Pronunciation: [swˈɒn ɹˈɪvə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Swan River" is fairly straightforward once you understand the sounds of the IPA phonetic transcription. Starting with the "s" sound, followed by a "w" which has a "w" sound and a long "a" sound. The "n" is pronounced like an "n" and the next "r" is pronounced like "rr" in "burrow". Finally, "iver" sounds like "eye-ver". Altogether, the correct pronunciation of "Swan River" is [swɒn ˈrɪvər].
Swan River refers to a significant watercourse located in Western Australia, specifically in the metropolitan area of Perth. Spanning approximately 72 kilometers in length, it is a major river system that plays a fundamental role in the region's geographical and historical identity.
The Swan River is named after the iconic black swans that inhabit its waters. It originates in the Darling Ranges, known for their scenic beauty, and flows into the Indian Ocean at the southwest coast of Australia. It passes through Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, dividing it into northern and southern regions.
The river holds great cultural, economic, and recreational importance. It served as a significant transportation route during the early European settlement of Western Australia, facilitating trade and communication between settlers. In contemporary times, the Swan River remains a crucial waterway for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. It also serves as a picturesque backdrop for numerous events, including festivals, community gatherings, and sporting competitions.
The Swan River's ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna, including a wide range of bird species, fish, and aquatic life. It provides habitats for different types of vegetation along its banks, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the region.
Overall, the Swan River is a distinct geographical feature that holds cultural, historical, and environmental significance, playing a vital role in the lives of Western Australians.
The word "Swan River" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "swan" and "river".
- Swan: The word "swan" comes from the Old English word "swon", which further traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word "swanaz". This word is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*swon", meaning "to sing, to make a sound".
- River: The word "river" comes from the Old English word "riever", which resembles the common Germanic word "rīpa" and the Gothic word "reiba". These words share a similar meaning of "riverbank".
When combined, "swan" and "river" form "Swan River", which is generally used to refer to a specific river or waterbody named after the presence of swans.
