : 3377
  • Published : August 10, 2006
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In the play "No Sugar", Jack Davis uses language effectively with the clever use of techniques. The language is used by Davis to construct the characters and present the issues regarding the discrimination of aborigines during the Great Depression.

Davis uses a range of different types of languages techniques in the play "No Sugar", which include the Nyoongah language, formal English, informal English, and tone to shape the readers response. The native Nyoongah language is used frequently throughout the play by the aborigines to show their defiance and resilience to the white culture thrust upon them. After being taken from their homes and put into settlements, the aborigines (in particular, the Millimurra family), use the Nyoongah language to rebel against the white people and to practice one of their few forms of power. "Koorawoorung! Nyoongahs corrobein' to a wetjala's brass band!" is an example of the Nyoongah language used by the character Sam (the father of the Millimurra family). The reader is encouraged by Davis to have a positive attitude towards the aborigines, as they are fighting for their cultural identity by incorporating their native tongue into the "Wetjala's" or whites' English language. This further reinforces the reader's values towards cultural identity and negative attitude towards cultural discrimination. The full use of the Nyoongah language in an entire sentence is used less frequently throughout play. This is to keep the reader interested and to not confuse the reader, which would result in them becoming distanced from the character. Nyoongah language is also used as binary opposition of the aborigines from the white people. The Nyoongah language emphasises the segregation of the aborigines and white people through their culture, and not just their skin colour. The use of Nyoongah language is also used to construct the aboriginal characters. "Ay! Youdawarra you mirri up and get them clothes down the soak, go on!" This excerpt...
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