You all, listen to me! Your fathers gave this country to you; you must hold it, teach your children, and never let it go.

Yurra nganya milkabu nyaji! Yurranga nganjan-karra nyiku bubu yurranka dayan; yurra karrbal, yurranga karrkay-karrkay binal-bungal, kariku bawal.

yurra nganya milka-bu nyaji! yurranga nganjan-karra nyiku bubu yurranka daya-ny; yurra karrba-l, yurranga karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-l, kariku bawa-l | you.all me ear-INST hear.IMP! your.all father-PL this country you.all.DAT give-PAST; you.all hold-NONPAST, your.all child-child teach-CAUS-NONPAST, NEG leave-NONPAST

yurra nganya milka nyajil nganjan nyiku bubu karrbal karrkay binal kari bawal

2pl: yurra NOM, yurranga POSS, yurranka DAT; milka-bu nyaji 'listen'


They walked all night; the rain fell on them; they hid by the rocks; and in the morning they came back to us.

Jana wujurr yalbay jilban; bana jananda daran; jana kulji ngundu ngakiji; wunkun jana ngananka kada baja.

jana wujurr yalbay jilba-ny; bana jananda dara-ny; jana kulji ngundu ngaki-ji; wunkun jana ngananka kada baja | they.all night big walk-PAST; water them.LOC fall-PAST; they.all stone near hide-REFL; morning they.all us.DAT come again

jana wujurr yalbay jilbay bana daray kulji ngundu ngakil wunkun kaday

3pl: jana NOM, jananda LOC ('on them'), ngananka 1pl.DAT ('to us'); ngaki-ji REFL


The old man came from my place with me; he stayed in my camp; I gave him my own spear; and he taught me the songs of the country.

Mukul-dingkar ngaykundumuny ngaykunji kadan; nyulu ngayku bayanba bundan; ngayu nyulu ngayku kalka dayan; nyulu nganya burri bubu-mu binal-bungan.

mukul-dingkar ngaykundumuny ngaykunji kada-ny; nyulu ngayku bayan-ba bunda-ny; ngayu nyulu ngayku kalka daya-ny; nyulu nganya burri bubu-mu binal-bunga-ny | old-man my.ABL my.COMIT come-PAST; he my house-LOC sit-PAST; I him my spear give-PAST; he me song country-POSS teach-CAUS-PAST

mukul dingkar kaday nyulu ngayku bayan bunday ngayu kalka daya nganya burri bubu binal

1sg ABL ngaykundumuny ('from my place') + COMIT ngaykunji ('with me')


Whose child is crying? It is his child; give the food to him; his wife has gone to the river.

Wanya-mu karrkay badil? Nyulu nyungu kangkal; mayi nyungunku daya; nyungu biwar wawubajanga dungan.

wanya-mu karrkay badi-l? nyulu nyungu kangkal; mayi nyungunku daya; nyungu biwar wawubaja-nga dunga-ny | whose child cry-NONPAST? it his child; food him.DAT give.IMP; his wife river-LOC go-PAST

wanya karrkay badi nyulu nyungu kangkal mayi daya biwar wawubaja dungay

wanya-mu 'whose' (POSS interrog); nyungu 3sg.POSS; nyungunku 3sg.DAT


You and I are one people; this country holds us both; when I am gone you will carry it, and when you are gone your children will carry it.

Ngaliny nyubun bama; nyiku bubu ngalinyan karrbal; ngayu wula-ny-muny yundu karrbal, yundu wula-ny-muny yunu karrkay-karrkay karrbal.

ngaliny nyubun bama; nyiku bubu ngalinyan karrba-l; ngayu wula-ny-muny yundu karrba-l, yundu wula-ny-muny yunu karrkay-karrkay karrba-l | we.two.INC one people; this country us.two hold-NONPAST; I die-PAST-ABL you hold-NONPAST, you die-PAST-ABL your child-child hold-NONPAST

ngaliny nyubun bama nyiku bubu karrbal ngayu wulay yundu yunu karrkay

1du.INC ngaliny + ngalinyan ACC; wula-ny-muny ABL 'after I die'; yunu 2sg.POSS


The two men fought each other; I stood between them; I took the spear from them; and I sent them both home.

Bula dingkar kuni-wan; ngayu bula jambul-bu janan; ngayu kalka bulandamuny manin; ngayu bulangan bayan-mundu yungan.

bula dingkar kuni-wan; ngayu bula jambul-bu jana-ny; ngayu kalka bulandamuny mani-ny; ngayu bulangan bayan-mundu yunga-ny | they.two man fight-RECIP.PAST; I them.two two-LOC stand-PAST; I spear them.two.ABL take-PAST; I them.two.ACC house-toward send-PAST

bula dingkar kunil ngayu jambul janay kalka manil bayan yungal

3du: bulandamuny ABL ('from them two'), bulangan ACC; kuni-wan RECIP (ABS subject)


Did you see me at the ceremony? Yes, I saw you, but you did not speak to me; why did you leave before me?

Yundu nganya nyajin bubu-ngu? Yuwu, ngayu yununy nyajin, yambada yundu nganya kari balkan; wanyurrinku yundu ngadiku dungan?

yundu nganya nyaji-ny bubu-ngu? yuwu, ngayu yununy nyaji-ny, yambada yundu nganya kari balka-ny; wanyurrinku yundu ngadiku dunga-ny? | you me see-PAST ceremony-LOC? yes, I you see-PAST, but you me NEG speak-PAST; why you first go-PAST?

yundu nganya nyajil bubu yuwu ngayu yununy kari balkal wanyurrinku ngadiku dungay

1sg/2sg interplay: nganya ACC ↔ yununy ACC; wanyurrinku 'why'


We (my family, not you) live on this side of the river; they live on the other side; the two groups meet at the ford; and we trade meat with them.

Nganjin nyiku wawubaja-nga wunan; jana yindu-ngu wunan; jambul bama muru nyaji-way bana-ngundu; nganjin jananji minya daji-way.

nganjin nyiku wawubaja-nga wuna-ny; jana yindu-ngu wuna-ny; jambul bama muru nyaji-way bana-ngundu; nganjin jananji minya daji-way | we.EXC this river-side live-PAST; they.all other-side live-PAST; two group together meet-RECIP water-near; we.EXC them.COMIT meat trade-RECIP

nganjin nyiku wawubaja warral wunay jana yindu jambul bama muru nyajil bana ngundu minya dajil

1pl.EXC nganjin; 3pl COMIT jananji ('with them'); nyaji-way/daji-way RECIP


The old man said: respect the one who feeds you, listen to the one who taught you, and remember those who came before you — for without them you are nothing.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: nyulu yununy mayi dayal dandi karrba, nyulu yununy binal-bungan milkabu nyaji, jana yununy ngadiku kada milka-nga karrba — jana-kari yundu kari-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: nyulu yununy mayi daya-l dandi karrba, nyulu yununy binal-bunga-ny milka-bu nyaji, jana yununy ngadiku kada milka-nga karrba — jana-kari yundu kari-kari | old-man-ERG say-PAST: he you food give-NONPAST firm hold.IMP, he you teach-CAUS-PAST ear-INST hear.IMP, they you first come mind-LOC hold.IMP — them-PRIV you nothing

mukul dingkar balkal nyulu yununy mayi daya dandi karrbal binal milka nyajil jana ngadiku kaday kari

yununy 2sg.ACC as object of the elders' care; jana-kari PRIV 'without them'; milka-nga LOC 'in mind'


The dog came to me, the child ran to me, and the old woman called out to me — I am never alone in this camp.

Kaya ngaykundu kadan, karrkay ngaykundu warrin, mukulungku nganya yirrkan — ngayu kariku nyubun nyiku bayanba.

kaya ngaykundu kada-ny, karrkay ngaykundu warri-ny, mukul-ungku nganya yirrka-ny — ngayu kariku nyubun nyiku bayan-ba | dog me.LOC come-PAST, child me.LOC run-PAST, old.woman-ERG me call-PAST — I NEG alone this house-LOC

kaya ngayku kaday karrkay warri mukul nganya yirrkay ngayu kari nyubun nyiku bayan

1sg LOC ngaykundu (goal 'to me'); nganya ACC


The old woman said: we all came from one mother-country; the rivers are ours, the animals are ours, the law is ours — so we share, and no one among us goes hungry.

Mukulungku balkan: ngana wubul nyubun bubu-muny kadan; wawubaja ngananga, minya ngananga, kuku ngananga — ngana daji-way, bama nyubun ngananga-nga kariku dakwuy.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: ngana wubul nyubun bubu-muny kada-ny; wawubaja ngananga, minya ngananga, kuku ngananga — ngana daji-way, bama nyubun ngananga-nga kariku dakwuy | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: we.all one mother-country-ABL come-PAST; river ours, animal ours, law ours — we share-RECIP, person one us-among NEG hungry

mukul balkal ngana wubul nyubun bubu kaday wawubaja minya kuku dajil bama kari dakwuy

1pl.INC POSS ngananga (repeated 'ours'); bubu-muny ABL; dakwuy 'hungry'


I gave my brother my spear, but he lost it in the river, so now I hunt with his old one.

Ngayu ngayku yaba-nda ngayku kalka dayan, yambada nyulu wawubajanga bawan, ngayu nyungu kalka mukul-ji balbil.

ngayu ngayku yaba-nda ngayku kalka daya-ny, yambada nyulu wawubaja-nga bawa-ny, ngayu nyungu kalka mukul-ji balbi-l | I my elder.brother.LOC my spear give-PAST, but he river-LOC lose-PAST, I his spear old-COMIT hunt-NONPAST

ngayu ngayku yaba kalka daya wawubaja bawal nyulu nyungu mukul balbi

yaba-nda potent LOC (recipient); nyungu 3sg.POSS 'his'; mukul-ji COMIT 'with the old one'


Are you two coming with us? Yes, we two will follow you all to the mountain, and we will camp with you there.

Yubal ngalinji kada? Yuwu, ngali yurrangan bubu wangkara wukurril, ngali yurranji yinyabu bundal.

yubal ngalinji kada? yuwu, ngali yurrangan bubu wangkar-a wukurri-l, ngali yurranji yinya-bu bunda-l | you.two us.two.COMIT come? yes, we.two you.all follow-NONPAST mountain, we.two you.all.COMIT there-LOC camp-NONPAST

yubal kaday yuwu ngali yurra bubu wangkar wukurril yinya bunday

ngalinji 1du.EXC COMIT; yurrangan 2pl ACC; yurranji 2pl COMIT


The two children cried for their mother; she came to them quickly; she fed them and held them until they slept.

Bula karrkay ngamu-nka badin; nyulu bulanda warri kadan; nyulu bulanka mayi dayan, bulangan karrban jana wuna-nyjiku.

bula karrkay ngamu-nka badi-ny; nyulu bulanda warri kada-ny; nyulu bulanka mayi daya-ny, bulangan karrba-ny jana wuna-nyjiku | they.two child mother-DAT cry-PAST; she them.two.LOC fast come-PAST; she them.two.DAT food give-PAST, them.two.ACC hold-PAST they sleep-SUCC

bula karrkay ngamu badi nyulu warri kaday mayi daya karrbal wunay

3du: bulanda LOC ('to them'), bulangan ACC; ngamu-nka DAT; wuna-nyjiku SUCC


The old man said: what is mine is yours, what is yours is the children's, and what is the children's belongs to the country — nothing belongs to one person alone.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngayku minya yununku, yunu minya karrkay-karrkayka, karrkay-karrkay-amu minya bubu-nku — nyubun bama-nka wubul kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngayku minya yununku, yunu minya karrkay-karrkay-ka, karrkay-karrkay-amu minya bubu-nku — nyubun bama-nka wubul kari | old-man-ERG say-PAST: my meat you.DAT, your meat child-child-DAT, child-child-POSS meat country-DAT — one person-DAT much NEG

mukul dingkar balkal ngayku minya yunu karrkay bubu nyubun bama wubul kari

POSS chain ngayku/yunu + DAT yununku/bubu-nku; the sharing charter


You followed me all day; I did not see you behind me; when I stopped, you sat down beside me and laughed.

Yundu nganya wungar-wungar wukurrin; ngayu yununy biji-nga kari nyajin; ngayu janan-nya, yundu ngaykundu bundan yajarrin.

yundu nganya wungar-wungar wukurri-ny; ngayu yununy biji-nga kari nyaji-ny; ngayu jana-ny-nya, yundu ngaykundu bunda-ny yajarri-ny | you me day-day follow-PAST; I you behind-LOC NEG see-PAST; I stop-PAST-SUB, you me.LOC sit-PAST laugh-PAST

yundu nganya wungar wukurril ngayu yununy biji kari nyajil janay bunday yajarr

1sg/2sg ACC interplay; ngaykundu LOC 'beside me'; biji-nga 'behind' (tail-LOC)


We (not you) went far to the north; we hunted many days; the country was different to us; and we were glad to come back to our own place.

Nganjin kala-kalbay kuwa-mundu dungan; nganjin wungar wubul balbin; bubu nganjinanka yindu; nganjin ngananga bubu-mundu kada baja, ngulkurr-man.

nganjin kala-kalbay kuwa-mundu dunga-ny; nganjin wungar wubul balbi-ny; bubu nganjinanka yindu; nganjin ngananga bubu-mundu kada baja, ngulkurr-ma-ny | we.EXC far NW-toward go-PAST; we.EXC day many hunt-PAST; country us.EXC.DAT different; we.EXC our place-toward come again, good-INCHO-PAST

nganjin kala-kalbay kuwa dungay wungar wubul balbi bubu yindu ngana kaday ngulkurr

1pl.EXC nganjin + nganjinanka DAT; ngananga POSS; ngulkurr-ma-ny INCHO 'were glad'


Where is your father? He went with my uncle; the two of them will come back tomorrow; bring the meat to them when they arrive.

Wanja nyungu nganjan? Nyulu ngayku kalnga-ji dungan; bula wunkun kada baja; minya bulanka wundi bula kada-nya.

wanja nyungu nganjan? nyulu ngayku kalnga-ji dunga-ny; bula wunkun kada baja; minya bulanka wundi bula kada-nya | where your father? he my uncle-COMIT go-PAST; they.two tomorrow come again; meat them.two.DAT bring.IMP they.two come-SUB

wanja nyungu nganjan nyulu ngayku kalnga dungay bula wunkun kaday minya wundil

kalnga-ji COMIT; 3du bula NOM + bulanka DAT; kada-nya SUB 'when they come'


The grandmother said: I taught your mother, your mother taught you, and you will teach your daughter — through us the knowledge comes down unbroken.

Babingka balkan: ngayu yunu ngamu binal-bungan, yunu ngamungku yununy binal-bungan, yundu yunu kangkal binal-bungal — ngananda binal bada dungay kari murrnga-ji.

babi-ngka balka-ny: ngayu yunu ngamu binal-bunga-ny, yunu ngamu-ngku yununy binal-bunga-ny, yundu yunu kangkal binal-bunga-l — ngananda binal bada dunga-y kari murrnga-ji | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: I your mother teach-CAUS-PAST, your mother-ERG you teach-CAUS-PAST, you your child teach-CAUS-NONPAST — us.LOC knowledge down go-NONPAST NEG break-MID

babi balkal ngayu yunu ngamu binal yununy yundu kangkal bada dungay kari murrngal

generational chain of pronouns; ngananda 1pl.LOC 'through us'; murrnga-ji MIDDLE


The old people sat around us; they told us the stories; we listened to them all night; and in the morning we knew our country.

Mukul-mukul nganangan ngundu bundan; jana ngananka kuku balkan; ngana jananda milkabu nyajin wujurr yalbay; wunkun ngana ngananga bubu binalman.

mukul-mukul nganangan ngundu bunda-ny; jana ngananka kuku balka-ny; ngana jananda milka-bu nyaji-ny wujurr yalbay; wunkun ngana ngananga bubu binal-ma-ny | old-old us.all around sit-PAST; they.all us.DAT word tell-PAST; we.all them.LOC ear-INST hear-PAST night big; morning we.all our country know-INCHO-PAST

mukul nganangan ngundu bunday jana kuku balkal ngana milka nyajil wujurr yalbay wunkun bubu binal

1pl.INC across cases: nganangan ACC, ngananka DAT, ngana NOM, ngananga POSS; jananda 3pl.LOC


You two built a good camp; I saw your fire from far off; I came to you two at dusk; and you shared your food with me.

Yubal bayan ngulkurr ngaran; ngayu yubalanga baya kala-kalbay-muny nyajin; ngayu yubalanda kadan wungar bada-nya; yubal ngaykunji mayi daji-way.

yubal bayan ngulkurr ngara-ny; ngayu yubalanga baya kala-kalbay-muny nyaji-ny; ngayu yubalanda kada-ny wungar bada-nya; yubal ngaykunji mayi daji-way | you.two house good build-PAST; I your.two fire far-ABL see-PAST; I you.two.LOC come-PAST sun down-SUB; you.two me.COMIT food share-RECIP

yubal bayan ngulkurr ngaral ngayu baya kala-kalbay nyajil kaday wungar bada mayi dajil

2du: yubalanga POSS, yubalanda LOC; 1sg COMIT ngaykunji ('with me')


The dog followed me home; it slept beside me; in the morning it hunted with me; that dog is mine now.

Kaya nganya bayan-mundu wukurrin; nyulu ngaykundu wunan; wunkun nyulu ngaykunji balbin; yinya kaya ngayku.

kaya nganya bayan-mundu wukurri-ny; nyulu ngaykundu wuna-ny; wunkun nyulu ngaykunji balbi-ny; yinya kaya ngayku | dog me house-toward follow-PAST; it me.LOC sleep-PAST; morning it me.COMIT hunt-PAST; that dog mine

kaya nganya bayan wukurril nyulu wunay wunkun balbi yinya ngayku

1sg forms clustered: nganya ACC, ngaykundu LOC, ngaykunji COMIT, ngayku POSS ('mine')


The old man said: do not think only of yourself; think of your brothers, your children, and your people; such a person becomes small and alone.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: yundu kari nganga yununy milka-bu bayka; yunu yaba-karra, yunu karrkay-karrkay, yunu bama milka-bu bayka; yinya bama buban-mal nyubun-mal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: yundu kari nganga yununy milka-bu bayka; yunu yaba-karra, yunu karrkay-karrkay, yunu bama milka-bu bayka; yinya bama buban-ma-l nyubun-ma-l | old-man-ERG say-PAST: you NEG only yourself ear-INST bite.IMP(=think); your brother-PL, your child-child, your people ear-INST bite.IMP(=think); that person small-INCHO-NONPAST one-INCHO-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal yundu kari yunu nganga milka bayka yaba karrkay bama buban nyubun

milka-bu bayka 'think' (dict 'milkabu baykal', lit. bite-with-ear); yununy 2sg.ACC as reflexive object; buban-ma-l 'become small'


Did they give you the meat? No, they gave it to him, not to me; but he shared it with me, so we ate together.

Jana yununku minya dayan? Kari, jana nyungunku dayan, kari ngaykunku; yambada nyulu ngaykunji daji-way, ngali muru nukan.

jana yununku minya daya-ny? kari, jana nyungunku daya-ny, kari ngaykunku; yambada nyulu ngaykunji daji-way, ngali muru nuka-ny | they.all you.DAT meat give-PAST? no, they.all him.DAT give-PAST, NEG me.DAT; but he me.COMIT share-RECIP, we.two together eat-PAST

jana minya daya kari nyulu dajil ngali muru nukal

DAT contrast across persons: yununku(2sg) / nyungunku(3sg) / ngaykunku(1sg); ngaykunji COMIT


They came from the other side of the river; we did not know them; but they spoke our language, so we welcomed them and fed them.

Jana ngubar-muny kadan; ngana janangan kari binalman; yambada jana ngananga kuku balkan, ngana jananga ngulkurr-bungan, jana mayi dayan.

jana ngubar-muny kada-ny; ngana janangan kari binal-ma-ny; yambada jana ngananga kuku balka-ny, ngana jananga ngulkurr-bunga-ny, jana mayi daya-ny | they.all other.side-ABL come-PAST; we.all them NEG know-INCHO-PAST; but they.all our language speak-PAST, we.all them good-CAUS-PAST, they.all food give-PAST

jana ngubar kaday ngana kari binal kuku balkal ngananga ngulkurr mayi daya

3pl jana/jananga; 1pl.INC ngana/ngananga; ngubar-muny ABL 'from the other side'


I carried water for you; you carried wood for me; together we made the fire; and we cooked the fish we caught.

Ngayu yununku bana wundin; yundu ngaykunku juku wundin; ngaliny muru baya jakalamban; ngaliny kuyu karrban wajun.

ngayu yununku bana wundi-ny; yundu ngaykunku juku wundi-ny; ngaliny muru baya jakalamba-ny; ngaliny kuyu karrba-ny waju-ny | I you.DAT water carry-PAST; you me.DAT wood carry-PAST; we.two.INC together fire start-PAST; we.two fish catch-PAST cook-PAST

ngayu bana wundil yundu juku ngaliny muru baya jakalambal kuyu karrbal wajul

benefactive DAT yununku/ngaykunku; 1du.INC ngaliny 'you and I'


The old woman said: you belong to your mother's country and your father's country; both are yours; hold them both, and give them both to your children.

Mukulungku balkan: yundu yunu ngamu-mu bubu, yunu nganjan-amu bubu; jambul yunu; yundu jambul karrba, jambul yunu karrkay-karrkayka daya.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: yundu yunu ngamu-mu bubu, yunu nganjan-amu bubu; jambul yunu; yundu jambul karrba, jambul yunu karrkay-karrkay-ka daya | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: you your mother-POSS country, your father-POSS country; two yours; you two hold.IMP, two your child-child-DAT give.IMP

mukul balkal yundu yunu ngamu bubu nganjan jambul karrbal karrkay daya

2sg POSS yunu + kin POSS ngamu-mu/nganjan-amu; dual-descent teaching


You and I will hunt together tomorrow; you will track, I will spear; we will carry the meat back to our two camps; and our families will eat well.

Ngaliny wunkun muru balbi dungay; yundu jina wukurril, ngayu daman; ngaliny minya ngalinyanga bayan jambul-mundu wundil; ngalinyanga mula-mula jani nukal.

ngaliny wunkun muru balbi dunga-y; yundu jina wukurri-l, ngayu dama-l; ngaliny minya ngalinyanga bayan jambul-mundu wundi-l; ngalinyanga mula-mula jani nuka-l | we.two.INC tomorrow together hunt go-NONPAST; you track follow-NONPAST, I spear-NONPAST; we.two meat our.two house two-toward carry-NONPAST; our.two kin-kin well eat-NONPAST

ngaliny wunkun muru balbi dungay yundu jina wukurril ngayu damal minya bayan jambul mula jani nukal

1du.INC ngaliny + ngalinyanga POSS ('our two'); division of the hunt


Who taught you the songs? My grandfather taught me; he learned them from his father; and now I will teach them to you.

Wanya yununy burri binal-bungan? Ngayku kami nganya binal-bungan; nyulu nyungu nganjan-dumuny binalman; ngayu yununy binal-bungal baja.

wanya yununy burri binal-bunga-ny? ngayku kami nganya binal-bunga-ny; nyulu nyungu nganjan-dumuny binal-ma-ny; ngayu yununy binal-bunga-l baja | who you song teach-CAUS-PAST? my grandfather me teach-CAUS-PAST; he his father-ABL learn-INCHO-PAST; I you teach-CAUS-NONPAST again

wanya yununy burri binal ngayku kami nganya nyulu nyungu nganjan

yununy/nganya ACC across the teaching chain; nganjan-dumuny ABL 'from his father'


The child ran to me crying; I held her, I spoke softly to her, and I carried her back to her mother.

Karrkay ngaykundu badil warrin; ngayu nyunguny karrban, ngayu nyungunku ngulkurr balkan, ngayu nyunguny nyungu ngamu-nka wundinda.

karrkay ngaykundu badi-l warri-ny; ngayu nyunguny karrba-ny, ngayu nyungunku ngulkurr balka-ny, ngayu nyunguny nyungu ngamu-nka wundi-ny-da | child me.LOC cry-NONPAST run-PAST; I her hold-PAST, I her.DAT well speak-PAST, I her his/her mother-DAT carry-PAST-then

karrkay ngayku badi warri ngayu karrbal ngulkurr balkal nyungu ngamu wundil

3sg object forms: nyunguny ACC, nyungunku DAT, nyungu POSS; ngaykundu 1sg.LOC


The old man said: I am old now, my time is short; when I am gone, do not weep for me — carry my name in you, and I will not truly die.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngayu mukul, ngayku wungar buban; ngayu wula-ny-muny, yurra kari ngaykunku badi — ngayku burri yunundu karrba, ngayu kariku wulay.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngayu mukul, ngayku wungar buban; ngayu wula-ny-muny, yurra kari ngaykunku badi — ngayku burri yunundu karrba, ngayu kariku wula-y | old-man-ERG say-PAST: I old, my time small; I die-PAST-ABL, you.all NEG me.DAT weep.IMP — my name you.LOC hold.IMP, I NEG die-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal ngayu wungar buban wulay yurra kari badi burri karrbal

1sg ngayu/ngayku/ngaykunku(DAT of emotion); yunundu 2sg.LOC 'in you'; wula-ny-muny ABL


The two women wove baskets together; they sat by the water all day; I brought them food; and they gave me a basket for my wife.

Bula jalbu balji muru wukurrin; bula bana ngundu bundan wungar-wungar; ngayu bulanka mayi wundin; bula ngaykunku balji dayan ngayku biwar-nka.

bula jalbu balji muru wukurri-ny; bula bana ngundu bunda-ny wungar-wungar; ngayu bulanka mayi wundi-ny; bula ngaykunku balji daya-ny ngayku biwar-nka | they.two woman basket together weave-PAST; they.two water near sit-PAST day-day; I them.two.DAT food bring-PAST; they.two me.DAT basket give-PAST my wife-DAT

bula jalbu balji muru wukurril bana ngundu bunday wungar ngayu mayi wundil biwar

3du bula/bulanka(DAT); 1sg ngaykunku DAT; biwar-nka DAT 'for my wife'


You spoke to me harshly; I was ashamed before you; but you are my elder brother, so I did not answer you, and I went away quietly.

Yundu ngaykunku buyun balkan; ngayu yunundu murru-kaday-man; yambada yundu ngayku yaba, ngayu yununy kari balkan, ngayu nganga dungan.

yundu ngaykunku buyun balka-ny; ngayu yunundu murru-kaday-ma-ny; yambada yundu ngayku yaba, ngayu yununy kari balka-ny, ngayu nganga dunga-ny | you me.DAT bad speak-PAST; I you.LOC shame-INCHO-PAST; but you my elder.brother, I you NEG answer-PAST, I only go-PAST

yundu buyun balkal ngayu yaba yununy kari nganga dungay

ngaykunku 1sg.DAT, yunundu 2sg.LOC ('before you'); murru-kaday 'ashamed' (dict); elder-brother respect


The grandmother said: we women hold the food-knowledge; we teach it to our daughters, not to the men; through us the children are always fed.

Babingka balkan: ngana jalbu mayi-binal karrbal; ngana ngananga kangkal jalbuka binal-bungal, kari dingkarka; ngananda karrkay-karrkay mayi dayal ngadiku-ngadiku.

babi-ngka balka-ny: ngana jalbu mayi-binal karrba-l; ngana ngananga kangkal jalbu-ka binal-bunga-l, kari dingkar-ka; ngananda karrkay-karrkay mayi daya-l ngadiku-ngadiku | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: we.all woman food-knowledge hold-NONPAST; we.all our child girl-DAT teach-CAUS-NONPAST, NEG man-DAT; us.LOC child-child food give-NONPAST always

babi balkal ngana jalbu mayi binal karrbal kangkal dingkar kari karrkay daya ngadiku

1pl.INC ngana/ngananga/ngananda(LOC 'through us'); women's-knowledge charter


We (my brothers and I) speared many fish; we cooked them by the water; the old people came to us; and we gave the fish to them.

Nganjin kuyu wubul daman; nganjin bana ngundu wajun; mukul-mukul nganjinanda kadan; nganjin jananka kuyu dayan.

nganjin kuyu wubul dama-ny; nganjin bana ngundu waju-ny; mukul-mukul nganjinanda kada-ny; nganjin jananka kuyu daya-ny | we.EXC fish many spear-PAST; we.EXC water near cook-PAST; old-old us.EXC.LOC come-PAST; we.EXC them.DAT fish give-PAST

nganjin kuyu wubul damal bana ngundu wajul mukul kaday jana daya

1pl.EXC nganjin + nganjinanda LOC ('to us'); jananka 3pl.DAT


Are you all coming to the ceremony? Yes, we will all come; bring your children with you; we will dance together through the night.

Yurra bubu-mundu kada? Yuwu, ngana wubul kada; yurranga karrkay-karrkay yurranji wundi; ngana muru wurin wujurr-burr.

yurra bubu-mundu kada? yuwu, ngana wubul kada; yurranga karrkay-karrkay yurranji wundi; ngana muru wuri-ny wujurr-burr | you.all ceremony-toward come? yes, we.all all come; your.all child-child you.all.COMIT bring.IMP; we.all together dance-PAST night-PERL

yurra bubu kaday yuwu ngana wubul yurranga karrkay muru wuri wujurr

2pl yurra/yurranga/yurranji(COMIT); 1pl.INC ngana; wuri-y 'dance' (grammar 3663), wujurr-burr PERL 'through the night'


I made a spear for my son; he made a spear for his son; that spear will pass from us to them, down all the generations.

Ngayu ngayku kangkalka kalka bungan; nyulu nyungu kangkalka kalka bungan; yinya kalka ngalindamuny jananka dungay, bada mula-mula wubul-burr.

ngayu ngayku kangkal-ka kalka bunga-ny; nyulu nyungu kangkal-ka kalka bunga-ny; yinya kalka ngalindamuny jananka dunga-y, bada mula-mula wubul-burr | I my child-DAT spear make-PAST; he his child-DAT spear make-PAST; that spear us.two.ABL them.DAT go-NONPAST, down kin-kin many-PERL

ngayu ngayku kangkal kalka bungal nyulu nyungu yinya dungay bada mula wubul

ngalindamuny 1du.EXC ABL ('from us'), jananka 3pl.DAT; generational transmission


The old man said: hold each other close, help each other always; you two are brothers, and brothers who fight leave their children weak.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: yubal muru karrba-way, mara-daji-way ngadiku-ngadiku; yubal yaba-karra, yaba-karra kuni-way nyungu karrkay-karrkay buyun-bungal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: yubal muru karrba-way, mara-daji-way ngadiku-ngadiku; yubal yaba-karra, yaba-karra kuni-way nyungu karrkay-karrkay buyun-bunga-l | old-man-ERG say-PAST: you.two together hold-RECIP, help-RECIP always; you.two brother-PL, brother-PL fight-RECIP their child-child weak-CAUS-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal yubal muru karrbal mara dajil ngadiku yaba kunil nyungu karrkay buyun

2du yubal as addressee; RECIP karrba-way/mara-daji-way/kuni-way (ABS subject)


They hunted the wallaby into the scrub; the dogs ran ahead of them; they speared it together; and they carried the meat back to their camp.

Jana kadar madjanga balbin; kaya jana maku warrin; jana muru daman; jana minya jananga bayan-mundu wundinda.

jana kadar madja-nga balbi-ny; kaya jana maku warri-ny; jana muru dama-ny; jana minya jananga bayan-mundu wundi-ny-da | they.all wallaby scrub-LOC hunt-PAST; dog they.all ahead run-PAST; they.all together spear-PAST; they.all meat their house-toward carry-PAST-then

jana kadar madja balbi kaya maku warri muru damal minya bayan wundil

3pl jana/jananga POSS; maku 'ahead'; successive -da


You gave me your knowledge, I gave you my strength; together we are stronger than either of us alone; that is why the old people joined us two.

Yundu ngaykunku yunu binal dayan, ngayu yununku ngayku junkurr dayan; ngaliny muru dandi bajaku nyubun-muny; yinya-nka mukul-mukulungku ngalinyan muru-bungan.

yundu ngaykunku yunu binal daya-ny, ngayu yununku ngayku junkurr daya-ny; ngaliny muru dandi bajaku nyubun-muny; yinya-nka mukul-mukul-ungku ngalinyan muru-bunga-ny | you me.DAT your knowledge give-PAST, I you.DAT my strength give-PAST; we.two.INC together firm most one-ABL; that-DAT old-old-ERG us.two join-CAUS-PAST

yundu yunu binal daya ngayu ngayku junkurr ngaliny muru dandi nyubun mukul

reciprocal giving across 1sg/2sg DAT+POSS; ngalinyan 1du.INC ACC; muru-bunga-l 'join'


The old man said: I, you, we, they — we are all one people, one country, one law; hold to each other, and the country will hold to us forever.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngayu, yundu, ngana, jana — ngana wubul nyubun bama, nyubun bubu, nyubun kuku; muru karrba-way, bubu ngananka karrbal ngadiku-ngadiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngayu, yundu, ngana, jana — ngana wubul nyubun bama, nyubun bubu, nyubun kuku; muru karrba-way, bubu ngananka karrba-l ngadiku-ngadiku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: I, you, we, they — we.all all one people, one country, one law; together hold-RECIP, country us.DAT hold-NONPAST always

mukul dingkar balkal ngayu yundu ngana jana wubul nyubun bama bubu kuku muru karrbal ngadiku

the full person series ngayu/yundu/ngana/jana; ngananka 1pl.DAT; karrba-way RECIP; closing charter


The old man made many kinds of spear: the fish spear, the war spear, and the fighting spear; each spear carried its own barb and its own point.

Mukul-dingkarangka kalka wubul bungan: yinba, kuyan, murrangkal; kalka-mu jinil, kalka-mu kurrajan.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka wubul bunga-ny: yinba, kuyan, murrangkal; kalka-mu jinil, kalka-mu kurrajan | old-man-ERG spear many make-PAST: fish.spear, war.spear, fighting.spear; spear-POSS barb, spear-POSS point

mukul dingkar kalka wubul bungal yinba kuyan murrangkal jinil kurrajan

spear taxonomy: yinba fish-spear, kuyan war-spear, murrangkal fighting-spear; parts jinil barb, kurrajan point


With the spear-thrower the man threw the spear a long way; the spear went far and struck the kangaroo; then he pulled it out and threw it again.

Balur-bu dingkarangka kalka kala-kalbay yilban; kalka kala-kalbay dungan, kadar daman; nyulu kalka manin, yilban baja.

balur-bu dingkar-angka kalka kala-kalbay yilba-ny; kalka kala-kalbay dunga-ny, kadar dama-ny; nyulu kalka mani-ny, yilba-ny baja | spear.thrower-INST man-ERG spear far throw-PAST; spear far go-PAST, kangaroo spear-PAST; he spear take-PAST, throw-PAST again

balur dingkar kalka kala-kalbay yilbal dungay kadar damal manil

balur 'spear-thrower' (INST); yilba-l 'throw' (dict yilbal)


This spear is broken: the point is gone, the barb is bent, and the bamboo shaft has snapped; I will make a new one from that bamboo.

Nyiku kalka murrnga-jin: kurrajan kari, jinil buyun, dara murrngan; ngayu nambarr-bu kalka baja bungay.

nyiku kalka murrnga-ji-ny: kurrajan kari, jinil buyun, dara murrnga-ny; ngayu nambarr-bu kalka baja bunga-y | this spear break-MID-PAST: point NEG, barb bad, shaft break-PAST; I bamboo-INST spear again make-NONPAST

nyiku kalka murrngal kurrajan kari jinil buyun dara nambarr bungal

spear parts: kurrajan point, jinil barb, dara bamboo-shaft; nambarr bamboo-stick; murrnga-l break


The old man sharpened the spear point on a pumice stone; he bound the barb on firmly; a sharp spear spears the game fast, a blunt spear does not.

Mukul-dingkarangka kurrajan jundi-bu jalngkun-bungan; jinil dandi karrban; kalka jalngkun-bu minya warri daman, kalka buyun kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka kurrajan jundi-bu jalngkun-bunga-ny; jinil dandi karrba-ny; kalka jalngkun-bu minya warri dama-ny, kalka buyun kari | old-man-ERG point pumice-INST sharp-CAUS-PAST; barb firm hold-PAST; spear sharp-INST game fast spear-PAST, spear bad NEG

mukul dingkar kurrajan jundi jalngkun jinil dandi karrbal kalka minya warri damal buyun kari

jundi pumice-stone (sharpening); jalngkun 'sharp' (adj) + bunga-l state-CAUS = 'sharpen'


The two men fought with clubs and shields; one struck with the waddy, the other blocked with the shield; neither man was hurt, and they laughed afterwards.

Bula dingkar mirru-bu, kunjuri-bu kuni-wan; nyubunji nala-nala-bu kunin, yindungku kunjuri-bu karrban; bula dingkar kari buyun, bula baja yajarrin.

bula dingkar mirru-bu, kunjuri-bu kuni-wan; nyubun-ji nala-nala-bu kuni-ny, yindu-ngku kunjuri-bu karrba-ny; bula dingkar kari buyun, bula baja yajarri-ny | they.two man club-INST, shield-INST fight-RECIP.PAST; one-ERG waddy-INST hit-PAST, other-ERG shield-INST hold-PAST; they.two man NEG hurt, they.two afterward laugh-PAST

bula dingkar mirru kunjuri kunil nala-nala yindu karrbal kari buyun yajarril

mirru club, kunjuri shield, nala-nala waddy-club; RECIP kuni-wan (ABS subject)


The boomerang flew out, went right around, and came back to the thrower's hand; a good boomerang always returns, a bad one falls in the grass.

Wangal dungan, warrin, dingkar-mu mara-nda kada baja; wangal ngulkurr kada baja ngadiku-ngudiku, wangal buyun jikan-ba daran.

wangal dunga-ny, warri-ny, dingkar-mu mara-nda kada baja; wangal ngulkurr kada baja ngadiku-ngudiku, wangal buyun jikan-ba dara-ny | boomerang go-PAST, fly-PAST, man-POSS hand-LOC come again; boomerang good come again always, boomerang bad grass-LOC fall-PAST

wangal dungay warri dingkar mara kaday ngulkurr ngadiku buyun jikan daray

wangal boomerang (a NOUN — cf batch-066 'dance'=wuri-y); mara-nda 'to the hand' (potent LOC); jikan grass


The grandfather carved a wooden sword and a fighting stick from hard timber; he gave the sword to his eldest grandson and kept the stick for himself.

Kamingka wakay, durray juku dandi-muny yakan; nyulu wakay nyungu kami-yalbay-nka dayan, durray nyungunku karrban.

kami-ngka wakay, durray juku dandi-muny yaka-ny; nyulu wakay nyungu kami-yalbay-nka daya-ny, durray nyungunku karrba-ny | grandfather-ERG wooden.sword, fighting.stick tree hard-ABL cut-PAST; he sword his grandchild-big-DAT give-PAST, fighting.stick himself.DAT hold-PAST

kami wakay durray juku dandi yakal nyungu yalbay dayal karrbal

wakay wooden-sword, durray fighting-stick; yaka-l 'cut/carve' (dict yakal); juku dandi 'hard wood'


The woman wove a dilly bag and carried the fruit in it; when the bag was full she hung it on a branch and rested in the shade.

Jalbungku ngunyin wukurrin, mayi ngunyin-ba wundin; ngunyin yajin-manya, nyulu juku-ngu karrban, wabarr-ba mara-kunban.

jalbu-ngku ngunyin wukurri-ny, mayi ngunyin-ba wundi-ny; ngunyin yajin-manya, nyulu juku-ngu karrba-ny, wabarr-ba mara-kunba-ny | woman-ERG dillybag weave-PAST, fruit dillybag-LOC carry-PAST; dillybag full-SUB, she tree-LOC hold-PAST, shade-LOC rest-PAST

jalbu ngunyin wukurril mayi wundil yajin juku karrbal wabarr mara-kunbay

ngunyin dilly-bag; wukurri-l 'weave a bag' (Patz 283/585, also 'follow'); wabarr shade; yajin full


The old people made two kinds of dilly bag: a small one for seeds and a big one for fish; the small bag hangs on the shoulder, the big one on the back.

Mukul-mukulungku ngunyin jambul bungan: buban diburr-nka, yalbay kuyu-nka; ngunyin buban binda-nga wunan, yalbay ngunyin mudu-ngu.

mukul-mukul-ungku ngunyin jambul bunga-ny: buban diburr-nka, yalbay kuyu-nka; ngunyin buban binda-nga wuna-ny, yalbay ngunyin mudu-ngu | old-old-ERG dillybag two make-PAST: small seed-DAT, big fish-DAT; dillybag small shoulder-LOC hang-PAST, big dillybag back-LOC

mukul ngunyin jambul bungal buban diburr yalbay kuyu binda wunay mudu

ngunyin sized bags; DAT of purpose (diburr-nka 'for seeds'); binda shoulder, mudu (lower) back


The man carved a dugout canoe from a big cedar; he shaped the stern, then took it out on the water and speared fish from it.

Dingkarangka marrakan juku yalbay-muny yakan; nyulu bijikan ngaran, bana-nga wundin, marrakan-du kuyu daman.

dingkar-angka marrakan juku yalbay-muny yaka-ny; nyulu bijikan ngara-ny, bana-nga wundi-ny, marrakan-du kuyu dama-ny | man-ERG dugout.canoe tree big-ABL cut-PAST; he stern shape-PAST, water-side carry-PAST, canoe-LOC fish spear-PAST

dingkar marrakan juku yalbay yakal bijikan ngaral bana wundil kuyu damal

marrakan dugout-canoe (cedar/canoe, cf flora errata); bijikan stern; yaka-l carve, ngara-l shape


The canoe carried four people across the river; the paddle snapped halfway, so the men pushed with their hands and the current carried them to the far bank.

Kaljan bama jambul-jambul wawubaja-nga wundin; birungubay jambul-bu murrngan, dingkar mara-bu yungan, bana-ngku jana yindu-ngu wundin.

kaljan bama jambul-jambul wawubaja-nga wundi-ny; birungubay jambul-bu murrnga-ny, dingkar mara-bu yunga-ny, bana-ngku jana yindu-ngu wundi-ny | outrigger.canoe person four water-side carry-PAST; paddle middle-LOC break-PAST, man hand-INST push-PAST, water-ERG them other-side carry-PAST

kaljan bama jambul wawubaja wundil birungubay murrngal dingkar mara yungal yindu

kaljan outrigger-canoe; birungubay paddle; jambul-jambul 'four' (two-two); bana-ngku water-ERG


The old man taught the boy to make an axe: choose a hard stone, grind the edge sharp, and bind it to a wooden handle with cane and beeswax.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay warrbi bunga-nka binal-bungan: kulji dandi manin, nyurrban jalngkun-nka, juku-ngu karra-bu, jila-bu dandi-bungan.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay warrbi bunga-nka binal-bunga-ny: kulji dandi mani-ny, nyurrba-ny jalngkun-nka, juku-ngu karra-bu, jila-bu dandi-bunga-ny | old-man-ERG boy warrbi(axe) make-PURP teach-CAUS-PAST: stone hard take-PAST, grind-PAST sharp-DAT, tree-LOC cane-INST, beeswax-INST firm-CAUS-PAST

mukul dingkar karrkay warrbi bungal binal kulji dandi manil nyurrbal jalngkun juku karra jila

warrbi axe, karra cane/rope, jila beeswax; nyurrba-l 'grind' (dict); dandi-bunga-l 'fasten firm'


The hunter tied the stone axe-head to the handle so tightly that it never came loose; with it he cut wood, cut trees for honey, and shaped his spears.

Balbi-dingkarangka warrbi-kulji juku-ngu dandi karrban, kariku bawaji; nyulu juku yakan, juku yakan kawar-nka, kalka ngaran.

balbi-dingkar-angka warrbi-kulji juku-ngu dandi karrba-ny, kariku bawa-ji; nyulu juku yaka-ny, juku yaka-ny kawar-nka, kalka ngara-ny | hunter-ERG axe-stone tree-LOC firm hold-PAST, NEG come.loose-MID; he tree cut-PAST, tree cut-PAST honey-DAT, spear shape-PAST

balbi dingkar warrbi kulji juku dandi karrbal kari bawaji yakal kawar kalka ngaral

warrbi-kulji 'stone axe-head'; bawa-ji 'come loose' (MID); kawar honey; yaka-l cut, ngara-l shape


The rope was plaited from strong bark-fibre; with it the men bound the raft, tied the bundle of spears, and lowered the load down the cliff.

Karra dumbul dandi-muny wukurrin; dingkarangka karra-bu marrakan dandi-bungan, kalka-karra dandi-bungan, yamba-yamba jalkar-muny bada wundin.

karra dumbul dandi-muny wukurri-ny; dingkar-angka karra-bu marrakan dandi-bunga-ny, kalka-karra dandi-bunga-ny, yamba-yamba jalkar-muny bada wundi-ny | rope bark-fibre strong-ABL weave-PAST; man-ERG rope-INST raft firm-CAUS-PAST, spear-bundle firm-CAUS-PAST, belongings cliff-ABL down carry-PAST

karra dumbul wukurril dingkar marrakan dandi kalka yamba-yamba jalkar wundil

karra rope, dumbul bark(-fibre); yamba-yamba belongings; jalkar high-bank/cliff


The grandmother kept red ochre and yellow ochre in two shells; on ceremony days she ground the ochre, mixed it with fat, and painted the dancers.

Babingka murbuy, makirr milbar jambul-bu karrban; bubu-wungar-a nyulu murbuy nyurrban, minya-wandul-bu bungan, wuri-bama julngkan.

babi-ngka murbuy, makirr milbar jambul-bu karrba-ny; bubu-wungar-a nyulu murbuy nyurrba-ny, minya-wandul-bu bunga-ny, wuri-bama julngka-ny | grandmother-ERG red.ochre, yellow.ochre shell two-LOC hold-PAST; ceremony-day-LOC she red.ochre grind-PAST, meat-fat-INST make-PAST, dance-person paint-PAST

babi murbuy makirr milbar jambul karrbal nyurrbal minya wandul bungal wuri bama julngkal

murbuy red-ochre, makirr yellow-ochre, milbar shell; julngka-l 'paint/rub on' (dict); wuri-bama dancers


The men played while the women danced; the boys beat two boomerangs together like clap-sticks, and the old man called out the country's songs.

Dingkar-dingkar nguju, jalbu-jalbu wurin; karrkay-karrkayngku wangal jambul muru kunin, mukul-dingkarangka bubu-mu burri yirrkan.

dingkar-dingkar nguju, jalbu-jalbu wuri-ny; karrkay-karrkay-ngku wangal jambul muru kuni-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka bubu-mu burri yirrka-ny | man-man play, woman-woman dance-PAST; boy-ERG boomerang two together hit-PAST, old-man-ERG country-POSS song call.out-PAST

dingkar nguju jalbu wuri karrkay wangal jambul muru kunil mukul bubu burri yirrkay

clap-sticks = paired wangal boomerangs beaten (kuni-l); yirrka-l 'call out/sing out' the songs; wuri-y dance


The old man said: a weapon is not for anger; the spear feeds the family, the axe builds the camp, the digging stick finds the yam — hold your weapons for life, not for killing your own people.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: jarrngkurr kari kuli-nka; kalka-ngku bama mayi dayal, warrbi-bu bayan ngaral, karrkany-ju banjay manil; yurra jarrngkurr wawu-nka karrba, kari yurranga bama kuni-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: jarrngkurr kari kuli-nka; kalka-ngku bama mayi daya-l, warrbi-bu bayan ngara-l, karrkany-ju banjay mani-l; yurra jarrngkurr wawu-nka karrba, kari yurranga bama kuni-nka | old-man-ERG say-PAST: weapon NEG anger-DAT; spear-INST people food give-NONPAST, axe-INST camp build-NONPAST, digging.stick-INST yam get-NONPAST; you.all weapon life-DAT hold.IMP, NEG your.all people fight-PURP

mukul dingkar balkal jarrngkurr kari kuli kalka bama mayi dayal warrbi bayan ngaral karrkany banjay manil yurra wawu karrbal kunil

jarrngkurr 'weapon'; karrkany digging-stick; banjay yam; mani-l 'get' (mabil=swamp, NOT get); wawu life


The father shaped a small toy spear for his son so the boy could learn to throw; the boy practised all day, and by dusk he could hit the mark.

Nganjangka karrkay-nka kalka baki buban bungan, karrkay yilba binalma; karrkay wungar-wungar yilban, wungar bada-nya nyulu duburan daman.

nganjan-angka karrkay-nka kalka baki buban bunga-ny, karrkay yilba binal-ma; karrkay wungar-wungar yilba-ny, wungar bada-nya nyulu duburan dama-ny | father-ERG boy-DAT spear toy small make-PAST, child throw learn-INCHO; child day-day throw-PAST, sun down-SUB he mark spear-PAST

nganjan karrkay kalka baki buban bungal yilbal binal wungar duburan damal

baki 'toy' (kalka baki = toy spear); binal-ma 'learn'; duburan 'mark/sign' as target


The men made woomeras of three lengths; the long one threw a heavy spear, the short one threw a small spear, and each one fitted a different hand.

Dingkar-dingkarangka mirrba kulur bungan; kala-kalbay-ju kalka kulngkul yilban, kulka-ju kalka buban yilban, nyubun-nyubun mara-nka.

dingkar-dingkar-angka mirrba kulur bunga-ny; kala-kalbay-ju kalka kulngkul yilba-ny, kulka-ju kalka buban yilba-ny, nyubun-nyubun mara-nka | man-man-ERG woomera three make-PAST; long-INST spear heavy throw-PAST, short-INST spear small throw-PAST, each hand-DAT

dingkar mirrba kulur bungal kala-kalbay kalka kulngkul yilbal kulka buban mara

mirrba woomera; kulur 'three'; kulngkul heavy, kulka short (NOT jangkarr/murrku, which are phantoms)


When the fighting was over the old men collected every spear, club and shield, laid them in a row, and told the young men to make peace and put the weapons away.

Kuni-way kunbayn-manya, mukul-mukulungku kalka, mirru, kunjuri wubul manin, nyubun-ba janan, warru balkan jana ngulkurr-ma, jarrngkurr wunga.

kuni-way kunbayn-manya, mukul-mukul-ungku kalka, mirru, kunjuri wubul mani-ny, nyubun-ba jana-ny, warru balka-ny jana ngulkurr-ma, jarrngkurr wunga | fight-RECIP finish(kunbayn)-SUB, old-old-ERG spear, club, shield all take-PAST, one-LOC stand-PAST, young-man tell-PAST they good-INCHO.IMP, weapon put.IMP

kunil kunbayn mukul kalka mirru kunjuri wubul manil janay warru ngulkurr jarrngkurr

gathering weapons after conflict; kunbayn 'finish' (dict), warru 'young man', ngulkurr-ma 'make peace/become good'


The old woman carried the baby in one dilly bag and the yams in another; the rope strap cut into her shoulder, so she stopped often to rest.

Mukulungku ngawa nyubun ngunyin-ba wundin, banjay yindu ngunyin-ba; karra-ngku nyungu binda yakan, nyulu wungar-wungar janan mara-kunba-nka.

mukul-ungku ngawa nyubun ngunyin-ba wundi-ny, banjay yindu ngunyin-ba; karra-ngku nyungu binda yaka-ny, nyulu wungar-wungar jana-ny mara-kunba-nka | old.woman-ERG baby one dillybag-LOC carry-PAST, yam other dillybag-LOC; rope-ERG her shoulder cut-PAST, she day-day stand-PAST rest-PURP

mukul ngawa ngunyin wundil banjay yindu karra binda yakal janay mara-kunbay

ngunyin dilly-bag as baby/food carrier; karra strap; binda shoulder; yaka-l 'cut into'


The two boys made toy weapons from soft wood: a little boomerang, a little club, and a little shield; they had a play-fight and no one cried.

Bula karrkayngku baki-jarrngkurr juku kima-muny bungan: wangal buban, mirru buban, kunjuri buban; bula nguju kuni-wan, bama nyubun kari badin.

bula karrkay-ngku baki-jarrngkurr juku kima-muny bunga-ny: wangal buban, mirru buban, kunjuri buban; bula nguju kuni-wan, bama nyubun kari badi-ny | they.two boy-ERG toy-weapon tree soft-ABL make-PAST: boomerang small, club small, shield small; they.two funny fight-RECIP.PAST, person one NEG cry-PAST

bula karrkay jarrngkurr juku kima bungal wangal buban mirru kunjuri nguju kunil badi

baki-jarrngkurr 'toy weapons'; kima 'soft' wood; nguju 'funny/play' (nguju-wuri-y grammar 5342)


The grandfather kept his best spear in the rafters of the hut, out of the children's reach; only on the hunt did he take it down, and he always brought it home.

Kamingka nyungu kalka ngulkurr bayan-wuyar-a karrban, karrkay-karrkay-mundu; balbi-nga nyulu bada manin, ngadiku-ngudiku bayan-mundu wundin.

kami-ngka nyungu kalka ngulkurr bayan-wuyar-a karrba-ny, karrkay-karrkay-mundu; balbi-nga nyulu bada mani-ny, ngadiku-ngudiku bayan-mundu wundi-ny | grandfather-ERG his spear good house-top-LOC hold-PAST, child-child-ABESS; hunt-LOC he down take-PAST, always house-toward bring-PAST

kami nyungu kalka ngulkurr bayan wuyar karrbal karrkay balbi manil wundil

wuyar 'top' (bayan-wuyar 'house-top/rafters'); -mundu ABESSIVE 'out of reach of'


The people traded shells and ochre with the inland groups; they gave bailer shells and red ochre, and got stone for axes and hard wood for spears.

Bamangka milbar, murbuy kuwa-bama-ji dajiway; jana warkal, murbuy dayan, jana kulji warrbi-nka, juku dandi kalka-nka manin.

bama-ngka milbar, murbuy kuwa-bama-ji daji-way; jana warkal, murbuy daya-ny, jana kulji warrbi-nka, juku dandi kalka-nka mani-ny | person-ERG shell, red.ochre inland-people-COMIT trade-RECIP; they bailer.shell, red.ochre give-PAST, they stone axe-DAT, tree hard spear-DAT take-PAST

bama milbar murbuy kuwa dajil warkal dayal kulji warrbi juku dandi kalka manil

warkal bailer-shell; trade network; daji-way RECIP 'trade'; DAT of purpose (warrbi-nka 'for axes')


The man cut a straight branch, took the bark off, and hardened the point in the fire to make a bamboo fish spear.

Dingkarangka juku nyubun yakan, dumbul manin, kurrajan baya-nga wumbul-bungan, yinba bana-nka bungay.

dingkar-angka juku nyubun yaka-ny, dumbul mani-ny, kurrajan baya-nga wumbul-bunga-ny, yinba bana-nka bunga-y | man-ERG tree one cut-PAST, bark take-PAST, point fire-LOC hot-CAUS-PAST, fish.spear water-DAT make-NONPAST

dingkar juku yakal dumbul manil kurrajan baya wumbul yinba bana bungal

yinba fish-spear; dumbul bark; baya fire; wumbul-bunga-l 'harden (make hot)' in fire; dumbul mani-l 'take bark off'


The old woman said: the dilly bag holds the whole camp's food; without it we could carry nothing; learn to weave, girls, or the family will go hungry.

Mukulungku balkan: ngunyin-ju bayan-mu mayi wubul karrbal; ngunyin-mundu ngana maru-maru wundil; jalbu-karrkay, wukurril binal-ma, kari bama dakwuy.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: ngunyin-ju bayan-mu mayi wubul karrba-l; ngunyin-mundu ngana maru-maru wundi-l; jalbu-karrkay, wukurri-l binal-ma, kari bama dakwuy | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: dillybag-ERG camp-POSS food all hold-NONPAST; dillybag-ABESS we nothing carry-NONPAST; girl-child, weave learn-INCHO.IMP, NEG people hungry

mukul balkal ngunyin bayan mayi wubul karrbal ngana maru-maru wundil jalbu karrkay wukurril binal bama dakwuy

ngunyin-ju ERG; ngunyin-mundu ABESSIVE 'without the bag'; maru-maru 'nothing'; wukurri-l weave


The knife was made of a sharp shell before the white man's knife came; with it the women cut fish, cut the meat, and split the pandanus for weaving.

Naybu warkal jalngkun-muny bungan, waybala-mu naybu ngadiku; naybu-bu jalbu-jalbu kuyu yakan, minya yakan, juku wukurril-nka yika-daman.

naybu warkal jalngkun-muny bunga-ny, waybala-mu naybu ngadiku; naybu-bu jalbu-jalbu kuyu yaka-ny, minya yaka-ny, juku wukurri-l-nka yika-dama-ny | knife bailer.shell sharp-ABL make-PAST, whitefella-POSS knife before; knife-INST woman-woman fish cut-PAST, meat cut-PAST, tree weave-PURP split-PAST

naybu warkal jalngkun bungal waybala ngadiku jalbu kuyu yakal minya juku wukurril

naybu 'knife' (from shell before whitefella's); yika-dama-l 'split' (dict); no word for 'steel'/'iron'


The boy asked: what is this stick for? The old man said: that is a fire-drill; you twist it fast on soft wood, the smoke glows, and the fire is alive.

Jawun-karrkayngku babajin: nyiku jaba wanyu-nka? Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: yinya baya-jaba; yundu juku kima-nga warri murnil, kubu dakal, baya juran.

karrkay-ngku babaji-ny: nyiku jaba wanyu-nka? mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: yinya baya-jaba; yundu juku kima-nga warri murni-l, kubu dakal, baya juran | boy-ERG ask-PAST: this stick what-DAT? old-man-ERG say-PAST: that fire-stick; you tree soft-LOC fast twist-NONPAST, smoke rise(dakal), fire alive

karrkay babaji nyiku jaba wanyu mukul dingkar balkal baya juku kima murnil kubu juran

babaji-l 'ask' (dict); jaba 'stick'; baya-jaba 'fire-drill'; murni-l 'twist' (batch-062); kubu smoke; juran alive


The two men lashed logs together with cane to make a raft; they poled it across the flooded river, the belongings piled high and dry in the middle.

Bula dingkarangka juku karra-bu dandi-bungan, marrakan bungan; bula jaba-bu wawubaja jalungkarr-ba yungan, yamba-yamba jambul-bu wuyar-a marral.

bula dingkar-angka juku karra-bu dandi-bunga-ny, marrakan bunga-ny; bula jaba-bu wawubaja jalungkarr-ba yunga-ny, yamba-yamba jambul-bu wuyar-a marral | they.two man-ERG log cane-INST firm-CAUS-PAST, raft make-PAST; they.two pole-INST river flood-side push-PAST, belongings middle-LOC top-LOC dry

bula dingkar juku karra dandi marrakan jaba wawubaja jalungkarr yamba-yamba wuyar marral

marrakan 'raft/canoe'; jalungkarr flood; wuyar top; marral dry; jaba pole


The grandmother threaded small shells and red seeds onto a string; she gave the necklace to the young woman at her first ceremony, and the girl was proud.

Babingka milbar buban, kubirr-kubirr karra-nga bungan; nyulu jalbu-karrkay-nka bubu-wungar ngadiku-ngu dayan, jalbu-karrkay ngulkurr-man.

babi-ngka milbar buban, kubirr-kubirr karra-nga bunga-ny; nyulu jalbu-karrkay-nka bubu-wungar ngadiku-ngu daya-ny, jalbu-karrkay ngulkurr-ma-ny | grandmother-ERG shell small, red.seed string-LOC make-PAST; she girl-DAT ceremony first-LOC give-PAST, girl good-INCHO-PAST(=pleased)

babi milbar buban kubirr-kubirr karra bungal jalbu mayi bubu wungar ngadiku ngulkurr

kubirr-kubirr 'black-and-red seeds' (dict); karra 'string'; necklace strung on karra


The old man carved a message-stick, cut with marks for each camp along the road; the messenger carried it north to call the clans to the big meeting.

Mukul-dingkarangka duburan-jaba yakan, nyubun-nyubun bayan-nka jalbu-ngu; yirrka-bamangka kuwa-nga wundin, bama wubul yalbay-muru-nka yirrkan.

mukul-dingkar-angka duburan-jaba yaka-ny, nyubun-nyubun bayan-nka jalbu-ngu; yirrka-bama-ngka kuwa-nga wundi-ny, bama wubul yalbay-muru-nka yirrka-ny | old-man-ERG message-stick cut-PAST, each camp-DAT road-side; messenger-ERG NW-side carry-PAST, person many big-gathering-DAT call-PAST

mukul dingkar duburan jaba yakal bayan kuwa wundil bama wubul yalbay muru yirrkay

duburan-jaba 'message-stick' (duburan 'mark/sign'); yaka-l cut/notch; yirrka-l call


The men painted their bodies with white clay and red ochre for the dance; the old man drew the totem lines, and each design told which country a man belonged to.

Dingkar-dingkarangka bangkarr bajar-bu, murbuy-bu julngkan wuri-nka; mukul-dingkarangka bama-mu duburan julngkan, nyubun-nyubun duburan-du balkan wanya-mu bubu.

dingkar-dingkar-angka bangkarr bajar-bu, murbuy-bu julngka-ny wuri-nka; mukul-dingkar-angka bama-mu duburan julngka-ny, nyubun-nyubun duburan-du balka-ny wanya-mu bubu | man-man-ERG body white.clay-INST, red.ochre-INST paint-PAST dance-DAT; old-man-ERG person-POSS design paint-PAST, each design-ERG tell-PAST whose country

dingkar bangkarr bajar murbuy julngkal wuri mukul bama duburan balkal wanya bubu

bangkarr body (NOT nyulmbu); bajar white-clay/ash; julngka-l paint/draw; wanya-mu bubu 'whose country'


The digging stick was a woman's tool: fire-hardened at the point, worn smooth at the grip; with it she dug yams, dug for water, and turned the soil of the camp.

Karrkany jalbu-mu jaba: kurrajan baya-nga wumbul-jin, mara-nga jalngka; nyulu banjay bakan, bana-nka bakan, bayan-mu bubu murnil.

karrkany jalbu-mu jaba: kurrajan baya-nga wumbul-ji-ny, mara-nga jalngka; nyulu banjay baka-ny, bana-nka baka-ny, bayan-mu bubu murni-l | digging.stick woman-POSS tool: point fire-LOC hot-MID-PAST, grip-side smooth; she yam dig-PAST, water-DAT dig-PAST, camp-POSS ground turn-NONPAST

karrkany jalbu jaba kurrajan baya wumbul mara jalngka banjay bakal bana bubu murnil

karrkany digging-stick; banjay yam; jalngka smooth (NOT warru=young.man); baka-l dig


The father showed his sons how to bind a spearhead: bind it tight with cane, let it dry firm, then seal the join with warm beeswax so it never slips.

Nganjangka kangkal-karra kurrajan dandi-bunga binal-bungan: karra-bu dandi-bungan, marral dandi wunan, jila wumbul-bu dandi-bungan, kariku dungay.

nganjan-angka kangkal-karra kurrajan dandi-bunga binal-bunga-ny: karra-bu dandi-bunga-ny, marral dandi wuna-ny, jila wumbul-bu dandi-bunga-ny, kariku dunga-y | father-ERG child-PL spearhead firm-CAUS teach-CAUS-PAST: cane-INST firm-CAUS-PAST, dry firm lie-PAST, beeswax hot-INST firm-CAUS-PAST, NEG go-NONPAST

nganjan kangkal karra kurrajan dandi binal marral wunay jila wumbul

spearhead-binding: karra cane, jila beeswax; marral dry; dandi-bunga-l 'fasten firm' (no attested 'wrap'/'sinew')


The two women ground seeds on a flat stone all morning; the grinding stone was smooth and worn from many grandmothers' hands; they cooked the ground food in the ashes.

Bula jalbungku diburr kulji-nga wunkun-wunkun nyurrban; nyurrba-kulji jalngka, babi-babi-mu mara-muny; bula mayi nyurrban, bajar-a wajun.

bula jalbu-ngku diburr kulji-nga wunkun-wunkun nyurrba-ny; nyurrba-kulji jalngka, babi-babi-mu mara-muny; bula mayi nyurrba-ny, bajar-a waju-ny | they.two woman-ERG seed stone-LOC morning-morning grind-PAST; grind-stone smooth, grandmother-grandmother-POSS hand-ABL; they.two food grind-PAST, ash-LOC cook-PAST

bula jalbu diburr kulji wunkun nyurrbal jalngka babi mara mayi bajar wajul

nyurrba-l 'grind' (dict; NOT jimba); nyurrba-kulji grinding-stone; bajar ash (mayi baked in ashes)


The hunter lost his good axe in the flood; he made a new one, but the new stone was soft and the edge broke; he traded two dilly bags for a hard axe-stone from the ranges.

Balbi-dingkarangka nyungu warrbi ngulkurr jalungkarr-ba bawan; nyulu warrbi baja bungan, yambada kulji baja kima, murrngan; nyulu ngunyin jambul bubu-wuyar-mu kulji dandi-ji dajiway.

balbi-dingkar-angka nyungu warrbi ngulkurr jalungkarr-ba bawa-ny; nyulu warrbi baja bunga-ny, yambada kulji baja kima, murrnga-ny; nyulu ngunyin jambul bubu-wuyar-mu kulji dandi-ji daji-way | hunter-ERG his axe good flood-LOC lose-PAST; he axe again make-PAST, but stone new soft, break-PAST; he dillybag two range-POSS stone hard-COMIT trade-RECIP

balbi dingkar warrbi ngulkurr jalungkarr bawal kulji kima murrngal ngunyin jambul bubu wuyar dandi dajil

kima 'soft' (bad axe-stone); bubu-wuyar 'ranges/high-country'; daji-way trade


The old man kept a bailer shell for baling the canoe and a big shell for carrying water; he said a good shell is worth more than a billycan, for it never goes bad.

Mukul-dingkarangka warkal kaljan-nka karrban, milbar yalbay bana-nka; nyulu balkan: milbar ngulkurr jungkalu-ngadiku, kariku buyun-mal.

mukul-dingkar-angka warkal kaljan-nka karrba-ny, milbar yalbay bana-nka; nyulu balka-ny: milbar ngulkurr jungkalu-ngadiku, kariku buyun-ma-l | old-man-ERG bailer.shell canoe-DAT hold-PAST, shell big water-DAT; he say-PAST: shell good billycan-more, NEG bad-INCHO-NONPAST

mukul dingkar warkal kaljan karrbal milbar yalbay bana balkal ngulkurr jungkalu buyun

warkal bailer-shell (for canoe); jungkalu 'billycan' (loan); -ngadiku here 'more than'; buyun-ma-l 'go bad'


The grandmother wrapped the baby in soft paperbark and laid it in a bark cradle; the wind rocked the bark cradle, and the baby slept while she wove.

Babingka ngawa buyku kima-bu karrban, dumbul-bu wunan; muyar-bu dumbul-buwa yungan, ngawa wunan, babi wukurrin.

babi-ngka ngawa buyku kima-bu karrba-ny, dumbul-bu wuna-ny; muyar-bu dumbul-buwa yunga-ny, ngawa wuna-ny, babi wukurri-ny | grandmother-ERG baby paperbark soft-INST hold-PAST, bark-LOC lie-PAST; wind-INST bark-baby push-PAST, baby sleep-PAST, grandmother weave-PAST

babi ngawa buyku kima karrbal dumbul wunay muyar yungal wukurril

buyku 'paperbark' (batch-061: not wing); dumbul bark cradle; muyar wind; warri-ma-l 'move' (no attested 'rock')


The men made the big net from strong bark string and set it across the river; the tide brought the fish in, and by evening the net was heavy with them.

Dingkar-dingkarangka makarr dumbul-karra dandi-muny bungan, wawubaja-nga janan; yira-ngku kuyu wundin, wungar bada-nya makarr kuyu-bu kulngkul.

dingkar-dingkar-angka makarr dumbul-karra dandi-muny bunga-ny, wawubaja-nga jana-ny; yira-ngku kuyu wundi-ny, wungar bada-nya makarr kuyu-bu kulngkul | man-man-ERG net bark-string strong-ABL make-PAST, river-side stand-PAST; tide-ERG fish bring-PAST, sun down-SUB net fish-INST heavy

dingkar makarr dumbul karra dandi bungal wawubaja janay yira kuyu wundil wungar kulngkul

makarr 'fish-net' (batch-063); yira tide; kulngkul heavy (NOT jangkarr)


The old man said: everything we own we make with our own hands — the spear, the bag, the net, the canoe; a person who cannot make his tools is poor, even if he holds many things.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngananga yamba-yamba wubul ngana mara-bu bungal — kalka, balji, makarr, kaljan; bama yamba-yamba bunga-l kari-bama buyun, wubul karrba yaba.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngananga yamba-yamba wubul ngana mara-bu bunga-l — kalka, balji, makarr, kaljan; bama yamba-yamba bunga-l kari-bama buyun, wubul karrba yaba | old-man-ERG say-PAST: our belongings all we hand-INST make-NONPAST — spear, bag, net, canoe; person belongings make-NONPAST NEG-person poor, many hold even

mukul dingkar balkal ngana yamba-yamba wubul mara bungal kalka balji makarr kaljan bama buyun karrbal yaba

yamba-yamba 'belongings'; making-with-the-hand as value; kari-bama 'one who cannot'


The father made his daughter a small water-shell to carry water; she filled it at the spring, held it carefully, and did not spill a drop all the way home.

Nganjangka jalbu-karrkay-nka milbar buban bana-nka dayan; nyulu jirka-nga yajin-bungan, ngulkurr karrban, kariku bana daran bayan-ba.

nganjan-angka jalbu-karrkay-nka milbar buban bana-nka daya-ny; nyulu jirka-nga yajin-bunga-ny, ngulkurr karrba-ny, kariku bana dara-ny bayan-ba | father-ERG girl-DAT shell small water-DAT give-PAST; she spring-LOC full-CAUS-PAST, careful hold-PAST, NEG water fall-PAST house-toward

nganjan jalbu karrkay milbar buban bana dayal jirka yajin ngulkurr karrbal daray

milbar shell as water-carrier (no attested 'coolamon'); jirka 'spring'; yajin-bunga-l 'fill'


The children found an old broken axe in the sand, its handle rotten and its stone dull; the old man said it was his father's, and he cleaned it and kept it in the house.

Karrkay-karrkayngku warrbi mukul murrnga-ji jukar-a nyajin, jaba kabu, kulji buyun; mukul-dingkarangka balkan yinya nyungu nganjan-mu, nyulu ngulkurr-bungan, bayan-ba karrban.

karrkay-karrkay-ngku warrbi mukul murrnga-ji jukar-a nyaji-ny, jaba kabu, kulji buyun; mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny yinya nyungu nganjan-mu, nyulu ngulkurr-bunga-ny, bayan-ba karrba-ny | child-child-ERG axe old break-MID sand-LOC see-PAST, handle rotten, stone bad; old-man-ERG say-PAST that his father-POSS, he good-CAUS-PAST, house-LOC hold-PAST

karrkay warrbi mukul murrngal jukar nyajil jaba kabu kulji buyun dingkar balkal nyungu nganjan karrbal

jukar 'sand' (batch-062: not janyul); jaba handle; kabu 'rotten' (dict); ngulkurr-bunga-l 'clean/fix up'


The men cut a canoe-tree, carved it out with fire and axe, and dragged it to the water; it took a whole moon, and when it floated all the camp came to see.

Dingkar-dingkarangka marrakan-juku yakan, baya-bu, warrbi-bu yakan, bana-nga yiringkan; kija nyubun dungan, marrakan yaru-ba jana-nya, bama wubul nyaji kadan.

dingkar-dingkar-angka marrakan-juku yaka-ny, baya-bu, warrbi-bu yaka-ny, bana-nga yiringka-ny; kija nyubun dunga-ny, marrakan yaru-ba jana-nya, bama wubul nyaji kada-ny | man-man-ERG canoe-tree cut-PAST, fire-INST, axe-INST cut-PAST, water-side drag-PAST; moon one go-PAST, canoe wet-LOC stand-SUB, person many see come-PAST

dingkar marrakan juku yakal baya warrbi bana yiringkal kija nyubun dungay janay bama wubul nyajil kaday

marrakan-juku 'canoe-tree'; yiringka-l 'drag' (dict; NOT nyurrba=grind); kija 'moon/month'


The white man's knife cut faster than the old shell knife, so the people traded for it; but the old woman kept her shell knife, saying it never spoiled the taste of the fish.

Waybala-mu naybu warri yakan, warkal-naybu-ngadiku, bamangka dajiway; yambada mukulungku nyungu warkal-naybu karrban, balkan: warkal-naybu-ngku kuyu kariku buyun-bungal.

waybala-mu naybu warri yaka-ny, warkal-naybu-ngadiku, bama-ngka daji-way; yambada mukul-ungku nyungu warkal-naybu karrba-ny, balka-ny: warkal-naybu-ngku kuyu kariku buyun-bunga-l | whitefella-POSS knife fast cut-PAST, shell-knife-more, person-ERG trade-RECIP; but old.woman-ERG her shell-knife hold-PAST, say-PAST: shell-knife-ERG fish NEG bad-CAUS-NONPAST

waybala naybu warri yakal warkal ngadiku bama dajil mukul nyungu karrbal balkal kuyu buyun

naybu knife, warkal-naybu 'shell-knife'; contact-era trade + the old-way kept; buyun-bunga-l 'spoil'


The grandfather said: a spear remembers the hand that made it; carve it slowly, hold it well, and it will go true; a spear made in anger flies badly and shames the thrower.

Kamingka balkan: kalka mara nyaji nyulu bungan; kiray yaka, ngulkurr karrba, nyulu ngulkurr dungay; kalka kuli-nga bungan buyun dungay, yilba-bama murru-kaday-mal.

kami-ngka balka-ny: kalka mara nyaji nyulu bunga-ny; kiray yaka, ngulkurr karrba, nyulu ngulkurr dunga-y; kalka kuli-nga bunga-ny buyun dunga-y, yilba-bama murru-kaday-ma-l | grandfather-ERG say-PAST: spear hand see it make-PAST; slow cut.IMP, well hold.IMP, it well go-NONPAST; spear anger-LOC make-PAST bad go-NONPAST, throw-person shame-INCHO-NONPAST

kami balkal kalka mara nyajil bungal yakal kiray ngulkurr dungay kuli buyun yilbal bama murru-kaday

spear-making as care; murru-kaday-ma-l 'become ashamed'; no 'straight' word (use ngulkurr dungay 'goes well')


The children asked what the strange thing was; the old man said it was a white man's axe, heavier and sharper than stone, but it cut down the sacred trees too fast.

Karrkay-karrkayngku babajin wanyu nyiku; mukul-dingkarangka balkan yinya waybala-mu warrbi, kulngkul, jalngkun kulji-ngadiku, yambada nyulu juku-ngumu warri yakan.

karrkay-karrkay-ngku babaji-ny wanyu nyiku; mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny yinya waybala-mu warrbi, kulngkul, jalngkun kulji-ngadiku, yambada nyulu juku-ngumu warri yaka-ny | child-child-ERG ask-PAST what this; old-man-ERG say-PAST that whitefella-POSS axe, heavy, sharp stone-more, but it tree-sacred fast cut-PAST

karrkay babaji wanyu nyiku mukul dingkar balkal waybala warrbi kulngkul jalngkun kulji juku yakal

steel axe vs stone axe; kulngkul heavy, -ngadiku comparative; contact-era ambivalence; juku-ngamu 'mother-tree/sacred'


The old man carved two clap-sticks, painted them with red ochre, and beat them together to keep the dance; the boys heard them across the camp and came running.

Mukul-dingkarangka jaba jambul yakan, murbuy-bu julngkan, muru kunin wuri-nka; karrkayngku bayan wubul-burr milkabu nyajin, warri kadan.

mukul-dingkar-angka jaba jambul yaka-ny, murbuy-bu julngka-ny, muru kuni-ny wuri-nka; karrkay-ngku bayan wubul-burr milka-bu nyaji-ny, warri kada-ny | old-man-ERG stick two cut-PAST, red.ochre-INST paint-PAST, together hit-PAST dance-DAT; boy-ERG camp all-PERL ear-INST hear-PAST, fast come-PAST

mukul dingkar jaba jambul yakal murbuy julngkal muru kunil wuri karrkay bayan milka nyajil warri kaday

clap-sticks (jaba jambul beaten kuni-l); julngka-l paint; milka-bu nyaji-l 'hear' (r.28; NOT ngara-l=build)


Today the men go hunting in a car, not on foot; they carry a gun instead of a spear, but the old man still takes his spear-thrower, saying the old way never fails.

Nyiku-wungar dingkar-dingkar mudaka-nga balbil, kari jina-bu; jana marrkin wundil, kari kalka; yambada mukul-dingkarangka nyungu balur wundil, balkan: mukul-yalaku kariku buyun-mal.

nyiku-wungar dingkar-dingkar mudaka-nga balbi-l, kari jina-bu; jana marrkin wundi-l, kari kalka; yambada mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu balur wundi-l, balka-ny: mukul-yalaku kariku buyun-ma-l | this-day man-man car-LOC hunt-NONPAST, NEG foot-INST; they gun carry-NONPAST, NEG spear; but old-man-ERG his spear.thrower carry-NONPAST, say-PAST: old-custom NEG bad-INCHO-NONPAST

wungar dingkar mudaka balbi kari jina marrkin wundil kalka mukul nyungu balur balkal yalaku

contemporary: mudaka car, marrkin gun (loans) vs traditional kalka/balur; mukul-yalaku 'old custom/way'


The museum keeps the old weapons behind glass: the war spear, the shield, the woomera; but the grandmother says a weapon in a glass box is dead, for a spear is alive only in the hand that throws it.

Kilaja-bayanba mukul-jarrngkurr karrbal: kuyan, kunjuri, ngurmu; yambada babingka balkan: jarrngkurr kilaja-nga wulan, kalka mara-nga nyubun juran, yilba-mara-nga.

kilaja-bayan-ba mukul-jarrngkurr karrba-l: kuyan, kunjuri, ngurmu; yambada babi-ngka balka-ny: jarrngkurr kilaja-nga wula-ny, kalka mara-nga nyubun juran, yilba-mara-nga | glass-house-LOC old-weapon hold-NONPAST: war.spear, shield, woomera; but grandmother-ERG say-PAST: weapon glass-LOC die-PAST, spear hand-LOC only alive, throw-hand-LOC

gilaja bayan mukul jarrngkurr karrbal kuyan kunjuri ngurmu babi balkal wulay kalka mara juran yilbal

gilaja 'glass' (loan); ngurmu woomera; museum vs living-object contrast; juran 'alive' (predicate)


The old man gave his grandson the last stone axe and said: this is older than any of us; it built the humpies of our grandfathers; keep it, and when you are old, put it in the hand of a child who will remember.

Mukul-dingkarangka nyungu kami-karrkay warrbi-kulji ngadiku-nyubun dayan, balkan: nyiku ngana wubul-ngadiku mukul; nyulu ngananga kami-karra-mu bayan ngaran; yundu karrba, yundu mukul-manya, karrkay-mu mara-nga wuna, nyulu milka-nga karrbal.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu kami-karrkay warrbi-kulji ngadiku-nyubun daya-ny, balka-ny: nyiku ngana wubul-ngadiku mukul; nyulu ngananga kami-karra-mu bayan ngara-ny; yundu karrba, yundu mukul-manya, karrkay-mu mara-nga wuna, nyulu milka-nga karrba-l | old-man-ERG his grandchild axe-stone last give-PAST, say-PAST: this we all-more old; it our grandfather-PL-POSS house build-PAST; you hold.IMP, you old-SUB, child-POSS hand-LOC put.IMP, he mind-LOC hold-NONPAST

mukul dingkar nyungu kami karrkay warrbi kulji dayal balkal nyiku ngana wubul bayan ngaral karrbal milka

warrbi-kulji stone-axe; generational transmission; milka-nga karrba-l 'hold in mind/remember'


Who came? A stranger came. Who speared the fish? The old man speared it, and he shared it with everyone.

Wanya kadan? Bama yindu kadan. Wanyangka kuyu daman? Mukul-dingkarangka daman, nyulu bama wubul-ku daji-way.

wanya kada-ny? bama yindu kada-ny. wanya-ngka kuyu dama-ny? mukul-dingkar-angka dama-ny, nyulu bama wubul-ku daji-way | who come-PAST? person other come-PAST. who-ERG fish spear-PAST? old-man-ERG spear-PAST, he person all-DAT share-RECIP

wanya kaday bama yindu kuyu damal mukul dingkar wubul dajil

wanya 'who' ABS (S/O); wanyangka 'who' ERG (transitive A) — 'who' takes POTENT case set


Whose dog is this? This dog is my brother's. And whose house is that big one? That house belongs to the old people of this country.

Wanyamba kaya nyiku? Nyiku kaya ngayku yaba-mu. Wanyamba bayan yinya yalbay? Yinya bayan nyiku bubu-mu mukul-mukul-mu.

wanyamba kaya nyiku? nyiku kaya ngayku yaba-mu. wanyamba bayan yinya yalbay? yinya bayan nyiku bubu-mu mukul-mukul-mu | whose dog this? this dog my elder.brother-POSS. whose house that big? that house this country-POSS old-old-POSS

wanyamba kaya nyiku yaba bayan yinya yalbay bubu mukul

wanyamba 'whose' (POSS of wanya, Table 3.10 — canonical; wanya-mu a regularized variant)


For whom did you carry this food so far? I carried it for my old mother; she cannot walk to the river any more, so I bring the fish to her camp.

Wanyanka yundu nyiku mayi kala-kalbay wundin? Ngayu ngayku ngamu mukul-ka wundin; nyulu wawubaja-nka kari jilbay, ngayu kuyu nyungu bayan-ka wundil.

wanyanka yundu nyiku mayi kala-kalbay wundi-ny? ngayu ngayku ngamu mukul-ka wundi-ny; nyulu wawubaja-nka kari jilba-y, ngayu kuyu nyungu bayan-ka wundi-l | who-DAT you this food far carry-PAST? I my mother old-DAT carry-PAST; she river-side NEG walk-NONPAST, I fish her house-DAT carry-NONPAST

wanyanka yundu nyiku mayi kala-kalbay wundil ngamu mukul wawubaja kari jilbay kuyu bayan

wanyanka 'who-DAT' (for whom / benefactive); answer with a DAT recipient


With whom do you hunt in the scrub? I hunt with my elder brother and two dogs. And with whom did the old man go to the ceremony? He went with all his sons.

Wanyanji yundu madja-nga balbil? Ngayu ngayku yaba-ji, kaya jambul-ji balbil. Wanyanji mukul-dingkar bubu-nku dungan? Nyulu nyungu kangkal wubul-ji dungan.

wanyanji yundu madja-nga balbi-l? ngayu ngayku yaba-ji, kaya jambul-ji balbi-l; wanyanji mukul-dingkar bubu-nku dunga-ny? nyulu nyungu kangkal wubul-ji dunga-ny | who-COMIT you scrub-LOC hunt-NONPAST? I my elder.brother-COMIT, dog two-COMIT hunt-NONPAST; who-COMIT old-man ceremony-side go-PAST? he his child many-COMIT go-PAST

wanyanji yundu madja balbi yaba kaya jambul mukul dingkar bubu nyungu kangkal wubul

wanyanji 'who-COMIT' (with whom); answer with COMIT -ji


From whom did you get this good spear? I got it from my grandfather; he made it long ago from hard wood, and now it is mine.

Wanyandamuny yundu nyiku kalka ngulkurr manin? Ngayu ngayku kami-muny manin; nyulu ngadiku juku dandi-muny bungan, ngayku.

wanyandamuny yundu nyiku kalka ngulkurr mani-ny? ngayu ngayku kami-muny mani-ny; nyulu ngadiku juku dandi-muny bunga-ny, ngayku | who-ABL you this spear good take-PAST? I my grandfather-ABL take-PAST; he before tree hard-ABL make-PAST, mine

wanyandamuny yundu nyiku kalka ngulkurr manil kami ngadiku juku dandi bungal

wanyandamuny 'who-ABL' (from whom); kami-muny 'from grandfather'


At whose place does the child sleep tonight? The child sleeps at its mother's; but when the mother goes hunting, the child stays with its grandmother.

Wanyanda karrkay nyiku wujurr wunay? Karrkay nyungu ngamu-nda wunay; yambada ngamu balbi-nga dungay, karrkay nyungu babi-ji wunay.

wanyanda karrkay nyiku wujurr wunay? karrkay nyungu ngamu-nda wuna-y; yambada ngamu balbi-nga dunga-y, karrkay nyungu babi-ji wuna-y | who-LOC child this night sleep-NONPAST? child its mother-LOC sleep-NONPAST; but mother hunt-LOC go-NONPAST, child its grandmother-COMIT sleep-NONPAST

wanyanda karrkay nyiku wujurr wunay nyungu ngamu balbi dungay babi

wanyanda 'who-LOC' (at whose place); ngamu-nda 'at mother's' (potent LOC)


What is this thing in your hand? It is a spear point. And what did you eat this morning? I ate fish and a little honey.

Wanyu nyiku yunu mara-nga? Nyiku kurrajan. Wanyu yundu nyiku wunkun nukan? Ngayu kuyu, kawar buban nukan.

wanyu nyiku yunu mara-nga? nyiku kurrajan. wanyu yundu nyiku wunkun nuka-ny? ngayu kuyu, kawar buban nuka-ny | what this your hand-LOC? this spear.point. what you this morning eat-PAST? I fish, honey small eat-PAST

wanyu nyiku yunu mara kurrajan yundu wunkun nukal kuyu kawar buban

wanyu 'what' ABS; answer names the object/food


Why are you crying? I am crying because my mother has died. And why did the old man come here? He came for food, for his own camp has none.

Wanyurringku yundu badil? Ngayu badil, ngayku ngamu wulan. Wanyurringku mukul-dingkar nyiku kadan? Nyulu mayi-nka kadan, nyungu bayan-ba mayi kari.

wanyurringku yundu badi-l? ngayu badi-l, ngayku ngamu wula-n; wanyurringku mukul-dingkar nyiku kada-ny? nyulu mayi-nka kada-ny, nyungu bayan-ba mayi kari | why you cry-NONPAST? I cry-NONPAST, my mother die-PAST; why old-man here come-PAST? he food-DAT come-PAST, his house-LOC food NEG

wanyurringku yundu badi ngamu wulay mukul dingkar nyiku kaday mayi bayan kari

wanyurringku 'why' (= what-DAT, lit. 'for what'); reason given as a following clause (no overt 'because')


Why did you take the dog into the house, and not leave it outside? I took it in because the night was cold and the rain was falling hard.

Wanyurrimbu yundu kaya bayan-ba wundin, kari ngalkal-ba bawan? Ngayu wundin, wujurr ngiki, bana yalbay daran.

wanyurrimbu yundu kaya bayan-ba wundi-ny, kari ngalkal-ba bawa-ny? ngayu wundi-ny, wujurr ngiki, bana yalbay dara-ny | why(LOC) you dog house-LOC bring-PAST, NEG outside-LOC leave-PAST? I bring-PAST, night cold, water big fall-PAST

wanyurrimbu yundu kaya bayan kari ngalkal bawal wujurr ngiki bana yalbay daray

wanyurrimbu 'why' (what-LOC) — enquires the reason for a CHOICE OF LOCATION (Patz 127a)


What are you ill with, old man? I am ill in the head and my chest is sore; I cannot hunt, so my sons bring the meat to me.

Yundu wanyurrinji bambay, mukul-dingkar? Ngayu dukul-bu bambay, ngayku damu kaka; ngayu kari balbil, ngayku kangkal minya ngaykunku wundil.

yundu wanyurrinji bambay, mukul-dingkar? ngayu dukul-bu bambay, ngayku damu kaka; ngayu kari balbi-l, ngayku kangkal minya ngaykunku wundi-l | you what-COMIT sick, old-man? I head-INST sick, my chest sore; I NEG hunt-NONPAST, my child meat me.DAT carry-NONPAST

yundu wanyurrinji bambay mukul dingkar dukul damu kaka kari balbi kangkal minya wundil

wanyurrinji 'what-COMIT' — the FIXED idiom for enquiring the nature of an illness (Patz 128)


What did you bring back from the hunt? I brought a wallaby. What else? I brought two fish and a dilly bag of yams as well.

Wanyu yundu balbi-muny wundin? Ngayu kadar wundin. Wanyubaja? Ngayu kuyu jambul, banjay balji nyubun baja wundin.

wanyu yundu balbi-muny wundi-ny? ngayu kadar wundi-ny. wanyubaja? ngayu kuyu jambul, banjay balji nyubun baja wundi-ny | what you hunt-ABL bring-PAST? I wallaby bring-PAST. what-else? I fish two, yam dillybag one also bring-PAST

wanyu yundu balbi wundil kadar wanyubaja kuyu jambul banjay balji nyubun

wanyubaja 'what else' (wanyu + -baja Degree) — a conversation-prompt for more information


Where is your mother? Your mother is at the river, digging for roots. And where are you going now? I am going to the water to catch fish.

Yunu ngamu wanjabu? Yunu ngamu wawubajanga, bunkuny baka. Yundu wanjabu dungay? Ngayu bana-nka dungay, kuyu karrbanka.

yunu ngamu wanjabu? yunu ngamu wawubaja-nga, bunkuny baka; yundu wanjabu dunga-y? ngayu bana-nka dunga-y, kuyu karrba-nka | your mother where? your mother river-LOC, root dig; you where go-NONPAST? I water-side go-NONPAST, fish catch-PURP

yunu ngamu wanjabu wawubaja bakal yundu dungay bana kuyu karrbal

wanjabu 'where (at/to)' — the common form (has replaced bare wanja); 'yundu wanjabu?' = a greeting (Patz 130)


Where did you come from? I came from the north country, a long way off. And where does this river run to? It runs down to the sea, past the mangroves.

Yundu wanjamuny kadan? Ngayu kuwa-bubu-muny kadan, kala-kalbay. Nyiku wawubaja wanjabu dungay? Nyulu yalmba-nka bada dungay, kajul ngundu.

yundu wanjamuny kada-ny? ngayu kuwa-bubu-muny kada-ny, kala-kalbay; nyiku wawubaja wanjabu dunga-y? nyulu yalmba-nka bada dunga-y, kajul ngundu | you where-from come-PAST? I NW-country-ABL come-PAST, far; this river where go-NONPAST? it seashore-side down go-NONPAST, mangrove near

yundu wanjamuny kaday kuwa bubu kala-kalbay wawubaja wanjabu dungay yalmba kajul

wanjamuny 'where from' (ABL of where, Table 3.11)


When are you coming back to us? I am coming back tomorrow morning. And when is the big ceremony? The ceremony is next moon, when the yams are ready.

Wanja-wanja yundu ngananka kada baja? Ngayu wunkun kada baja. Wanja-wanja bubu-wungar yalbay? Bubu-wungar kija baja, banjay yajin-manya.

wanja-wanja yundu ngananka kada baja? ngayu wunkun kada baja; wanja-wanja bubu-wungar yalbay? bubu-wungar kija baja, banjay yajin-manya | when you us.DAT come again? I tomorrow come again; when ceremony big? ceremony moon again(=next), yam ripe-SUB

wanja-wanja yundu kaday wunkun bubu wungar yalbay kija banjay yajin

wanja-wanja 'when' (dict); kija baja 'next moon'; bubu-wungar 'ceremony-day'


How many fish did you spear today? I speared four fish. And how many people came to the camp? Many people came, more than I could count.

Wanjarrinya kuyu yundu nyiku-wungar daman? Ngayu kuyu jambul-jambul daman. Wanjarrinya bama bayan-ka kadan? Bama wubul kadan, ngayu kari binal wanjarrinya.

wanjarrinya kuyu yundu nyiku-wungar dama-ny? ngayu kuyu jambul-jambul dama-ny; wanjarrinya bama bayan-ka kada-ny? bama wubul kada-ny, ngayu kari milbi-ny | how.many fish you today spear-PAST? I fish four spear-PAST; how.many person camp-side come-PAST? person many come-PAST, I NEG count-PAST

wanjarrinya kuyu yundu wungar damal jambul bama bayan kaday wubul kari

wanjarrinya 'how many' (dict + grammar 2790); jambul-jambul 'four', numbers as answers


I am going down to the water. What about you — are you coming too? Yes, I am coming; and my brother, what about him? He is staying to mind the fire.

Ngayu bana-nka dungay. Yundu yala — yundu kada? Yuwu, ngayu kaday; ngayku yaba, nyulu yala? Nyulu baya karrba wunay.

ngayu bana-nka dunga-y. yundu yala — yundu kada? yuwu, ngayu kada-y; ngayku yaba, nyulu yala? nyulu baya karrba wuna-y | I water-side go-NONPAST. you what.about — you come? yes, I come-NONPAST; my elder.brother, he what.about? he fire mind stay-NONPAST

ngayu bana dungay yundu yala yuwu kaday yaba baya karrbal wunay

yala 'what about?' (dict) — carries the question over to a new subject


Did you eat the fish? Yes, I ate it all. Do you have any food left? No, my dilly bag is empty; that is why I am hungry now.

Yundu kuyu nukan? Yuwu, ngayu wubul nukan. Yundu mayi baja karrbal? Kari, ngayku balji maru-maru; yinya-nka ngayu dakwuy.

yundu kuyu nuka-ny? yuwu, ngayu wubul nuka-ny; yundu mayi baja karrba-l? kari, ngayku balji maru-maru; yinya-nka ngayu dakwuy | you fish eat-PAST? yes, I all eat-PAST; you food still hold-NONPAST? no, my dillybag nothing; that-DAT I hungry

yundu kuyu nukal yuwu wubul mayi karrbal kari balji maru-maru dakwuy

polar (yes/no) question answered by yuwu/kari; intonation-only, no question particle


What did you see in the scrub? I saw something move in the grass, but I do not know what it was; maybe a snake, maybe a wallaby.

Wanyu yundu madja-nga nyajin? Ngayu junjuy jikan-ba wanan nyajin, yambada ngayu kari binal wanyu; jarba nguba, kadar nguba.

wanyu yundu madja-nga nyaji-ny? ngayu junjuy jikan-ba wana-ny nyaji-ny, yambada ngayu kari binal wanyu; jarba nguba, kadar nguba | what you scrub-LOC see-PAST? I something grass-LOC move-PAST see-PAST, but I NEG know what; snake maybe, wallaby maybe

wanyu yundu madja nyajil junjuy jikan binal jarba kadar nguba

junjuy 'something' (indefinite inanimate/non-human, Patz §3.6) — the answer when 'what' is unknown


Who taught you to make a spear like this? My grandfather taught me. And who taught him? His own father taught him, long ago in the old country.

Wanyangka yundu kalka nyiku bunga-nka binal-bungan? Ngayku kamingka nganya binal-bungan. Wanyangka nyulu binal-bungan? Nyungu nganjangka nyunguny binal-bungan, ngadiku mukul-bubu-ngu.

wanya-ngka yundu kalka nyiku bunga-nka binal-bunga-ny? ngayku kami-ngka nganya binal-bunga-ny; wanya-ngka nyulu binal-bunga-ny? nyungu nganjan-angka nyunguny binal-bunga-ny, ngadiku mukul-bubu-ngu | who-ERG you spear this make-PURP teach-CAUS-PAST? my grandfather-ERG me teach-CAUS-PAST; who-ERG him teach-CAUS-PAST? his father-ERG him teach-CAUS-PAST, before old-country-LOC

wanya yundu kalka nyiku binal kami nganya nyulu nyungu nganjan ngadiku mukul bubu

wanyangka ERG in a chain of teaching-questions; nganya/nyunguny ACC objects


The old man said: teach the children to ask well. A good question opens the country; ask who, ask what, ask where and when — the one who asks learns, the one who is silent stays small.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga ngulkurr babaji-nka. Babaji ngulkurr bubu bakal; wanya babaji, wanyu babaji, wanjabu, wanja-wanja babaji — babaji-bama binalmal, nganga-bama buban wunay.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga ngulkurr babaji-nka; babaji ngulkurr bubu baka-l; wanya babaji, wanyu babaji, wanjabu, wanja-wanja babaji — babaji-bama binal-ma-l, nganga-bama buban wuna-y | old-man-ERG say-PAST: child-child teach-CAUS.IMP good ask-PURP; question good country dig-NONPAST; who ask.IMP, what ask.IMP, where, when ask.IMP — ask-person learn-NONPAST, silent-person small stay-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal karrkay binal ngulkurr babaji bubu bakal wanya wanyu wanjabu wanja-wanja bama nganga buban wunay

babaji-l 'ask'; the interrogative series as a teaching frame; babaji-bama 'the one who asks'


Who broke my good spear? I do not know who broke it; it was lying broken when I found it by the fire this morning.

Wanyangka ngayku kalka ngulkurr murrngan? Ngayu kari binal wanyangka murrngan; nyiku murrnga-ji wunan, ngayu wunkun baya ngundu nyajin.

wanya-ngka ngayku kalka ngulkurr murrnga-ny? ngayu kari binal wanya-ngka murrnga-ny; nyiku murrnga-ji wuna-ny, ngayu wunkun baya ngundu nyaji-ny | who-ERG my spear good break-PAST? I NEG know who-ERG break-PAST; this break-MID lie-PAST, I morning fire near see-PAST

wanya ngayku kalka ngulkurr murrngal kari binal wunay wunkun baya ngundu nyajil

embedded question 'I don't know who broke it' — wanyangka in an indirect question


Whose track is this in the sand? It is a big man's track. And where does it lead? It leads down to the water, then it turns and goes into the scrub.

Wanyamba jina nyiku jukar-a? Nyiku jina dingkar yalbay-mu. Wanjabu nyulu dungay? Nyulu bana-nka bada dungay, murni baja madja-nka dungay.

wanyamba jina nyiku jukar-a? nyiku jina dingkar yalbay-mu; wanjabu nyulu dunga-y? nyulu bana-nka bada dunga-y, murni baja madja-nka dunga-y | whose foot(-track) this sand-LOC? this track man big-POSS; where it go-NONPAST? it water-side down go-NONPAST, turn again scrub-side go-NONPAST

wanyamba jina nyiku jukar dingkar yalbay wanjabu dungay bana murnil madja

wanyamba 'whose' + wanjabu 'where'; jina 'foot/track'; jukar sand


How many moons until the wet season comes? Two moons, maybe three; when the storm-birds call and the ants climb high, then the rain is near.

Wanjarrinya kija bana-wungar kada-nyaku? Kija jambul, kulur nguba; muyar ngiki-manya, bana yalbay-manya, bana-wungar ngundu.

wanjarrinya kija bana-wungar kada-nyaku? kija jambul, kulur nguba; muyar ngiki-manya, bana yalbay-manya, bana-wungar ngundu | how.many moon wet-season come-IRR? moon two, three maybe; wind cold-SUB, water big-SUB, wet-season near

wanjarrinya kija bana wungar jambul kulur nguba muyar ngiki yalbay ngundu

wanjarrinya + kija counting moons; -nyaku IRR 'until (it) comes'; -manya SUB natural-sign answer


What did the old woman ask you? She asked whose child was crying by the river; I told her it was my elder sister's little one, lost from its mother.

Wanyu mukulungku yununy babajin? Nyulu babajin wanyamba karrkay wawubaja ngundu badil; ngayu nyungunku balkan yinya ngayku babarr-mu buban, ngamu-muny wuna.

wanyu mukul-ungku yununy babaji-ny? nyulu babaji-ny wanyamba karrkay wawubaja ngundu badi-l; ngayu nyungunku balka-ny yinya ngayku babarr-mu buban, ngamu-muny wuna | what old.woman-ERG you ask-PAST? she ask-PAST whose child river near cry-NONPAST; I her tell-PAST that my elder.sister-POSS small, mother-ABL lost

wanyu mukul yununy babaji wanyamba karrkay wawubaja ngundu badi babarr ngamu

reported question: 'she asked whose child...' — wanyamba embedded; babaji-l ask


Why do you carry the spear even to the water? I carry it because a crocodile lives in that river; a man without a weapon is a man the crocodile calls food.

Wanyurringku yundu kalka bana-nka-baja wundil? Ngayu wundil, bilngkumu nyiku wawubaja-nga wunay; dingkar jarrngkurr-mundu, bilngkumungku nyulu mayi balkal.

wanyurringku yundu kalka bana-nka-baja wundi-l? ngayu wundi-l, bilngkumu nyiku wawubaja-nga wuna-y; dingkar jarrngkurr-mundu, bilngkumu-ngku nyulu mayi balka-l | why you spear water-side-also carry-NONPAST? I carry-NONPAST, crocodile this river-LOC live-NONPAST; man weapon-ABESS, crocodile-ERG him food call-NONPAST

wanyurringku yundu kalka bana wundil bilngkumu wawubaja wunay dingkar jarrngkurr mayi balkal

wanyurringku 'why' + reason clause; bilngkumu crocodile; jarrngkurr-mundu 'without a weapon' (ABESS)


Who is that man standing by the fire? He is a stranger from the north. Do you know him? No, I do not know him; ask the old man, he knows everyone.

Wanya yinya dingkar baya ngundu janay? Nyulu bama yindu kuwa-muny. Yundu nyunguny binal? Kari, ngayu nyunguny kari binal; mukul-dingkar babaji, nyulu bama wubul binal.

wanya yinya dingkar baya ngundu jana-y? nyulu bama yindu kuwa-muny; yundu nyunguny binal? kari, ngayu nyunguny kari binal; mukul-dingkar babaji, nyulu bama wubul binal | who that man fire near stand-NONPAST? he person other NW-ABL; you him know? no, I him NEG know; old-man ask.IMP, he person all know

wanya yinya dingkar baya ngundu janay bama yindu kuwa yundu binal kari babaji

wanya identifying a person; polar 'do you know him?' answered kari; imperative babaji 'ask'


What are you making there, grandmother? I am weaving a dilly bag. What is it for? It is for carrying the seeds when we walk to the new camp.

Wanyu yundu yinyabu bungal, babi? Ngayu ngunyin wukurril. Wanyurringku? Diburr wundil-nka, ngana bayan baja-nka jilbanya.

wanyu yundu yinya-bu bunga-l, babi? ngayu ngunyin wukurri-l; wanyurringku? diburr wundi-l-nka, ngana bayan baja-nka jilba-nya | what you there make-NONPAST, grandmother? I dillybag weave-NONPAST; why(what-for)? seed carry-PURP, we house new-side walk-SUB

wanyu yundu bungal babi ngunyin wukurril wanyurringku diburr wundil ngana bayan jilbay

wanyu 'what (making)' + wanyurringku 'what for' (purpose sense of why)


With what did you cut the meat, with no knife? I cut it with a sharp shell. And with what did the old people cut before the shell? They used a sharp stone from the river.

Wanyurrinju yundu minya yakan, naybu-mundu? Ngayu warkal jalngkun-du yakan. Wanyurrinju mukul-mukul warkal ngadiku yakan? Jana kulji jalngkun wawubaja-mu-bu yakan.

wanyurrinju yundu minya yaka-ny, naybu-mundu? ngayu warkal jalngkun-du yaka-ny; wanyurrinju mukul-mukul warkal ngadiku yaka-ny? jana kulji jalngkun wawubaja-mu-bu yaka-ny | what-INST you meat cut-PAST, knife-ABESS? I bailer.shell sharp-INST cut-PAST; what-INST old-old shell before cut-PAST? they stone sharp river-POSS-INST cut-PAST

wanyurrinju yundu minya yakal naybu warkal jalngkun mukul ngadiku jana kulji wawubaja

wanyurrinju 'what-INST' (with what); naybu-mundu 'without a knife' (ABESS)


Where did you leave the dilly bag with the honey in it? I left it hanging in the paperbark tree by the crossing; no one will find it there but us.

Wanjabu yundu balji kawar-ji bawan? Ngayu buyku-ngu wawubaja-jalbu ngundu karrban; bama nyubun kari yinyabu mabil, ngana-nyubun.

wanjabu yundu balji kawar-ji bawa-ny? ngayu buyku-ngu wawubaja-jalbu ngundu karrba-ny; bama nyubun kari yinya-bu mani-l, ngana-nyubun | where you dillybag honey-COMIT leave-PAST? I paperbark-LOC river-crossing near hold-PAST; person one NEG there get-NONPAST, we-only

wanjabu yundu balji kawar bawal buyku wawubaja ngundu karrbal bama kari manil ngana

wanjabu 'where' (leave); balji kawar-ji 'bag with honey' (COMIT); mani-l 'find/get'


When did your father die? He died two wet seasons ago, in the time of the big flood. And where is he buried? He lies on the high ground of his own country, where his father lies too.

Wanja-wanja yunu nganjan wulan? Nyulu bana-wungar jambul ngadiku wulan, jalungkarr yalbay-mba. Wanjabu nyulu wunay? Nyulu nyungu bubu-mu wuyar-a wunay, nyungu nganjan baja yinyabu wunay.

wanja-wanja yunu nganjan wula-n? nyulu bana-wungar jambul ngadiku wula-n, jalungkarr yalbay-mba; wanjabu nyulu wuna-y? nyulu nyungu bubu-mu wuyar-a wuna-y, nyungu nganjan baja yinya-bu wuna-y | when your father die-PAST? he wet-season two before die-PAST, flood big-LOC; where he lie-NONPAST? he his country-POSS top-LOC lie-NONPAST, his father also there lie-NONPAST

wanja-wanja yunu nganjan wulay bana wungar jambul ngadiku jalungkarr yalbay wanjabu bubu wuyar wunay

wanja-wanja 'when' + wanjabu 'where' about death and burial


How many spears do you have? I have three: one for fish, one for war, one for the big game. Which one is the oldest? The war spear; my grandfather carried it.

Wanjarrinya kalka yundu karrbal? Ngayu kulur karrbal: nyubun kuyu-nka, nyubun kuni-nka, nyubun minya yalbay-nka. Wanya ngadiku-nyubun? Kuyan; ngayku kami wundin.

wanjarrinya kalka yundu karrba-l? ngayu kulur karrba-l: nyubun kuyu-nka, nyubun kuni-nka, nyubun minya yalbay-nka; wanya ngadiku-nyubun? kuyan; ngayku kami wundi-ny | how.many spear you hold-NONPAST? I three hold-NONPAST: one fish-DAT, one fight-DAT, one game big-DAT; which oldest? war.spear; my grandfather carry-PAST

wanjarrinya kalka yundu karrbal kulur nyubun kuyu kunil minya yalbay kuyan kami wundil

wanjarrinya + kulur 'three'; DAT of purpose (kuyu-nka 'for fish'); 'which one' via wanya


What are you all afraid of in the night? We are afraid of the spirit that walks by the water; it calls with a man's voice, but no man is there.

Wanyurringku yurra wujurr-ba kuli-mal? Ngana birru-nka kuli-mal, nyulu bana ngundu jilbay; nyulu dingkar-mu kuku-bu yirrkay, yambada dingkar nyubun kari yinyabu.

wanyurringku yurra wujurr-ba kuli-ma-l? ngana birru-nka kuli-ma-l, nyulu bana ngundu jilba-y; nyulu dingkar-mu kuku-bu yirrka-y, yambada dingkar nyubun kari yinya-bu | why you.all night-LOC fear-INCHO-NONPAST? we spirit-DAT fear-INCHO-NONPAST, it water near walk-NONPAST; it man-POSS word-INST call-NONPAST, but man one NEG there

wanyurringku yurra wujurr kuli ngana bana ngundu jilba dingkar kuku yirrkay kari

wanyurringku 'why/what-of' + fear (kuli-ma-l + DAT stimulus birru-nka 'of the spirit')


Who will carry the message to the northern camp? I will carry it; I am young and my legs are strong. And what shall I say to them? Tell them the ceremony begins at the next full moon.

Wanyangka kuku kuwa-bayan-ka wundil? Ngayu wundil; ngayu warru, ngayku jina dandi. Wanyu ngayu jananku balka? Jana balka bubu-wungar kija yalbay-mba yudal.

wanya-ngka kuku kuwa-bayan-ka wundi-l? ngayu wundi-l; ngayu warru, ngayku jina dandi; wanyu ngayu jananku balka? jana balka bubu-wungar kija yalbay-mba yudal | who-ERG word NW-camp-side carry-NONPAST? I carry-NONPAST; I young.man, my leg strong; what I them.DAT say? them tell.IMP ceremony moon big-LOC begin(yudal)

wanya kuku kuwa bayan wundil warru jina dandi wanyu balkal bubu wungar kija yalbay

wanyangka (who-ERG, a NOUN interrog); the 1sg answer is NOM ngayu (pronouns are NOM/ACC, never ERG); warru 'young man'; wanyu 'what (to say)'


Whose fire is that on the far ridge? I do not know whose it is; maybe hunters, maybe strangers from another country. We will watch it through the night and see who comes.

Wanyamba baya yinya wuyar kala-kalbay-mba? Ngayu kari binal wanyamba; balbi-bama nguba, bama yindu bubu yindu-muny nguba. Ngana wujurr-burr nyaji, wanya kaday nyaji.

wanyamba baya yinya wuyar kala-kalbay-mba? ngayu kari binal wanyamba; balbi-bama nguba, bama yindu bubu yindu-muny nguba; ngana wujurr-burr nyaji, wanya kada-y nyaji | whose fire that ridge far-LOC? I NEG know whose; hunt-person maybe, person other country other-ABL maybe; we night-PERL watch.IMP, who come-NONPAST see.IMP

wanyamba baya yinya wuyar kala-kalbay kari binal balbi bama yindu bubu ngana wujurr nyajil wanya kaday

wanyamba 'whose' embedded ('I don't know whose'); wanya in 'see who comes'


How many children does your elder sister have? She has children: three boys and two girls. And who looks after them when she goes hunting? Their grandmother minds them all.

Wanjarrinya kangkal yunu babarr karrbal? Nyulu kangkal karrbal: karrkay dingkar kulur, jalbu jambul. Wanyangka jana karrbal babarr balbi-nga dungay? Jananga babingka jana wubul karrbal.

wanjarrinya kangkal yunu babarr karrba-l? nyulu kangkal karrba-l: karrkay dingkar kulur, jalbu jambul; wanya-ngka jana karrba-l babarr balbi-nga dunga-y? jananga babi-ngka jana wubul karrba-l | how.many child your elder sister hold-NONPAST? she child hold-NONPAST: child male three, female two; who-ERG them mind-NONPAST elder.sister hunt-LOC go-NONPAST? their.all grandmother-ERG them all mind-NONPAST

wanjarrinya kangkal yunu babarr karrbal karrkay dingkar kulur jalbu jambul wanya balbi babi wubul

wanjarrinya 'how many' children; no dedicated 'five' lexeme (count 1-3 nyubun/jambul/kulur + wubul 'many'); wanyangka 'who' minds them


What did you dream last night? I dreamed of my dead father; he stood by the fire and spoke to me, but when I woke the camp was empty and cold.

Wanyu yundu wujurr ngadiku bijarr nyajin? Ngayu ngayku nganjan wulan bijarr nyajin; nyulu baya ngundu janan, nganya balkan, yambada ngayu daka-nya bayan maru-maru, ngiki.

wanyu yundu wujurr ngadiku bijarr nyaji-ny? ngayu ngayku nganjan wula-ny bijarr nyaji-ny; nyulu baya ngundu jana-ny, nganya balka-ny, yambada ngayu daka-nya bayan maru-maru, ngiki | what you night before dream see-PAST? I my father die-PAST dream see-PAST; he fire near stand-PAST, me speak-PAST, but I wake-SUB camp nothing, cold

wanyu yundu wujurr ngadiku bijarr nyajil nganjan wulay baya ngundu janay balkal dakal bayan maru-maru ngiki

wanyu 'what (dream)'; bijarr 'dream' (dict; kunkun=periwinkle); daka-nya 'when (I) woke'


Who among you knows the old songs? Only the old man knows them all now; the young ones have forgotten them. Who will learn them before he dies?

Wanya yurra-nga burri mukul binal? Mukul-dingkar nyubun wubul binal; warru-warru milka-wulan. Wanyangka binal-ma nyulu wula-ny-muny?

wanya yurra-nga burri mukul binal? mukul-dingkar nyubun wubul binal; warru-warru milka-wula-ny; wanya-ngka binal-ma nyulu wula-ny-muny? | who you.all-LOC song old know? old-man one all know; young-young ear-die(forget)-PAST; who-ERG learn-INCHO he die-PAST-ABL(=before he dies)?

wanya yurra burri mukul binal dingkar nyubun wubul warru milka wulay binal

wanya 'who among you' (yurra-nga LOC); milka-wula-l 'forget' (ear-die, grammar 2932); wula-ny-muny 'before dying'


What is the matter with the baby? It has a cold and will not feed; its breath is bad. Bring it to the old woman; she knows the right leaves.

Wanyurrinji ngawa bambay? Nyulu ngiki-ji bambay, mayi kari nukal; nyungu wawu buyun. Ngawa mukulungku-nda wundi; nyulu binal wanya birra ngulkurr.

wanyurrinji ngawa bambay? nyulu ngiki-ji bambay, mayi kari nuka-l; nyungu wawu buyun; ngawa mukul-ungku-nda wundi; nyulu binal wanya birra ngulkurr | what-COMIT baby sick? it cold-COMIT sick, food NEG eat-NONPAST; its breath bad; baby old.woman-LOC bring.IMP; she know which leaf(birra) good

wanyurrinji ngawa bambay ngiki mayi kari nukal wawu buyun wundil mukul binal birra ngulkurr

wanyurrinji 'ill with what' (the illness idiom) about a baby; wanya 'which' (leaf)


Where shall we make the new camp? We will make it on the high ground, away from the flood and near the good water; there the wind keeps the mosquitoes off.

Wanjabu ngana bayan baja bungay? Ngana wuyar-a bungay, jalungkarr-mundu, bana ngulkurr ngundu; yinyabu muyar-bu kamu yungal.

wanjabu ngana bayan baja bunga-y? ngana wuyar-a bunga-y, jalungkarr-mundu, bana ngulkurr ngundu; yinya-bu muyar-bu kamu yunga-l | where we house new make-NONPAST? we top-LOC make-NONPAST, flood-ABESS, water good near; there wind-INST mosquito(kamu) push-NONPAST

wanjabu ngana bayan bungal wuyar jalungkarr bana ngulkurr ngundu muyar yungal

wanjabu 'where (to make)'; jalungkarr-mundu 'away from flood' (ABESS); kamu 'mosquito'?→check


The child asked: why does the sun go down? The old man said: it goes to sleep in the sea, and it climbs out again in the morning; ask it no more, just watch and learn.

Karrkayngku babajin: wanyurringku wungar bada dungay? Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: nyulu yalmba-nga wuna dungay, wunkun daka baja; kariku baja babaji, nyaji nganga, binal-ma.

karrkay-ngku babaji-ny: wanyurringku wungar bada dunga-y? mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: nyulu yalmba-nga wuna dunga-y, wunkun daka baja; kariku baja babaji, nyaji nganga, binal-ma | child-ERG ask-PAST: why sun down go-NONPAST? old-man-ERG say-PAST: it sea-LOC sleep go-NONPAST, morning climb again; NEG more ask.IMP, watch only, learn-INCHO.IMP

karrkay babaji wanyurringku wungar bada dungay mukul dingkar balkal yalmba wunay daka nyajil nganga binal

wanyurringku 'why' from a child; the elder answers then closes the questioning (nyaji nganga 'just watch')


Who owns this country? No one man owns it; the country holds the people, the people do not hold the country. Ask the old ones — they will tell you the law.

Wanyamba nyiku bubu? Dingkar nyubun kari karrbal; bubu-ngku bama karrbal, bama-ngku bubu kari karrbal. Mukul-mukul babaji — jana yununy kuku balkal.

wanyamba nyiku bubu? dingkar nyubun kari karrba-l; bubu-ngku bama karrba-l, bama-ngku bubu kari karrba-l; mukul-mukul babaji — jana yununy kuku balka-l | whose this country? man one NEG hold-NONPAST; country-ERG people hold-NONPAST, people-ERG country NEG hold-NONPAST; old-old ask.IMP — they you law tell-NONPAST

wanyamba nyiku bubu dingkar nyubun kari karrbal bama mukul babaji yununy kuku balkal

wanyamba 'whose (country)' as a teaching question; the answer inverts the premise


What did the two hunters bring back, and how many? They brought one wallaby and four fish. Was it enough for the whole camp? No — with so many mouths, it was not enough, so we shared it small.

Wanyu bula balbi-bama wundin, wanjarrinya? Bula kadar nyubun, kuyu jambul-jambul wundin. Bayan-mu bama wubul-ku yajin? Kari — bama wubul, mayi kari yajin, ngana buban-buban daji-way.

wanyu bula balbi-bama wundi-ny, wanjarrinya? bula kadar nyubun, kuyu jambul-jambul wundi-ny; bayan-mu bama wubul-ku yajin? kari — bama wubul, mayi kari yajin, ngana buban-buban daji-way | what they.two hunter bring-PAST, how.many? they.two wallaby one, fish four bring-PAST; camp-POSS people all-DAT enough? no — people many, food NEG enough, we small-small share-RECIP

wanyu bula balbi bama wundil wanjarrinya kadar nyubun kuyu jambul bayan wubul yajin kari dajil

wanyu + wanjarrinya together; yajin 'full/enough'; daji-way 'share'