Ratio is another example of a regularly used English concept word that many Balanda use in communities but Yolŋu struggle to understand. It’s a post-industrial concept that has never been truly explained to the Yolŋu population and therefore does not exist within their cultural knowledge base. Yolŋu people hear the word, and they also hear its context change across different scenarios. However, like the term percentage, it just leaves them confused.

Is it a measurement or a quantity, or something else entirely? They are not sure. This program uses practical applications of what ratio means, including looking at mixes of oil and fuel. It explains that it’s not a measurement but a relationship that exists between the size, number, or amount of two things and that is often represented by two numbers. The language of ratio is 2 numbers. Have a listen and see if the meaning is clearer.

There are 3 Stories in this podcast. Please see time stamps below –

• Ratio and percentage are very different.   0:00
• Ratio used in fuel to oil mix.     12:24
• Fuel to oil ratio in 2 stroke engines.  25:24