The corkwood pine has soft light wood, good for carrying a long way.

Dili-juku juku kima kulngkul-kari, ngulkurr wundinka kalbay.

dili-juku juku kima kulngkul-kari, ngulkurr wundi-nka kalbay | corkwood-pine wood soft heavy-without(light), good carry-PURP long

dili juku kima kulngkul kari ngulkurr wundil kalbay


The women gathered broad leaves to put under the food in the fire.

Jalbu bindi bangkan, mayi bada baya-nga wuna-nka.

jalbu bindi bangka-ny, mayi bada baya-nga wuna-nka | woman broad.leaf gathered, food under fire-LOC put-PURP

jalbu bindi bangkal mayi bada baya wunay


The tree's roots go deep to find water in the dry season.

Juku-mu bangkan bubu-dukurr-ba dungay, bana milbi-nka dukurr-wungar-a.

juku-mu bangkan bubu-dukurr-ba dunga-y, bana milbi-nka dukurr-wungar-a | tree-POSS root ground-deep-LOC go, water find-PURP dry-season-LOC

juku bangkan bubu dukurr dungay bana milbil wungar


The old woman broke the dead branch for firewood by the camp.

Wulbuman dakil wulan dumbarrin baya-ka bayan karangkal.

wulbuman dakil wula-ny dumbarri-ny baya-ka bayan karangkal | old.woman branch dead broke firewood-DAT camp alongside

wulbuman dakil wulay dumbarril baya bayan karangkal


The seeds fell from the flower and grew into small new trees after the rain.

Diburr nganka-muny daray, juku buban yalbay-mal kaba-muny.

diburr nganka-muny dara-y, juku buban yalbay-ma-l kaba-muny | seed flower-ABL fell, tree small grow-big rain-ABL(after)

diburr nganka daray juku buban yalbay kaba


The oak tree drops its nuts in the cold season, and the scrub turkeys eat them.

Dalban-juku nyungu darka daray-manil ngiki-wungar-a, jarruka nukal.

dalban-juku nyungu darka dara-y-mani-l ngiki-wungar-a, jarruka nuka-l | oak-tree its nut drops cold-season-LOC, scrub.hen eats

dalban juku darka daray ngiki wungar jarruka nukal


The hollow tree is home to the possum, the bat, and the wild bees.

Juku-janku yawa-mu mali-mu dabu-mu bayan.

juku-janku yawa-mu mali-mu dabu-mu bayan | tree-hole possum-POSS bat-POSS bee-POSS home


The children climbed the branches of the big tree to look out over the country.

Karrkay juku yalbay-mu dakil-ba dakan, bubu nyaji-nka wubulku.

karrkay juku yalbay-mu dakil-ba daka-ny, bubu nyaji-nka wubul-ku | child tree big-POSS branch-LOC climbed, country see-PURP all

karrkay juku yalbay dakil dakal bubu nyajil wubul


The old woman boiled the bush medicine leaves in water to heal the sick child.

Wulbuman dukunjaka birra bana-nga wajun, karrkay bambay ngulkurr-bunga-nka.

wulbuman dukunjaka birra bana-nga waju-ny, karrkay bambay ngulkurr-bunga-nka | old.woman bush.medicine leaf water-LOC boiled, child sick good-CAUS-PURP(heal)

wulbuman dukunjaka birra bana wajul karrkay bambay ngulkurr bungal


The country's own remedy is strong, the old woman said, stronger than any other.

Bubu-mu kalbal yaykarr, wulbumanangka balkan, jarra-yaykarr wubulku.

bubu-mu kalbal yaykarr, wulbuman-angka balka-ny, jarra-yaykarr wubul-ku | country-POSS remedy strong, old.woman-ERG said, stronger all-DAT

bubu kalbal yaykarr wulbuman balkal jarra wubul

remedy strength; comparative jarra-yaykarr


The bark of the tea tree, when it is ground up, takes the pain out of a sore.

Bijin-juku-mu buyku nyurrban, nyulu kaka manin baji-muny.

bijin-juku-mu buyku nyurrba-ny, nyulu kaka mani-ny baji-muny | tea.tree-POSS bark ground(crushed), it pain took sore-ABL

bijin juku buyku nyurrbal kaka manil baji


When this tree flowers, the old people know the fish are good in the river.

Juku nyubun nganka-mal-nya, bama mukul binal kuyu ngulkurr wawubaja-nga.

juku nyubun nganka-ma-l-nya, bama mukul binal kuyu ngulkurr wawubaja-nga | tree one flower-INCHO-SUB(when.flowers), person old know fish good creek-LOC

juku nyubun nganka bama mukul binal kuyu ngulkurr wawubaja


The women read the seasons by the trees: when this one flowers, that fruit is ripe.

Jalbu wungar ngaral juku-bu: yinya nganka-mal-nya, yinya mayi kulbul.

jalbu wungar ngara-l juku-bu: yinya nganka-ma-l-nya, yinya mayi kulbul | woman season read tree-INST: this flower-SUB, that fruit ripe

jalbu wungar ngaray juku yinya nganka mayi kulbul


The old man said every plant in the country is good for something, for food or for medicine.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan mayi-juku wubul ngulkurr junjuy-ka, mayi-ka kalbal-ka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny mayi-juku wubul ngulkurr junjuy-ka, mayi-ka kalbal-ka | old-man-ERG said plant many good something-DAT, food-DAT remedy-DAT

mukul dingkar balkal mayi juku wubul ngulkurr junjuy kalbal


In the cold dry season the yams are best, and the women dig them every day.

Ngiki dukurr-wungar-a bambayal ngulkurr-baja, jalbu bakan wungar nyubun-nyubun.

ngiki dukurr-wungar-a bambayal ngulkurr-baja, jalbu baka-ny wungar nyubun-nyubun | cold dry-season-LOC yam best, woman dug day each

ngiki dukurr wungar bambayal ngulkurr baja jalbu bakal nyubun


When the first rain comes, the new grass and the young leaves come up from the ground.

Kaba ngadiku kada-nya, bilanji buban birra buban daka-l bubu-muny.

kaba ngadiku kada-nya, bilanji buban birra buban daka-l bubu-muny | rain first come-SUB, grass new leaf young rise ground-ABL

kaba ngadiku kaday bilanji buban birra dakal bubu


The old woman taught the girl the name of every tree and what each one gives.

Wulbuman jalbu-buban binal-bungan juku wubul-mu burri, wanya nyubun-nyubun dajil.

wulbuman jalbu-buban binal-bunga-ny juku wubul-mu burri, wanya nyubun-nyubun daji-l | old.woman girl taught tree all-POSS name, what each gives

wulbuman jalbu buban binal bungal juku wubul burri wanya dajil


The bush foods feed the people through every season, if they know where to look.

Duduy-mayi bama daji-l wungar wubulku, kaki jana binal wanja balbil.

duduy-mayi bama daji-l wungar wubul-ku, kaki jana binal wanja balbi-l | bush-food person feeds season all, if they know where search

duduy mayi bama dajil wungar wubul kaki binal wanja balbil


The old man said the country is like a food-ground, if you keep it well.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan bubu yala mayi-bubu, kaki yundu ngulkurr karrbal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bubu yala mayi-bubu, kaki yundu ngulkurr karrba-l | old-man-ERG said country like food-ground, if you well keep

mukul dingkar balkal bubu yala mayi kaki yundu ngulkurr karrbal


The women gathered figs, nuts, and yams, and carried a full load back to the camp.

Jalbu binanji darka bambayal bangkan, wubul wundin bayan-ka baja.

jalbu binanji darka bambayal bangka-ny, wubul wundi-ny bayan-ka baja | woman fig nut yam gathered, many carried camp-DAT back

jalbu binanji darka bambayal bangkal wubul wundil bayan


The children left the seeds and ate only the sweet ripe fruit.

Karrkay diburr bawal, mayi kulbul jiba-wula-wula nyubun nukal.

karrkay diburr bawa-l, mayi kulbul jiba-wula-wula nyubun nuka-l | child seed left, fruit ripe sweet only ate

karrkay diburr bawal mayi kulbul jiba-wula-wula nyubun nukal


The bloodwood's red sap is a remedy for a sore, the old woman said.

Babajaka-mu ngala-ngala kalbal baji-ka, wulbumanangka balkan.

babajaka-mu ngala-ngala kalbal baji-ka, wulbuman-angka balka-ny | bloodwood-POSS red remedy sore-DAT, old.woman-ERG said

babajaka ngala-ngala kalbal baji wulbuman balkal


The old man pointed to the fig tree where his father had gathered fruit long ago.

Mukul-dingkar dukal-juku milbin, wanja nyungu nganjan mayi bangkan ngadiku-baja.

mukul-dingkar dukal-juku milbi-ny, wanja nyungu nganjan mayi bangka-ny ngadiku-baja | old-man fig-tree showed, where his father fruit gathered long-ago

mukul dingkar dukal juku milbil wanja nganjan mayi bangkal ngadiku


The old woman said: know the plants, and the country will never leave you without food.

Wulbumanangka balkan: mayi-juku binalman, bubu-bu yununy kariku mayi-kari-bungal.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: mayi-juku binal-ma-ny, bubu-bu yununy kariku mayi-kari-bunga-l | old.woman-ERG said: plant know, country-INST 2sg.ACC never food-without-CAUS

wulbuman balkal mayi juku binalmal bubu yununy kari bungal

teaching: plant-knowledge = never hungry


The man paints himself with red ochre for the corroboree.

Dingkar julngka-ji ngala-ngala-bu warrma-ka.

dingkar julngka-ji-y ngala-ngala-bu warrma-ka | man(S) paint-REFL red-INST corroboree-DAT


The child cut himself on the sharp stone by the creek.

Karrkay yaka-ji kulji dandi-bu wawubaja karangkal.

karrkay yaka-ji-y kulji dandi-bu wawubaja karangkal | child(S) cut-REFL stone sharp-INST creek alongside

karrkay yakal kulji dandi wawubaja karangkal

REFL yaka-ji-y 'cut oneself' (grammar l.3524)


The old woman washed herself in the cold water of the creek at dawn.

Wulbuman julurri-ji bana ngiki-nga wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku.

wulbuman julurri-ji-y bana ngiki-nga wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku | old.woman(S) wash-REFL water cold-LOC creek-LOC dawn

wulbuman julurri bana ngiki wawubaja wunkuwingku

REFL julurri-ji-y 'wash oneself' (ex.154)


The old man warmed himself by the fire in the cold night.

Mukul-dingkar wumbul-bunga-ji baya-nga wujurr ngiki-nga.

mukul-dingkar wumbul-bunga-ji-y baya-nga wujurr ngiki-nga | old-man(S) hot-CAUS-REFL fire-LOC night cold-LOC

mukul dingkar wumbul bungal baya wujurr ngiki

REFL on CAUS stem: wumbul-bunga-ji-y 'warm oneself'


The cat stretches itself in the warm sun after it has eaten.

Buji jika-ji wungar wumbul-a, nuka-ny-muny.

buji jika-ji-y wungar wumbul-a, nuka-ny-muny | cat(S) stretch-REFL sun warm-LOC, eat-ABL(after)

fixed REFL jika-ji-y 'stretch oneself' (ex.186)


The hunter hid himself behind the big tree to watch the game.

Balbi-bama ngakiji juku yalbay kudamundu, minya nyaji-nka.

balbi-bama ngakiji-y juku yalbay kudamundu, minya nyaji-nka | hunter(S) hide-REFL tree big behind, game see-PURP

balbi bama ngakijil juku yalbay kudamundu minya nyajil


The children painted themselves with white and red for the dance.

Karrkay-karrkay julngka-ji ngala-ngala-bu warrma-ka.

karrkay-karrkay julngka-ji-y ngala-ngala-bu warrma-ka | children(S) paint-REFL red-INST corroboree-DAT


The young man washed himself in the cold water to wake himself up.

Warru julurri-ji bana ngiki-nga, wandi-nka.

warru julurri-ji-y bana ngiki-nga, wandi-nka | young.man(S) wash-REFL water cold-LOC, wake-PURP

fixed REFL jubi-ji-y 'pinch oneself' (grammar l.3525)


When the baby was born, the whole camp was glad.

Ngawa balka-ji-nya, bama bayan wubul ngulkurr.

ngawa balka-ji-y-nya, bama bayan wubul ngulkurr | baby(S) be.born-REFL-SUB, person camp all glad

lexicalised REFL balka-ji-y 'get born' (grammar l.3542)


The family moved camp to the coast when the wet season came.

Jawun-karra jurrki-ji jalun-ka, bana-wungar kada-nya.

jawun-karra jurrki-ji-y jalun-ka, bana-wungar kada-nya | family(S) move.camp-REFL sea-DAT, wet-season come-SUB

lexicalised REFL jurrki-ji-y 'move camp' (grammar l.3544)


The child was lost in the big scrub, but the old man found him.

Karrkay nubi-ji madja yalbay-mba, yambada mukul-dingkarangka milbin.

karrkay nubi-ji-y madja yalbay-mba, yambada mukul-dingkar-angka milbi-ny | child(S) be.lost-REFL scrub big-LOC, but old-man-ERG found

karrkay nubi madja yalbay mukul dingkar milbil

lexicalised REFL nubi-ji-y 'be lost' (grammar l.3546)


The old woman took a long detour around the flooded creek.

Wulbuman murni-ji wawubaja bana-yalbay kudamundu, kalbay-baja.

wulbuman murni-ji-y wawubaja bana-yalbay kudamundu, kalbay-baja | old.woman(S) detour-REFL creek water-big around, long-very

wulbuman murni wawubaja bana yalbay kudamundu kalbay

lexicalised REFL murni-ji-y 'take a detour' (grammar l.3545)


The man made himself stand up, though his legs were tired.

Dingkar jana-y-mani-ji, nyungu jina baja-burray.

dingkar jana-y-mani-ji-y, nyungu jina baja-burray | man(S) make.stand-REFL, his leg tired

REFL on CAUS: jana-y-mani-ji-y (grammar l.3527)


The girl looked at herself in the still water of the rock pool.

Jalbu-buban nyaji-ji bana janka-nga kulji-bana-nga.

jalbu-buban nyaji-ji-y bana janka-nga kulji-bana-nga | girl(S) see-REFL water still-LOC rock-pool-LOC


The child hurt himself when he fell from the branch of the fig tree.

Karrkay bambay-bunga-ji, nyulu dukal-juku-mu dakil-muny daray.

karrkay bambay-bunga-ji-y, nyulu dukal-juku-mu dakil-muny dara-y | child(S) hurt-REFL, he fig-tree-POSS branch-ABL fell

karrkay bambay bungal dukal juku dakil daray

REFL on CAUS: bambay-bunga-ji-y 'hurt oneself'


The cat cleaned itself in the sun after the meal, quiet and content.

Buji julurri-ji wungar-a nuka-ny-muny, janka ngulkurr.

buji julurri-ji-y wungar-a nuka-ny-muny, janka ngulkurr | cat(S) wash-REFL sun-LOC eat-ABL(after), quiet content

buji julurri wungar nukal janka ngulkurr


The children hid themselves in the long grass and waited very quietly.

Karrkay-karrkay ngakiji bilanji kalbay-mba, janka-baja karrban.

karrkay-karrkay ngakiji-y bilanji kalbay-mba, janka-baja karrba-ny | children(S) hide-REFL grass long-LOC, very-quiet waited

karrkay ngakijil bilanji kalbay janka karrbal


The man cut himself with the sharp knife while he was cleaning the fish.

Dingkar yaka-ji naybu dandi-bu, kuyu ngulkurr-bunga-nya.

dingkar yaka-ji-y naybu dandi-bu, kuyu ngulkurr-bunga-nya | man(S) cut-REFL knife sharp-INST, fish clean-SUB(while)

dingkar yakal naybu dandi kuyu ngulkurr bungal


The old woman said a lost person should sit down and wait to be found.

Wulbumanangka balkan bama nubi-ji-nya bunday, jana milbi-nka.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny bama nubi-ji-y-nya bunda-y, jana milbi-nka | old.woman-ERG said person be.lost-REFL-SUB sit, they find-PURP


The old woman warmed herself and the sick child by the fire all night.

Wulbuman wumbul-bunga-ji, karrkay bambay wumbul-bungan baya-nga wujurr wubulku.

wulbuman wumbul-bunga-ji-y, karrkay bambay wumbul-bunga-ny baya-nga wujurr wubul-ku | old.woman(S) warm-REFL, child sick warm-CAUS fire-LOC night all

wulbuman wumbul bungal karrkay bambay baya wujurr wubul

REFL vs CAUS contrast (warm self vs warm child)


The two men saw each other across the wide river and called out together.

Dingkar jambul nyaji-way wawubaja yalbay-mba, kunja-way.

dingkar jambul nyaji-wa-y wawubaja yalbay-mba, kunja-wa-y | man two(S) see-RECIP creek big-LOC, call-RECIP

dingkar jambul nyajil wawubaja yalbay kunja

RECIP nyaji-wa-y/kunja-wa-y (grammar l.3492-3)


The two snakes wrap around each other in the grass when they mate.

Jarba bula kaja-way bilanji-nga, dukurr-wungar-a.

jarba bula kaja-wa-y bilanji-nga, dukurr-wungar-a | snake 3du(S) tie-RECIP(wrap around, i.e. mate) grass-LOC, dry-season-LOC

RECIP kaja-wa-y 'wrap around each other' (ex.181)


The two women were fighting, and they stirred each other up with a dance.

Jalbu-jalbu kuni-way, jana kuli-kanga-way jurbu-bu.

jalbu-jalbu kuni-wa-y, jana kuli-kanga-wa-y jurbu-bu | woman-REDUP(S) fight-RECIP, they excite-RECIP dance-INST

lexicalised kuni-wa-y 'fight'; kuli-kanga-wa-y (ex.182)


The old men chatted together by the fire all through the cold night.

Mukul-dingkar wubul balka-way baya karangkal, wujurr ngiki wubulku.

mukul-dingkar wubul balka-wa-y baya karangkal, wujurr ngiki wubul-ku | old-man many(S) chat-RECIP fire alongside, night cold all

mukul dingkar wubul balkal baya karangkal wujurr ngiki


The children called to each other across the camp when the sun went down.

Karrkay-karrkay kunja-way bayan-ba, wungar bada dunga-nya.

karrkay-karrkay kunja-wa-y bayan-ba, wungar bada dunga-nya | children(S) call-RECIP camp-LOC, sun down go-SUB(dusk)


The old men taught each other the old songs of the country.

Mukul-dingkar wubul binal-bunga-way, bubu-mu burri ngadiku-mu.

mukul-dingkar wubul binal-bunga-wa-y, bubu-mu burri ngadiku-mu | old-man many(S) teach-RECIP, country-POSS song before-POSS

mukul dingkar wubul binal bungal bubu burri ngadiku

RECIP binal-bunga-wa-y 'teach each other' (grammar l.3494)


The two young men scolded each other over the broken spear.

Warru jambul murru-kanga-way, kalka dumbarrin-muny.

warru jambul murru-kanga-wa-y, kalka dumbarri-ny-muny | young.man two(S) scold-RECIP, spear broke-ABL(over)

warru jambul murru kanga kalka dumbarril

RECIP murru-kanga-wa-y 'scold each other' (grammar l.3495)


The two dogs bit each other over the one piece of meat.

kaya bula bayka-wa-y, minya nyubun-muny | dog 3du(S) bite-RECIP, meat one-ABL(over)


The families helped each other dig yams in the hard cold season.

Jawun-karra mara-daji-way, bambayal baka-nka ngiki-wungar-a.

jawun-karra mara-daji-wa-y, bambayal baka-nka ngiki-wungar-a | family(S) help-RECIP, yam dig-PURP cold-season-LOC

jawun mara dajil bambayal bakal ngiki wungar

RECIP mara-daji-wa-y 'help each other' + PURP


The old man said good people look after each other when the food is short.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan bama ngulkurr kuji-way mayi-kari-nga.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bama ngulkurr kuji-wa-y mayi-kari-nga | old-man-ERG said person good look.after-RECIP food-without-LOC

mukul dingkar balkal bama ngulkurr kuji mayi kari

RECIP kuji-wa-y 'look after each other' (grammar l.3506)


The two old women told each other stories all the long afternoon.

Wulbuman bula kuku balka-n-balka-way, wungar bada wubulku.

wulbuman bula kuku balka-n-balka-wa-y, wungar bada wubul-ku | old.woman 3du(S) word talk-REDUP-RECIP, afternoon all

wulbuman bula kuku balkal wungar bada wubul

reduplicated RECIP balka-n-balka-wa-y (ex.184)


The two young men were fighting, but the old man stopped them.

Warru jambul kuni-way, yambada mukul-dingkarangka nandan.

warru jambul kuni-wa-y, yambada mukul-dingkar-angka nanda-ny | young.man two(S) fight-RECIP, but old-man-ERG stopped(shut)

kuni-wa-y 'fight'; ERG only on the transitive main clause


The kin saw each other again and were glad, after a long time apart.

Jawun nyaji-way baja, jana ngulkurr, kalbay-muny nyaji-kari.

jawun nyaji-wa-y baja, jana ngulkurr, kalbay-muny nyaji-kari | kin(S) see-RECIP again, they glad, long-ABL see-without(apart)

RECIP nyaji-wa-y 'meet' + PRIV nyaji-kari


The old people said: help each other, and the country will look after you all.

Bama mukul balkan: mara-daji-wa, bubu-bu yundu karrbal wubulku.

bama mukul balka-ny: mara-daji-wa, bubu-bu yundu karrba-l wubul-ku | person old said: help-RECIP(IMP), country-INST you keep all

bama mukul balkal mara dajil bubu yundu karrbal


The two brothers-in-camp shared the meat between each other after the hunt.

Dingkar jambul daji-way minya, balbi-ny-muny.

dingkar jambul daji-wa-y minya, balbi-ny-muny | man two(S) share-RECIP meat, hunt-ABL(after)


The two old women helped each other carry the heavy load of yams to camp.

Wulbuman bula mara-daji-way, bambayal kulngkul wundi-nka bayan-ka.

wulbuman bula mara-daji-wa-y, bambayal kulngkul wundi-nka bayan-ka | old.woman 3du(S) help-RECIP, yam heavy carry-PURP camp-DAT

wulbuman bula mara dajil bambayal kulngkul wundil bayan


The children chased each other around the big fig tree in the afternoon.

Karrkay-karrkay kanga-way dukal-juku yalbay kudamundu, wungar bada.

karrkay-karrkay kanga-wa-y dukal-juku yalbay kudamundu, wungar bada | children(S) chase-RECIP fig-tree big around, afternoon

karrkay kanga dukal juku yalbay kudamundu wungar bada


The two men speared at each other in the fight, but no one was hurt.

Dingkar jambul kuni-way, yambada kari nyubun bambay.

dingkar jambul kuni-wa-y, yambada kari nyubun bambay | man two(S) fight-RECIP, but NEG one hurt


The old people said the kin must look after each other when times are hard.

Bama mukul balkan jawun kuji-way ngiki-wungar-a.

bama mukul balka-ny jawun kuji-wa-y ngiki-wungar-a | person old said kin look.after-RECIP cold-season-LOC(hard.times)

bama mukul balkal jawun kuji ngiki wungar


The two young men called to each other across the deep water of the gorge.

Warru jambul kunja-way bana-dukurr yalbay-mba.

warru jambul kunja-wa-y bana-dukurr yalbay-mba | young.man two(S) call-RECIP water-deep big-LOC


The women taught each other about the bark bags and the digging sticks.

Jalbu binal-bunga-way, buyku-balji-ka juku-baka-ka.

jalbu binal-bunga-wa-y, buyku-balji-ka juku-baka-ka | woman(S) teach-RECIP, paperbark-bag-DAT digging-stick-DAT

jalbu binal bungal buyku balji juku bakal

RECIP binal-bunga-wa-y about material culture


The two boys hit each other, and then they were friends again.

Warru jambul kuni-way, yalada jana jawun baja.

warru jambul kuni-wa-y, yala-da jana jawun baja | young.man two(S) fight-RECIP, then they friend again


The old man and the young man taught each other the lore of the country.

Mukul-dingkar warru jambul binal-bunga-way bubu-mu kuku.

mukul-dingkar warru jambul binal-bunga-wa-y bubu-mu kuku | old-man young-man two(S) teach-RECIP country-POSS word(lore)

mukul dingkar warru jambul binal bungal bubu kuku


The families visited each other in the dry season and shared their food.

Jawun-karra nyaji-way dukurr-wungar-a, mayi daji-way.

jawun-karra nyaji-wa-y dukurr-wungar-a, mayi daji-wa-y | family(S) see-RECIP dry-season-LOC, food share-RECIP


The two women looked at each other and chatted happily by the fire.

Jalbu bula nyaji-way, balka-way ngulkurr baya karangkal.

jalbu bula nyaji-wa-y, balka-wa-y ngulkurr baya karangkal | woman 3du(S) see-RECIP, chat-RECIP happily fire alongside

jalbu bula nyajil balkal ngulkurr baya karangkal


When the two snakes fight, they wrap around each other on the hot ground.

Jarba jambul kuni-way-nya, bula kaja-way bubu wumbul-a.

jarba jambul kuni-wa-y-nya, bula kaja-wa-y bubu wumbul-a | snake two(S) fight-RECIP-SUB, 3du wrap-RECIP ground warm-LOC


The old man said good people never scold each other in front of the children.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan bama ngulkurr kariku murru-kanga-way karrkay ngundu.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bama ngulkurr kariku murru-kanga-wa-y karrkay ngundu | old-man-ERG said person good never scold-RECIP child near(front.of)

mukul dingkar balkal bama ngulkurr murru kanga karrkay ngundu


The two hunters shared the sea turtle between each other and gave the best to the old man.

Balbi-bama jambul ngawiya daji-way, mukul-dingkar-nka ngulkurr-baja dajin.

balbi-bama jambul ngawiya daji-wa-y, mukul-dingkar-nka ngulkurr-baja daji-ny | hunter two(S) share-RECIP sea.turtle, old-man-DAT best gave

balbi bama jambul ngawiya dajil mukul dingkar ngulkurr


The two children looked at each other and then laughed and ran off together.

Karrkay jambul nyaji-way, yalada jana warri muru dungan.

karrkay jambul nyaji-wa-y, yala-da jana warri muru dunga-ny | child two(S) see-RECIP, then they fast together went


The old woman said: the kin who look after each other never go hungry.

Wulbumanangka balkan: jawun kuji-way-nya kariku mayi-kari.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: jawun kuji-wa-y-nya kariku mayi-kari | old.woman-ERG said: kin look.after-RECIP-SUB never food-without(hungry)


The hunter speared the big grey kangaroo at the edge of the scrub at dawn.

Balbi-bama julmbanu yalbay daman madja-ngandal-ba wunkuwingku.

balbi-bama julmbanu yalbay dama-ny madja-ngandal-ba wunkuwingku | hunter grey.kangaroo big speared scrub-edge(mouth)-LOC dawn

balbi bama julmbanu yalbay damal madja ngandal wunkuwingku


The wallaby feeds on the new grass in the cool of the evening.

Darrba bilanji buban nukal wungar bada dunga-nya ngiki-nga.

darrba bilanji buban nuka-l wungar bada dunga-nya ngiki-nga | wallaby grass new eats sun down go-SUB(evening) cool-LOC

darrba bilanji buban nukal wungar bada dungay ngiki


The tree kangaroo climbs high into the fig tree and sleeps in the fork of the branches.

Jarrabina dukal-juku-ngu wangkar daka-l, dakil-jambul-ba warngku-wunay.

jarrabina dukal-juku-ngu wangkar daka-l, dakil-jambul-ba warngku-wuna-y | tree.kangaroo fig-tree-LOC up climbs, branch-two(fork)-LOC sleeps

jarrabina dukal juku wangkar dakal dakil jambul warngku wunay


The kangaroo rat digs a deep hole in the sandy ground and hides there by day.

Jayju jukar-bubu-ngu janku dukurr bakan, yinya-nga ngakiji wungar-a.

jayju jukar-bubu-ngu janku dukurr baka-ny, yinya-nga ngakiji-y wungar-a | kangaroo.rat sand-ground-LOC hole deep dug, there-LOC hides day-LOC

jayju jukar bubu janku dukurr bakal ngakijil wungar

macropod: jayju 'kangaroo rat'; janku 'burrow'


The hunter followed the wallaby's tracks all morning through the long grass.

Balbi-bama darrba-mu jina wukurrin wunkuwingku wubulku, bilanji kalbay-burr.

balbi-bama darrba-mu jina wukurri-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku, bilanji kalbay-burr | hunter wallaby-POSS track followed morning all, grass long-PERL(through)

balbi bama darrba jina wukurril wunkuwingku wubul bilanji kalbay


When the dogs chased the kangaroo, it ran fast toward the deep water.

Kaya-ngka mayarriji kangan-nya, nyulu warri bila bana-dukurr-ka.

kaya-ngka mayarriji kanga-ny-nya, nyulu warri bila bana-dukurr-ka | dog-ERG kangaroo chase-SUB, it run fast water-deep-DAT

kaya mayarriji kangal warri bila bana dukurr

macropod: mayarriji 'kangaroo'; kanga-l 'chase'


The old man said a good hunter waits quietly and never rushes the kangaroo.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan balbi-bama ngulkurr janka karrbal, kariku mayarriji warri-bungal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny balbi-bama ngulkurr janka karrba-l, kariku mayarriji warri-bunga-l | old-man-ERG said hunter good quiet waits, never kangaroo rush(run-CAUS)

mukul dingkar balkal balbi bama ngulkurr janka karrbal mayarriji warri


The scrub wallaby is small and quick, and it hides among the vines.

Bimbarrbay buban bila, karra-nga ngakiji.

bimbarrbay buban bila, karra-nga ngakiji-y | scrub.wallaby small fast, vine-LOC hides


The men cooked the whole kangaroo in a ground oven with hot stones.

Dingkar mayarriji wubul wajun bubu-janku-ngu, kulji wumbul-bu.

dingkar mayarriji wubul waju-ny bubu-janku-ngu, kulji wumbul-bu | man kangaroo whole cooked ground-hole-LOC, stone hot-INST

dingkar mayarriji wubul wajul bubu janku kulji wumbul


The tree kangaroo comes down from the tree at night to feed on the leaves.

Jarrabina juku-muny bada kada-l wujurr-ba, birra nuka-nka.

jarrabina juku-muny bada kada-l wujurr-ba, birra nuka-nka | tree.kangaroo tree-ABL down comes night-LOC, leaf eat-PURP

jarrabina juku bada kaday wujurr birra nukal


The possum comes out at night and eats the ripe fruit high in the tree.

Yawa wujurr-ba kada-l, mayi kulbul nukal juku wangkar-a.

yawa wujurr-ba kada-l, mayi kulbul nuka-l juku wangkar-a | possum night-LOC comes.out, fruit ripe eats tree up-LOC

yawa wujurr kaday mayi kulbul nukal juku wangkar


The echidna digs quickly into the hard ground when the dog comes near.

Ngangkin bubu dandi-nga bila bakan, kaya ngundu kada-nya.

ngangkin bubu dandi-nga bila baka-ny, kaya ngundu kada-nya | echidna ground hard-LOC fast digs, dog near come-SUB

ngangkin bubu dandi bila bakal kaya ngundu kaday


The bandicoot digs in the soft ground for grubs and roots in the night.

Kulngu bubu kima-nga bakan, jambun bangkan mani-nka wujurr-ba.

kulngu bubu kima-nga baka-ny, jambun bangkan mani-nka wujurr-ba | bandicoot ground soft-LOC digs, grub root get-PURP night-LOC

kulngu bubu kima bakal jambun bangkan manil wujurr

mammal: kulngu 'bandicoot'; PURP mani-nka


The flying foxes fill the fig trees at dusk and screech all through the night.

Kambi wubul dukal-juku-ngu kada-l wungar bada dunga-nya, yirrkay wujurr wubulku.

kambi wubul dukal-juku-ngu kada-l wungar bada dunga-nya, yirrka-y wujurr wubul-ku | flying.fox many fig-tree-LOC come sun down go-SUB(dusk), screech night all

kambi wubul dukal juku kaday wungar bada yirrkay wujurr

mammal: kambi 'flying fox'; yirrka-y 'screech'


The dingo hunts alone and follows the wallaby across the country.

Murramu nyubun-du balbil, darrba wukurrin bubu wubulku.

murramu nyubun-du balbi-l, darrba wukurri-ny bubu wubul-ku | dingo one(alone) hunts, wallaby followed country all

murramu nyubun balbil darrba wukurril bubu wubul


The old man said the dingo is clever and hard for a person to catch.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan murramu binal-baja, bama-nka karrbal dandi.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny murramu binal-baja, bama-nka karrba-l dandi | old-man-ERG said dingo clever(knowing-very), person-DAT catch hard

mukul dingkar balkal murramu binal baja bama karrbal dandi


The rats came into the camp at night and ate the yams in the bag.

Kukur bayan-ba kadan wujurr-ba, bambayal nukal balji-nga.

kukur bayan-ba kada-ny wujurr-ba, bambayal nuka-l balji-nga | rat camp-LOC came night-LOC, yam ate bag-LOC

kukur bayan kaday wujurr bambayal nukal balji


The bandicoot's tracks are small, and the children learned to read them well.

Kulngu-mu jina buban, karrkay binalman ngulkurr ngara-nka.

kulngu-mu jina buban, karrkay binal-ma-ny ngulkurr ngara-nka | bandicoot-POSS track small, child learned well read-PURP

kulngu jina buban karrkay binalmal ngulkurr ngaray


The carpet snake is big but quiet, and it eats the rats around the camp.

Kungkun yalbay yambada janka, kukur nukal bayan kudamundu.

kungkun yalbay yambada janka, kukur nuka-l bayan kudamundu | carpet.snake big but quiet, rat eats camp around

kungkun yalbay yambada janka kukur nukal bayan kudamundu


The death adder lies hidden in the leaves, so you must watch where you put your foot.

Kundurr birra-nga ngakiji wunay, yundu nyajilka wanja yundu jina wunan.

kundurr birra-nga ngakiji-y wuna-y, yundu nyaji-l-ka wanja yundu jina wuna-ny | death.adder leaf-LOC hidden lies, you watch-DAT where you foot put

kundurr birra ngakijil wunay yundu nyajil wanja jina


The rock python coils around the tree branch and waits quietly for the possum.

Kabul juku-dakil kaja-ji, yawa-ka janka karrban.

kabul juku-dakil kaja-ji-y, yawa-ka janka karrba-ny | rock.python tree-branch coil-REFL, possum-DAT quiet waited

kabul juku dakil kaja yawa janka karrbal

snake: kabul 'rock python'; kaja-ji-y coil


The green tree snake is thin and fast and slides along the branches.

kalkamuku buban bila, dakil-burr warri | green.tree.snake thin fast, branch-PERL(along) glides(runs)

snake: kalkamuku 'green tree snake'; PERL -burr


The black snake and the brown snake both bite, and their bite makes you very sick.

Bindimu jinkalmu jambul baykal, nyungu jindal bama bambay-baja-bungal.

bindimu jinkalmu jambul bayka-l, nyungu jindal bama bambay-baja-bunga-l | black.snake brown.snake two bite, their bite person very-sick-CAUS

bindimu jinkalmu jambul baykal jindal bama bambay bungal

snake: bindimu/jinkalmu; jindal 'bite'; danger via bambay-bungal


The old woman knows which snakes are good to eat and which ones to leave alone.

Wulbuman binal wanya jarba ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanya bawa-nka.

wulbuman binal wanya jarba ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanya bawa-nka | old.woman knows which snake good eat-PURP, which leave-PURP

wulbuman binal wanya jarba ngulkurr nukal bawal


The sand goanna digs in the soft ground and eats the eggs and the small lizards.

Jadi bubu kima-nga bakan, bajuy buban nukal.

jadi bubu kima-nga baka-ny, bajuy buban nuka-l | sand.goanna ground soft-LOC digs, lizard small eats

lizard: jadi 'sand goanna'; bajuy 'lizard'


The scrub goanna climbs the tree fast when it is afraid of the dog.

Kalajarr juku-ngu bila daka-l, kaya-nka yinil-ma-nya.

kalajarr juku-ngu bila daka-l, kaya-nka yinil-ma-nya | scrub.goanna tree-LOC fast climbs, dog-DAT fear-INCHO-SUB


The blue-tongue lizard is slow, and it eats the beetles and the snails on the ground.

Bajabaja janka-baja, ngirran kaduy nukal bubu-ngu.

bajabaja janka-baja, ngirran kaduy nuka-l bubu-ngu | blue-tongue slow(quiet-very), beetle snail eats ground-LOC

lizard: bajabaja 'blue-tongue'; ngirran 'beetle'


The frill-necked lizard opens its neck wide to frighten the dog away.

Binanjal nyungu kunkun yalbay-bungal, kaya yinil-bunga-nka.

binanjal nyungu kunkun yalbay-bunga-l, kaya yinil-bunga-nka | frill-neck.lizard its neck big-CAUS(opens wide), dog fear-CAUS-PURP

binanjal kunkun yalbay bungal kaya yinil

lizard: binanjal 'frill-necked'; PURP yinil-bunga-nka


The children caught the small lizards among the warm rocks in the midday sun.

Karrkay bajuy buban karrban kulji wumbul-a, wungar dukul-ba.

karrkay bajuy buban karrba-ny kulji wumbul-a, wungar dukul-ba | child lizard small caught stone warm-LOC, sun head-LOC(midday)

karrkay bajuy buban karrbal kulji wumbul wungar dukul


The old man said never kill a snake for nothing; kill only what you will eat.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan kari jarba junjuy-ka yarkin-bunga, nuka-nka-baja yarkin-bunga.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny kari jarba junjuy-ka yarkin-bunga, nuka-nka-baja yarkin-bunga | old-man-ERG said NEG snake something-DAT kill(IMP), eat-PURP-only kill(IMP)

mukul dingkar balkal kari jarba junjuy yarkin bungal nukal

teaching: kill only what you eat; yarkin-bungal 'kill'


The women dug the fat witchetty grubs from the roots of the tree with a stick.

Jalbu mujurr yalbay bakan juku-bangkan-muny juku-bu.

jalbu mujurr yalbay baka-ny juku-bangkan-muny juku-bu | woman witchetty.grub fat dug tree-root-ABL stick-INST


The green ants build their nest of leaves high in the mango tree.

Munjurr nyungu bayan birra-bu bunga-l juku wangkar-a.

munjurr nyungu bayan birra-bu bunga-l juku wangkar-a | green.ant its nest(home) leaf-INST makes tree up-LOC


The children ate the sweet green-ant nest and licked the tang from their fingers.

Karrkay munjurr-bayan jiba-wula-wula nukal, mara julurri.

karrkay munjurr-bayan jiba-wula-wula nuka-l, mara julurri-y | child green.ant-nest sweet(tangy) ate, hand washed(licked)

karrkay munjurr bayan jiba-wula-wula nukal mara julurri


The grasshoppers came in a great cloud and ate the new grass of the plain.

Jimu wubul-baja kadan, bilanji buban nukal bubu-ngu.

jimu wubul-baja kada-ny, bilanji buban nuka-l bubu-ngu | grasshopper very-many came, grass new ate ground-LOC

jimu wubul baja kaday bilanji buban nukal bubu


The mosquitoes are bad by the swamp in the wet season, and they bite all night.

Kamu wubul daburri karangkal bana-wungar-a, baykal wujurr wubulku.

kamu wubul daburri karangkal bana-wungar-a, bayka-l wujurr wubul-ku | mosquito many swamp alongside wet-season-LOC, bite night all

kamu wubul daburri karangkal bana wungar baykal wujurr


The spider waits among the branches and catches the small flies that pass.

Malal dakil-ba karrban, minya-buban warri-nya-nya karrbal.

malal dakil-ba karrba-ny, minya-buban warri-nya-nya karrba-l | spider branch-LOC waited, creature-small pass-SUB catches


The mosquitoes bite the hunter's legs badly in the hot midday sun.

Kamu balbi-bama-mu jina baykal dandi-baja wungar wumbul-a.

kamu balbi-bama-mu jina bayka-l dandi-baja wungar wumbul-a | mosquito hunter-POSS leg bite hard-very sun warm-LOC

kamu balbi bama jina baykal dandi wungar wumbul


The old woman roasted the fat grubs on the coals for the hungry children.

Wulbuman jambun yalbay dindan baya-nga, karrkay mayi-kari-nka.

wulbuman jambun yalbay dinda-ny baya-nga, karrkay mayi-kari-nka | old.woman grub fat roasted fire-LOC, child hungry(food-without)-DAT

wulbuman jambun yalbay dindal baya karrkay mayi kari


The scorpion hides under the flat stone, and its sting hurts a person badly.

Biringal kulji bada-bada ngakiji, nyulu bama bambay-baja-bungal.

biringal kulji bada-bada ngakiji-y, nyulu bama bambay-baja-bunga-l | scorpion stone below hides, it person very-sick-CAUS(sting hurts)

biringal kulji bada-bada ngakijil bama bambay bungal

insect: biringal 'scorpion'; sting via bambay-bungal


The witchetty grub is fat and white, and it is good to eat raw or cooked.

Mujurr yalbay ngumbu-kari, ngulkurr nuka-nka kabu-kari wajun.

mujurr yalbay ngumbu-kari, ngulkurr nuka-nka kabu-kari waju-ny | witchetty.grub fat white(black-without), good eat-PURP raw(rotten-without) or cooked

mujurr yalbay ngumbu kari ngulkurr nukal kabu wajul


The old man taught the boy to read every track: the kangaroo, the dingo, and the goanna.

Mukul-dingkar karrkay binal-bungan jina wubul ngara-nka: mayarriji, murramu, jadi.

mukul-dingkar karrkay binal-bunga-ny jina wubul ngara-nka: mayarriji, murramu, jadi | old-man boy taught track many read-PURP: kangaroo, dingo, goanna

mukul dingkar karrkay binal bungal jina wubul ngaray mayarriji murramu jadi


The hunter said the animals tell the seasons: when the grubs are fat, the yams are ready.

Balbi-bamangka balkan minya wungar milbil: jambun yalbay-nya, bambayal kulbul.

balbi-bama-ngka balka-ny minya wungar milbi-l: jambun yalbay-nya, bambayal kulbul | hunter-ERG said animal season reveals: grub fat-SUB, yam ripe

balbi bama balkal minya wungar milbil jambun yalbay bambayal kulbul


The dogs found the bandicoot in the long grass, and the children ran to see it.

Kaya-ngka kulngu milbin bilanji kalbay-mba, karrkay warri nyaji-nka.

kaya-ngka kulngu milbi-ny bilanji kalbay-mba, karrkay warri nyaji-nka | dog-ERG bandicoot found grass long-LOC, child ran see-PURP

kaya kulngu milbil bilanji kalbay karrkay warri nyajil


The old woman said the country feeds you if you know every animal and its ways.

Wulbumanangka balkan bubu-bu yununy daji-l, kaki yundu binal minya wubul nyungu kuku.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny bubu-bu yununy daji-l, kaki yundu binal minya wubul nyungu kuku | old.woman-ERG said country-INST 2sg.ACC feeds, if you know animal all its way

wulbuman balkal bubu yununy dajil kaki yundu binal minya kuku


The kangaroo, the wallaby, and the possum all feed at different times of the day and night.

Mayarriji darrba yawa wubul nukal wungar-a wujurr-ba, yindu-yindu.

mayarriji darrba yawa wubul nuka-l wungar-a wujurr-ba, yindu-yindu | kangaroo wallaby possum all feed day-LOC night-LOC, differently

mayarriji darrba yawa wubul nukal wungar wujurr yindu


The snake shed its skin on the warm rock and left it lying there in the sun.

Jarba nyungu munyun bawal kulji wumbul-a, yinya-nga wunay wungar-a.

jarba nyungu munyun bawa-l kulji wumbul-a, yinya-nga wuna-y wungar-a | snake its skin(scale) left stone warm-LOC, there-LOC lies sun-LOC

jarba munyun bawal kulji wumbul wunay wungar


The echidna and the bandicoot both dig, but their tracks are quite different.

Ngangkin kulngu jambul bakan, yambada nyungu jina yindu-yindu-baja.

ngangkin kulngu jambul baka-ny, yambada nyungu jina yindu-yindu-baja | echidna bandicoot two dig, but their track very-different

ngangkin kulngu jambul bakal yambada jina yindu


The old man speared the goanna in the tree and shared the meat with everyone.

Mukul-dingkarangka jadi daman juku-ngu, minya daji-way wubulku.

mukul-dingkar-angka jadi dama-ny juku-ngu, minya daji-way wubul-ku | old-man-ERG goanna speared tree-LOC, meat shared all-DAT

mukul dingkar jadi damal juku minya daji wubul


The children learned that the green tree snake is harmless, but the death adder is not.

Karrkay binalman kalkamuku kari bama bambay-bungal, yambada kundurr bambay-bungal.

karrkay binal-ma-ny kalkamuku kari bama bambay-bunga-l, yambada kundurr bambay-bunga-l | child learned green.tree.snake NEG person sick-CAUS(harmless), but death.adder sick-CAUS

karrkay binalmal kalkamuku kari bama bambay bungal kundurr


The old woman said: know the animals, and you will never go hungry or be bitten.

Wulbumanangka balkan: minya wubul binalman, yundu kariku mayi-kari, kariku bayka-ji.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: minya wubul binal-ma-ny, yundu kariku mayi-kari, kariku bayka-ji-y | old.woman-ERG said: animal all know, you never hungry, never bite-REFL(get bitten)

wulbuman balkal minya wubul binalmal yundu kari mayi baykal


Who ate my fish that I left there by the fire?

Wanyangka ngayku kuyu nukan baya-nga, ngayu yinya-nga bawan?

wanya-ngka ngayku kuyu nuka-ny baya-nga, ngayu yinya-nga bawa-ny | who-ERG my fish ate fire-LOC, I there-LOC left

WHO ERG wanya-ngka (transitive A; Table 3.10)


Who is that man standing over there by the big tree?

Wanya yinya dingkar juku yalbay-mba janay?

wanya yinya dingkar juku yalbay-mba jana-y | who that man tree big-LOC stands


Whose spear is this — who does it belong to?

yanyu kalka wanya-mba, wanya-mba nyulu | this spear who-POSS, who-POSS it

WHO POSS wanya-mba (zero-inflection possessive; Table 3.10)


To whom did you give the biggest piece of the meat?

yundu minya yalbay-baja wanya-nka daji-ny | you meat biggest to.whom gave


Who did you go hunting with in the scrub this morning?

Yundu wanyanji balbin madja-nga wunkuwingku?

yundu wanya-nji balbi-ny madja-nga wunkuwingku | you with.whom hunted scrub-LOC morning


Yundu kuku ngadiku yinya wanyandamuny ngaran?

yundu kuku ngadiku yinya wanya-nda-muny ngara-ny | you story old that from.whom heard


Who saw the crocodile down at the deep water yesterday?

Wanyangka bilngkumu nyajin bana-dukurr-ba nyubun-wungar?

wanya-ngka bilngkumu nyaji-ny bana-dukurr-ba nyubun-wungar | who-ERG crocodile saw water-deep-LOC yesterday

wanya bilngkumu nyajil bana dukurr nyubun wungar


Who will carry the water back to the camp for the old people?

Wanyangka bana bayan-ka wundil, mukul-bama-nka?

wanya-ngka bana bayan-ka wundi-l, mukul-bama-nka | who-ERG water camp-DAT carry, old-people-DAT


For whom are you searching in the dark scrub at night?

Wanyanka yundu nubil madja-nga wujurr-ba?

wanya-nka yundu nubi-l madja-nga wujurr-ba | for.whom you search scrub-LOC night-LOC


What is that you are holding in your hand, my child?

Wanyu yundu mara-nga karrbal, ngayku karrkay?

wanyu yundu mara-nga karrba-l, ngayku karrkay | what you hand-LOC holding, my child


What did those men get from the sea today?

Wanyu dingkar yinya jalun-muny manin wungar-a?

wanyu dingkar yinya jalun-muny mani-ny wungar-a | what man that sea-from got day-LOC


Why did you take the dog into the house — you should have left it outside?

Wanyurringku yundu kaya bayan-ba wundin, ngalkal-ba bawa-nyaku?

wanyurri-ngku yundu kaya bayan-ba wundi-ny, ngalkal-ba bawa-nyaku | why you dog house-LOC took, outside-LOC leave-IRR

wanyu yundu kaya bayan wundil ngalkal bawal

WHY = WHAT.DAT wanyurri-ngku (ex.127b); IRR bawa-nyaku


Why did you go away to that far place and not come back to us?

Wanyurringku yundu yinya-ka bubu-kalbay-ka dungan, kada-kari?

wanyurri-ngku yundu yinya-ka bubu-kalbay-ka dunga-ny, kada-kari | why you there-DAT place-far-DAT went, return-without

wanyu yundu yinya bubu kalbay dungay kaday


Why did you put the dog in the house and not somewhere else — was it the rain?

Wanyurrimbu yundu kaya bayan-ba wunan, wanja-baja kari?

wanyurri-mbu yundu kaya bayan-ba wuna-ny, wanja-baja kari | why(loc) you dog house-LOC put, somewhere.else NEG

WHY(location focus) = WHAT.LOC wanyurri-mbu (ex.127a)


What are you ill with, old man — is it your stomach or your chest?

Yundu wanyurrinji bambay, mukul-dingkar — jibar, damu?

yundu wanyurri-nji bambay, mukul-dingkar — jibar, damu | you what.COMIT sick, old-man — belly, chest

yundu wanyu bambay mukul dingkar jibar damu

illness = WHAT.COMIT wanyurri-nji (ex.128)


What kind of fish did they catch in the net down at the river mouth?

Kuyu wanyunguy jana karrban wawubaja-ngandal-ba?

kuyu wanyu-nguy jana karrba-ny wawubaja-ngandal-ba | fish what.kind they caught creek-mouth-LOC

kuyu wanyu jana karrbal wawubaja ngandal


What else do you want, so that I can bring it from the camp?

Wanyubaja yundu wawu, ngayu bayan-muny wundi-nka?

wanyu-baja yundu wawu, ngayu bayan-muny wundi-nka | what.else you want, I camp-from bring-PURP

'what else' = wanyu-baja; PURP wundi-nka


Why is that little child crying so hard in the night?

Wanyurringku karrkay buban yinya badil dandi-baja wujurr-ba?

wanyurri-ngku karrkay buban yinya badi-l dandi-baja wujurr-ba | why child small that cries hard-very night-LOC

wanyu karrkay buban yinya badil dandi wujurr


What are those women searching for in the still water of the rock pool?

Wanyu jalbu yinya nubil bana janka-nga kulji-bana-nga?

wanyu jalbu yinya nubi-l bana janka-nga kulji-bana-nga | what woman that search water still-LOC rock-pool-LOC

wanyu jalbu yinya nubil bana janka kulji


What did the old man call that big bright star in the east?

Wanyu mukul-dingkarangka yinya dawar yalbay kunjan yarra-nga?

wanyu mukul-dingkar-angka yinya dawar yalbay kunja-ny yarra-nga | what old-man-ERG that star big called east-LOC

wanyu mukul dingkar yinya dawar yalbay kunjal yarra


What kind of tree gives that sweet fruit the flying foxes love?

Juku wanyunguy mayi jiba-wula-wula dajil, kambi-ngka wawu?

juku wanyu-nguy mayi jiba-wula-wula daji-l, kambi-ngka wawu | tree what.kind fruit sweet gives, flying.fox-ERG want

juku wanyu mayi jiba-wula-wula dajil kambi wawu


What are you two carrying up the mountain in the heat of the day?

Wanyu yubal manjal-ka wundil, wungar wumbul-a?

wanyu yubal manjal-ka wundi-l, wungar wumbul-a | what you.two mountain-DAT carry, sun hot-LOC


Where are you going, my child, so late in the evening?

Yundu wanjabu dungay, ngayku karrkay, wungar bada dunga-nya?

yundu wanja-bu dunga-y, ngayku karrkay, wungar bada dunga-nya | you where go, my child, sun down go-SUB(evening)


Where is your mother — has she gone down to the creek for water?

Yunu ngamu wanjabu — nyulu wawubaja-ka bana-ka dungan?

yunu ngamu wanja-bu — nyulu wawubaja-ka bana-ka dunga-ny | your mother where — she creek-DAT water-DAT went


Where did you get that fine sharp stone from?

Yundu kulji dandi ngulkurr yinya wanjamuny manin?

yundu kulji dandi ngulkurr yinya wanja-muny mani-ny | you stone sharp good that where-from got

yundu kulji dandi ngulkurr yinya wanja manil


Where are the men hunting today — in the scrub or by the river?

Dingkar wanjabu balbil wungar-a — madja-nga, wawubaja-nga?

dingkar wanja-bu balbi-l wungar-a — madja-nga, wawubaja-nga | man where hunt day-LOC — scrub-LOC, creek-LOC

dingkar wanja balbil wungar madja wawubaja


Where did the kangaroo run to when the dogs chased it up the ridge?

Mayarriji wanjabu warri, kaya-ngka kangan-nya wangkar-ka?

mayarriji wanja-bu warri, kaya-ngka kanga-ny-nya wangkar-ka | kangaroo where ran, dog-ERG chase-SUB up-DAT

mayarriji wanja warri kaya kangal wangkar


Where did you leave the digging stick — I cannot find it anywhere?

Yundu juku-baka wanjabu bawan — ngayu milbil-kari wanjabu?

yundu juku-baka wanja-bu bawa-ny — ngayu milbi-l-kari wanja-bu | you digging-stick where left — I find-without anywhere


Where does this track go — to the camp or down to the water?

Yanyu jina wanjabu dungay — bayan-ka, bada bana-ka?

yanyu jina wanja-bu dunga-y — bayan-ka, bada bana-ka | this track where goes — camp-DAT, down water-DAT


Where did that big mob of flying foxes come from at dusk?

Kambi wubul-baja wanjamuny kadan wungar bada dunga-nya?

kambi wubul-baja wanja-muny kada-ny wungar bada dunga-nya | flying.fox very-many where-from came sun down go-SUB(dusk)


When will the wet season come this year — the old people are watching the sky?

Wanjawanja bana-wungar kaday, mukul-bama-ngka ngurrban nyajil?

wanja-wanja bana-wungar kada-y, mukul-bama-ngka ngurrban nyaji-l | when wet-season come, old-people-ERG cloud watch

wanja bana wungar kaday mukul bama ngurrban nyajil


When did your father go away to the coast, and when will he return?

Wanjawanja yunu nganjan jalun-ka dungan, wanjawanja nyulu kaday-baja?

wanja-wanja yunu nganjan jalun-ka dunga-ny, wanja-wanja nyulu kada-y-baja | when your father coast-DAT went, when he return

wanja yunu nganjan jalun dungay nyulu kaday


How did you come back so quickly from the mountain in the dark?

Yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja bila-baja manjal-muny wujurr-ba?

yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja bila-baja manjal-muny wujurr-ba | you how came-back fast-very mountain-from night-LOC


How do you cook the freshwater eel so that it becomes soft and good?

Yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr wajul, nyulu kima-ma-nka ngulkurr?

yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr waju-l, nyulu kima-ma-nka ngulkurr | you.pl how-ADV meat eel cook, it soft-INCHO-PURP good

yurra wanjarr minya kubarr wajul kima ngulkurr

HOW wanjarr-ku (ex.133); PURP kima-ma-nka


How did the old woman carry all that heavy firewood by herself?

Wulbuman wanjarr baya-juku kulngkul wubul nyubun-du wundin?

wulbuman wanjarr baya-juku kulngkul wubul nyubun-du wundi-ny | old.woman how fire-wood heavy all alone carried

wulbuman wanjarr baya juku kulngkul wubul nyubun wundil


How many children went with them to the corroboree last night?

Wanjarrinya karrkay jana-nji warrma-ka dungan wujurr-a?

wanjarr-inya karrkay jana-nji warrma-ka dunga-ny wujurr-a | how.many child them-COMIT corroboree-DAT went night-LOC

wanjarr karrkay jana warrma dungay wujurr


How many fish did you catch in the net at the river mouth today?

Wanjarrinya kuyu yundu karrban wawubaja-ngandal-ba wungar-a?

wanjarr-inya kuyu yundu karrba-ny wawubaja-ngandal-ba wungar-a | how.many fish you caught creek-mouth-LOC day-LOC

wanjarr kuyu yundu karrbal wawubaja ngandal wungar


How many days will you stay at the other camp before you come home?

Wanjarrinya wungar yundu bayan yindu-ngu bundal, kada-nyjiku?

wanjarr-inya wungar yundu bayan yindu-nga bunda-l, kada-nyjiku | how.many day you camp other-LOC(ngu) stay, return-SUCC(before)

wanjarr wungar yundu bayan yindu bundal kaday


Which one is your house — the one there beside the big tree?

Wanjinya yunu bayan — yinya juku yalbay karangkal?

wanjinya yunu bayan — yinya juku yalbay karangkal | which.one your house — that tree big beside

wanjinya yunu bayan yinya juku yalbay karangkal


Which way did the dingo go — up the ridge or down to the creek?

Wanjaku murramu dungan — wangkar-ka, bada wawubaja-ka?

wanjaku murramu dunga-ny — wangkar-ka, bada wawubaja-ka | which.way dingo went — up-DAT, down creek-DAT

wanjaku murramu dungay wangkar bada wawubaja


Which of you two will climb the tall tree to get the honey?

Wanjinya yubal juku kalbay daka-l, wunba mani-nka?

wanjinya yubal juku kalbay daka-l, wunba mani-nka | which.one you.two tree tall climb, honey get-PURP

wanjinya yubal juku kalbay dakal wunba manil


Which fruit is ripe now, and which is still hard and unripe?

Wanjinya mayi kulbul, wanjinya kulbul-kari-baja dandi?

wanjinya mayi kulbul, wanjinya kulbul-kari-baja dandi | which.one fruit ripe, which.one unripe-still hard

WHICH.ONE (contrastive); PRIV kulbul-kari 'unripe'


Are you coming hunting with us in the morning, or will you stay in the camp?

Yundu ngananji balbi-ka kaday wunkuwingku, bayan-ba bundal-baja?

yundu ngana-nji balbi-ka kada-y wunkuwingku, bayan-ba bunda-l-baja | you us-COMIT hunt-DAT come morning, camp-LOC stay-instead

yundu ngana balbil kaday wunkuwingku bayan bundal

POLAR (no particle); ngana-nji 'with us'


Have the children already eaten, or are they still hungry?

karrkay niji nuka-ny, mayi-kari-baja | child already ate, hungry-still

POLAR; niji 'already'; PRIV mayi-kari 'hungry'


Is your mother well again now, after her long sickness?

Yunu ngamu ngulkurr-baja, bambay kalbay-muny?

yunu ngamu ngulkurr-baja, bambay kalbay-muny | your mother well-again, sickness long-after(ABL)


My knife is somewhere here — did you see it anywhere by the fire?

Ngayku naybu wanjabu; yundu junjuy nyajin baya karangkal?

ngayku naybu wanja-bu; yundu junjuy nyaji-ny baya karangkal | my knife somewhere; you something saw fire beside

ngayku naybu wanja yundu junjuy nyajil baya karangkal

INDEFINITE wanja-bu 'somewhere' (ex.131) + POLAR


Someone took my spear in the night — do you know who it was?

Bama-ngka ngayku kalka wundin wujurr-ba; yundu binal wanya?

bama-ngka ngayku kalka wundi-ny wujurr-ba; yundu binal wanya | person-ERG my spear took night-LOC; you know who

bama ngayku kalka wundil wujurr yundu binal wanya

junjuy 'someone/something' (ERG) + embedded WHO


Is that a snake there in the long grass, or is it only a stick?

Yanyu jarba bilanji kalbay-mba, juku-baja?

yanyu jarba bilanji kalbay-mba, juku-baja | this snake grass long-LOC, stick-instead


kaba kada-y wujurr-ba, kari-baja | rain come night-LOC, NEG-instead(or not)

POLAR either/or (no particle); kaba 'rain'


Do you want to eat now, or shall we two wait for the others to come back?

Yundu wawu nuka-nka, ngali karrbal jana kada-nka?

yundu wawu nuka-nka, ngali karrba-l jana kada-nka | you want eat-PURP, we.two wait them return-PURP

yundu wawu nukal ngali karrbal jana kaday

POLAR; PURP nuka-nka/kada-nka; ngali 'we two'


The old woman washed the child's long hair in the cold water of the creek.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-mu mungka kalbay julurrin bana ngiki-nga wawubaja-nga.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-mu mungka kalbay julurri-ny bana ngiki-nga wawubaja-nga | old.woman-ERG child-POSS hair long washed water cold-LOC creek-LOC

wulbuman karrkay mungka kalbay julurri bana ngiki wawubaja


The man carried the heavy load of firewood on his head to the camp.

Dingkarangka baya-juku kulngkul dukul-ba wundin bayan-ka.

dingkar-angka baya-juku kulngkul dukul-ba wundi-ny bayan-ka | man-ERG fire-wood heavy head-LOC carried camp-DAT

dingkar baya juku kulngkul dukul wundil bayan


With his sharp eyes the hunter saw the kangaroo far off in the scrub.

Balbi-bamangka miyil dandi-bu mayarriji nyajin madja kalbay-mba.

balbi-bama-ngka miyil dandi-bu mayarriji nyaji-ny madja kalbay-mba | hunter-ERG eye sharp-INST kangaroo saw scrub far-LOC

balbi bama miyil dandi mayarriji nyajil madja kalbay


When the smoke got in her eyes, the tears ran down the old woman's face.

Kubu miyil-ba kadanya, milbal wulbuman-mu walu-ngu bada warrin.

kubu miyil-ba kada-nya, milbal wulbuman-mu walu-ngu bada warri-ny | smoke eye-LOC come-SUB, tear old.woman-POSS face-LOC down ran

kubu miyil kaday milbal wulbuman walu bada warri

eye-LOC miyil-ba; tear=milbal; face=walu; kubu=smoke


With his sharp ears the child heard the dingo far away in the night.

Karrkayangka milka dandi-bu murramu ngaran kalbay-mba wujurr-ba.

karrkay-angka milka dandi-bu murramu ngara-ny kalbay-mba wujurr-ba | child-ERG ear sharp-INST dingo heard far-LOC night-LOC

karrkay milka dandi murramu ngaray kalbay wujurr


The old man said a good child listens well, for the ear is the home of memory.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan karrkay ngulkurr milka-bu ngaral, milka nyulu binal-mu bayan.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny karrkay ngulkurr milka-bu ngara-l, milka nyulu binal-mu bayan | old-man-ERG said child good ear-INST listens, ear it knowing-POSS home

mukul dingkar balkal karrkay ngulkurr milka ngaray binal bayan


The old woman fed the sick child soft food, a little at a time into his mouth.

Wulbumanangka karrkay bambay mayi kima dajin, buban-buban ngandal-ba.

wulbuman-angka karrkay bambay mayi kima daji-ny, buban-buban ngandal-ba | old.woman-ERG child sick food soft gave, little-by-little mouth-LOC

wulbuman karrkay bambay mayi kima dajil buban ngandal


With his strong teeth the young man cracked the hard nut open.

Warruangka dirra junkurr-bu darka dandi dumbarrin.

warru-angka dirra junkurr-bu darka dandi dumbarri-ny | young.man-ERG tooth strength-INST nut hard cracked

warru dirra junkurr darka dandi dumbarril


The old man spoke the old language well, his tongue never stumbling on the hard words.

Mukul-dingkarangka kuku ngadiku ngulkurr balkan, nyungu nyabil kari kuku dandi-nga daranya.

mukul-dingkar-angka kuku ngadiku ngulkurr balka-ny, nyungu nyabil kari kuku dandi-nga dara-nya | old-man-ERG language old well spoke, his tongue NEG word hard-LOC stumble(fall)-SUB

mukul dingkar kuku ngadiku ngulkurr balkal nyabil dandi daray


The old man held his chin in his hand, thinking of the old story.

Mukul-dingkarangka nyungu bari mara-bu karrban, kuku ngadiku milka-nga.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu bari mara-bu karrba-ny, kuku ngadiku milka-nga | old-man-ERG his chin hand-INST held, story old ear-LOC(in mind)

mukul dingkar bari mara karrbal kuku ngadiku milka


The mother wiped the sweat from the child's hot forehead with soft paperbark.

Ngamungku karrkay-mu munju jila-warri julurrin buyku kima-bu.

ngamu-ngku karrkay-mu munju jila-warri julurri-ny buyku kima-bu | mother-ERG child-POSS forehead sweat wiped paperbark soft-INST

ngamu karrkay munju jila-warri julurri buyku kima


The young woman painted her own face with white clay for the corroboree dance.

Jalbu-buban nyungu walu julngka-ji ngumbu-kari-bu warrma-ka.

jalbu-buban nyungu walu julngka-ji-y ngumbu-kari-bu warrma-ka | girl her face paint-REFL white-INST corroboree-DAT

jalbu buban walu julngka ngumbu kari warrma

face=walu; REFL julngka-ji 'paint oneself'


The heavy dilly bag hung at the old woman's neck as she walked.

Ngunyin kulngkul wulbuman-mu jakay-mba karrban, nyulu jilba-nya.

ngunyin kulngkul wulbuman-mu jakay-mba karrba-ny, nyulu jilba-nya | dilly.bag heavy old.woman-POSS neck-LOC hung, she walk-SUB

ngunyin kulngkul wulbuman jakay karrbal jilba


The cold water was sweet in the hunter's throat after the long walk.

Bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula balbi-bama-mu manu-ngu, jilba-l kalbay-muny.

bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula balbi-bama-mu manu-ngu, jilba-l kalbay-muny | water cold sweet hunter-POSS throat-LOC, walk long-ABL(after)

bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula balbi bama manu jilba kalbay


The father carried the tired child home on his shoulders through the dark scrub.

Nganjanangka karrkay baja-burray bayan-ka binda-nga wundin madja-nga wujurr-ba.

nganjan-angka karrkay baja-burray bayan-ka binda-nga wundi-ny madja-nga wujurr-ba | father-ERG child tired camp-DAT shoulder-LOC carried scrub-LOC night-LOC

nganjan karrkay baja-burray bayan binda wundil madja wujurr


With his strong arm the man speared the fish in the deep water.

Dingkarangka wakuy junkurr-bu kuyu daman bana-dukurr-ba.

dingkar-angka wakuy junkurr-bu kuyu dama-ny bana-dukurr-ba | man-ERG arm strength-INST fish speared water-deep-LOC

dingkar wakuy junkurr kuyu damal bana dukurr


The women dug the yams with their hands in the soft cold ground.

Jalbungku bambayal mara-bu bakan bubu kima ngiki-nga.

jalbu-ngku bambayal mara-bu baka-ny bubu kima ngiki-nga | woman-ERG yam hand-INST dug ground soft cold-LOC

jalbu bambayal mara bakal bubu kima ngiki


The old man's chest was broad and strong, and his song was loud.

Mukul-dingkar nyungu damu yalbay junkurr, nyungu burri yalbay-baja.

mukul-dingkar nyungu damu yalbay junkurr, nyungu burri yalbay-baja | old-man his chest big strong, his song(corroboree) very-big(loud)


The child ate too much sweet fruit and his belly ached in the night.

Karrkayangka mayi jiba-wula-wula wubul-baja nukan, nyungu jibar bambay wujurr-ba.

karrkay-angka mayi jiba-wula-wula wubul-baja nuka-ny, nyungu jibar bambay wujurr-ba | child-ERG fruit sweet too-many ate, his belly sick night-LOC

karrkay mayi jiba-wula-wula wubul nukal jibar bambay wujurr


The old woman carried the sleeping child on her back down to the water.

Wulbumanangka karrkay wuna-nya muku-ngu wundin bada bana-ka.

wulbuman-angka karrkay wuna-nya muku-ngu wundi-ny bada bana-ka | old.woman-ERG child sleep-SUB back-LOC carried down water-DAT

wulbuman karrkay wunay muku wundil bada bana


The march fly bit the hunter on the thigh and he hit it with his hand.

Wajangka balbi-bama waba-nga baykan, nyulu mara-bu kunin.

waja-ngka balbi-bama waba-nga bayka-ny, nyulu mara-bu kuni-ny | march.fly-ERG hunter thigh-LOC bit, he hand-INST hit


The young man's legs were strong and fast, and he ran down the kangaroo.

Warru-mu jandal junkurr bila, nyulu mayarriji wukurrin warri-bu karrban.

warru-mu jandal junkurr bila, nyulu mayarriji wukurri-ny warri-bu karrba-ny | young.man-POSS leg strong fast, he kangaroo tracked run-INST caught

warru jandal junkurr bila mayarriji wukurril warri karrbal


The old man read the tracks in the sand — the foot of the dingo, the foot of the goanna.

Mukul-dingkarangka jina ngaran jukar-a — murramu-mu jina, jadi-mu jina.

mukul-dingkar-angka jina ngara-ny jukar-a — murramu-mu jina, jadi-mu jina | old-man-ERG track read sand-LOC — dingo-POSS foot, goanna-POSS foot

mukul dingkar jina ngaray jukar murramu jadi


The sharp stone cut the child's foot down by the creek.

Kulji dandi-ngka karrkay-mu jina yakan wawubaja karangkal.

kulji dandi-ngka karrkay-mu jina yaka-ny wawubaja karangkal | stone sharp-ERG child-POSS foot cut creek alongside

kulji dandi karrkay jina yakal wawubaja karangkal


The children washed the mud from their feet and toes at the creek.

Karrkayangka jina durru julurrin wawubaja-nga.

karrkay-angka jina durru julurri-ny wawubaja-nga | child-ERG foot toe washed creek-LOC


The hunter's ankle was hurt on the loose stones, and he could not walk fast.

Balbi-bama-mu wulu bambay-man kulji-nga, nyulu kari bila jilbal.

balbi-bama-mu wulu bambay-ma-ny kulji-nga, nyulu kari bila jilba-l | hunter-POSS ankle hurt-INCHO stone-LOC, he NEG fast walk


The dog cracked the kangaroo's bone with its teeth beside the fire.

Kayangka mayarriji-mu bajibay dirra-bu dumbarrin baya karangkal.

kaya-ngka mayarriji-mu bajibay dirra-bu dumbarri-ny baya karangkal | dog-ERG kangaroo-POSS bone tooth-INST cracked fire alongside

kaya mayarriji bajibay dirra dumbarril baya karangkal


The blood ran from the cut on the hunter's hand, and the old woman washed it.

Mula warrin balbi-bama-mu mara yaka-ny-muny, wulbumanangka julurrin.

mula warri-ny balbi-bama-mu mara yaka-ny-muny, wulbuman-angka julurri-ny | blood ran hunter-POSS hand cut-ABL(from), old.woman-ERG washed

mula warri balbi bama mara yakal wulbuman julurri


The hunters shared the meat, and the old man was given the liver, the best part.

Balbi-bama minya daji-way, mukul-dingkar-nka jiba dajin, ngulkurr-baja.

balbi-bama minya daji-way, mukul-dingkar-nka jiba daji-ny, ngulkurr-baja | hunter meat shared, old-man-DAT liver gave, best

balbi bama minya daji mukul dingkar jiba ngulkurr


The sea turtle was very fat, and the rich fat was sweet on the tongue.

Ngawiya wandul-baja, wandul ngulkurr jiba-wula-wula nyabil-ba.

ngawiya wandul-baja, wandul ngulkurr jiba-wula-wula nyabil-ba | sea.turtle fat-very, fat good sweet tongue-LOC

ngawiya wandul ngulkurr jiba-wula-wula nyabil


The old man said: care well for your body, for the country made it and the country feeds it.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: nyungu bangkarr ngulkurr karrba, bubu-ngka bangkarr bungan, bubu-bu daji.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: nyungu bangkarr ngulkurr karrba, bubu-ngka bangkarr bunga-ny, bubu-bu daji-l | old-man-ERG said: your body well keep, country-ERG body made, country-INST feeds

mukul dingkar balkal bangkarr karrbal bubu bungal dajil


The sick child's body was hot with fever, and the old woman gave him bush medicine.

Karrkay bambay-mu bangkarr wumbul-baja, wulbumanangka dukunjaka dajin.

karrkay bambay-mu bangkarr wumbul-baja, wulbuman-angka dukunjaka daji-ny | child sick-POSS body hot-very(fever), old.woman-ERG bush.medicine gave

karrkay bambay bangkarr wumbul wulbuman dukunjaka dajil

body=bangkarr; dukunjaka 'bush medicine'


The old man's hair had turned white, for he had seen many seasons.

Mukul-dingkar-mu mungka ngumbu-kari-man, nyulu wungar wubul nyajin.

mukul-dingkar-mu mungka ngumbu-kari-ma-ny, nyulu wungar wubul nyaji-ny | old-man-POSS hair white(black-without)-INCHO, he season many saw

mukul dingkar mungka ngumbu kari wungar wubul nyajil


The old woman's eyes were weak now, and she could not see the far tracks.

Wulbuman-mu miyil bambay-baja niji, nyulu kari jina kalbay-mba nyajil.

wulbuman-mu miyil bambay-baja niji, nyulu kari jina kalbay-mba nyaji-l | old.woman-POSS eye weak(sick)-very already, she NEG track far-LOC see

wulbuman miyil bambay niji jina kalbay nyajil


The old man was deaf in one ear, so you had to speak on his good side.

Mukul-dingkar milka-kari nyubun-ba, yundu nyungu milka ngulkurr karangkal balka.

mukul-dingkar milka-kari nyubun-ba, yundu nyungu milka ngulkurr karangkal balka | old-man ear-PRIV(deaf) one-LOC, you his ear good beside speak

mukul dingkar milka kari nyubun karangkal balkal


The old woman's hands were clever, and she wove the dilly bag quickly and well.

Wulbuman-mu mara binal-baja, nyulu ngunyin bila ngulkurr bungan.

wulbuman-mu mara binal-baja, nyulu ngunyin bila ngulkurr bunga-ny | old.woman-POSS hand clever-very, she dilly.bag fast well made

wulbuman mara binal ngunyin bila ngulkurr bungal


The women cried, and the tears ran down their faces for the dead old man.

Jalbu badil, milbal jana-mu walu-ngu bada warrin, mukul-dingkar wula-mu.

jalbu badi-l, milbal jana-mu walu-ngu bada warri-ny, mukul-dingkar wula-mu | woman cry, tear their face-LOC down ran, old-man dead-for

jalbu badil milbal walu bada warri mukul dingkar wula


The men were covered in sweat from the hot work of digging the deep ground oven.

Dingkar jila-warri-baja bubu-janku dukurr bakal-muny wungar wumbul-a.

dingkar jila-warri-baja bubu-janku dukurr baka-l-muny wungar wumbul-a | man sweat-covered ground-oven deep dig-ABL(from) sun hot-LOC

dingkar jila-warri bubu janku dukurr bakal wungar wumbul


The old man's throat was strong, and his song carried far across the whole camp.

Mukul-dingkar-mu manu junkurr, nyungu burri kalbay-mba dungan bayan wubulku.

mukul-dingkar-mu manu junkurr, nyungu burri kalbay-mba dunga-ny bayan wubul-ku | old-man-POSS throat strong, his song far-LOC went camp all

mukul dingkar manu junkurr burri kalbay dungay bayan wubul


The little child had lost a tooth, and the old woman laughed at the gap.

Karrkay buban-mu dirra nyubun daran, wulbumanangka yajarrin.

karrkay buban-mu dirra nyubun dara-ny, wulbuman-angka yajarri-ny | child small-POSS tooth one fell, old.woman-ERG laughed

karrkay buban dirra nyubun daray wulbuman yajarril

tooth=dirra; dara-y 'fall'; yajarri-l 'laugh'


The old man said young legs are for walking the country and learning its ways.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan warru-mu jandal bubu jilba-nka, kuku binal-ma-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny warru-mu jandal bubu jilba-nka, kuku binal-ma-nka | old-man-ERG said young-POSS leg country walk-PURP, way learn-PURP

mukul dingkar balkal warru jandal bubu jilba kuku binal


The old woman said the hand that gives is never empty for long.

Wulbumanangka balkan mara daji-nya kariku kalbay-baja junjuy-kari.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny mara daji-nya kariku kalbay-baja junjuy-kari | old.woman-ERG said hand give-SUB never long-for something-PRIV(empty)

wulbuman balkal mara daji kariku kalbay junjuy kari


The old man said watch with your eyes and listen with your ears, and the country will teach you.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan miyil-bu nyaji, milka-bu ngara, bubu-ngka yununy binal-bungal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny miyil-bu nyaji, milka-bu ngara, bubu-ngka yununy binal-bunga-l | old-man-ERG said eye-INST see, ear-INST hear, country-ERG you teach

mukul dingkar balkal miyil nyajil milka ngaray bubu binal


The old woman said we are all of one blood, one family, from the old people.

Wulbumanangka balkan ngana wubul mula nyubun, jawun nyubun, mukul-bama-muny.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny ngana wubul mula nyubun, jawun nyubun, mukul-bama-muny | old.woman-ERG said we all blood one, kin one, old-people-from

wulbuman balkal ngana wubul mula nyubun jawun mukul bama


The old man knew every face in the camp, the young and the old alike.

Mukul-dingkarangka walu wubul bayan-ba binal, buban mukul yindu-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka walu wubul bayan-ba binal, buban mukul yindu-kari | old-man-ERG face all camp-LOC knew, young old different-PRIV(alike)

mukul dingkar walu wubul bayan binal buban yindu kari


The cold wind cut through to the body, and the children moved closer to the fire.

Muyar ngiki bangkarr-ba kadan, karrkay baya ngundu warrin.

muyar ngiki bangkarr-ba kada-ny, karrkay baya ngundu warri-ny | wind cold body-LOC came, child fire near ran

muyar ngiki bangkarr kaday karrkay baya ngundu warri


When her husband died, the woman cut her hair short in her grief.

Jalbu-mu dunyu wula-nya, nyulu nyungu mungka yakan buban-baja, badil-muny.

jalbu-mu dunyu wula-nya, nyulu nyungu mungka yaka-ny buban-baja, badi-l-muny | woman-POSS husband dead-SUB, she her hair cut short, cry-ABL(from grief)

jalbu dunyu wula mungka yakal buban badil


Their feet were sore and tired after the long walk from the coast.

Jana-mu jina baji-baja baja-burray, jalun-muny jilba-l kalbay-muny.

jana-mu jina baji-baja baja-burray, jalun-muny jilba-l kalbay-muny | their foot sore-very tired, coast-from walk long-after

jana jina baji baja-burray jalun jilba kalbay


The young man was tall and strong, firm in the back and quick on his feet.

Warru kalbay junkurr, nyungu muku dandi, jina-nga bila.

warru kalbay junkurr, nyungu muku dandi, jina-nga bila | young.man tall strong, his back firm, foot-LOC fast

warru kalbay junkurr muku dandi jina bila


The old woman said: the body grows old, but the story stays young forever.

Wulbumanangka balkan: bangkarr mukul-mal, yambada kuku ngadiku buban-baja kalbay-baja.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bangkarr mukul-ma-l, yambada kuku ngadiku buban-baja kalbay-baja | old.woman-ERG said: body old-becomes, but story old young-still long-still(forever)

wulbuman balkal bangkarr mukul kuku ngadiku buban kalbay

body=bangkarr; INCHO mukul-ma-l (teaching)


The child did not eat the fish; he ate the yam instead.

Karrkayangka kuyu kari nukan, bambayal-baja nukan.

karrkay-angka kuyu kari nuka-ny, bambayal-baja nuka-ny | child-ERG fish NEG ate, yam-instead ate


The old man did not go to the corroboree, for his legs were tired.

Mukul-dingkar warrma-ka kari dungan, nyungu jandal baja-burray.

mukul-dingkar warrma-ka kari dunga-ny, nyungu jandal baja-burray | old-man corroboree-DAT NEG went, his leg tired

mukul dingkar warrma kari dungay jandal baja-burray


The hunter did not see the kangaroo, though he searched the whole scrub.

Balbi-bamangka mayarriji kari nyajin, nyulu madja wubul nubin.

balbi-bama-ngka mayarriji kari nyaji-ny, nyulu madja wubul nubi-ny | hunter-ERG kangaroo NEG saw, he scrub all searched

balbi bama mayarriji kari nyajil madja wubul nubil


The rain did not come, and the ground stayed hard and cracked.

Kaba kari kadan, bubu dandi-baja wunay dumbarri-nya.

kaba kari kada-ny, bubu dandi-baja wuna-y dumbarri-nya | rain NEG came, ground hard-very stayed crack-SUB

kaba kari kaday bubu dandi wunay dumbarril


The old woman did not hear the child calling in the loud wind.

Wulbumanangka karrkay kunja-nya kari ngaran, muyar yalbay-mba.

wulbuman-angka karrkay kunja-nya kari ngara-ny, muyar yalbay-mba | old.woman-ERG child call-SUB NEG heard, wind big-LOC

wulbuman karrkay kunja kari ngaray muyar yalbay


The men did not catch any fish, so they came back to the camp hungry.

Dingkarangka kuyu kari karrban, jana bayan-ka mayi-kari kadan.

dingkar-angka kuyu kari karrba-ny, jana bayan-ka mayi-kari kada-ny | man-ERG fish NEG caught, they camp-DAT hungry came

dingkar kuyu kari karrbal bayan mayi kaday


I did not sleep well in the night, for the mosquitoes were very bad.

Ngayu wujurr-ba ngulkurr kari wunan, kamu wubul-baja.

ngayu wujurr-ba ngulkurr kari wuna-ny, kamu wubul-baja | I night-LOC well NEG slept, mosquito very-many

ngayu wujurr ngulkurr kari wunay kamu wubul


The dog did not follow the tracks, for the rain had washed them away.

Kayangka jina kari wukurrin, kaba-ngka julurrin-muny.

kaya-ngka jina kari wukurri-ny, kaba-ngka julurri-ny-muny | dog-ERG track NEG followed, rain-ERG wash-ABL(because)


The old man did not speak, but sat quietly by the fire all night.

Mukul-dingkar kari balkan, yambada baya karangkal janka bundan wujurr wubulku.

mukul-dingkar kari balka-ny, yambada baya karangkal janka bunda-ny wujurr wubul-ku | old-man NEG spoke, but fire beside quiet sat night all

mukul dingkar kari balkal yambada baya karangkal janka bundal wujurr


Don't go into the deep water — the crocodile is there!

Kari dunga-y bana-dukurr-ba — bilngkumu yinya-nga!

kari dunga-y bana-dukurr-ba — bilngkumu yinya-nga | NEG go-IMP water-deep-LOC — crocodile there-LOC


Don't touch that snake — its bite makes you very sick!

Kari yinya jarba karrba — nyungu jindal bambay-baja-bungal!

kari yinya jarba karrba — nyungu jindal bambay-baja-bunga-l | NEG that snake touch(IMP) — its bite very-sick-CAUS

kari yinya jarba karrbal jindal bambay bungal


Don't leave the fire — bank it with ash so it does not die by morning.

Kari baya bawa — bajar-bu nanda, nyulu kari wulay wunkuwingku-ka.

kari baya bawa — bajar-bu nanda, nyulu kari wula-y wunkuwingku-ka | NEG fire leave(IMP) — ash-INST cover(IMP), it NEG die morning-DAT

kari baya bawal bajar nandal wulay wunkuwingku


Don't eat that fruit — it is not ripe, and it will hurt your belly.

Kari yinya mayi nuka — nyulu kulbul-kari, jibar bambay-bungal.

kari yinya mayi nuka — nyulu kulbul-kari, jibar bambay-bunga-l | NEG that fruit eat(IMP) — it unripe(ripe-PRIV), belly hurt-CAUS

kari yinya mayi nukal kulbul kari jibar bambay


Don't go with that chatterbox — he talks all day and does no work.

Kari dunga-y yinya-nji kuku-baka-nji — nyulu balkal wungar wubulku, yukil kari bungal.

kari dunga-y yinya-nji kuku-baka-nji — nyulu balka-l wungar wubul-ku, yukil kari bunga-l | NEG go-IMP that-COMIT chatterbox-COMIT — he talks day all, work NEG does

kari dungay yinya kuku balkal wungar wubul yukil bungal

PROHIBITIVE (ex.90 pattern); EXCESS kuku-baka


Don't wake the baby — she has only just fallen asleep.

Kari ngawa wandi-mani — nyulu niji warngku-wunan.

kari ngawa wandi-mani — nyulu niji warngku-wuna-ny | NEG baby wake-CAUS(IMP) — she already sleep-lay

kari ngawa wandil manil niji warngku wunay

PROHIBITIVE; CAUS-stem IMP wandi-mani (∅)


Don't run on the sharp stones — you will cut your foot.

Kari kulji dandi-nga warri — yundu jina yaka-ji.

kari kulji dandi-nga warri — yundu jina yaka-ji-y | NEG stone sharp-LOC run(IMP) — you foot cut-REFL


Don't take too much — leave some meat for the old people.

Kari wubul-baja mani — minya kanbal mukul-bama-nka bawa.

kari wubul-baja mani — minya kanbal mukul-bama-nka bawa | NEG too-much take(IMP) — meat some old-people-DAT leave(IMP)

kari wubul manil minya kanbal mukul bama bawal


Don't be afraid of the dog — it is old and it will not bite.

Kari kaya-nka yinil — nyulu mukul, kari baykal.

kari kaya-nka yinil — nyulu mukul, kari bayka-l | NEG dog-DAT fear(IMP) — it old, NEG bites


That old man is deaf; he does not hear the small sounds of the scrub.

Yinya mukul-dingkar milka-kari; nyulu madja-mu kuku buban kari ngaral.

yinya mukul-dingkar milka-kari; nyulu madja-mu kuku buban kari ngara-l | that old-man ear-PRIV(deaf); he scrub-POSS sound small NEG hears

yinya mukul dingkar milka kari madja kuku buban ngaray


I have no money, so I cannot get anything at all.

Ngayu mani-kari, ngayu kari junjuy mani-l.

ngayu mani-kari, ngayu kari junjuy mani-l | I money-PRIV(no money), I NEG anything get


The old woman wanted meat without bones for the toothless child.

Wulbumanangka wawu minya-ka bajibay-kari-ka, karrkay dirra-kari-nka.

wulbuman-angka wawu minya-ka bajibay-kari-ka, karrkay dirra-kari-nka | old.woman-ERG want meat-DAT bone-PRIV-DAT, child tooth-PRIV-DAT

wulbuman wawu minya bajibay kari karrkay dirra

PRIV+DAT bajibay-kari-ka (ex.58); dirra-kari 'toothless'


The trees have no flowers yet, so the bees have gone somewhere else.

Juku-juku nganka-kari niji, dabu wanja-baja dungan.

juku-juku nganka-kari niji, dabu wanja-baja dunga-ny | tree-REDUP flower-PRIV still, bee somewhere.else went


The one without a dog found no pigs in the scrub that day.

Kaya-kari-ngka biki kari milbin madja-nga wungar-a.

kaya-kari-ngka biki kari milbi-ny madja-nga wungar-a | dog-PRIV-ERG pig NEG found scrub-LOC day-LOC


I go for a walk with the childless old woman in the cool evening.

Ngayu jilba dunga-y kangkal-kari-ji wulbuman-ji wungar bada dunga-nya.

ngayu jilba dunga-y kangkal-kari-ji wulbuman-ji wungar bada dunga-nya | I walk go childless-COMIT old.woman-COMIT sun down go-SUB(evening)

ngayu jilba dungay kangkal kari wulbuman wungar bada


The blind old man knows the country by his feet, not by his weak eyes.

Mukul-dingkar miyil-kari bubu jina-bu binal, kari miyil bambay-bu.

mukul-dingkar miyil-kari bubu jina-bu binal, kari miyil bambay-bu | old-man eye-PRIV(blind) country foot-INST knows, NEG eye weak-INST

mukul dingkar miyil kari bubu jina binal bambay


The camp was empty of people; there was nothing but the cold ashes of the fire.

Bayan bama-kari; yamba-kari, bajar ngiki baya-mu-baja.

bayan bama-kari; yamba-kari, bajar ngiki baya-mu-baja | camp person-PRIV(empty); nothing, ash cold fire-POSS-only

PRIV bama-kari; yamba-kari 'nothing' (l.2310)


A man without water does not travel far in the hot dry country.

Dingkar bana-kari kari kalbay-mba dungay bubu wumbul-a.

dingkar bana-kari kari kalbay-mba dunga-y bubu wumbul-a | man water-PRIV NEG far-LOC travels country hot-LOC

dingkar bana kari kalbay dungay bubu wumbul


The childless couple raised the motherless child as one of their own.

Manyarr-dunyu kangkal-kari-ngka karrkay ngamu-kari bungan.

manyarr-dunyu kangkal-kari-ngka karrkay ngamu-kari bunga-ny | wife-husband childless-ERG child mother-PRIV(orphan) raised

manyarr dunyu kangkal kari karrkay ngamu bungal

PRIV+ERG kangkal-kari-ngka; ngamu-kari 'orphan'


He wanted to give the clothes to the girl with no money.

Nyulu wawu kambi daji-nka jalbu-buban-anda mani-kari-nda.

nyulu wawu kambi daji-nka jalbu-buban-anda mani-kari-nda | he want clothes give-PURP girl-LOC money-PRIV-LOC

nyulu wawu kambi dajil jalbu buban mani kari

PRIV+LOC mani-kari-nda (ex.59); PURP daji-nka


The old woman, now toothless, ate only the soft ripe fruit.

Wulbuman niji dirra-kari, nyulu mayi kima kulbul-baja nukan.

wulbuman niji dirra-kari, nyulu mayi kima kulbul-baja nuka-ny | old.woman now tooth-PRIV(toothless), she fruit soft ripe-only ate

wulbuman niji dirra kari mayi kima kulbul nukal


The wet season has not come yet; the old people are still watching the clouds.

Bana-wungar kariku kadan; mukul-bama ngurrban nyajil baja.

bana-wungar kariku kada-ny; mukul-bama ngurrban nyaji-l baja | wet-season not.yet came; old-people cloud watch still

bana wungar kariku kaday mukul bama ngurrban nyajil


I did not really sleep last night; I only dozed a little by the fire.

Ngayu wujurr-ba karirrku warngku-wunan; ngayu buban-baja janka bundan baya karangkal.

ngayu wujurr-ba karirrku warngku-wuna-ny; ngayu buban-baja janka bunda-ny baya karangkal | I night-LOC NEG-really slept; I little-only quiet sat fire beside

ngayu wujurr karirrku warngku wunay buban janka bundal baya


Stop it now! Don't hit the dog any more.

balu! kari kaya baja kuni | desist(NEG2)! NEG dog again hit(IMP)


Let it be — don't do what you are about to do; the old man knows best.

Baluda — mukul-dingkar binal-baja, nyulu ngulkurr binal.

balu-da — mukul-dingkar binal-baja, nyulu ngulkurr binal | let.it.be(NEG2-TEMP) — old-man knows-most, he well knows


Maybe the rain will come in the morning, maybe it will stay away another day.

Nguba kaba kaday wunkuwingku, nguba wanja-baja wungar yindu-ngu.

nguba kaba kada-y wunkuwingku, nguba wanja-baja wungar yindu-ngu | maybe rain come morning, maybe somewhere.else day other-LOC

nguba kaba kaday wunkuwingku wanja wungar yindu


Cover the meat, in case the march flies come and spoil it in the heat.

Minya nanda, kunka waja kaday nyulu bambay-bungal wumbul-a.

minya nanda, kunka waja kada-y nyulu bambay-bunga-l wumbul-a | meat cover(IMP), in.case march.fly come it spoil-CAUS hot-LOC

minya nandal kunka waja kaday bambay bungal wumbul


Take your spear, just in case a snake is lying in the long grass.

Yunu kalka mani, nganganjirrka jarba bilanji kalbay-mba wunay.

yunu kalka mani, nganganjirrka jarba bilanji kalbay-mba wuna-y | your spear take(IMP), just.in.case snake grass long-LOC lie

yunu kalka manil nganganjirrka jarba bilanji kalbay wunay


The child is not yet strong enough to carry the heavy water back to camp.

Karrkay kariku junkurr bana kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-nka.

karrkay kariku junkurr bana kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-nka | child not.yet strong water heavy camp-DAT carry-PURP

karrkay kariku junkurr bana kulngkul bayan wundil


Maybe that is the right track, maybe it is the track of another dingo.

Nguba yinya jina ngulkurr, nguba murramu yindu-mu jina.

nguba yinya jina ngulkurr, nguba murramu yindu-mu jina | maybe that track right, maybe dingo another-POSS track


Give up now — the kangaroo has run too far, and the night is coming.

Balu niji — mayarriji kalbay-baja warri, wujurr kadal.

balu niji — mayarriji kalbay-baja warri, wujurr kada-l | desist now — kangaroo too-far ran, night comes

balu niji mayarriji kalbay warri wujurr kaday


The old woman did not really believe the young man's story of the giant fish.

Wulbumanangka warru-mu kuku kuyu yalbay-mu karirrku binal.

wulbuman-angka warru-mu kuku kuyu yalbay-mu karirrku binal | old.woman-ERG young.man-POSS story fish big-POSS NEG-really believed(knew)

wulbuman warru kuku kuyu yalbay karirrku binal


In case the creek floods in the night, move the camp up onto the high ground.

Kunka wawubaja bana-yalbay-mal wujurr-ba, bayan wangkar-ka jurrki.

kunka wawubaja bana-yalbay-ma-l wujurr-ba, bayan wangkar-ka jurrki | in.case creek flood(water-big-INCHO) night-LOC, camp up-DAT move(IMP)

kunka wawubaja bana yalbay wujurr bayan wangkar jurrki

kunka 'in case'; INCHO flood + IMP jurrki


That young man looks just like his father, tall and strong.

Yinya warru yala walu nyungu nganjan, kalbay junkurr.

yinya warru yala walu nyungu nganjan, kalbay junkurr | that young.man COMP face his father, tall strong

yinya warru yala walu nganjan kalbay junkurr


The child eats like a hungry dog, fast and with both hands.

Karrkay nukal yala kaya mayi-kari, bila mara jambul-bu.

karrkay nuka-l yala kaya mayi-kari, bila mara jambul-bu | child eats COMP dog hungry, fast hand two-INST

karrkay nukal yala kaya mayi kari bila mara jambul


Some places in the country are just the same as this one, good for camping.

Bubu kanbal yala-rrku yanyu, ngulkurr bayan-ka.

bubu kanbal yala-rrku yanyu, ngulkurr bayan-ka | place some COMP-EMPH(just.the.same) this, good camp-DAT


The old man also cried for his dead wife, just like the others.

Mukul-dingkar yala-rrku nyungu manyarr wula-mu badil, bama yindu yala.

mukul-dingkar yala-rrku nyungu manyarr wula-mu badi-l, bama yindu yala | old-man also his wife die-POSS(dead) cried, person other like

mukul dingkar yala manyarr wulay badil bama yindu


The green tree snake is thin like a vine, but it is not dangerous.

Kalkamuku buban yala karra, yambada kari bambay-bungal.

kalkamuku buban yala karra, yambada kari bambay-bunga-l | green.tree.snake thin COMP rope(vine), but NEG harm-CAUS

kalkamuku buban yala karra yambada kari bambay bungal


Her voice was sweet like honey, and all the children listened to her.

Nyungu kuku jiba-wula-wula yala wunba, karrkay wubul ngaran.

nyungu kuku jiba-wula-wula yala wunba, karrkay wubul ngara-ny | her voice sweet COMP honey, child all listened

nyungu kuku jiba-wula-wula yala wunba karrkay wubul ngaray


The old man walks slowly now, not like the fast young hunter he once was.

Mukul-dingkar niji buban-buban jilbal, kari yala warru balbi-bama bila ngadiku.

mukul-dingkar niji buban-buban jilba-l, kari yala warru balbi-bama bila ngadiku | old-man now slowly walks, NEG like young hunter fast long.ago

mukul dingkar niji buban jilba kari yala warru balbi bama ngadiku

NEG + COMP yala 'not like'; ngadiku 'long ago'


The wise old woman said: a good story is like the country — it feeds you and never runs dry.

Wulbuman binal-angka balkan: kuku ngulkurr yala bubu — nyulu yununy daji, kariku bana-kari-mal.

wulbuman binal-angka balka-ny: kuku ngulkurr yala bubu — nyulu yununy daji-l, kariku bana-kari-ma-l | old.woman wise-ERG said: story good COMP country — it you feeds, not.yet(never) water-PRIV-becomes(runs dry)

wulbuman binal balkal kuku ngulkurr yala bubu yununy dajil kariku bana kari

COMP yala + PRIV bana-kari + kariku (teaching)


My mother cooks the food, and my father brings the meat from the hunt.

Ngayku ngamungku mayi wajul, ngayku nganjanangka minya balbi-muny wundil.

ngayku ngamu-ngku mayi waju-l, ngayku nganjan-angka minya balbi-muny wundi-l | my mother-ERG food cooks, my father-ERG meat hunt-ABL carries

ngayku ngamu mayi wajul nganjan minya balbil wundil


The child hit the dog, and the mother scolded him.

Kangkal-da kaya kunin, ngamungku nyunguny murru-kangan.

kangkal-da kaya kuni-ny, ngamu-ngku nyunguny murru-kanga-ny | own.child-ERG(neutral) dog hit, mother-ERG him scolded

kangkal 'own child' takes NEUTRAL ERG -da (ex.96)


The father and son went to the river together to fish.

Nganjan-manda wawubaja-ka dungan, kuyu dama-nka.

nganjan-manda wawubaja-ka dunga-ny, kuyu dama-nka | father-and-son(DYAD) creek-DAT went, fish spear-PURP


The mother and daughter dug yams all day in the soft ground.

Ngamu-manda bambayal bakan wungar wubulku bubu kima-nga.

ngamu-manda bambayal baka-ny wungar wubul-ku bubu kima-nga | mother-and-daughter(DYAD) yam dug day all ground soft-LOC

ngamu bambayal bakal wungar wubul bubu kima


The mothers and fathers gathered to talk with each other about the children.

Ngamu-karra nganjan-karra bangkan, karrkay-mu balka-wa-nka.

ngamu-karra nganjan-karra bangka-ny, karrkay-mu balka-wa-nka | mother-KPL father-KPL gathered, child-about talk-RECIP-PURP

kin-PLURAL -karra = 'the parents' (ex.64); RECIP


My own child has just learned to talk, and calls me by my name.

Ngayku kangkal kukujida, nyulu nganya ngayku burri-bu kunjal.

ngayku kangkal kukujida, nyulu nganya ngayku burri-bu kunja-l | my own.child just-talking, it me my name-INST calls

ngayku kangkal kukujida nganya burri kunjal

kukujida 'child who just learned to talk'


The small child cried for its mother all through the night.

Karrkay buban ngamu-ka badil wujurr wubulku.

karrkay buban ngamu-ka badi-l wujurr wubul-ku | child small mother-DAT cried night all


The wife is cooking the food while the husband looks after the baby.

Manyarr-dal-angka mayi wajul, dunyu-ngku ngawa kuji-l.

manyarr-dal-angka mayi waju-l, dunyu-ngku ngawa kuji-l | wife-ERG food cooks, husband-ERG baby looks.after

manyarr-dal-angka (ex.97); dunyu-ngku (ex.100)


I asked my elder brother to make me a new spear.

Ngayu yaba-nda babajin, kalka buban bunga-nka.

ngayu yaba-nda babaji-ny, kalka buban bunga-nka | I elder.brother-LOC asked, spear new make-PURP

yaba 'elder brother' (LOC yaba-nda, ex.101); babaji-l 'ask'


My younger brother follows me everywhere I go in the country.

Ngayku yabaju nganya wukurril bubu wubulku, ngayu wanja-baja dunga-nya.

ngayku yabaju nganya wukurri-l bubu wubul-ku, ngayu wanja-baja dunga-nya | my younger.brother me follows place all, I wherever go-SUB

ngayku yabaju nganya wukurril bubu wubul wanja


I go to my younger sister's camp when the sun goes down.

Ngayu dunga-y jinkurr-bul-undu wungar bada dunga-nya.

ngayu dunga-y jinkurr-bul-undu wungar bada dunga-nya | I go younger.sister-LOC sun down go-SUB(evening)

jinkurr 'younger sister', NEUTRAL LOC -bul-undu (ex.98)


My elder sister wove the dilly bag and gave it to me by the fire.

Ngayku babarr ngunyin bungan, nganya dajin baya karangkal.

ngayku babarr ngunyin bunga-ny, nganya daji-ny baya karangkal | my elder.sister dilly.bag made, me gave fire beside

ngayku babarr ngunyin bungal nganya dajil baya karangkal


The younger brothers all went hunting, but the elder brother stayed in the camp.

Yabaju-karra balbi-ka dungan, yambada yaba bayan-ba bundan.

yabaju-karra balbi-ka dunga-ny, yambada yaba bayan-ba bunda-ny | younger.brother-KPL hunt-DAT went, but elder.brother camp-LOC stayed

yabaju balbil dungay yambada yaba bayan bundal

kin-PLURAL yabaju-karra 'younger brothers'


The two sisters, who are always together, went to the creek to bathe.

Jalbu-bulal, muru-baja, wawubaja-ka dungan, julurri-ji-nka.

jalbu-bulal, muru-baja, wawubaja-ka dunga-ny, julurri-ji-nka | woman-PAIR, together-very, creek-DAT went, wash-REFL-PURP

PAIR -bulal 'the two who belong together' (ex.65)


My elder sister's clothes are hanging by the fire to dry.

Kambi babarr-bal-amu baya karangkal wunay, ngulkurr-ma-nka.

kambi babarr-bal-amu baya karangkal wuna-y, ngulkurr-ma-nka | clothes elder.sister-POSS(LOC-form) fire beside hang, dry(good-become)-PURP

kambi babarr baya karangkal wunay ngulkurr


The elder brother teaches the younger ones the old ways of the country.

Yaba-ngka yabaju-karra binal-bungal bubu-mu kuku ngadiku.

yaba-ngka yabaju-karra binal-bunga-l bubu-mu kuku ngadiku | elder.brother-ERG younger.brother-KPL teaches country-POSS way old

yaba yabaju binal bungal bubu kuku ngadiku


My mother's father tells the old stories of long ago by the fire.

Ngayku ngaji kuku ngadiku balkal baya karangkal.

ngayku ngaji kuku ngadiku balka-l baya karangkal | my mother's.father story old tells fire beside

ngayku ngaji kuku ngadiku balkal baya karangkal


My mother's brother took me hunting and taught me to throw the spear.

Ngayku kalngangka nganya balbi-ka wundin, kalka dama-nka binal-bungan.

ngayku kalnga-ngka nganya balbi-ka wundi-ny, kalka dama-nka binal-bunga-ny | my mother's.brother-ERG me hunt-DAT took, spear throw-PURP taught

ngayku kalnga nganya balbil kalka damal binal bungal


My father's sister looks after the children when the mothers are away.

Ngayku bimayangka karrkay kuji-l, ngamu-karra wanja-baja dunga-nya.

ngayku bimay-angka karrkay kuji-l, ngamu-karra wanja-baja dunga-nya | my father's.sister-ERG child looks.after, mother-KPL away go-SUB


My mother's father died, and we cried for him for many days.

Ngayku ngaji wulan, ngana nyunguny-mu wungar wubul badil.

ngayku ngaji wula-ny, ngana nyunguny-mu wungar wubul badi-l | my mother's.father died, we him-for day many cried

ngayku ngaji wulay ngana wungar wubul badil


My father's sister married a man from the seaside people.

Ngayku bimayangka jalun-ji-warra dunyu manin.

ngayku bimay-angka jalun-ji-warra dunyu mani-ny | my father's.sister-ERG seaside-people(-inhab) husband got(married)

bimay; -warra 'inhabitants of' (jalun-ji-warra)


The old grandfather sat with the children and named all the stars.

Mukul ngaji karrkay-nji bundan, dawar wubul burri-bungan.

mukul ngaji karrkay-nji bunda-ny, dawar wubul burri-bunga-ny | old mother's.father child-COMIT sat, star many name-CAUS(named)

mukul ngaji karrkay bundal dawar wubul burri


My mother's older sister raised me when my own mother was sick.

Ngayku mukayangka nganya bungan, ngayku ngamu bambay-nya.

ngayku mukay-angka nganya bunga-ny, ngayku ngamu bambay-nya | my mother's.older.sister-ERG me raised, my mother sick-SUB


The children ran to their mother's father, calling him by the kin name.

Karrkay-karrkay ngaji-nka warri kadan, nyunguny kunjan kuku-jawun-bu.

karrkay-karrkay ngaji-nka warri kada-ny, nyunguny kunja-ny kuku-jawun-bu | children mother's.father-DAT ran came, him called kin-word-INST

karrkay ngaji warri kaday kunjal kuku jawun


She came to the camp with her mother-in-law in the evening.

Nyulu kadan bayan-ka biwul-jil-unji wungar bada dunga-nya.

nyulu kada-ny bayan-ka biwul-jil-unji wungar bada dunga-nya | she came camp-DAT mother-in-law-COMIT sun down go-SUB

biwul 'mother-in-law', NEUTRAL COMIT -jil-unji (ex.99)


The husband looks after the baby while the wife gathers the yams.

Dunyu-ngku ngawa kuji-l-kuji-l, manyarr-dal-angka bambayal bangkal.

dunyu-ngku ngawa kuji-l-kuji-l, manyarr-dal-angka bambayal bangka-l | husband-ERG baby look.after-REDUP, wife-ERG yam gathers

dunyu ngawa kuji manyarr bambayal bangkal

dunyu-ngku (ex.100) redup; manyarr-dal-angka (ex.97)


My brother-in-law and I went to the river mouth together to spear fish.

Ngayu banji-nji kuyu dama-ka dungan wawubaja-ngandal-ba.

ngayu banji-nji kuyu dama-ka dunga-ny wawubaja-ngandal-ba | I brother-in-law-COMIT fish spear-DAT went creek-mouth-LOC

ngayu banji kuyu damal dungay wawubaja ngandal


The sister-in-law helped the young mother carry the heavy load home.

Warrin-angka jalbu-buban mara-daji-l, bana kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-nka.

warrin-angka jalbu-buban mara-daji-l, bana kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-nka | sister-in-law-ERG young.mother helps, water heavy camp-DAT carry-PURP

warrin jalbu buban mara dajil bana kulngkul bayan


The father-in-law gave the young man a good hunting spear.

Ngalayin-angka warru kalka ngulkurr balbi-mu dajin.

ngalayin-angka warru kalka ngulkurr balbi-mu daji-ny | father-in-law-ERG young.man spear good hunt-POSS gave

ngalayin warru kalka ngulkurr balbil dajil


The daughter-in-law's clothes were drying by the fire.

Kambi kujiway-mbal-amu baya karangkal ngulkurr-man.

kambi kujiway-mbal-amu baya karangkal ngulkurr-ma-ny | clothes daughter-in-law-POSS(LOC-form) fire beside dried


My wife and I have three children, and they are all strong.

Ngayu manyarr-nji kangkal kulur, jana wubul junkurr.

ngayu manyarr-nji kangkal kulur, jana wubul junkurr | I wife-COMIT own.child three, they all strong

ngayu manyarr kangkal kulur jana wubul junkurr


The wives told the men: go and get some fish for the children!

Manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar yalaman: Dunga-y kuyu mani-nka karrkay-nka!

manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar yalama-ny: dunga-y kuyu mani-nka karrkay-nka | wife-KPL-ERG man told: go-IMP fish get-PURP child-DAT

manyarr dingkar yalamal dungay kuyu manil karrkay

kin-PLURAL manyarr-karra-ngka (ex.63); yalama-l 'tell'


The old woman went to visit her daughter-in-law and the new baby.

Wulbuman kujiway-mbal-undu dungan, ngawa buban nyaji-nka.

wulbuman kujiway-mbal-undu dunga-ny, ngawa buban nyaji-nka | old.woman daughter-in-law-LOC went, baby new see-PURP

wulbuman kujiway dungay ngawa buban nyajil


A man must not marry a woman of his own moiety; she must be of the other.

Dingkar kari nyungu mandi-mu jalbu manyarr-bungal; nyulu mandi yindu-mu.

dingkar kari nyungu mandi-mu jalbu manyarr-bunga-l; nyulu mandi yindu-mu | man NEG his moiety-POSS woman marry(wife-CAUS); she moiety other-POSS

dingkar kari mandi jalbu manyarr bungal yindu

mandi 'moiety'; marriage rule (opposite moiety)


My cousin came from the seaside people to get spears from us.

Ngayku bangunji jalun-ji-warra-muny kadan, kalka mani-nka.

ngayku bangunji jalun-ji-warra-muny kada-ny, kalka mani-nka | my cousin seaside-people-ABL came, spear get-PURP


The cross-cousins are the right ones to marry, the old people say.

Kambanmu jana ngulkurr manyarr-bunga-nka, mukul-bama balkal.

kambanmu jana ngulkurr manyarr-bunga-nka, mukul-bama balka-l | cross-cousin they right marry-PURP, old-people say

kambanmu jana ngulkurr manyarr bungal mukul bama balkal

kambanmu 'cross-cousin' = right marriage partner


A pair of old women, always together, sat weaving in the shade of the tree.

Kamba-bulal, muru-baja, bundan ngunyin bunga-nya juku-kudamundu.

kamba-bulal, muru-baja, bunda-ny ngunyin bunga-nya juku-kudamundu | old.woman-PAIR, together-very, sat dilly.bag make-SUB tree-behind(shade)

kamba muru bundal ngunyin bungal juku kudamundu


The mother and daughter walked to the sea to gather food along the shore.

Ngamu-manda jalun-ka jilba dungan, mayi bangka-nka jalun-ngandal-ba.

ngamu-manda jalun-ka jilba dunga-ny, mayi bangka-nka jalun-ngandal-ba | mother-and-daughter sea-DAT walked, food gather-PURP sea-edge-LOC

ngamu jalun jilba dungay mayi bangkal ngandal


The father and son sat together, and the old man named all their country.

Nganjan-manda muru bundan, mukul-dingkarangka bubu wubul burri-bungan.

nganjan-manda muru bunda-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka bubu wubul burri-bunga-ny | father-and-son together sat, old-man-ERG country all named

nganjan muru bundal mukul dingkar bubu wubul burri


The children all belong to the moiety of their father, not their mother.

Karrkay wubul nganjan-mu mandi-nga, kari ngamu-mu.

karrkay wubul nganjan-mu mandi-nga, kari ngamu-mu | child all father-POSS moiety-LOC, NEG mother-POSS

mandi 'moiety' — children follow father's moiety


The scrub people killed many cassowaries in the deep rainforest.

Maja-ji-warra-ngka kurranji wubul kunin madja dukurr-ba.

maja-ji-warra-ngka kurranji wubul kuni-ny madja dukurr-ba | scrub-people-ERG cassowary many killed scrub inside-LOC

-warra 'inhabitants' (maja-ji-warra, ex.70); kurranji cassowary


The Mossman people went to visit the Bloomfield people in the wet season.

Kubirri-warra wujalwujal-arra-nda dungan bana-wungar-a.

kubirri-warra wujalwujal-arra-nda dunga-ny bana-wungar-a | Mossman-people Bloomfield-people-LOC went wet-season-LOC

-warra inhabitants (ex.69): kubirri-warra / wujalwujal-arra


The seaside people came inland to trade fish for the scrub people's spears.

Jalun-ji-warra bubu-ka kadan, kuyu kalka-ka daji-way madja-warra-nji.

jalun-ji-warra bubu-ka kada-ny, kuyu kalka-ka daji-way madja-warra-nji | seaside-people inland-DAT came, fish spear-for exchange(RECIP) scrub-people-COMIT


My brother-in-law is a good hunter, but he talks far too much.

Ngayku banji balbi-bama ngulkurr, yambada nyulu kuku-baka.

ngayku banji balbi-bama ngulkurr, yambada nyulu kuku-baka | my brother-in-law hunter good, but he chatterbox

ngayku banji balbi bama ngulkurr yambada kuku


The old people know all the kin names and how everyone is related.

Mukul-bama kuku-jawun wubul binal, wanya wanya-nji jawun.

mukul-bama kuku-jawun wubul binal, wanya wanya-nji jawun | old-people kin-name all know, who who-COMIT related

jawun 'kin/relative'; kin-name = kuku-jawun


The two brothers who always hunt together speared a big kangaroo.

Dingkar-bulal, muru balbil baja, mayarriji yalbay daman.

dingkar-bulal, muru balbi-l baja, mayarriji yalbay dama-ny | man-PAIR, together hunt always, kangaroo big speared

dingkar muru balbil mayarriji yalbay damal

PAIR -bulal 'the two who belong together'


When the old man died, his family called him only by the kin name.

Mukul-dingkar wula-nya, jawun-karra-ngka nyunguny kunjan kuku-jawun-bu-baja.

mukul-dingkar wula-nya, jawun-karra-ngka nyunguny kunja-ny kuku-jawun-bu-baja | old-man die-SUB, relative-KPL-ERG him called kin-name-INST-only

deceased-name taboo: refer by kin term only (§; kin-PLURAL jawun-karra


My younger sister married into the Bloomfield people and lives there now.

Ngayku jinkurr wujalwujal-arra-nga manyarr-man, yinya-nga wunay niji.

ngayku jinkurr wujalwujal-arra-nga manyarr-ma-ny, yinya-nga wuna-y niji | my younger.sister Bloomfield-people-LOC married(became-wife), there-LOC lives now

ngayku jinkurr wujalwujal manyarr wunay niji


The wives said to the men: go and get some fish for the little children.

Manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar-anda yalaman: Dunga-y kuyu mani, karrkay buban-anda!

manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar-anda yalama-ny: dunga-y kuyu mani, karrkay buban-anda | wife-KPL-ERG man-LOC said: go-IMP fish get(IMP), child small-LOC(for)

manyarr dingkar yalamal dungay kuyu manil karrkay buban


The old woman said: hold your kin close, for family is the country that walks.

Kamba-ngka balkan: yunu jawun karrba ngundu, jawun-karra nyulu bubu jilba-nya.

kamba-ngka balka-ny: yunu jawun karrba ngundu, jawun-karra nyulu bubu jilba-nya | old.woman-ERG said: your kin hold(IMP) close, relative-KPL it country walk-SUB

kamba balkal yunu jawun karrbal ngundu bubu jilba

jawun 'kin'; teaching (family=walking country)


This is a good spear; take it and go hunting in the morning.

Yanyu kalka ngulkurr; mani yundu, balbi-ka dunga-y wunkuwingku.

yanyu kalka ngulkurr; mani yundu, balbi-ka dunga-y wunkuwingku | this spear good; take(IMP) you, hunt-DAT go morning

yanyu kalka ngulkurr manil yundu balbil dungay wunkuwingku


This woman taught me about the zamia nut and how to soak it in the water.

Yalu-ngku jalbu-ngku nganya binal-bungan marra-ka, bana-nga wuna-nka.

yalu-ngku jalbu-ngku nganya binal-bunga-ny marra-ka, bana-nga wuna-nka | this-ERG woman-ERG me taught zamia.nut-DAT, water-LOC put(soak)-PURP

yalu jalbu nganya binal bungal marra janji

DEM 'this' ERG yalu-ngku, agreeing (ex.138)