‘Nganalu Pawurrpa Kapingka Tjarratjunu?’ is the Ngaanyatjarra language edition of the Pamela Allen’s classic ‘Who sank the boat?’
The story involves a group of animal friends, some of the larger size, deciding to go for a row in a small boat. As they each climb abo ard things become somewhat precarious and eventually the inevitable occurs and the boat sinks. Throughout one question is repeated: ‘Do you know who sank the boat?’ The story provides a great source of discussion and education.
This book is one of 15 well-known and popular children’s books that have been translated into the Ngaanyatjarra language. Translating is not always easy and ILF Early Literacy Advisor explains that ‘Not all translations are direct from the English text, the translations are usually based on the illustrations. And the community decides how to translate them.’
‘Who sank the boat?’ was originally published in 1982 and was the 1983 CBCA Picture Book of the Year.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
