English

Alternative forms

• ballanda
• ballander

Noun

balanda ‎(plural balandas)

1. (Australian Aboriginal, Arnhem Land) a white person, a European
   • 1845, Ludwig Leichhardt, Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia

     They knew the white people of Victoria, and called them Balanda, which is nothing more than ‘Hollanders’; a name used by the Malays, from whom they received it.

   • 1915, E. R. Masson, Untamed Territory

     The blacks rushed up to the house calling ‘Ballanda, Ballanda’—white man—and the Boss and Missus ran out.

   • 1943, W. E. Harney, Taboo

     On the natives’ side are ... fear of the Ballander-whiteman and the thought of losing their country.

   • 1978, J. Mirritji, My People’s Life

     Then I understood that this ‘balanda’ means people with skins like the white clay.

   • 1987, G. Francis, God’s Best Country

     That’s the only road back for them ... to be rid of all your partonising, domineering balanda ways.

   • 1989, B. Neidjie, Story About Feeling

     Balanda! If Aborigine e says something ... e want to stop im Balanda ... e might listen.

   • 1993, Canberra Times, 28 Jan.

     There are a lot of fans both balanda white and yolngu (east Arnhem Land Aborigines).

Dhuwal

Etymology

From Makasar Balanda, from Malay Belanda, from Dutch Hollander.

Noun

balanda

1. a white person

References

Lowe, Beulah (2004) Yolngu - English Dictionary, first edition, Arnhem Land: ARDS Inc.