The little child kept asking its mother again and again for some more of the sweet honey.

Karrkay buban ngamu-nda babaji-l-babajin, wunba jiba-wulay baja-ka wawu.

karrkay buban ngamu-nda babaji-l-babaji-ny, wunba jiba-wulay baja-ka wawu | child small mother-LOC ask-REDUP-PAST, honey sweet more-DAT want

karrkay buban ngamu babaji wunba jiba-wulay wawu

ASK babaji-l-babajin 'kept asking' (b100 INTENSIVE); wunba 'honey', jiba-wulay 'sweet'


She asked all the old women of the camp about the medicine leaves for the child's bad fever.

Nyulu mukul-jalbu narmba bayan-mu-nda babajin, birra kalbal-ka karrkay wumbul-buyun-ka.

nyulu mukul-jalbu narmba bayan-mu-nda babaji-ny, birra kalbal-ka karrkay wumbul-buyun-ka | 3sg old-woman all camp-POSS-LOC ask-PAST, leaf remedy-DAT child hot-bad(fever)-DAT

nyulu mukul jalbu narmba bayan babaji birra kalbal karrkay wumbul buyun

ASK babaji-l + LOC; kalbal 'remedy'; birra 'leaf' (b095); wumbul-buyun 'fever'


'Where did you get all this good fish?' the old man asked the two young hunters by the fire.

'Yundu wanjamuny kuyu ngulkurr wubul manin?' mukul-dingkar-angka balbi-bama jambul-da babajin.

'yundu wanjamuny kuyu ngulkurr wubul mani-ny?' mukul-dingkar-angka balbi-bama jambul-da babaji-ny | '2sg where-from fish good all get-PAST?' old-man-ERG hunter two-LOC ask-PAST

yundu wanjamuny kuyu ngulkurr wubul manil mukul dingkar balbi jambul babaji

ASK babaji-l + LOC person; wanjamuny 'where-from' (b090)


The children asked the old woman about the names of all the bright stars in the dark night sky.

Karrkay-karrkay mukul-jalbu-nda babajin, dawar balbal narmba-mu burri jiri wujurr-ba.

karrkay-karrkay mukul-jalbu-nda babaji-ny, dawar balbal narmba-mu burri jiri wujurr-ba | child-REDUP old-woman-LOC ask-PAST, star bright all-POSS name sky night-LOC

karrkay mukul jalbu babaji dawar balbal narmba burri jiri wujurr

ASK babaji-l + LOC; burri 'name' (b088); dawar 'star', jiri 'sky' (b093)


Ask your old grandfather about the country of your people, for he alone still knows the old stories.

Babaji yunu kami mukul-da bubu yunu bama-mu-ka, nyulu nyubun-bu binal kuku mukul kariku.

babaji yunu kami mukul-da bubu yunu bama-mu-ka, nyulu nyubun-bu binal kuku mukul kariku | ask.IMP your grandfather old-LOC country your people-POSS-DAT, 3sg one-INST(alone) know story old still

babaji yunu kami mukul bubu bama nyubun binal kuku kariku

ASK babaji-l + LOC person + DAT topic; kami 'grandfather'; nyubun-bu 'alone'


The old man shouted loudly across the wide river to call the two hunters home before the dark.

Mukul-dingkar yirrkan yalbay-bu wawubaja kalbay-burr, balbi-bama jambul bayan-ka yirrka-nka wujurr kariku.

mukul-dingkar yirrka-ny yalbay-bu wawubaja kalbay-burr, balbi-bama jambul bayan-ka yirrka-nka wujurr kariku | old-man shout-PAST loud-INST river wide-PERL, hunter two camp-DAT call-PURP night not.yet(before)

mukul dingkar yirrkay yalbay wawubaja kalbay balbi bama jambul bayan

SHOUT/CALL yirrka-l; yalbay-bu 'loudly'; jina-burr/kalbay-burr PERL


He whispered very quietly to the frightened child so that the wild pig would not hear them.

Nyulu yayngkar janka bajaku karrkay yini-yini-nka, bikibiki kuli kari nyaji-l jana-nka.

nyulu yayngkar janka bajaku karrkay yini-yini-nka, bikibiki kuli kari nyaji-l jana-nka | 3sg whisper quiet very child frightened-DAT, pig wild NEG hear 3pl-DAT

nyulu yayngkar janka karrkay yini-yini bikibiki kuli nyajil jana

WHISPER yayngkar; nyaji-l 'hear' (ex.109); bikibiki kuli 'wild pig'


The hunter whistled softly to his good dog, and it came running quickly back through the long grass.

Balbi-bama kuwimbur yirrkan janka kaya ngulkurr-ka, kaya wanarrin buyun-buyun jikan kalbay-burr.

balbi-bama kuwimbur yirrka-ny janka kaya ngulkurr-ka, kaya wanarri-ny buyun-buyun jikan kalbay-burr | hunter whistle call-PAST quiet dog good-DAT, dog run-PAST quickly grass long-PERL

balbi bama kuwimbur yirrkay janka kaya ngulkurr wanarri jikan kalbay

WHISTLE kuwimbur yirrka-l; wanarri-ny 'ran'; jikan 'grass'


The women called out to each other across the sand as they dug for the sweet white yams.

Jalbu-jalbu yirrka-wa jukar-a, jana wukay jiba-wulay bakal wubulku.

jalbu-jalbu yirrka-wa jukar-a, jana wukay jiba-wulay bakal wubul-ku | woman-REDUP call-RECIP sand-LOC, 3pl yam sweet dig all

jalbu yirrka jukar jana wukay jiba-wulay bakal wubul

CALL yirrka-wa 'call-RECIP' (call each other); jukar-a (single-r LOC); jiba-wulay 'sweet'


The old woman called the children in a loud voice to come and eat the good meat by the fire.

Mukul-jalbu karrkay-karrkay yirrkan yalbay-bu, jana kada-nka minya ngulkurr nuka-nka baya ngundu.

mukul-jalbu karrkay-karrkay yirrka-ny yalbay-bu, jana kada-nka minya ngulkurr nuka-nka baya ngundu | old-woman child-REDUP call-PAST loud-INST, 3pl come-PURP meat good eat-PURP fire near

mukul jalbu karrkay yirrkay yalbay kaday minya ngulkurr nukal baya

CALL yirrka-l; yalbay-bu 'loudly'; +PURP


Do not shout so loudly here; speak quietly, for the sick old man is trying to sleep by the fire.

Kari yirrka-l yalbay-bu yinya-nga, balka-y janka, dingkar mukul bambay warngku wuna-l baya ngundu.

kari yirrka-l yalbay-bu yinya-nga, balka-y janka, dingkar mukul bambay warngku wuna-l baya ngundu | NEG shout loud-INST here-LOC, talk-IMP quiet, man old sick sleep lie fire near

kari yirrkal yalbay yinya balkal janka dingkar mukul bambay warngku

NEG shout kari yirrka-l; janka 'quietly'; warngku wuna-l 'sleep' (b099)


The frightened children whispered together in the dark, afraid of the strange noise outside the camp.

Karrkay-karrkay yini-yini yayngkar muru ngungul-ba, jana yinil nyurra yindu bayan-muny.

karrkay-karrkay yini-yini yayngkar muru ngungul-ba, jana yinil nyurra yindu bayan-muny | child-REDUP frightened whisper together dark-LOC, 3pl afraid noise strange camp-ABL(outside)

karrkay yini-yini yayngkar muru ngungul yinil nyurra yindu bayan

WHISPER yayngkar; nyurra 'noise' (ex.74); yinil 'afraid' (b099)


He called and called his old dog all through the night, but it did not come back to the camp.

Nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrka-l-yirrka-n wujurr wubulku, yamba kaya kari kadan bayan-ka.

nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrka-l-yirrka-ny wujurr wubul-ku, yamba kaya kari kada-ny bayan-ka | 3sg dog old his call-REDUP-PAST night all, but dog NEG come-PAST camp-DAT

nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrkay wujurr wubul kaday bayan

CALL yirrka-l-yirrka-ny 'called and called' (b100)


The old man whistled to the birds at dawn, and many small birds came flying down to the water.

Mukul-dingkar kuwimbur yirrkan buyi-nka wunkuwingku, buyi-buyi wubul warri bana-ka bada.

mukul-dingkar kuwimbur yirrka-ny buyi-nka wunkuwingku, buyi-buyi wubul warri bana-ka bada | old-man whistle call-PAST bird-DAT morning, bird-REDUP many fly water-DAT down

mukul dingkar kuwimbur yirrkay buyi wunkuwingku wubul warri bana

WHISTLE kuwimbur yirrka-l; buyi-buyi 'birds' (b098)


The two women whispered quietly about the young man, but the old woman heard every word they said.

Jalbu jambul yayngkar janka warru-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu kuku narmba nyajin jana balka-nya.

jalbu jambul yayngkar janka warru-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu kuku narmba nyaji-ny jana balka-nya | woman two whisper quiet young.man-POSS, but old-woman word all hear-PAST 3pl talk-SUB

jalbu jambul yayngkar janka warru mukul kuku narmba nyajil balka

WHISPER yayngkar; nyaji-l 'hear'; kuku 'word'


The old woman sang the old song quietly to the little children before they went to sleep at night.

Mukul-jalbu wulngku mukul janka badin karrkay-nka, jana warngku wuna-nka kariku wujurr-ba.

mukul-jalbu wulngku mukul janka badi-ny karrkay-nka, jana warngku wuna-nka kariku wujurr-ba | old-woman song old quiet sing(song-cry)-PAST child-DAT, 3pl sleep lie-PURP not.yet(before) night-LOC

mukul jalbu wulngku janka badi karrkay warngku wunay wujurr

SING wulngku badi 'song-cry' (dict); warngku wuna-l 'sleep'


The old men sang the great song of the flood all night long by the big fire in the camp.

Wulman-wulman wulngku yalbay bana-mu badi-l-badin wujurr wubulku, baya yalbay ngundu bayan-ba.

wulman-wulman wulngku yalbay bana-mu badi-l-badi-ny wujurr wubul-ku, baya yalbay ngundu bayan-ba | old.man-REDUP song big water-POSS sing-REDUP-PAST night all, fire big near camp-LOC

wulman wulngku yalbay bana badi wujurr wubul baya bayan

SING wulngku badi-l-badin (aspect b100); wulman-wulman 'old men' (b098)


The two young men laughed loudly at the story, but the old woman told them to sit quietly and listen.

Warru jambul yajarrin yalbay-bu kuku-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngku balkan janka bundal nyaji-nka.

warru jambul yajarri-ny yalbay-bu kuku-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngku balka-ny janka bundal nyaji-nka | young.man two laugh-PAST loud-INST story-POSS, but old-woman-ERG tell-PAST quiet sit hear-PURP

karrkay yajarril mukul dingkar kuku balkal kaya

LAUGH yajarri-l (b099); TELL balka-l; kuku 'story'


The little baby cried all night for its mother, and no one in the camp could sleep at all.

Karrkay buban badi wujurr wubulku ngamu-nka, bama narmba bayan-ba kari warngku wuna-l.

karrkay buban badi(-y) wujurr wubul-ku ngamu-nka, bama narmba bayan-ba kari warngku wuna-l | child small cry night all mother-DAT, person all camp-LOC NEG sleep lie

karrkay buban badi wujurr wubul ngamu bama narmba bayan warngku


The people sang together at the big ceremony when the food was plenty in the wet season.

Bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul kaba-wungar-a.

bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul kaba-wungar-a | person song sing together day big(ceremony)-DAT, food many wet.season-LOC

bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay mayi wubul kaba

SING wulngku badi; muru 'together'; kaba-wungar-a 'wet season' (b087)


My grandmother knew many old songs, and she sang them softly to us when we were small children.

Ngayku babi wulngku mukul wubul binal, nyulu badi janka ngana-nka, ngana karrkay buban-muny.

ngayku babi wulngku mukul wubul binal, nyulu badi janka ngana-nka, ngana karrkay buban-muny | my grandmother song old many know, 3sg sing quiet 1pl-DAT, 1pl child small-ABL(when)

ngayku babi wulngku mukul wubul binal badi janka ngana karrkay

SING badi; wulngku 'song'; babi 'grandmother' (b094)


The young man sang a happy song as he walked the long track home with plenty of meat for his family.

Warru wulngku wawu-mini badin jilba-nya jina kalbay-burr, minya jirray nyungu jawun-karra-nka.

warru wulngku wawu-mini badi-ny jilba-nya jina kalbay-burr, minya jirray nyungu jawun-karra-nka | young.man song happy sing-PAST walk-SUB track long-PERL, meat plenty his family-DAT

warru wulngku wawu-mini badi jilba jina kalbay minya jirray jawun

SING badi; wawu-mini 'happy' (b099); jawun-karra 'family'


The frog sang all night in the water of the swamp, and its song was everywhere in the dark camp.

Karrkurr wulngku badi wujurr wubulku daburri-nga, nyungu wulngku bayan ngungul-ba wubulku.

karrkurr wulngku badi(-y) wujurr wubul-ku daburri-nga, nyungu wulngku bayan ngungul-ba wubul-ku | frog song sing night all swamp-LOC, its song camp dark-LOC all

karrkurr wulngku badi wujurr wubul daburri nyungu bayan ngungul

SING wulngku badi; karrkurr 'frog' (b089); daburri-nga (i LOC)


When the old woman heard the sad news, she cried quietly by the fire all through the long night.

Mukul-jalbu kuku jiba-badi nyajin, nyulu badi janka baya ngundu wujurr kalbay wubulku.

mukul-jalbu kuku jiba-badi nyaji-ny, nyulu badi(-y) janka baya ngundu wujurr kalbay wubul-ku | old-woman news sad hear-PAST, 3sg cry quiet fire near night long all

mukul jalbu kuku jiba-badi nyajil badi janka baya wujurr kalbay

kuku 'news'; nyaji-l 'hear'; jiba-badi 'sad' (b099); badi 'cry'


The children laughed at the cheeky little dog that kept running around and around the big fire.

Karrkay-karrkay yajarrin kaya buban-ka, kaya wanarri baya ngundu murru-murru.

karrkay-karrkay yajarri-ny kaya buban-ka, kaya wanarri(-y) baya ngundu murru-murru | child-REDUP laugh-PAST dog small-DAT, dog run.REDUP(keep) fire near round-round(around)

karrkay yajarril kaya buban wanarri baya murru

LAUGH yajarri-l + DAT; wanarri 'keep running' (b100); murru-murru 'around'


The boy told a lie by the fire, saying that the big dog had taken the good hunting spear.

Karrkay-angka jurrin baya ngundu, nyulu balkan kaya yalbay-ngku kalka balbi manin.

karrkay-angka jurri-ny baya ngundu, nyulu balka-ny kaya yalbay-ngku kalka balbi mani-ny | child-ERG lie-PAST fire near, 3sg say-PAST dog big-ERG spear hunt take-PAST

karrkay jurril baya ngundu nyulu balkal kaya yalbay kalka balbi manil

LIE jurri-l 'tell a lie'; balka-l 'say'; mani-l 'take'


The old man did not shout or scold; he simply said that a lie is a heavy thing to carry.

Mukul-dingkar kari yirrkan kari murru-kangan, nyulu janka balkan jurril kulngkul minya.

mukul-dingkar kari yirrka-ny kari murru-kanga-ny, nyulu janka balka-ny jurril kulngkul minya | old-man NEG shout-PAST NEG scold-PAST, 3sg quiet say-PAST lie heavy thing

mukul dingkar yirrkay murru kangal janka balkal jurril kulngkul minya

SCOLD murru-kanga-l; jurril 'lie' (N); kulngkul 'heavy' (b095)


The child's face went hot with shame, and then he told the old man the whole truth.

Karrkay-mu walu wumbul-ma-n murru-kaday-bu, nyulu mukul-dingkar-nka manubaja narmba balkan.

karrkay-mu walu wumbul-ma-ny murru-kaday-bu, nyulu mukul-dingkar-nka manubaja narmba balka-ny | child-POSS face hot-INCHO-PAST shame-INST, 3sg old-man-DAT truth all tell-PAST

karrkay walu wumbul murru-kaday mukul dingkar manubaja narmba balkal

TRUTH manubaja; murru-kaday 'shame' (b099); walu wumbul-ma-l 'face go hot'


The old woman scolded the cheeky children for making too much noise near the sleeping baby.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay murru-kangan, jana nyurra yalbay bunga-nya karrkay warngku wuna-nya ngundu.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay murru-kanga-ny, jana nyurra yalbay bunga-nya karrkay warngku wuna-nya ngundu | old-woman-ERG child-REDUP scold-PAST, 3pl noise big make-SUB child sleep lie-SUB near

mukul jalbu karrkay murru kangal nyurra yalbay bungal warngku wunay

SCOLD murru-kanga-l; nyurra 'noise' (ex.74)


The children learned that day that the truth is easier to carry than a heavy, hard lie.

Karrkay-karrkay yinya wungar binalman, manubaja ngulkurr wundi-nka, jurril kulngkul junkurr-muny.

karrkay-karrkay yinya wungar binal-ma-ny, manubaja ngulkurr wundi-nka, jurril kulngkul junkurr-muny | child-REDUP that day learn(know-INCHO)-PAST, truth good carry-PURP, lie heavy hard-ABL(than)

karrkay yinya wungar binal manubaja ngulkurr wundil jurril kulngkul junkurr

TRUTH manubaja vs jurril 'lie'; binal-ma-l 'learn'; wundi-l 'carry'


There was too much noise in the camp, with everyone shouting and laughing all through the night.

Nyurra yalbay bayan-ba, bama narmba yirrka-l yajarri-l wujurr wubulku.

nyurra yalbay bayan-ba, bama narmba yirrka-l yajarri-l wujurr wubul-ku | noise big camp-LOC, person all shout laugh night all

nyurra yalbay bayan bama narmba yirrkal yajarril wujurr wubul

NOISE nyurra (ex.74 'nyurra-baka!'); yirrka-l + yajarri-l


Speak the truth to the old people, for they always know at once when a young one tells a lie.

Manubaja balka-y mukul-bama-nka, jana binal niji warru jurri-nya.

manubaja balka-y mukul-bama-nka, jana binal niji warru jurri-nya | truth speak-IMP old-people-DAT, 3pl know now young.man lie-SUB

manubaja balkal mukul bama jana binal niji warru jurril

TRUTH manubaja; balka-l 'speak'; jurri-l 'lie'; niji 'at once'


The old man spoke quietly and slowly, and all the young people sat still to hear his true words.

Mukul-dingkar balkan janka buban-buban, warru narmba janka bundan nyungu kuku yukil nyaji-nka.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny janka buban-buban, warru narmba janka bunda-ny nyungu kuku yukil nyaji-nka | old-man talk-PAST quiet slowly, young.man all quiet sit-PAST his word true hear-PURP

mukul dingkar balkal janka buban warru narmba bundal kuku yukil nyajil

TALK balka-l; janka 'quietly'; kuku yukil 'true words'; nyaji-l 'hear'


Do not tell lies to your own family; the old people say a liar is left all alone in the end.

Kari jurri-l yunu jawun-karra-nka, mukul-bama balka warmbiji-bama nyubun-bu wuna-nya kariku-muny.

kari jurri-l yunu jawun-karra-nka, mukul-bama balka warmbiji-bama nyubun-bu wuna-nya kariku-muny | NEG lie your family-DAT, old-people say liar(lie-person) one-INST(alone) lie-SUB after-ABL(in.the.end)

kari jurril yunu jawun karra mukul bama balka warmbiji nyubun

LIE jurri-l; warmbiji-bama 'liar' (lie-person); jawun-karra 'family'


The whole camp was quiet at last, and only the small night birds could be heard in the dark trees.

Bayan wubulku janka niji, buyi buban wujurr-mu nyubun-bu nyaji-nya juku ngungul-ba.

bayan wubul-ku janka niji, buyi buban wujurr-mu nyubun-bu nyaji-nya juku ngungul-ba | camp all quiet now(at.last), bird small night-POSS one-INST(only) hear-SUB tree dark-LOC

bayan wubul janka niji buyi buban wujurr nyajil juku ngungul

QUIET janka; niji 'at last'; nyaji-l 'be heard'


The two old men sat quietly by the fire, saying nothing, listening to the noise of the tall trees.

Dingkar jambul janka bundan baya ngundu, kuku-kari, juku kalbay-mu nyurra nyaji-l.

dingkar jambul janka bunda-ny baya ngundu, kuku-kari, juku kalbay-mu nyurra nyaji-l | man two quiet sit-PAST fire near, word-PRIV(saying.nothing), tree tall-POSS noise listen

dingkar jambul janka bundal baya kuku juku kalbay nyurra nyajil

QUIET janka; kuku-kari 'saying nothing' (PRIV); nyurra 'noise'; nyaji-l 'listen'


The old woman sang softly to herself as she wove the strong dilly bag from the green lawyer cane.

Mukul-jalbu wulngku badi janka nyungu-nka, nyulu ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku birra-muny.

mukul-jalbu wulngku badi(-y) janka nyungu-nka, nyulu ngunyin junkurr bunga-l kaku birra-muny | old-woman song sing quiet her-DAT(to.herself), 3sg dilly.bag strong make lawyer.cane leaf-ABL

mukul jalbu wulngku badi janka nyungu ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku

SING wulngku badi; janka 'softly'; kaku 'lawyer cane' (b094)


The old man told the young ones the truth of the country, and his true words were the old law.

Mukul-dingkar bubu-mu manubaja balkan warru-nka, nyungu kuku yukil bubu-mu kuku mukul.

mukul-dingkar bubu-mu manubaja balka-ny warru-nka, nyungu kuku yukil bubu-mu kuku mukul | old-man country-POSS truth tell-PAST young.man-DAT, his word true country-POSS law old

mukul dingkar bubu manubaja balkal warru nyungu kuku yukil

TRUTH manubaja; balka-l 'tell'; kuku yukil 'true words'; kuku 'law'


The old man walked up the river to the hinterland, while the young men went down to the sea.

Mukul-dingkar wangkar jilban wawubaja jibarr-ka, warru bada dungan jalun-ka.

mukul-dingkar wangkar jilba-ny wawubaja jibarr-ka, warru bada dunga-ny jalun-ka | old-man up(upriver) walk-PAST river hinterland-DAT, young.man down(seaward) go-PAST sea-DAT

mukul dingkar wangkar jilba wawubaja jibarr warru bada dungay jalun

AXIS wangkar 'up/upriver' vs bada 'down/seaward'; jibarr 'hinterland'; jalun 'sea'


The children went up the tall tree to look for the sweet honey of the wild bees.

Karrkay-karrkay juku kalbay wangkar dungan, wunba jiba-wulay dabu-mu nyaji-nka.

karrkay-karrkay juku kalbay wangkar dunga-ny, wunba jiba-wulay dabu-mu nyaji-nka | child-REDUP tree tall up go-PAST, honey sweet bee-POSS look.for-PURP

karrkay juku kalbay wangkar dungay wunba jiba-wulay dabu nyajil

wangkar 'up'; dabu 'bee'; wunba 'honey', jiba-wulay 'sweet'


The frightened kangaroo ran down the steep hill to the river and hid in the long grass.

Mayarriji yini-yini bada wanarrin jamba junkurr-muny wawubaja-ka, jikan kalbay-mba janka wunay.

mayarriji yini-yini bada wanarri-ny jamba junkurr-muny wawubaja-ka, jikan kalbay-mba janka wunay | kangaroo frightened down run-PAST hill steep-ABL river-DAT, grass long-LOC still lie

mayarriji yini-yini bada wanarri jamba junkurr wawubaja jikan kalbay janka

bada 'down'; jamba 'hill'; yini-yini 'frightened' (b099)


High above the camp the big eagle flew in wide circles, watching the ground far below for food.

Wangkar-wangkar bayan-mu buyi yalbay warri murru-murru, bubu bada-bada nyaji-l mayi-ka.

wangkar-wangkar bayan-mu buyi yalbay warri murru-murru, bubu bada-bada nyaji-l mayi-ka | above camp-POSS bird big fly round-round, ground below look meat-DAT

wangkar bayan buyi yalbay warri murru bubu bada nyajil mayi

wangkar-wangkar 'above' vs bada-bada 'below'; murru-murru 'in circles'


The old woman told the children the water runs down from the high country to the wide sea.

Mukul-jalbu karrkay-nka balkan, bana bada wanarri bubu wangkar-muny jalun kalbay-ka.

mukul-jalbu karrkay-nka balka-ny, bana bada wanarri(-y) bubu wangkar-muny jalun kalbay-ka | old-woman child-DAT tell-PAST, water down run.REDUP country high(up)-ABL sea wide-DAT

mukul jalbu karrkay balkal bana bada wanarri bubu wangkar jalun

bada 'down' + wangkar-muny 'from up/high' (ABL); jalun 'sea'


Go up onto the big flat rock and look down at the fish in the cool water below.

Wangkar dunga-y kulji yalbay-ka, bada nyaji-l kuyu bana ngiki bada-bada.

wangkar dunga-y kulji yalbay-ka, bada nyaji-l kuyu bana ngiki bada-bada | up go-IMP stone big-DAT, down look fish water cool below

wangkar dungay kulji yalbay bada nyajil kuyu bana ngiki

wangkar 'up' + bada 'down'; bada-bada 'below'


The two men carried the heavy log down to the water and left it there on the muddy bank.

Dingkar jambul walmba kulngkul bada wundin bana-ka, yinyay nanda-n daburri buyun-ba.

dingkar jambul walmba kulngkul bada wundi-ny bana-ka, yinyay nanda-ny daburri buyun-ba | man two log heavy down carry-PAST water-DAT, there put-PAST bank muddy-LOC

dingkar jambul walmba kulngkul bada wundil bana yinyay daburri buyun

bada 'down'; walmba 'log'; kulngkul 'heavy' (b095); yinyay 'there'


The old man said the spirits of the dead go up to the sky and live above the dark clouds.

Mukul-dingkar balkan, bama wula-nya-mu dubu wangkar dunga-y jiri-ka, wuna-nka wangkar-wangkar ngungul-muny.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bama wula-nya-mu dubu wangkar dunga-y jiri-ka, wuna-nka wangkar-wangkar ngungul-muny | old-man say-PAST, person die-SUB-POSS spirit up go sky-DAT, live-PURP above dark-ABL

mukul dingkar balkal dubu wangkar dungay jiri wangkar ngungul

wangkar 'up' + wangkar-wangkar 'above'; dubu 'spirit' (b099); jiri 'sky' (b093)


Down below in the deep hills the river ran fast and strong over the big grey stones.

Bada-bada jamba-nga, wawubaja wanarri junkurr kulji yalbay-muny.

bada-bada jamba-nga, wawubaja wanarri(-y) junkurr kulji yalbay-muny | below hill-LOC, river run.REDUP strong stone big-ABL(over)

bada jamba wawubaja wanarri junkurr kulji yalbay

bada-bada 'below'; jamba-nga (a LOC); wanarri 'keep running' (b100)


Go up the track to the hinterland camp, but do not go down to the sea where the crocodiles live.

Wangkar dunga-y jina-burr bayan jibarr-ka, kari bada dunga-y jalun-ka, bilngkumu yinya wunay.

wangkar dunga-y jina-burr bayan jibarr-ka, kari bada dunga-y jalun-ka, bilngkumu yinya wunay | up go-IMP track-PERL camp hinterland-DAT, NEG down go-IMP sea-DAT, crocodile that live

wangkar dungay jina bayan jibarr bada jalun bilngkumu

wangkar 'up' + bada 'down'; jibarr 'hinterland'; jina-burr 'along track' (PERL)


The old people came from the north, walking many days towards the big wide river.

Mukul-bama kungkarr-muny kadan, wungar wubul jilban maku wawubaja yalbay kalbay-ka.

mukul-bama kungkarr-muny kada-ny, wungar wubul jilba-ny maku wawubaja yalbay kalbay-ka | old-people north-ABL come-PAST, day many walk-PAST towards river big wide-DAT

mukul bama kungkarr kaday wungar wubul jilba maku wawubaja

kungkarr-muny 'from the north'; maku 'towards'


The kangaroos feed inland in the dry season, but come down to the river when the rain falls.

Mayarriji jibarr-ba nukal marral-wungar-a, yamba bada kadan wawubaja-ka kaba dara-nya.

mayarriji jibarr-ba nukal marral-wungar-a, yamba bada kada-ny wawubaja-ka kaba dara-nya | kangaroo hinterland-LOC eat dry-season-LOC, but down come-PAST river-DAT rain fall-SUB

mayarriji jibarr nukal marral wungar bada kaday wawubaja kaba

jibarr 'inland' (LOC); bada 'down'; marral-wungar-a 'dry season'


The seaside people ate the fish and the turtle, but the hinterland people ate kangaroo and yam.

Jalun-warra bama kuyu ngawiya nukal, yamba jibarr-warra bama mayarriji wukay nukal.

jalun-warra bama kuyu ngawiya nukal, yamba jibarr-warra bama mayarriji wukay nukal | sea-inhabitant person fish turtle eat, but hinterland-inhabitant person kangaroo yam eat

jalun warra bama kuyu ngawiya jibarr mayarriji wukay nukal

-warra 'inhabitants of' (l.641): jalun-warra 'sea people', jibarr-warra 'inland people'


He looked towards the north, to the far country where his old people once lived long ago.

Nyulu kungkarr-ka nyajin, bubu kala-kalbay maku, nyungu mukul-bama yinya wuna-nya kalbay-muny.

nyulu kungkarr-ka nyaji-ny, bubu kala-kalbay maku, nyungu mukul-bama yinya wuna-nya kalbay-muny | 3sg north-DAT look-PAST, country far towards, his old-people that live-SUB long.ago-ABL

nyulu kungkarr nyajil bubu kala-kalbay maku mukul bama kalbay

kungkarr 'north'; maku 'towards'; kala-kalbay 'far'


The big rain came from the north, and the whole hinterland country turned green in the wet season.

Kaba yalbay kungkarr-muny kadan, jibarr bubu wubulku balbal-ma-n kaba-wungar-a.

kaba yalbay kungkarr-muny kada-ny, jibarr bubu wubul-ku balbal-ma-ny kaba-wungar-a | rain big north-ABL come-PAST, hinterland country all green-INCHO-PAST wet.season-LOC

kaba yalbay kungkarr kaday jibarr bubu wubul balbal kaba-wungar

kungkarr-muny 'from the north'; jibarr 'hinterland'; balbal-ma-l 'become green/bright'


Walk towards the rising sun in the morning, and you will come to the sea by the middle of the day.

Wungar wandi-nya maku jilba-y wunkuwingku, yundu jalun-ka kadan wungar dindarra-nga.

wungar wandi-nya maku jilba-y wunkuwingku, yundu jalun-ka kada-ny wungar dindarra-nga | sun rise-SUB towards walk-IMP morning, 2sg sea-DAT come day middle-LOC

wungar maku jilba wunkuwingku yundu jalun kaday dindarra

maku 'towards'; jalun 'sea'; dindarra 'middle' (b093)


The hinterland is high and dry, but down by the sea the land is wet with the rising tides.

Jibarr wangkar marral, yamba jalun bada bubu duna bana-bu.

jibarr wangkar marral, yamba jalun bada bubu duna bana-bu | hinterland high(up) dry, but sea down land wet water-INST

jibarr wangkar marral jalun bada bubu duna bana

jibarr 'hinterland' wangkar 'high'; jalun bada 'down by sea'; duna 'wet' (b098)


The old man knew all the country from the northern river down to the far sandy beach.

Mukul-dingkar bubu narmba binal, wawubaja kungkarr-muny bada jukar kala-kalbay-ka.

mukul-dingkar bubu narmba binal, wawubaja kungkarr-muny bada jukar kala-kalbay-ka | old-man country all know, river north-ABL down beach far-DAT

mukul dingkar bubu narmba binal wawubaja kungkarr bada jukar kala-kalbay

kungkarr 'north' + bada 'down'; narmba 'all'; binal 'know'


The little child walked behind its mother all the way along the narrow track to the water.

Karrkay buban ngamu kudamundu jilban jina-burr wubulku bana-ka.

karrkay buban ngamu kudamundu jilba-ny jina-burr wubul-ku bana-ka | child small mother behind walk-PAST track-PERL all water-DAT

karrkay buban ngamu kudamundu jilba jina wubul bana

kudamundu 'behind'; jina-burr 'along the track' (PERL)


The dog sat outside the camp in the cold night, while the people slept warm inside by the fire.

Kaya bayan ngalkal bundan wujurr ngiki-ba, bama warngku wuna kana wumbul baya ngundu.

kaya bayan ngalkal bunda-ny wujurr ngiki-ba, bama warngku wuna kana wumbul baya ngundu | dog camp outside sit-PAST night cold-LOC, person sleep lie inside warm fire near

kaya bayan ngalkal bundal wujurr ngiki warngku wunay kana wumbul

ngalkal 'outside' vs kana 'inside'; warngku wuna-l 'sleep' (b099)


The old woman sat on this side of the fire, and the two young men sat on the far side.

Mukul-jalbu baya ngundu bundan, warru jambul baya kala-kalbay-mba bundan.

mukul-jalbu baya ngundu bunda-ny, warru jambul baya kala-kalbay-mba bunda-ny | old-woman fire this.side sit-PAST, young.man two fire far-LOC sit-PAST

mukul jalbu baya ngundu bundal warru jambul kala-kalbay

ngundu 'this side' vs kala-kalbay 'far side'


The big crocodile lay still on the muddy bank, right beside the deep water where the fish swim.

Bilngkumu yalbay daburri jalkar-a janka wunay, bana dajali karangkal kuyu wanarri-nga.

bilngkumu yalbay daburri jalkar-a janka wunay, bana dajali karangkal kuyu wanarri-nga | crocodile big swamp bank-LOC still lie, water deep alongside fish run(swim)-LOC

bilngkumu yalbay daburri jalkar janka bana dajali karangkal kuyu

karangkal 'alongside/beside' (b093); dajali 'deep water' (b099)


The children ran across the wide sand to the water, laughing and calling to one another.

Karrkay-karrkay naka-naka wanarrin jukar kalbay-burr bana-ka, yajarri-l yirrka-wa.

karrkay-karrkay naka-naka wanarri-ny jukar kalbay-burr bana-ka, yajarri-l yirrka-wa | child-REDUP across run-PAST sand wide-PERL water-DAT, laugh call-RECIP

karrkay naka-naka wanarri jukar kalbay bana yajarril yirrka

naka-naka 'across'; yajarri-l 'laugh' (b099); yirrka-wa 'call each other'


Inside the dark tree the little snake lay curled up, hiding from the hot midday sun outside.

Dukurr juku ngungul-ba jarba buban murru wunay, wungar wumbul dindarra-muny janka ngalkal.

dukurr juku ngungul-ba jarba buban murru wunay, wungar wumbul dindarra-muny janka ngalkal | inside tree dark-LOC snake small round lie, sun hot middle-ABL still outside

dukurr juku ngungul jarba buban murru wunay wungar wumbul ngalkal

dukurr 'inside' vs ngalkal 'outside'; murru 'round(curled)'


Come and sit beside me here by the warm fire, and tell me the news from the northern camp.

Kada-y bundal ngayku karangkal yala baya wumbul ngundu, kuku kungkarr bayan-mu balka-y.

kada-y bundal ngayku karangkal yala baya wumbul ngundu, kuku kungkarr bayan-mu balka-y | come-IMP sit my alongside here fire warm near, news north camp-POSS tell-IMP

kaday bundal ngayku karangkal yala baya wumbul kuku kungkarr balka

karangkal 'beside'; yala 'here'; kungkarr 'north'; kuku 'news' (b101)


The old man stood behind the tall tree, watching the two strangers walk across the open ground.

Mukul-dingkar juku kalbay kudamundu janay, bama yindu jambul naka-naka jilba-nya bubu ngalkal-ba.

mukul-dingkar juku kalbay kudamundu janay, bama yindu jambul naka-naka jilba-nya bubu ngalkal-ba | old-man tree tall behind stand, person other two across walk-SUB ground open-LOC

mukul dingkar juku kalbay kudamundu janay bama yindu naka-naka jilba

kudamundu 'behind'; naka-naka 'across'; ngalkal 'open'


The women dug for the yams on this side of the river, near the big rock beside the still water.

Jalbu-jalbu wukay bakal wawubaja ngundu, kulji yalbay ngundu bana janka karangkal.

jalbu-jalbu wukay bakal wawubaja ngundu, kulji yalbay ngundu bana janka karangkal | woman-REDUP yam dig river this.side, stone big near water still alongside

jalbu wukay bakal wawubaja ngundu kulji yalbay bana karangkal

ngundu 'this side/near'; karangkal 'beside'


The little dog ran around behind the camp and came back to the fire from the other side.

Kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarrin, baya-ka kadan kala-kalbay-muny.

kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarri-ny, baya-ka kada-ny kala-kalbay-muny | dog small camp behind run-PAST, fire-DAT come-PAST far-ABL(other.side)

kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarri baya kaday kala-kalbay

kudamundu 'behind'; kala-kalbay-muny 'from the other side'


Do not swim across the deep river alone, for the big crocodile lives on the far muddy bank.

Kari naka-naka bana dajali nyubun-bu, bilngkumu yalbay daburri kala-kalbay-mba wunay.

kari naka-naka bana dajali nyubun-bu, bilngkumu yalbay daburri kala-kalbay-mba wunay | NEG across water deep one-INST(alone), crocodile big bank far-LOC live

kari naka-naka bana dajali nyubun bilngkumu daburri kala-kalbay

naka-naka 'across'; nyubun-bu 'alone'; kala-kalbay-ba 'on the far bank'


The old woman sat inside the bark shelter out of the heavy rain, weaving her strong dilly bag.

Mukul-jalbu kana bayan-ba bundan kaba kulngkul-muny, ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku-muny.

mukul-jalbu kana bayan-ba bunda-ny kaba kulngkul-muny, ngunyin junkurr bunga-l kaku-muny | old-woman inside shelter-LOC sit-PAST rain heavy-ABL, dilly.bag strong make lawyer.cane-ABL

mukul jalbu kana bayan bundal kaba kulngkul ngunyin junkurr kaku

kana 'inside'; bayan 'shelter/camp'; kaku 'lawyer cane' (b094)


I came from the far northern country, walked along the river track, and stayed at the big camp.

Ngayu bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr-muny kadan, wawubaja jina-burr jilban, bayan yalbay-mba bundan.

ngayu bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr-muny kada-ny, wawubaja jina-burr jilba-ny, bayan yalbay-mba bunda-ny | 1sg country far north-ABL come-PAST, river track-PERL walk-PAST, camp big-LOC stay-PAST

ngayu bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr kaday wawubaja jina jilba bayan yalbay

CASES: -muny ABL 'from', -burr PERL 'along', -ba LOC 'at'


The kangaroo ran from the hunter, through the long grass, and down to the deep waterhole.

Mayarriji balbi-bama-muny wanarrin, jikan kalbay-burr, bada janku dajali-ka.

mayarriji balbi-bama-muny wanarri-ny, jikan kalbay-burr, bada janku dajali-ka | kangaroo hunter-ABL run-PAST, grass long-PERL, down waterhole deep-DAT

mayarriji balbi bama wanarri jikan kalbay bada janku dajali

-muny ABL 'from', -burr PERL 'through', bada 'down' + -ka DAT


Keep away from the deep water and the muddy bank where the big crocodile lies waiting.

Bana dajali-mundu janka wuna-y, daburri buyun-mundu, bilngkumu yalbay yinya kuji-l wunay.

bana dajali-mundu janka wuna-y, daburri buyun-mundu, bilngkumu yalbay yinya kuji-l wunay | water deep-ABESS(away.from) still lie-IMP, bank muddy-ABESS, crocodile big that wait(mind) lie

bana dajali janka wunay daburri buyun bilngkumu yalbay kujil

-mundu ABESS 'away from'; kuji-l 'mind/wait' (b100)


The old man walked from the camp, along the beach, towards the river mouth in the early morning.

Mukul-dingkar bayan-muny jilban, jukar-burr, maku wawubaja ngandal-ka wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar bayan-muny jilba-ny, jukar-burr, maku wawubaja ngandal-ka wunkuwingku | old-man camp-ABL walk-PAST, beach-PERL, towards river mouth-DAT morning

mukul dingkar bayan jilba jukar maku wawubaja ngandal wunkuwingku

-muny ABL, -burr PERL, maku 'towards'; ngandal 'mouth (of river)' (b097)


The children ran through the trees, across the sand, and down into the cool water of the creek.

Karrkay-karrkay juku-burr wanarrin, jukar naka-naka, bada bana ngiki wawubaja buban-ka.

karrkay-karrkay juku-burr wanarri-ny, jukar naka-naka, bada bana ngiki wawubaja buban-ka | child-REDUP tree-PERL run-PAST, sand across, down water cool creek small-DAT

karrkay juku wanarri jukar naka-naka bada bana ngiki wawubaja

-burr PERL 'through', naka-naka 'across', bada 'down'


Stay away from that bad place, for the old people say a dangerous spirit lives inside the cave.

Yinya bubu buyun-mundu wuna-y, mukul-bama balka, dubu buyun kana kulji dukurr wunay.

yinya bubu buyun-mundu wuna-y, mukul-bama balka, dubu buyun kana kulji dukurr wunay | that place bad-ABESS lie-IMP, old-people say, spirit bad inside stone hollow(inside) live

yinya bubu buyun wunay mukul bama balka dubu kana dukurr

-mundu ABESS 'away from'; kana/dukurr 'inside'; dubu 'spirit' (b099)


I heard the song from far away, coming through the tall trees along the winding river.

Ngayu wulngku kala-kalbay-mundu nyajin, juku kalbay-burr kadan wawubaja-burr.

ngayu wulngku kala-kalbay-mundu nyaji-ny, juku kalbay-burr kada-ny wawubaja-burr | 1sg song far-ABESS hear-PAST, tree tall-PERL come-PAST river-PERL

ngayu wulngku kala-kalbay nyajil juku kalbay kaday wawubaja

ABESS -mundu 'from a distance' (ex.109 exact); -burr PERL; nyaji-l 'hear' (b101)


The two dogs ran from the camp, along the track, all the way to the big river in the north.

Kaya jambul bayan-muny wanarrin, jina-burr, wawubaja yalbay kungkarr-ka wubulku.

kaya jambul bayan-muny wanarri-ny, jina-burr, wawubaja yalbay kungkarr-ka wubul-ku | dog two camp-ABL run-PAST, track-PERL, river big north-DAT all

kaya jambul bayan wanarri jina wawubaja yalbay kungkarr wubul

-muny ABL, -burr PERL, kungkarr-ka 'to the north' (DAT)


Take the meat from the fire, put it on the big flat stone, and give some to the old people first.

Minya baya-muny mani, kulji yalbay-mba nanda, mukul-bama-nka daya ngadiku.

minya baya-muny mani, kulji yalbay-mba nanda, mukul-bama-nka daya ngadiku | meat fire-ABL take.IMP, stone big-LOC put.IMP, old-people-DAT give.IMP first

minya baya mani kulji yalbay nanda mukul bama daya ngadiku

-muny ABL 'from', -ba LOC 'on', -ka DAT 'to'; daya 'give' IMP (b095)


She came out from inside the dark shelter towards the warm morning fire in the open camp.

Nyulu kana bayan ngungul-muny kadan, maku baya wumbul wunkuwingku bubu ngalkal-ba.

nyulu kana bayan ngungul-muny kada-ny, maku baya wumbul wunkuwingku bubu ngalkal-ba | 3sg inside shelter dark-ABL come-PAST, towards fire warm morning ground open-LOC

nyulu kana bayan ngungul kaday maku baya wumbul ngalkal

kana 'inside' + -muny ABL 'from'; maku 'towards'; ngalkal 'open'


Walk along the sandy beach towards the north until you come to the mouth of the big river.

Jukar-burr jilba-y maku kungkarr-ka, yundu wawubaja yalbay ngandal-ka kada-nyjiku.

jukar-burr jilba-y maku kungkarr-ka, yundu wawubaja yalbay ngandal-ka kada-nyjiku | beach-PERL walk-IMP towards north-DAT, 2sg river big mouth-DAT come-SUCC(until)

jukar jilba maku kungkarr yundu wawubaja yalbay ngandal

-burr PERL 'along', maku 'towards', kungkarr 'north'; -nyjiku 'until'


The old man led the children away from the deep water, up the track, to the safe high camp.

Mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay bana dajali-mundu wundin, wangkar jina-burr, bayan wangkar ngulkurr-ka.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay bana dajali-mundu wundi-ny, wangkar jina-burr, bayan wangkar ngulkurr-ka | old-man-ERG child-REDUP water deep-ABESS lead-PAST, up track-PERL, camp high good-DAT

mukul dingkar karrkay bana dajali wundil wangkar jina bayan ngulkurr

-mundu ABESS 'away from'; wangkar 'up' + -burr PERL


The people of Wujal Wujal are the river people, and the people of the sea live down by the coast.

Wujalwujal-warra bama wawubaja-mu, yamba jalun-warra bama bada jalun ngundu wunay.

wujalwujal-warra bama wawubaja-mu, yamba jalun-warra bama bada jalun ngundu wunay | Wujal.Wujal-inhabitant person river-POSS, but sea-inhabitant person down sea near live

warra bama wawubaja jalun bada ngundu wunay

-warra 'inhabitants of' (l.641): Wujalwujal-warra, jalun-warra 'sea people'


My old grandfather was a hinterland man, one of the people of the high, dry inland country.

Ngayku kami mukul jibarr dingkar, nyulu bubu wangkar marral jibarr-warra nyubun.

ngayku kami mukul jibarr dingkar, nyulu bubu wangkar marral jibarr-warra nyubun | my grandfather old hinterland man, 3sg country high dry hinterland-inhabitant one

ngayku kami mukul jibarr dingkar bubu wangkar marral warra nyubun

jibarr-warra 'inland people' (-warra l.641); kami 'grandfather' (b094)


The seaside people know all the fish and the turtle, and the names of every place along the coast.

Jalun-warra bama kuyu ngawiya narmba binal, bubu narmba-mu burri jalun-burr.

jalun-warra bama kuyu ngawiya narmba binal, bubu narmba-mu burri jalun-burr | sea-inhabitant person fish turtle all know, place all-POSS name sea-PERL(along)

jalun warra bama kuyu ngawiya narmba binal bubu burri

jalun-warra 'seaside people'; burri 'name' (b088); jalun-burr 'along the coast' (PERL)


Here in this country of my people I have always lived, and here by this same river I will die.

Yala bubu ngayku bama-mu ngayu wuna-nya wubulku, yala wawubaja nyubun-ba ngayu wula-nka.

yala bubu ngayku bama-mu ngayu wuna-nya wubul-ku, yala wawubaja nyubun-ba ngayu wula-nka | here country my people-POSS 1sg live-SUB all, here river one-LOC 1sg die-PURP

yala bubu ngayku bama wunay wubul wawubaja nyubun wulal

yala 'here'; wula-l 'die' (b099); bubu 'country'


The old people of that far country lived there long ago, but now no one lives there at all.

Mukul-bama bubu kala-kalbay-mu yinyay wuna-nya kalbay-muny, yamba niji kari bama yinyay wunay.

mukul-bama bubu kala-kalbay-mu yinyay wuna-nya kalbay-muny, yamba niji kari bama yinyay wunay | old-people country far-POSS there live-SUB long.ago-ABL, but now NEG person there live

mukul bama bubu kala-kalbay yinyay wunay kalbay niji

yinyay 'there'; niji 'now'; kala-kalbay 'far'


This is the story place of my people; do not go there, for it is a sacred and forbidden place.

Yala yirmbal ngayku bama-mu, kari dunga-y yinyay, yinya bubu yirmbal buyun bajaku.

yala yirmbal ngayku bama-mu, kari dunga-y yinyay, yinya bubu yirmbal buyun bajaku | here story.place my people-POSS, NEG go-IMP there, that place taboo bad very(forbidden)

yala yirmbal ngayku bama dungay yinyay yinya bubu buyun

yirmbal 'story place/sacred site' (l.641); yala 'here' vs yinyay 'there'


The river people and the sea people came together here for the big ceremony every wet season.

Wawubaja-warra jalun-warra kankaday yala muru wungar yalbay-ka kaba-wungar wubulku.

wawubaja-warra jalun-warra kankada-y yala muru wungar yalbay-ka kaba-wungar wubul-ku | river-inhabitant sea-inhabitant come.REDUP here together day big(ceremony)-DAT wet.season all

wawubaja warra jalun kankaday yala muru wungar yalbay kaba-wungar

-warra 'people of' (river/sea); kankaday 'used to come' (b100); yala 'here'


Go there to the northern camp, stay one night, then come back here to your own country.

Dunga-y yinyay bayan kungkarr-ka, warngku nyubun wuna, kadan yala yunu bubu-ka.

dunga-y yinyay bayan kungkarr-ka, warngku nyubun wuna, kada-ny yala yunu bubu-ka | go-IMP there camp north-DAT, sleep one lie, come-PAST here your country-DAT

dungay yinyay bayan kungkarr warngku nyubun wunay yala yunu bubu

yinyay 'there' vs yala 'here'; kungkarr 'north'; warngku 'sleep' (b099)


The old man went down to the river in the early morning to look for the big fat fish.

Mukul-dingkar bada dungan wawubaja-ka wunkuwingku, kuyu yalbay wandul nyaji-nka.

mukul-dingkar bada dunga-ny wawubaja-ka wunkuwingku, kuyu yalbay wandul nyaji-nka | old-man down go-PAST river-DAT morning, fish big fat look.for-PURP

mukul dingkar bada dungay wawubaja wunkuwingku kuyu yalbay wandul nyajil

GO dunga-l; bada 'down' (b102); wandul 'fat' (b097)


The two hunters came back to the camp at dark, carrying two big kangaroos and one fat pig.

Balbi-bama jambul bayan-ka kadan wujurr-ba, mayarriji yalbay jambul bikibiki nyubun wundin.

balbi-bama jambul bayan-ka kada-ny wujurr-ba, mayarriji yalbay jambul bikibiki nyubun wundi-ny | hunter two camp-DAT come-PAST dark-LOC, kangaroo big two pig one carry-PAST

balbi bama jambul bayan kaday wujurr mayarriji yalbay bikibiki wundil


When the sun went down behind the hills, the children came home from the water to the warm fire.

Wungar bada dungan jamba kudamundu, karrkay-karrkay bana-muny kadan baya wumbul-ka.

wungar bada dunga-ny jamba kudamundu, karrkay-karrkay bana-muny kada-ny baya wumbul-ka | sun down go-PAST hill behind, child-REDUP water-ABL come-PAST fire warm-DAT

wungar bada dungay jamba kudamundu karrkay bana kaday baya wumbul

GO dunga-l (sun sets); COME kada-y; kudamundu 'behind' (b102)


The young man went far away to the northern country and did not come back for many long years.

Warru kala-kalbay dungan bubu kungkarr-ka, kari nyunban wungar kalbay wubul-muny.

warru kala-kalbay dunga-ny bubu kungkarr-ka, kari nyunba-ny wungar kalbay wubul-muny | young.man far go-PAST country north-DAT, NEG return-PAST year long many-ABL

warru kala-kalbay dungay bubu kungkarr nyunbay wungar kalbay wubul

GO dunga-l; RETURN nyunba-y (l.2932); kungkarr 'north' (b102)


Go down to the water now and bring back some good fish for the old people to eat by the fire.

Bada dunga-y bana-ka niji, kuyu ngulkurr wundi mukul-bama-nka nuka-nka baya ngundu.

bada dunga-y bana-ka niji, kuyu ngulkurr wundi mukul-bama-nka nuka-nka baya ngundu | down go-IMP water-DAT now, fish good bring.IMP old-people-DAT eat-PURP fire near

bada dungay bana niji kuyu ngulkurr wundil mukul bama nukal

GO dunga-y (IMP); BRING wundi-l; niji 'now'


The old woman turned back from the deep river, afraid of the big crocodile on the muddy bank.

Mukul-jalbu nyunban wawubaja dajali-muny, yinil bilngkumu yalbay daburri buyun-ba.

mukul-jalbu nyunba-ny wawubaja dajali-muny, yinil bilngkumu yalbay daburri buyun-ba | old-woman turn.back-PAST river deep-ABL, afraid crocodile big bank muddy-LOC

mukul jalbu nyunbay wawubaja dajali yinil bilngkumu daburri buyun

RETURN/turn-back nyunba-y (l.2932); yinil 'afraid' (b099); dajali 'deep water' (b099)


The dog followed the hunter down the track to the water and came home again with him at dark.

Kaya balbi-bama wukurrin jina-burr bana-ka, ngundu nyunban bayan-ka wujurr-ba.

kaya balbi-bama wukurri-ny jina-burr bana-ka, ngundu nyunba-ny bayan-ka wujurr-ba | dog hunter follow-PAST track-PERL water-DAT, near return-PAST camp-DAT dark-LOC

kaya balbi bama wukurril jina bana ngundu nyunbay bayan wujurr

FOLLOW wukurri-l (b092); RETURN nyunba-y; jina-burr 'along track' (PERL)


Come here to the fire and sit down, and I will tell you the old story of the great flood.

Kada-y yala baya-ka bundal, ngayu yundu-nka kuku mukul bana yalbay-mu balka-nka.

kada-y yala baya-ka bundal, ngayu yundu-nka kuku mukul bana yalbay-mu balka-nka | come-IMP here fire-DAT sit.IMP, 1sg 2sg-DAT story old water big-POSS tell-PURP

kaday yala baya bundal ngayu yundu kuku mukul balkal

COME kada-y + SIT bunda-l (IMP); yala 'here' (b102); kuku 'story' (b101)


They went out hunting before the sun rose and came back to the camp when the day was hot.

Jana balbi dungan wungar daka-nya kariku, bayan-ka kadan wungar wumbul-ba.

jana balbi dunga-ny wungar daka-nya kariku, bayan-ka kada-ny wungar wumbul-ba | 3pl hunt go-PAST sun climb(rise)-SUB not.yet(before), camp-DAT come-PAST day hot-LOC

jana balbi dungay wungar dakal bayan kaday wumbul

GO dunga-l + COME kada-y; daka-l 'rise' (wungar dakal 'sunrise', l.2519)


The old man walked slowly along the sandy beach, leaning on his long, strong wooden walking stick.

Mukul-dingkar jilban buban-buban jukar-burr, nyungu juku kalbay junkurr-bu karrba-l.

mukul-dingkar jilba-ny buban-buban jukar-burr, nyungu juku kalbay junkurr-bu karrba-l | old-man walk-PAST slowly beach-PERL, his stick long strong-INST hold

mukul dingkar jilba buban jukar juku kalbay junkurr karrbal

WALK jilba-l; buban-buban 'slowly'; jukar-burr 'along the beach' (PERL)


The children ran fast across the wide sand to the cool water, laughing and calling to each other.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin naka-naka jukar kalbay-burr bana ngiki-ka, yajarri-l yirrka-wa.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny naka-naka jukar kalbay-burr bana ngiki-ka, yajarri-l yirrka-wa | child-REDUP run-PAST across sand wide-PERL water cool-DAT, laugh call-RECIP

karrkay warri naka-naka jukar kalbay bana ngiki yajarril yirrka

RUN warri; naka-naka 'across' (b102); yirrka-wa 'call each other' (b101)


The little boy climbed up the tall tree to look into the little bird's nest high above the ground.

Karrkay buban juku kalbay wangkar dakan, buyi buban-mu bayan nyaji-nka wangkar-wangkar bubu-muny.

karrkay buban juku kalbay wangkar daka-ny, buyi buban-mu bayan nyaji-nka wangkar-wangkar bubu-muny | child small tree tall up climb-PAST, bird small-POSS nest look-PURP high.up ground-ABL

karrkay buban juku kalbay wangkar dakal buyi bayan nyajil

CLIMB daka-l 'climb' (l.3008); wangkar 'up' (b102); bayan 'nest'


The frightened kangaroo jumped out from behind the big rock and ran off into the long grass.

Mayarriji yini-yini jalaman kulji yalbay kudamundu-muny, wanarrin jikan kalbay-ka.

mayarriji yini-yini jalama-ny kulji yalbay kudamundu-muny, wanarri-ny jikan kalbay-ka | kangaroo frightened jump-PAST stone big behind-ABL, run.REDUP-PAST grass long-DAT

mayarriji yini-yini jalamal kulji yalbay kudamundu wanarri jikan kalbay

JUMP jalama-l, source=ABL (ex.112 pattern); yini-yini 'frightened' (b099)


The old woman walked up the steep track to the hinterland camp, carrying a heavy dilly bag of yams.

Mukul-jalbu wangkar jilban jina junkurr jibarr bayan-ka, ngunyin kulngkul wukay-jirr wundin.

mukul-jalbu wangkar jilba-ny jina junkurr jibarr bayan-ka, ngunyin kulngkul wukay-jirr wundi-ny | old-woman up walk-PAST track steep hinterland camp-DAT, dilly.bag heavy yam-COMIT carry-PAST

mukul jalbu wangkar jilba jina junkurr jibarr ngunyin kulngkul wundil

WALK jilba-l up; CARRY wundi-l; jibarr 'hinterland' (b102)


The two dogs ran after the fat pig, chasing it down the hill and across the muddy creek.

Kaya jambul warrin bikibiki wandul kudamundu, kangan bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka.

kaya jambul warri-ny bikibiki wandul kudamundu, kanga-ny bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka | dog two run-PAST pig fat behind, chase-PAST down hill-ABL across creek muddy-DAT

kaya jambul warri bikibiki wandul kudamundu kangal bada jamba naka-naka

RUN warri + CHASE kanga-l; bada 'down', naka-naka 'across' (b102)


The young men climbed high up onto the big grey rocks to look far out over the wide blue sea.

Warru wangkar dakan kulji yalbay-ka, jalun kalbay balbal nyaji-l kala-kalbay-muny.

warru wangkar daka-ny kulji yalbay-ka, jalun kalbay balbal nyaji-l kala-kalbay-muny | young.man up climb-PAST stone big-DAT, sea wide blue look far-ABL

warru wangkar dakal kulji yalbay jalun kalbay balbal nyajil

CLIMB daka-l up; jalun 'sea' (b102); balbal 'bright/blue'


Walk straight through the dark scrub and you will come to the big river before the sun goes down.

Madja ngungul yimba-y, yundu wawubaja yalbay-ka kadan wungar bada dunga-nyjiku.

madja ngungul yimba-y, yundu wawubaja yalbay-ka kada-ny wungar bada dunga-nyjiku | scrub dark go.straight.through-IMP, 2sg river big-DAT come sun down go-SUCC(before)

madja ngungul yimba yundu wawubaja yalbay kaday wungar bada

PATH yimba-l 'go straight through' (l.2932); madja 'scrub' (b099)


The child ran and ran until he was too tired, then he sat down to rest beside the track.

Karrkay warri warri baja-burray-nyjiku, bundan jina karangkal wawu-wulay-muny.

karrkay warri warri baja-burray-nyjiku, bunda-ny jina karangkal wawu-wulay-muny | child run run tired-SUCC(until), sit-PAST track alongside exhausted-ABL

karrkay warri baja-burray bundal jina karangkal wawu-wulay

RUN warri (repeated=EXCESSIVE, b100); SIT bunda-l; baja-burray 'tired' (b099)


The old man turned off the main track at the crossing and walked down towards the quiet waterhole.

Mukul-dingkar warrkin jina yalbay-muny, jilban bada maku janku janka-ka.

mukul-dingkar warrki-ny jina yalbay-muny, jilba-ny bada maku janku janka-ka | old-man turn.off-PAST track big-ABL, walk-PAST down towards waterhole quiet-DAT

mukul dingkar warrkil jina yalbay jilba bada maku janku janka

PATH warrki-l 'turn off at crossroads' (l.2932/3015); WALK jilba-l; maku 'towards' (b102)


The children swam across the cool river in the hot midday sun, calling out to one another.

Karrkay-karrkay janjin naka-naka wawubaja ngiki, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga, yirrka-wa.

karrkay-karrkay janji-ny naka-naka wawubaja ngiki, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga, yirrka-wa | child-REDUP swim-PAST across river cool, sun hot middle-LOC, call-RECIP

karrkay janjil naka-naka wawubaja ngiki wungar wumbul dindarra yirrka

SWIM janji-l (l.3010); naka-naka 'across'; dindarra 'middle' (b093)


The old woman said do not swim in the deep water, for the big crocodile lives on the far bank.

Mukul-jalbu balka, kari janji-l bana dajali-nga, bilngkumu yalbay daburri kala-kalbay-mba wunay.

mukul-jalbu balka, kari janji-l bana dajali-nga, bilngkumu yalbay daburri kala-kalbay-mba wunay | old-woman say, NEG swim water deep-LOC, crocodile big bank far-LOC live

mukul jalbu balka janjil bana dajali bilngkumu daburri kala-kalbay

SWIM janji-l; NEG janji-l; dajali-nga (i LOC)


Many small birds flew down to the waterhole to drink in the cool of the early morning light.

Buyi-buyi buban wubul marra-warrin bada janku-ka bana nuka-nka wunkuwingku ngiki-ba.

buyi-buyi buban wubul marra-warri-ny bada janku-ka bana nuka-nka wunkuwingku ngiki-ba | bird-REDUP small many fly-PAST down waterhole-DAT water drink-PURP morning cool-LOC

buyi buban wubul marra-warri bada janku bana nukal wunkuwingku ngiki

FLY marra-warri; bada 'down'; janku 'waterhole' (b093)


The big eagle flew high above the hills, turning in wide slow circles as it watched for food.

Buyi yalbay marra-warri wangkar-wangkar jamba, jurrki-l murru-murru buban-buban mayi nyaji-l.

buyi yalbay marra-warri wangkar-wangkar jamba, jurrki-l murru-murru buban-buban mayi nyaji-l | bird big fly high.up hill, turn round-round slowly food look

buyi yalbay marra-warri wangkar jamba jurrkil murru buban mayi nyajil

FLY marra-warri; TURN jurrki-l; wangkar-wangkar 'above' (b102)


The little baby crawled across the ground towards the warm fire, and the mother picked it up quickly.

Karrkay buban mara-warrin naka-naka bubu-ngu baya wumbul-ka, ngamu-ngku mani buyun-buyun.

karrkay buban mara-warri-ny naka-naka bubu-ngu baya wumbul-ka, ngamu-ngku mani buyun-buyun | child small crawl-PAST across ground-LOC fire warm-DAT, mother-ERG get quickly

karrkay buban mara-warri naka-naka bubu baya wumbul ngamu manil

CRAWL mara-warri (hand-run); naka-naka 'across'; mani 'get/pick up'


The ripe fruit fell down from the tall tree, and the children ran to gather it up from the ground.

Mayi kulbul bada daran juku kalbay-muny, karrkay-karrkay warrin bangka-nka bubu-muny.

mayi kulbul bada dara-ny juku kalbay-muny, karrkay-karrkay warri-ny bangka-nka bubu-muny | fruit ripe down fall-PAST tree tall-ABL, child-REDUP run-PAST gather-PURP ground-ABL

mayi kulbul bada daray juku kalbay karrkay warri bangkal bubu

FALL dara-l; bada 'down'; kulbul 'ripe' (b095); bangka-l 'gather'


The old man fell down on the wet slippery rock, and hurt his leg badly on the hard stone.

Mukul-dingkar daran kulji duna julbarr-ba, nyungu jandal yakan kulji junkurr-bu kaka bajaku.

mukul-dingkar dara-ny kulji duna julbarr-ba, nyungu jandal yaka-ny kulji junkurr-bu kaka bajaku | old-man fall-PAST stone wet slippery-LOC, his leg cut-PAST stone hard-INST sore very

mukul dingkar daray kulji duna julbarr jandal yakal junkurr kaka

FALL dara-l; kaka 'sore' (b102 sweep); duna 'wet', julbarr 'slippery' (b098)


The green frog jumped from the flat rock into the muddy water and swam away down under the leaves.

Karrkurr balbal jalaman kulji-muny bana buyun-ka, janjin bada birra-burr.

karrkurr balbal jalama-ny kulji-muny bana buyun-ka, janji-ny bada birra-burr | frog green jump-PAST stone-ABL water muddy-DAT, swim-PAST down leaf-PERL

karrkurr balbal jalamal kulji bana buyun janjil bada birra

JUMP jalama-l + SWIM janji-l; karrkurr 'frog' (b089); birra 'leaf' (b095)


The fish jumped up out of the water in the evening, and fell back down with a loud splash.

Kuyu jalaman wangkar bana-muny wujurr-ma-nya, bada daran baja nyurra yalbay-bu.

kuyu jalama-ny wangkar bana-muny wujurr-ma-nya, bada dara-ny baja nyurra yalbay-bu | fish jump-PAST up water-ABL night-INCHO-SUB(evening), down fall-PAST again noise big-INST

kuyu jalamal wangkar bana bada daray nyurra yalbay

JUMP jalama-l up + FALL dara-l down; nyurra 'noise' (b101)


The old people sat together in the shade all day, telling the old stories to the young children.

Mukul-bama muru bundan wabarr-ba wungar wubulku, kuku mukul balka-l karrkay-nka.

mukul-bama muru bunda-ny wabarr-ba wungar wubul-ku, kuku mukul balka-l karrkay-nka | old-people together sit-PAST shade-LOC day all, story old tell child-DAT

mukul bama muru bundal wabarr wungar wubul kuku balkal karrkay

SIT bunda-l; muru 'together'; kuku 'story' (b101)


The tall young man stood very still behind the big tree, watching the two strangers walk past.

Warru kalbay janay janka bajaku juku yalbay kudamundu, bama yindu jambul jilba-nya nyaji-l.

warru kalbay janay janka bajaku juku yalbay kudamundu, bama yindu jambul jilba-nya nyaji-l | young.man tall stand still very tree big behind, person other two walk-SUB watch

warru kalbay janay janka juku yalbay kudamundu bama yindu jilba

STAND janay; kudamundu 'behind' (b102); yindu 'other' (b098)


The sick old woman lay by the warm fire all the cold night, and her good daughter watched over her.

Mukul-jalbu bambay wunan baya wumbul ngundu wujurr ngiki wubulku, nyungu kangkal jalbu ngulkurr nyaji-l-nyaji-l.

mukul-jalbu bambay wunan baya wumbul ngundu wujurr ngiki wubul-ku, nyungu kangkal jalbu ngulkurr nyaji-l-nyaji-l | old-woman sick lie fire warm near night cold all, her own.child girl good look.after-REDUP

mukul jalbu bambay wunay baya wumbul wujurr ngiki kangkal

LIE wuna-l; kangkal jalbu 'own daughter' (jarra=DEG1 not daughter); nyaji-l-nyaji-l 'watch over' (b100)


Get up now from the soft bark bed, for the bright morning sun has already climbed above the hills.

Wandi niji dakil-muny, wungar balbal wunkuwingku wangkar-wangkar dakan niji jamba-muny.

wandi(-y) niji dakil-muny, wungar balbal wunkuwingku wangkar-wangkar daka-ny niji jamba-muny | get.up-IMP now bark-ABL, sun bright morning high.up climb-PAST now hill-ABL

wandil niji dakil wungar balbal wunkuwingku wangkar dakal jamba

GET-UP wandi-l (l.3014); daka-l 'climb'(sun rose); dakil 'bark' (b091)


The two men stood on the high rock and looked down at the fish swimming in the clear water below.

Dingkar jambul janay kulji wangkar-a, bada nyaji-l kuyu janji-nya bana ngiki bada-bada.

dingkar jambul janay kulji wangkar-a, bada nyaji-l kuyu janji-nya bana ngiki bada-bada | man two stand stone high-LOC, down look fish swim-SUB water cool below

dingkar jambul janay kulji wangkar bada nyajil kuyu janjil

STAND janay; SWIM janji-l; bada-bada 'below' (b102)


The little child would not sit still, but kept jumping up and running around the big warm fire.

Karrkay buban kari bundal janka, jalama-l-jalaman wandi, wanarri baya wumbul murru-murru.

karrkay buban kari bundal janka, jalama-l-jalama-ny wandi, wanarri(-y) baya wumbul murru-murru | child small NEG sit still, jump-REDUP get.up, run.REDUP fire warm round-round(around)

karrkay buban bundal janka jalamal wandil wanarri baya wumbul murru

SIT bunda-l; JUMP jalama-l-jalaman (INTENSIVE); wandi-l 'get up'; wanarri 'keep running' (b100)


The old dog lay down beside the fire, put its head on its paws, and slept the whole night through.

Kaya mukul wunan baya karangkal, nyungu dukul mara-nga nanda, warngku wuna wujurr wubulku.

kaya mukul wunan baya karangkal, nyungu dukul mara-nga nanda, warngku wuna wujurr wubul-ku | dog old lie fire alongside, its head hand(paw)-LOC put, sleep lie night all

kaya mukul wunay baya karangkal dukul mara nanda warngku

LIE wuna-l; warngku wuna-l 'sleep' (b099); dukul 'head', mara 'hand' (b097)


Stand up straight and look towards the north, and you will see the fire of the far-off camp.

Janay jinbal wandi, kungkarr-ka nyaji-l, yundu nyaji-l baya bayan kala-kalbay-mu.

janay jinbal wandi(-y), kungkarr-ka nyaji-l, yundu nyaji-l baya bayan kala-kalbay-mu | stand straight get.up-IMP, north-DAT look, 2sg see fire camp far-POSS

janay jinbal wandil kungkarr nyajil yundu baya bayan kala-kalbay

STAND janay + wandi-l 'stand up'; jinbal 'straight' (b091); kungkarr 'north' (b102)


The women sat on this side of the river weaving dilly bags, while the men stood fishing on the far side.

Jalbu-jalbu bundan wawubaja ngundu ngunyin bungal, dingkar janay kuyu-ka wawubaja kala-kalbay-mba.

jalbu-jalbu bunda-ny wawubaja ngundu ngunyin bunga-l, dingkar janay kuyu-ka wawubaja kala-kalbay-mba | woman-REDUP sit-PAST river this.side dilly.bag make, man stand fish-DAT river far-LOC

jalbu bundal wawubaja ngundu ngunyin bungal dingkar janay kuyu

SIT bunda-l vs STAND janay; ngundu 'this side' (b102)


The frightened kangaroo lay very still in the long grass, then jumped up and ran off to the hills.

Mayarriji yini-yini wunan janka bajaku jikan kalbay-mba, wandin jalaman warrin jamba-ka.

mayarriji yini-yini wunan janka bajaku jikan kalbay-mba, wandi-ny jalama-ny warri-ny jamba-ka | kangaroo frightened lie still very grass long-LOC, get.up-PAST jump-PAST run-PAST hill-DAT

mayarriji yini-yini wunay janka jikan kalbay wandil jalamal warri jamba

LIE wuna-l + get-up wandi-l + JUMP jalama-l + RUN warri


Walk straight through the scrub, but turn off at the big tree and go down to the hidden waterhole.

Madja yimba-y, yamba warrki juku yalbay-mba, bada dunga-y janku janka-ka.

madja yimba-y, yamba warrki juku yalbay-mba, bada dunga-y janku janka-ka | scrub go.straight.through-IMP, but turn.off tree big-LOC, down go-IMP waterhole quiet-DAT

madja yimba warrkil juku yalbay bada dungay janku janka

PATH yimba-l 'straight through' + warrki-l 'turn off' (l.2932)


The old man walked with the young boy a short way along the track, then turned back to the camp.

Mukul-dingkar barrman karrkay warru jina-burr buban, nyunban bayan-ka baja.

mukul-dingkar barrma-ny karrkay warru jina-burr buban, nyunba-ny bayan-ka baja | old-man accompany-PAST child young track-PERL little, turn.back-PAST camp-DAT too

mukul dingkar barrmal karrkay warru jina nyunbay bayan

PATH barrma-l 'accompany a short distance' + nyunba-y 'turn back' (l.2932)


The two hunters carried the heavy kangaroo home between them, one holding the legs, one the head.

Balbi-bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundin bayan-ka muru, nyubun jandal karrba, nyubun dukul.

balbi-bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundi-ny bayan-ka muru, nyubun jandal karrba, nyubun dukul | hunter two kangaroo heavy carry-PAST camp-DAT together, one leg hold, one head

balbi bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundil bayan nyubun jandal dukul

CARRY wundi-l; jandal 'leg', dukul 'head' (b097)


The dog chased the fat pig around and around the camp until at last it ran off into the scrub.

Kaya bikibiki wandul kangan murru-murru bayan, bikibiki madja-ka wanarrin kariku-muny.

kaya bikibiki wandul kanga-ny murru-murru bayan, bikibiki madja-ka wanarri-ny kariku-muny | dog pig fat chase-PAST round-round camp, pig scrub-DAT run.REDUP-PAST after.a.while-ABL

kaya bikibiki wandul kangal murru bayan madja wanarri

CHASE kanga-l; murru-murru 'around'; madja 'scrub' (b099)


Follow the river track towards the sea, and you will come to the seaside camp before the dark night.

Wawubaja jina wukurri maku jalun-ka, yundu jalun-warra bayan-ka kadan wujurr ngungul kariku.

wawubaja jina wukurri maku jalun-ka, yundu jalun-warra bayan-ka kada-ny wujurr ngungul kariku | river track follow towards sea-DAT, 2sg sea-inhabitant camp-DAT come night dark not.yet(before)

wawubaja jina wukurril maku jalun warra bayan kaday wujurr

FOLLOW wukurri-l; maku 'towards'; jalun-warra 'sea people' (b102)


The little child followed its mother everywhere, walking behind her along every winding track.

Karrkay buban ngamu wukurrin wubulku, jilba-nya kudamundu jina narmba-burr.

karrkay buban ngamu wukurri-ny wubul-ku, jilba-nya kudamundu jina narmba-burr | child small mother follow-PAST all, walk-SUB behind track all-PERL

karrkay buban ngamu wukurril wubul jilba kudamundu jina narmba

FOLLOW wukurri-l; kudamundu 'behind'; jina-burr 'along track' (PERL)


The old man turned slowly towards the children and told them to sit down quietly by the fire.

Mukul-dingkar jurrkin buban-buban karrkay-karrkay-ka, balkan jana bundal janka baya ngundu.

mukul-dingkar jurrki-ny buban-buban karrkay-karrkay-ka, balka-ny jana bundal janka baya ngundu | old-man turn-PAST slowly child-REDUP-DAT, tell-PAST 3pl sit still fire near

mukul dingkar jurrkil buban karrkay balkal jana bundal janka baya

TURN jurrki-l; SIT bunda-l; balka-l 'tell' (b101)


The two women carried the water back to the camp in the big bark containers, one behind the other.

Jalbu jambul bana wundin bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, nyubun nyubun kudamundu.

jalbu jambul bana wundi-ny bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, nyubun nyubun kudamundu | woman two water carry-PAST camp-DAT bark big-LOC, one one behind

jalbu jambul bana wundil bayan dakil yalbay nyubun kudamundu

CARRY wundi-l; dakil 'bark' (b091); kudamundu 'behind' (b102)


Bring the meat here to the fire, put it down on the flat stone, and I will cook it for the children.

Minya wundi yala baya-ka, kulji yalbay-mba nanda, ngayu waju-l karrkay-karrkay-nka.

minya wundi yala baya-ka, kulji yalbay-mba nanda, ngayu waju-l karrkay-karrkay-nka | meat bring.IMP here fire-DAT, stone big-LOC put.IMP, 1sg cook child-REDUP-DAT

minya wundil yala baya kulji yalbay nanda ngayu wajul karrkay

BRING wundi-l; waju-l 'cook' (b098); yala 'here' (b102)


The young man jumped down from the high rock into the deep water and swam across to the far bank.

Warru jalaman bada kulji wangkar-muny bana dajali-ka, janjin naka-naka kala-kalbay-ka.

warru jalama-ny bada kulji wangkar-muny bana dajali-ka, janji-ny naka-naka kala-kalbay-ka | young.man jump-PAST down stone high-ABL water deep-DAT, swim-PAST across far-DAT

warru jalamal bada kulji wangkar bana dajali janjil naka-naka

JUMP jalama-l down + SWIM janji-l across; dajali 'deep water' (b099)


The old people came together from every country, walking many days to the big ceremony in the north.

Mukul-bama muru kadan bubu narmba-muny, wungar wubul jilban wungar yalbay kungkarr-ka.

mukul-bama muru kada-ny bubu narmba-muny, wungar wubul jilba-ny wungar yalbay kungkarr-ka | old-people together come-PAST country all-ABL, day many walk-PAST day big(ceremony) north-DAT

mukul bama muru kaday bubu narmba wungar wubul jilba kungkarr

COME kada-y + WALK jilba-l; narmba 'all' (b098); kungkarr 'north' (b102)


Go back to your own country now, walk the long track home, and do not turn back until you arrive.

Nyunba-y yunu bubu-ka niji, jina kalbay jilba-y bayan-ka, kari nyunba-l kada-nyjiku.

nyunba-y yunu bubu-ka niji, jina kalbay jilba-y bayan-ka, kari nyunba-l kada-nyjiku | turn.back-IMP your country-DAT now, track long walk-IMP camp-DAT, NEG turn.back come-SUCC(until.arrive)

nyunbay yunu bubu niji jina kalbay jilba bayan kaday

RETURN nyunba-y (IMP + NEG); WALK jilba-l; yunu 'your' (b094)


The rich old man had many dogs, two strong young sons, and a big camp full of food.

Yinya mukul-dingkar mani-ji, nyungu kaya wubul, warru junkurr-ji jambul, bayan yalbay mayi-jirr.

yinya mukul-dingkar mani-ji, nyungu kaya wubul, warru junkurr-ji jambul, bayan yalbay mayi-jirr | that old-man money-COMIT, his dog many, young.man strength-COMIT two, camp big food-COMIT

yinya mukul dingkar mani kaya wubul warru junkurr bayan yalbay mayi

COMIT -ji 'having': mani-ji 'rich', junkurr-ji 'strong', mayi-jirr 'with food'


The woman with two little children walked down to the water, carrying a dilly bag full of yams.

Jalbu karrkay-jirr buban jambul bana-ka bada jilban, ngunyin wukay-jirr wundin.

jalbu karrkay-jirr buban jambul bana-ka bada jilba-ny, ngunyin wukay-jirr wundi-ny | woman child-COMIT small two water-DAT down walk-PAST, dilly.bag yam-COMIT carry-PAST

jalbu karrkay buban jambul bana bada jilba ngunyin wukay wundil

COMIT karrkay-jirr 'with children', wukay-jirr 'with yams'


The bad-tempered, angry man shouted at the frightened little children by the evening fire.

Dingkar buyun-ji, kuli-ji, yirrkan karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini-nka baya ngundu wujurr-ba.

dingkar buyun-ji, kuli-ji, yirrka-ny karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini-nka baya ngundu wujurr-ba | man bad-COMIT anger-COMIT shout-PAST child-REDUP small frightened-DAT fire near night-LOC

dingkar buyun kuli yirrkal karrkay buban yini-yini baya ngundu wujurr

COMIT buyun-ji 'bad-natured' (cf. Kuku Buyunji l.508), kuli-ji 'angry'


Give the meat with the bones to the dogs, but the good meat without bones to the old people.

Minya bajibay-jirr kaya-nka daya, yamba minya ngulkurr bajibay-kari mukul-bama-nka.

minya bajibay-jirr kaya-nka daya, yamba minya ngulkurr bajibay-kari mukul-bama-nka | meat bone-COMIT dog-DAT give.IMP, but meat good bone-PRIV old-people-DAT

minya bajibay kaya daya minya ngulkurr mukul bama

⭐COMIT bajibay-jirr 'with bones' vs PRIV bajibay-kari 'boneless' (ex.58); daya 'give' IMP


The strong young hunter with a long spear followed the pig tracks into the dark scrub.

Warru balbi junkurr-ji kalka kalbay-jirr, bikibiki jina wukurrin madja ngungul-ka.

warru balbi junkurr-ji kalka kalbay-jirr, bikibiki jina wukurri-ny madja ngungul-ka | young.man hunter strength-COMIT spear long-COMIT, pig track follow-PAST scrub dark-DAT

warru balbi junkurr kalka kalbay bikibiki jina wukurril madja ngungul

COMIT kalka kalbay-jirr 'with a long spear' (cf. ex.52 kalka-jirr)


The grey-haired old woman, kind and good-hearted, told the children the true old stories.

Mukul-jalbu wulman, jiba ngulkurr-ji, karrkay-nka kuku mukul yukil balkan.

mukul-jalbu wulman, jiba ngulkurr-ji, karrkay-nka kuku mukul yukil balka-ny | old-woman grey/old, liver good-COMIT, child-DAT story old true tell-PAST

mukul jalbu wulman jiba ngulkurr karrkay kuku yukil balkal

COMIT jiba ngulkurr-ji 'good-hearted' (jiba 'liver'=feeling, b099)


In the country with plenty of water and good food, all the people ate well through the long dry.

Bubu bana wubul-jirr, mayi ngulkurr-ji, bama narmba yinyay mayi nukal marral-wungar-a kalbay-mba.

bubu bana wubul-jirr, mayi ngulkurr-ji, bama narmba yinyay mayi nukal marral-wungar-a kalbay-mba | country water many-COMIT food good-COMIT, person all there food eat dry-season-LOC long-LOC

bubu bana wubul mayi ngulkurr bama narmba nukal marral wungar

COMIT bana wubul-jirr 'with much water', mayi ngulkurr-ji 'with good food'


The man with the dogs went off hunting, but the man without a dog stayed hungry in the camp.

Dingkar kaya-jirr balbi-ka dungan, yamba dingkar kaya-kari bayan-ba dakwuy bundan.

dingkar kaya-jirr balbi-ka dunga-ny, yamba dingkar kaya-kari bayan-ba dakwuy bunda-ny | man dog-COMIT hunt-DAT go-PAST, but man dog-PRIV camp-LOC hungry sit-PAST

dingkar kaya balbi dungay kaya bayan dakwuy bundal

⭐COMIT kaya-jirr 'with dogs' vs PRIV kaya-kari 'dogless'; dakwuy 'hungry'


She went to live with a good man who had a big camp, plenty of food, and a gentle spirit.

Nyulu dingkar ngulkurr-ka dungan, yinya bayan yalbay-jirr, mayi wubul-jirr, wawu ngulkurr-ji.

nyulu dingkar ngulkurr-ka dunga-ny, yinya bayan yalbay-jirr, mayi wubul-jirr, wawu ngulkurr-ji | 3sg man good-DAT go-PAST, that camp big-COMIT, food many-COMIT, spirit good-COMIT

nyulu dingkar ngulkurr dungay yinya bayan yalbay mayi wubul wawu

COMIT bayan yalbay-jirr / mayi wubul-jirr / wawu ngulkurr-ji


The clever old man, with much knowledge of the country, knew every waterhole and every track.

Mukul-dingkar binal-ji, bubu-mu kuku wubul-jirr, janku narmba jina narmba binal.

mukul-dingkar binal-ji, bubu-mu kuku wubul-jirr, janku narmba jina narmba binal | old-man knowledge-COMIT, country-POSS law many-COMIT, waterhole all track all know

mukul dingkar binal bubu kuku wubul janku narmba jina

COMIT binal-ji 'knowledgeable', kuku wubul-jirr 'with much law'; janku 'waterhole' (b093)


The tall tree with sweet fruit and white flowers stood beside the deep, still waterhole.

Juku kalbay mayi jiba-wulay-jirr, nganka balbal-jirr, janay janku dajali karangkal.

juku kalbay mayi jiba-wulay-jirr, nganka balbal-jirr, janay janku dajali karangkal | tree tall fruit sweet-COMIT, flower white-COMIT, stand waterhole deep alongside

juku kalbay mayi jiba-wulay nganka balbal janay janku dajali karangkal

COMIT jiba-wulay-jirr 'with sweet fruit', nganka balbal-jirr 'with white flowers'; nganka 'flower'


The angry, strong dog chased the frightened little children away from the big meat by the fire.

Kaya kuli-ji, junkurr-ji, karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini kangan minya yalbay-muny baya ngundu.

kaya kuli-ji, junkurr-ji, karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini kanga-ny minya yalbay-muny baya ngundu | dog anger-COMIT strength-COMIT, child-REDUP small frightened chase-PAST meat big-ABL fire near

kaya kuli junkurr karrkay buban yini-yini kangal minya yalbay baya

COMIT kuli-ji 'angry', junkurr-ji 'strong'; kanga-l 'chase' (b103)


The people of that country, who had two languages, spoke both the coast tongue and the inland tongue.

Bama bubu yinya-mu kuku jambul-jirr, jalun kuku jibarr kuku jambulku balkan.

bama bubu yinya-mu kuku jambul-jirr, jalun kuku jibarr kuku jambul-ku balka-ny | person country that-POSS language two-COMIT, sea word hinterland word both tell-PAST

bama bubu yinya kuku jambul jalun jibarr balkal

COMIT kuku jambul-jirr 'with two languages'; jalun/jibarr (b102)


The happy-hearted little boy ran laughing across the sand to his old grandmother by the water.

Karrkay buban jiba ngulkurr-ji, yajarri-l wanarrin jukar-burr nyungu mukul-jalbu-nka bana ngundu.

karrkay buban jiba ngulkurr-ji, yajarri-l wanarri-ny jukar-burr nyungu mukul-jalbu-nka bana ngundu | child small liver good-COMIT, laugh run.REDUP-PAST sand-PERL his old-woman-DAT water near

karrkay buban jiba ngulkurr yajarril wanarri jukar mukul jalbu bana

COMIT jiba ngulkurr-ji 'happy-hearted'; yajarri-l 'laugh' (b099)


The hunter came back to the camp with much meat, but with a tired body and a weary spirit.

Balbi-bama bayan-ka kadan minya wubul-jirr, yamba nyulu baja-burray, wawu-wulay.

balbi-bama bayan-ka kada-ny minya wubul-jirr, yamba nyulu baja-burray, wawu-wulay | hunter camp-DAT come-PAST meat many-COMIT, but 3sg tired, spirit-exhausted

balbi bama bayan kaday minya wubul baja-burray wawu-wulay

COMIT minya wubul-jirr 'with much meat'; baja-burray 'tired', wawu-wulay 'exhausted' (b099)


The old woman with a dilly bag full of berries and roots walked slowly back up the hill.

Mukul-jalbu ngunyin mayi-jirr, jamba wangkar jilban buban-buban.

mukul-jalbu ngunyin mayi-jirr, jamba wangkar jilba-ny buban-buban | old-woman dilly.bag food-COMIT, hill up walk-PAST slowly

mukul jalbu ngunyin mayi jamba wangkar jilba buban

COMIT ngunyin mayi-jirr 'dillybag with food'; wangkar 'up' (b102)


A man with a good spirit and true words is a man that all the people follow and listen to.

Dingkar wawu ngulkurr-ji, kuku yukil-jirr, yinya dingkar bama narmba wukurri, nyaji-l.

dingkar wawu ngulkurr-ji, kuku yukil-jirr, yinya dingkar bama narmba wukurri, nyaji-l | man spirit good-COMIT, word true-COMIT, that man person all follow, hear

dingkar wawu ngulkurr kuku yukil yinya bama narmba wukurril nyajil

COMIT wawu ngulkurr-ji, kuku yukil-jirr; nyaji-l 'hear' (b101)


That old man is deaf now; he no longer hears the words of the young people at all.

Yinya mukul-dingkar niji milka-kari, kuku warru-mu nyulu kari nyaji-l wubulku.

yinya mukul-dingkar niji milka-kari, kuku warru-mu nyulu kari nyaji-l wubul-ku | that old-man now ear-PRIV, word young.man-POSS 3sg NEG hear all

yinya mukul dingkar niji milka kuku warru nyajil wubul

PRIV milka-kari 'deaf/earless' (ex.54); niji 'now'


I have no money, no dog, and no camp; I am a poor man, with nothing at all in this world.

Ngayu mani-kari, kaya-kari, bayan-kari; ngayu dingkar buyun, yamba-kari narmba yala bubu-ngu.

ngayu mani-kari, kaya-kari, bayan-kari; ngayu dingkar buyun, yamba-kari narmba yala bubu-ngu | 1sg money-PRIV dog-PRIV camp-PRIV; 1sg man poor, nothing-PRIV all here world-LOC

ngayu mani kaya bayan dingkar buyun yamba narmba yala bubu

PRIV mani-kari (ex.55), kaya-kari, bayan-kari; yamba-kari 'nothing' (l.2310)


The trees have no flowers in the cold season, and the small birds have no food in the dry hills.

Juku-juku nganka-kari ngiki-wungar-a, buyi-buyi buban mayi-kari jamba marral-ba.

juku-juku nganka-kari ngiki-wungar-a, buyi-buyi buban mayi-kari jamba marral-ba | tree-REDUP flower-PRIV cold-season-LOC, bird-REDUP small food-PRIV hill dry-LOC

juku nganka ngiki wungar buyi buban mayi jamba marral

PRIV nganka-kari 'flowerless' (ex.56), mayi-kari 'foodless'


They gave the clothes to the girl with no money, and the food to the little child with no mother.

Jana kambi dajin maral mani-kari-nda, mayi karrkay buban ngamu-kari-nka.

jana kambi daji-ny maral mani-kari-nda, mayi karrkay buban ngamu-kari-nka | 3pl clothes give-PAST girl money-PRIV-LOC, food child small mother-PRIV-DAT

jana kambi dajil maral mani mayi karrkay buban ngamu

⭐PRIV+inflection: mani-kari-nda LOC (ex.59), ngamu-kari 'motherless'; kambi 'clothes' (ex.59)


I want good meat without bones and clear water without mud for the sick old woman by the fire.

Ngayu wawu minya ngulkurr-ka bajibay-kari-ka, bana ngiki buyun-kari-ka, mukul-jalbu bambay-nka.

ngayu wawu minya ngulkurr-ka bajibay-kari-ka, bana ngiki buyun-kari-ka, mukul-jalbu bambay-nka | 1sg want meat good-DAT bone-PRIV-DAT, water cool mud-PRIV-DAT, old-woman sick-DAT

ngayu wawu minya ngulkurr bajibay bana ngiki buyun mukul bambay

⭐PRIV+DAT: bajibay-kari-ka 'without bones' (ex.58), buyun-kari-ka 'without mud'; wawu 'want'+DAT


The man without a dog found no pigs at all, and came home with an empty dilly bag.

Dingkar kaya-kari-ngka bikibiki kari nyajin, bayan-ka kadan ngunyin mayi-kari.

dingkar kaya-kari-ngka bikibiki kari nyaji-ny, bayan-ka kada-ny ngunyin mayi-kari | man dog-PRIV-ERG pig NEG find-PAST, camp-DAT come-PAST dilly.bag food-PRIV

dingkar kaya bikibiki nyajil bayan kaday ngunyin mayi

⭐PRIV+ERG: kaya-kari-ngka 'the dogless one'-ERG (ex.57)


The stupid young man with no sense walked alone into the dark scrub, not knowing the country.

Warru kiru-kari madja ngungul-ka nyubun-bu jilban, bubu nyulu binal-kari.

warru kiru-kari madja ngungul-ka nyubun-bu jilba-ny, bubu nyulu binal-kari | young.man brains-PRIV scrub dark-DAT one-INST(alone) walk-PAST, country 3sg knowledge-PRIV

warru kiru madja ngungul nyubun jilba bubu binal

PRIV kiru-kari 'stupid/senseless' (l.3736), binal-kari 'without knowledge'


The waterless country in the long dry gave the people no food and no water at all.

Bubu bana-kari marral-wungar kalbay-mba, bama-nka mayi-kari bana-kari narmba.

bubu bana-kari marral-wungar kalbay-mba, bama-nka mayi-kari bana-kari narmba | country water-PRIV dry-season long-LOC, person-DAT food-PRIV water-PRIV all

bubu bana marral wungar kalbay bama mayi narmba

PRIV bana-kari 'waterless', mayi-kari 'foodless'


She is a woman without fear; she walks alone in the dark scrub where the men will not go.

Nyulu jalbu yinil-kari, nyubun-bu jilba madja ngungul-ba, dingkar kari yinyay dunga-y.

nyulu jalbu yinil-kari, nyubun-bu jilba madja ngungul-ba, dingkar kari yinyay dunga-y | 3sg woman fear-PRIV, one-INST(alone) walk scrub dark-LOC, man NEG there go

nyulu jalbu yinil nyubun jilba madja ngungul dingkar dungay

PRIV yinil-kari 'fearless' (yinil 'fear', b099)


The poor motherless children, with no camp and no food, wandered from country to country.

Karrkay-karrkay ngamu-kari, bayan-kari, mayi-kari, bubu-muny bubu-ka jilban wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay ngamu-kari, bayan-kari, mayi-kari, bubu-muny bubu-ka jilba-ny wubul-ku | child-REDUP mother-PRIV camp-PRIV food-PRIV, country-ABL country-DAT walk-PAST all

karrkay ngamu bayan mayi bubu jilba wubul

PRIV ngamu-kari/bayan-kari/mayi-kari; bubu-muny bubu-ka 'country to country'


A man with no words and no truth is a man that the people will not follow or listen to.

Dingkar kuku-kari, manubaja-kari, yinya dingkar bama kari wukurri, kari nyaji-l.

dingkar kuku-kari, manubaja-kari, yinya dingkar bama kari wukurri, kari nyaji-l | man word-PRIV truth-PRIV, that man person NEG follow, NEG hear

dingkar kuku manubaja yinya bama wukurril nyajil

PRIV kuku-kari 'wordless', manubaja-kari 'truthless'; manubaja 'truth' (b101)


Give the meat to the man with a spear, not to the boy without one by the empty fire.

Minya dingkar kalka-jirr-nka daya, kari buban kalka-kari-nka baya-kari ngundu.

minya dingkar kalka-jirr-nka daya, kari buban kalka-kari-nka baya-kari ngundu | meat man spear-COMIT-DAT give.IMP, NEG boy spear-PRIV-DAT fire-PRIV near

minya dingkar kalka daya buban kalka baya ngundu

⭐COMIT kalka-jirr-nka 'to the one with a spear' (ex.52) vs PRIV kalka-kari-nka 'to the spearless one'


The old man can no longer see, yet he still knows every track by the feel of his own feet.

Mukul-dingkar kari nyaji-l niji, yamba jina narmba binal, jina-bu nyaji-nya.

mukul-dingkar kari nyaji-l niji, yamba jina narmba binal, jina-bu nyaji-nya | old-man NEG see now, but track all know, foot-INST perceive-SUB

mukul dingkar nyajil niji jina narmba binal

nyaji-l 'see' negated; jina-bu 'by feet' (INST); binal 'know'


In that empty camp with no people, no dogs, and no fire, only the cold wind lived on.

Yinya bayan bama-kari, kaya-kari, baya-kari, muyar ngiki nyubun yinyay wunay.

yinya bayan bama-kari, kaya-kari, baya-kari, muyar ngiki nyubun yinyay wunay | that camp person-PRIV dog-PRIV fire-PRIV, wind cold one there lie(live)

yinya bayan bama kaya baya muyar ngiki nyubun yinyay wunay

PRIV bama-kari/kaya-kari/baya-kari; muyar 'wind' (NOT jarramali=thunder)


The childless old woman took the little motherless girl and kept her as her very own child.

Mukul-jalbu kangkal-kari, karrkay maral ngamu-kari mani, nyungu kangkal-bu karrba-l.

mukul-jalbu kangkal-kari, karrkay maral ngamu-kari mani, nyungu kangkal-bu karrba-l | old-woman own.child-PRIV, child girl mother-PRIV take, her own.child-INST hold

mukul jalbu kangkal karrkay maral ngamu manil karrbal

⭐PRIV kangkal-kari 'childless' (ex.86); ngamu-kari 'motherless'; maral 'girl'


The sky was cloudless and the country waterless; it was a long, hard, dry, and hungry time.

Jiri ngungul-kari, bubu bana-kari; wungar kalbay marral kaka, dakwuy.

jiri ngungul-kari, bubu bana-kari; wungar kalbay marral kaka, dakwuy | sky cloud-PRIV, country water-PRIV; time long dry sore(hard), hungry

jiri ngungul bubu bana wungar kalbay marral kaka dakwuy

PRIV ngungul-kari 'cloudless', bana-kari 'waterless'; jiri 'sky' (b093), dakwuy 'hungry'


I want a spear with real strength, not a weak, useless one with no strength at all.

Ngayu wawu kalka-ka junkurr-jirr-ka, kari kalka junkurr-kari-ka narmba.

ngayu wawu kalka-ka junkurr-jirr-ka, kari kalka junkurr-kari-ka narmba | 1sg want spear-DAT strength-COMIT-DAT, NEG spear strength-PRIV-DAT all

⭐COMIT junkurr-jirr-ka 'strong'-DAT vs PRIV junkurr-kari-ka 'strengthless'-DAT


The mother shouted to the children from the camp, but she did not leave the fire she sat by.

Ngamu karrkay-karrkay-nka yirrkan bayan-mundu, kari baya-muny dungan.

ngamu karrkay-karrkay-nka yirrka-ny bayan-mundu, kari baya-muny dunga-ny | mother child-REDUP-DAT shout-PAST camp-ABESS, NEG fire-ABL go-PAST

⭐ABESS bayan-mundu 'from the camp (staying)' vs ABL baya-muny 'from the fire (leaving)'


The old man watched the pig from up the tree, then climbed down and followed its fresh tracks.

Mukul-dingkar bikibiki nyajin juku-mundu, bada dakan, jina wukurrin.

mukul-dingkar bikibiki nyaji-ny juku-mundu, bada daka-ny, jina wukurri-ny | old-man pig watch-PAST tree-ABESS, down climb-PAST, track follow-PAST

mukul dingkar bikibiki nyajil juku bada dakal jina wukurril

ABESS juku-mundu 'from up the tree' (l.160); daka-l 'climb', wukurri-l 'follow' (b103)


From the high rock the two hunters watched the kangaroos feeding far below on the open plain.

Kulji wangkar-mundu balbi-bama jambul mayarriji nyajin nuka-nya bada-bada bubu-ba.

kulji wangkar-mundu balbi-bama jambul mayarriji nyaji-ny nuka-nya bada-bada bubu-ba | stone high-ABESS hunter two kangaroo watch-PAST eat-SUB below ground-LOC

kulji wangkar balbi bama jambul mayarriji nyajil bada bubu

ABESS kulji wangkar-mundu 'from the high rock'; bada-bada 'below' (b102)


He called out to me from far away, and I heard his words across the wide, deep river.

Nyulu ngayku-nka yirrkan kala-kalbay-mundu, ngayu nyungu kuku nyajin wawubaja kalbay naka-naka.

nyulu ngayku-nka yirrka-ny kala-kalbay-mundu, ngayu nyungu kuku nyaji-ny wawubaja kalbay naka-naka | 3sg 1sg-DAT call-PAST far-ABESS, 1sg his word hear-PAST river wide across

nyulu ngayku yirrkal kala-kalbay ngayu kuku nyajil wawubaja naka-naka

⭐ABESS kala-kalbay-mundu 'from far away' (ex.109 exact); nyaji-l 'hear' (b101)


The hunter, from behind the tree, speared the pig with one long spear by the quiet waterhole.

Balbi-bama juku-mundu kalka kalbay-bu bikibiki daman janku janka ngundu.

balbi-bama juku-mundu kalka kalbay-bu bikibiki dama-ny janku janka ngundu | hunter tree-ABESS spear long-INST pig spear-PAST waterhole quiet near

balbi bama juku kalka kalbay bikibiki damal janku janka ngundu

ABESS juku-mundu 'from [behind] the tree'; dama-l 'spear' (l.3238), kalka-bu 'with a spear' INST


The woman prepared the food on the flat stone, working from the shade of the big tree.

Jalbu mayi kulji-ba bunga-l, wabarr-mundu bunda-nya juku yalbay-mba.

jalbu mayi kulji-ba bunga-l, wabarr-mundu bunda-nya juku yalbay-mba | woman food stone-LOC make, shade-ABESS sit-SUB tree big-LOC

jalbu mayi kulji bungal wabarr bundal juku yalbay

ABESS wabarr-mundu 'from the shade (working from)'; wabarr 'shade'; bunga-l 'make'


He speared the fish from the bank, standing still, while the others swam in the deep water.

Nyulu kuyu daman daburri-mundu, janay janka, yindu janji-nya bana dajali-nga.

nyulu kuyu dama-ny daburri-mundu, janay janka, yindu janji-nya bana dajali-nga | 3sg fish spear-PAST bank-ABESS, stand still, other swim-SUB water deep-LOC

nyulu kuyu damal daburri janay janka yindu janjil bana dajali

ABESS daburri-mundu 'from the bank (standing)'; dama-l 'spear', janji-l 'swim' (b103)


From the top of the hill you can see the fire of every camp along the winding river.

Jamba wangkar-mundu yundu nyaji-l baya bayan narmba-mu wawubaja-burr.

jamba wangkar-mundu yundu nyaji-l baya bayan narmba-mu wawubaja-burr | hill high-ABESS 2sg see fire camp all-POSS river-PERL

jamba wangkar yundu nyajil baya bayan narmba wawubaja

ABESS jamba wangkar-mundu 'from the hill-top'; wawubaja-burr 'along the river' (PERL)


The old people sang from the big ceremony ground all night, and we heard them from our own camp.

Mukul-bama wulngku badin bubu yalbay-mundu wujurr wubulku, ngali nyajin bayan-mundu.

mukul-bama wulngku badi-ny bubu yalbay-mundu wujurr wubul-ku, ngali nyaji-ny bayan-mundu | old-people song cry(sing)-PAST ground big-ABESS night all, 1du hear-PAST camp-ABESS

mukul bama wulngku badil bubu yalbay wujurr ngali nyajil bayan

two ABESS vantages; wulngku badi 'sing' (b101); ngali '1du'


The little child watched everything from behind its mother, saying nothing and not moving at all.

Karrkay buban narmba nyajin ngamu kudamundu, kuku-kari, kari warri.

karrkay buban narmba nyaji-ny ngamu kudamundu, kuku-kari, kari warri | child small everything watch-PAST mother behind, word-PRIV, NEG move

karrkay buban narmba nyajil ngamu kudamundu kuku warri

kudamundu 'behind' (b102); PRIV kuku-kari 'wordless/silent'


From the deep, still water the big crocodile watched the dogs drinking on the muddy bank.

Bana dajali-mundu bilngkumu yalbay kaya nyajin nuka-nya daburri buyun-ba.

bana dajali-mundu bilngkumu yalbay kaya nyaji-ny nuka-nya daburri buyun-ba | water deep-ABESS crocodile big dog watch-PAST drink-SUB bank muddy-LOC

bana dajali bilngkumu yalbay kaya nyajil daburri buyun

ABESS bana dajali-mundu 'from the deep water (lying in wait)'


The hunter came from the north, but he watched the whole plain from the top of the hill.

Balbi-bama kungkarr-muny kadan, yamba bubu narmba nyajin jamba-mundu.

balbi-bama kungkarr-muny kada-ny, yamba bubu narmba nyaji-ny jamba-mundu | hunter north-ABL come-PAST, but ground all watch-PAST hill-ABESS

balbi bama kungkarr kaday bubu narmba nyajil jamba

⭐THE CONTRAST: ABL kungkarr-muny 'came from north (motion)' vs ABESS jamba-mundu 'watched from hill (vantage)'


From that high place the old man knew every country, every river, and every sacred story-place.

Bubu wangkar yinya-mundu mukul-dingkar bubu narmba binal, wawubaja narmba, yirmbal narmba.

bubu wangkar yinya-mundu mukul-dingkar bubu narmba binal, wawubaja narmba, yirmbal narmba | place high that-ABESS old-man country all know, river all, story.place all

bubu wangkar yinya mukul dingkar narmba binal wawubaja yirmbal

ABESS bubu wangkar yinya-mundu 'from that high place'; yirmbal 'story-place' (b102)


Do not shout at me from a distance; come here close by, and tell me the news quietly.

Kari ngayku-nka yirrka-y kala-kalbay-mundu; kada-y yala ngundu, kuku janka balka-y.

kari ngayku-nka yirrka-y kala-kalbay-mundu; kada-y yala ngundu, kuku janka balka-y | NEG 1sg-DAT shout-IMP far-ABESS; come-IMP here near, news quietly tell-IMP

ngayku yirrkal kala-kalbay kaday yala ngundu kuku janka balka

ABESS kala-kalbay-mundu 'from a distance'; janka 'quietly' (b101); kuku 'news'


The two women called to each other across the river, one from this side, one from the far side.

Jalbu jambul yirrka-wa wawubaja naka-naka, nyubun ngundu-mundu, nyubun kala-kalbay-mundu.

jalbu jambul yirrka-wa wawubaja naka-naka, nyubun ngundu-mundu, nyubun kala-kalbay-mundu | woman two call-RECIP river across, one this.side-ABESS, one far-ABESS

jalbu jambul yirrka wawubaja naka-naka nyubun ngundu kala-kalbay

ABESS ngundu-mundu 'from this side' vs kala-kalbay-mundu 'from the far side'; yirrka-wa 'call each other'


From the shade of the big tree the old man watched the whole camp and knew all that was done.

Juku yalbay wabarr-mundu mukul-dingkar bayan narmba nyajin, narmba yalama-nya binal.

juku yalbay wabarr-mundu mukul-dingkar bayan narmba nyaji-ny, narmba yalama-nya binal | tree big shade-ABESS old-man camp all watch-PAST, all do-SUB know

juku yalbay wabarr mukul dingkar bayan narmba nyajil yalamal binal

ABESS wabarr-mundu 'from the shade'; yalama-l 'do' (b101)


The big grey kangaroo stood tall on the open plain, watching the two hunters come from the north.

Julmbanu yalbay janay kalbay bubu ngalkal-ba, balbi-bama jambul nyaji-l kada-nya kungkarr-muny.

julmbanu yalbay janay kalbay bubu ngalkal-ba, balbi-bama jambul nyaji-l kada-nya kungkarr-muny | grey.kangaroo big stand tall ground open-LOC, hunter two watch come-SUB north-ABL

julmbanu yalbay janay kalbay bubu ngalkal balbi bama jambul kungkarr

julmbanu 'grey kangaroo' (ex.267); ngalkal 'open ground' (b102)


The young man killed the wallaby with one good throw of his long, sharp spear.

Warru kadar kunin nguymal, nyungu kalka kalbay nyubun-bu.

warru kadar kuni-ny nguymal, nyungu kalka kalbay nyubun-bu | young.man wallaby hit/kill-PAST thoroughly, his spear long one-INST

warru kadar kunil nguymal kalka kalbay nyubun

⭐ex.192 'kadar kuni-ny nguymal' 'killed the wallaby with one shot'; kadar 'wallaby'


As a child I used to eat wallaby meat and echidna, cooked in the hot coals of the fire.

Ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya kadar ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-n, baya ngunjil wumbul-ba waju-nya.

ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya kadar ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-ny, baya ngunjil wumbul-ba waju-nya | 1sg child-ERG-ADV meat wallaby echidna eat-HABIT-PAST, fire charcoal hot-LOC cook-SUB

ngayu karrkay minya kadar ngangkin nukal baya ngunjil wumbul wajul

⭐ex.203 exact 'minya kadar ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-ny'; ngangkin 'echidna/porcupine'


That wallaby is running fast across the plain; the dogs cannot catch it in the long grass.

Yinya kadar warri bajaku bubu-burr; kaya kari mani jikan kalbay-mba.

yinya kadar warri bajaku bubu-burr; kaya kari mani jikan kalbay-mba | that wallaby run very ground-PERL; dog NEG catch grass long-LOC

yinya kadar warri bubu kaya manil jikan kalbay

⭐ex.225 'kadar warri-y' 'the wallaby is running'; mani 'catch/get'


The old people say the big grey kangaroo is like the boss of all the plain country.

Mukul-bama balka, julmbanu yalbay yala maja bubu narmba-mu.

mukul-bama balka, julmbanu yalbay yala maja bubu narmba-mu | old-people say, grey.kangaroo big like boss country all-POSS

mukul bama balka julmbanu yalbay yala maja bubu narmba

⭐ex.267 'julmbanu yala maja bubu-ku'; maja 'boss' (ex.91)


The two hunters followed the kangaroo tracks all day, up the river and into the dry hinterland.

Balbi-bama jambul mayarriji jina wukurrin wungar wubulku, wangkar wawubaja jibarr marral-ka.

balbi-bama jambul mayarriji jina wukurri-ny wungar wubul-ku, wangkar wawubaja jibarr marral-ka | hunter two kangaroo track follow-PAST day all, up river hinterland dry-DAT

balbi bama jambul mayarriji jina wukurril wungar wangkar jibarr marral

mayarriji 'kangaroo'; wukurri-l follow (b103), jibarr hinterland (b102)


The kangaroo feeds in the cool early morning and lies down in the shade through the hot day.

Mayarriji nukal wunkuwingku ngiki-ba, wunay wabarr-ba wungar wumbul-ba.

mayarriji nukal wunkuwingku ngiki-ba, wunay wabarr-ba wungar wumbul-ba | kangaroo eat morning cool-LOC, lie shade-LOC day hot-LOC

mayarriji nukal wunkuwingku ngiki wunay wabarr wungar wumbul

mayarriji 'kangaroo'; wabarr 'shade' (b104), wuna-l lie (b103)


The little wallaby with its joey stayed close to the thick scrub, ready to run from any danger.

Kadar buban karrkay-jirr madja junkurr karangkal bundan, warri-nyaku buyun-muny.

kadar buban karrkay-jirr madja junkurr karangkal bunda-ny, warri-nyaku buyun-muny | wallaby small child-COMIT scrub thick alongside sit-PAST, run-IRR(ready) bad-ABL

kadar buban karrkay madja junkurr karangkal bundal warri buyun

kadar 'wallaby'; COMIT karrkay-jirr 'with a joey' (b104); -nyaku IRR


The hunter threw his spear straight and true, and the big kangaroo fell dead on the open plain.

Balbi-bama kalka jinbal nguymal daman, mayarriji yalbay daran wula bubu ngalkal-ba.

balbi-bama kalka jinbal nguymal dama-ny, mayarriji yalbay dara-ny wula bubu ngalkal-ba | hunter spear straight truly spear-PAST, kangaroo big fall-PAST die ground open-LOC

balbi bama kalka jinbal nguymal damal mayarriji yalbay daray wulal

dama-l 'spear'; nguymal 'truly'; mayarriji kangaroo; dara-l fall (b103), wula-l die (b099)


The kangaroo and the wallaby feed together on the plain, but the wallaby keeps close to the scrub.

Mayarriji kadar muru nukal bubu-ba, yamba kadar madja karangkal janka bundan.

mayarriji kadar muru nukal bubu-ba, yamba kadar madja karangkal janka bunda-ny | kangaroo wallaby together eat ground-LOC, but wallaby scrub alongside quiet sit-PAST

mayarriji kadar muru nukal bubu madja karangkal janka bundal

⭐mayarriji 'kangaroo' vs kadar 'wallaby' — the distinction; muru 'together'


The old man knew the kangaroo would come down to the water at dark, so he waited by the track.

Mukul-dingkar binal, mayarriji bada kada-nyaku bana-ka wujurr-ba, nyulu jina ngundu kuji-l.

mukul-dingkar binal, mayarriji bada kada-nyaku bana-ka wujurr-ba, nyulu jina ngundu kuji-l | old-man know, kangaroo down come-IRR water-DAT dark-LOC, 3sg track near mind(wait)

mukul dingkar binal mayarriji bada kaday bana wujurr jina kujil

mayarriji kangaroo; kada-nyaku IRR 'would come'; kuji-l 'wait/mind' (b100)


The strong young men carried the two big kangaroos back to the camp, one behind the other.

Warru junkurr-ji jambul mayarriji yalbay jambul wundin bayan-ka, nyubun nyubun kudamundu.

warru junkurr-ji jambul mayarriji yalbay jambul wundi-ny bayan-ka, nyubun nyubun kudamundu | young.man strength-COMIT two kangaroo big two carry-PAST camp-DAT, one one behind

warru junkurr jambul mayarriji yalbay wundil bayan nyubun kudamundu

mayarriji kangaroo; COMIT junkurr-ji 'strong' (b104), wundi-l carry (b103)


That old grey kangaroo is too big and too strong; no single dog can bring it down alone.

Yinya julmbanu mukul yalbay bajaku, junkurr bajaku; kaya nyubun kari mani nyubun-bu.

yinya julmbanu mukul yalbay bajaku, junkurr bajaku; kaya nyubun kari mani nyubun-bu | that grey.kangaroo old big very, strong very; dog one NEG catch one-INST(alone)

yinya julmbanu mukul yalbay junkurr kaya nyubun manil

julmbanu 'grey kangaroo'; nyubun-bu 'alone'


The women cut up the wallaby meat and shared it out to all the children by the evening fire.

Jalbu-jalbu minya kadar yakan, karrkay-karrkay narmba-nka dajin baya ngundu wujurr-ba.

jalbu-jalbu minya kadar yaka-ny, karrkay-karrkay narmba-nka daji-ny baya ngundu wujurr-ba | woman-REDUP meat wallaby cut-PAST, child-REDUP all-DAT give-PAST fire near night-LOC

jalbu minya kadar yakal karrkay narmba dajil baya ngundu wujurr

kadar 'wallaby'; yaka-l cut, daji-l give/share


The possum sleeps all day in the hollow of the tall tree and comes out to feed in the dark night.

Yawa warngku wuna wungar wubulku juku kalbay dukurr, wandin nukal-nka wujurr ngungul-ba.

yawa warngku wuna wungar wubul-ku juku kalbay dukurr, wandi-ny nukal-nka wujurr ngungul-ba | possum sleep lie day all tree tall inside, come.out-PAST eat-PURP night dark-LOC

yawa warngku wunay wungar juku kalbay dukurr wandil nukal ngungul

yawa 'possum'; dukurr 'inside/hollow' (b102), wandi-l come out (b103)


The old man climbed the tall tree at night and pulled the fat possum from its dark hollow.

Mukul-dingkar juku kalbay wangkar dakan wujurr-ba, yawa wandul dukurr-muny manin.

mukul-dingkar juku kalbay wangkar daka-ny wujurr-ba, yawa wandul dukurr-muny mani-ny | old-man tree tall up climb-PAST night-LOC, possum fat hollow-ABL take-PAST

mukul dingkar juku kalbay wangkar dakal yawa wandul dukurr manil

yawa 'possum'; daka-l climb (b103), wandul 'fat' (b097)


The echidna dug quickly into the hard ground with its strong claws when the dogs came near.

Ngangkin bubu junkurr-ka buyun-buyun bakan mara junkurr-bu, kaya ngundu kada-nya.

ngangkin bubu junkurr-ka buyun-buyun baka-ny mara junkurr-bu, kaya ngundu kada-nya | echidna ground hard-DAT quickly dig-PAST hand(claw) strong-INST, dog near come-SUB

ngangkin bubu junkurr baka-l mara kaya ngundu kaday

ngangkin 'echidna'; baka-l dig; mara 'hand/claw' (dilba avoided)


As a child I used to eat echidna, cooked slowly in the ground oven between the hot stones.

Ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-n, bubu-ngu waju-nya kulji wumbul dindarra-nga.

ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-ny, bubu-ngu waju-nya kulji wumbul dindarra-nga | 1sg child-ERG-ADV meat echidna eat-HABIT-PAST, ground-LOC cook-SUB stone hot middle-LOC

ngayu karrkay minya ngangkin nukal bubu wajul kulji wumbul dindarra

ngangkin 'echidna'; nuka-l-nuka-ny habitual (ex.203); bubu-ngu LOC (u->-ngu)


The bandicoot ran out of the long grass at dusk, and the quick dog caught it by the track.

Kulngu jikan kalbay-muny warri wujurr-ma-nya, kaya buyun-buyun manin jina ngundu.

kulngu jikan kalbay-muny warri wujurr-ma-nya, kaya buyun-buyun mani-ny jina ngundu | bandicoot grass long-ABL run night-INCHO-SUB(dusk), dog quickly catch-PAST track near

kulngu jikan kalbay warri kaya manil jina ngundu

kulngu 'bandicoot'; warri run (b103), mani 'catch'


The tree kangaroo climbed high into the rainforest tree and sat still among the thick green leaves.

Jarrabina juku kalbay wangkar dakan madja junkurr-ba, bundan janka birra balbal junkurr dindarra-nga.

jarrabina juku kalbay wangkar daka-ny madja junkurr-ba, bunda-ny janka birra balbal junkurr dindarra-nga | tree.kangaroo tree tall up climb-PAST scrub thick-LOC, sit-PAST still leaf green thick middle-LOC

jarrabina juku kalbay wangkar dakal madja junkurr bundal birra balbal

jarrabina 'tree kangaroo'; madja junkurr 'thick scrub'; birra 'leaf' (b095)


The little kangaroo rat lives in the dry grass country and feeds on the seeds and small roots.

Jayju buban bubu jikan marral-ba wunay, nukal wukay buban mayi-mayi.

jayju buban bubu jikan marral-ba wunay, nukal wukay buban mayi-mayi | kangaroo.rat small country grass dry-LOC live, eat yam small food-REDUP

jayju buban bubu jikan marral wunay nukal wukay mayi

jayju 'kangaroo rat'; jikan grass, wukay yam (b081)