A young boy came with the hunters for the first time, carrying a small spear his father had made him.

Karrkay warru balbibamaji kadanyarr, kalka buban jarra-kulban, babangka nyungu ngaranmuny.

karrkay warru balbi-bama-ji kada-ny-arr, kalka buban jarra-kulba-ny, baba-ngka nyungu ngara-ny-muny | boy young hunters-COMIT came-first, spear little carried, father-ERG him made-ABL

karrkay warru balbi kaday kalka buban jarra-kulbal baba ngaral


The old man showed him how to hold the spear and how to wait and how to move without a sound.

Mukulungku dingkarangka nyungu milbin: wanjabu kalka karrbal, wanjabu maku-janay, wanjabu jalamal kari kukuji.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka nyungu milbi-ny: wanjabu kalka karrba-l, wanjabu maku-jana-y, wanjabu jalama-l kari kuku-ji | old man him showed: how spear hold, how wait, how move NEG sound-COMIT

mukul milbil wanjabu kalka karrbal yungal jalamal kuku


The boy's first throw missed, and the small wallaby ran away into the scrub, but the old man only smiled.

Karrkaymu yilbanyarr kari daman, darrba buban warrin madjaka, yambada mukul dingkar wawu-mini nganga.

karrkay-mu yilba-ny-arr kari dama-ny, darrba buban warri-ny madja-ka, yambada mukul dingkar wawu-mini nganga | child-POSS threw-first NEG struck, wallaby small ran scrub-DAT, but old man smiled only

karrkay yilbal damal darrba buban warri madja wawu-mini


Every hunter misses at the start, he said; the spear learns your hand, and your hand learns the spear.

Nyulu balkan: balbibama wubulku ngadiku kari damal, kalka yunu mara binalmanka, yala yunu mara kalka binalmanka.

nyulu balka-ny: balbi-bama wubul-ku ngadiku kari dama-l, kalka yunu mara binal-ma-nka, yala yunu mara kalka binal-ma-nka | he said: hunters all at.start NEG hit, spear your hand learn-PURP, so your hand spear learn-PURP

balbi ngadiku damal kalka yunu mara binal


The boy practiced every day, throwing at a fruit hanging from a tree until his arm grew straight and strong.

Karrkay yabarrka kirrajin, mayi bubanka yilbanya jukungu, nyungu mara junkurrmanda yaral.

karrkay yabarrka kirraji-ny, mayi buban-ka yilba-nya juku-ngu, nyungu mara junkurr-ma-ny-da yaral | child always practiced, food soft-DAT throwing-SUB tree-LOC, his arm strong-INCHO-then straight

karrkay yabarrka kirraji mayi buban yilbal juku mara junkurr maku


One morning, many days later, the boy stood still and threw true, and a wallaby fell by his spear.

Nyubun wunkuwingku, wungar wubulku dunganmuny, karrkay janan wunbu, yilban yaral, darrba daran nyungu kalkabu.

nyubun wunkuwingku, wungar wubul-ku dunga-ny-muny, karrkay jana-ny wunbu, yilba-ny yaral, darrba dara-ny nyungu kalka-bu | one morning, days many gone-ABL, child stood still, threw straight, wallaby fell his spear-INST

wunkuwingku wungar dungay karrkay janay wunbu yilbal maku darrba daray kalka


The boy stood over the wallaby, half proud and half sad, and did not know what he felt.

Karrkay darrba wuyar janan, wawu-mini baja walu-jirrbu baja, kari binal wanya nyulu wawu.

karrkay darrba wuyar jana-ny, wawu-mini baja walu-jirrbu baja, kari binal wanya nyulu wawu | child wallaby over stood, glad half sad half, NEG knew what he felt

karrkay darrba kuda janay wawu-mini walu-jirrbu binal wanya wawu


The old man put his hand on the boy's shoulder and said: now you know the weight of meat, and you will never waste it.

Mukulungku dingkarangka mara yijarrin karrkaymu bindanga, balkan: nyiku yundu binal minyamu dandi, kari yundu bawal yabarrka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka mara yijarri-ny karrkay-mu binda-nga, balka-ny: nyiku yundu binal minya-mu dandi, kari yundu bawa-l yabarrka | old man hand put child-POSS shoulder-LOC, said: now you know meat-POSS weight, NEG you waste ever

mukul mara yijarril karrkay binda binal minya dandi bawal


That is the whole law of the hunt, said the old man: take only what you need, and honour what you take.

Yanyu balbimu yala wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: mani nganga wanya yundu wawu, ngulkurr-bunga wanya yundu manin.

yanyu balbi-mu yala wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: mani nganga wanya yundu wawu, ngulkurr-bunga wanya yundu mani-ny | this hunting-POSS law whole, old man said: take-IMP only what you want, honour-IMP what you took

balbi yala wubul mukul manil nganga wanya wawu ngulkurr


The boy carried his first wallaby home himself, and his mother met him at the edge of the camp, smiling.

Karrkayangka nyungu darrba bayanba jarra-kulbanyarr nyulurrku, ngamungka nyungu bayan ngundu karrban, yajarrinya.

karrkay-angka nyungu darrba bayan-ba jarra-kulba-ny-arr nyulu-rrku, ngamu-ngka nyungu bayan ngundu karrba-ny, yajarri-nya | child-ERG his wallaby home carried-first himself, mother-ERG him camp near met, smiling-SUB

karrkay darrba bayan jarra-kulbal nyulurrku ngamu damba karrbal yajarril

karrkay-angka ERG(y→angka); damba-nga; TEMP3


That night the boy gave the first and best piece of meat to the oldest woman in the camp, as is right.

Yinya kunarangkal karrkayangka minya ngulkurr bajaku wulbuman kamba bajaku dajinyarr, yala yukil.

yinya kunarangkal karrkay-angka minya ngulkurr-baja-ku wulbuman kamba-baja-ku daji-ny-arr, yala yukil | that night child-ERG meat best old.woman oldest gave-first, as right

kunarangkal karrkay minya ngulkurr wulbuman kamba dajil yukil


The old woman took the meat and blessed the boy with the old words, and the whole camp saw that he had become a hunter.

Wulbumanangka minya manin, karrkay ngulkurr-bungan kuku ngadikubu, bayan wubulku nyajin: nyulu balbibamamanda.

wulbuman-angka minya mani-ny, karrkay ngulkurr-bunga-ny kuku ngadiku-bu, bayan wubul-ku nyaji-ny: nyulu balbi-bama-ma-ny-da | old.woman meat took, child blessed(good-CAUS) words old-INST, camp all saw: he hunter-become-then

wulbuman minya manil karrkay ngulkurr kuku ngadiku bayan nyajil balbi


And so a boy became a hunter in the old way, as his father had, and his father's father, back to the ancient hunters of the country.

Yalaku karrkay balbibamamanda yala ngadiku, yala nyungu baba, babamu baba, ngadiku bubumu balbibama wubulku.

yala-ku karrkay balbi-bama-ma-ny-da yala ngadiku, yala nyungu baba, baba-mu baba, ngadiku bubu-mu balbi-bama wubul-ku | thus boy hunter-became old way, like his father, father's father, ancient country-POSS hunters all


When the tide went far out, the whole camp walked onto the reef to gather shellfish among the rocks.

Yira kalakalbay dunganda, bayan wubulku dulngkungu dungan, milbar bangkanka kulji ngundu.

yira kalakalbay dunga-ny-da, bayan wubul-ku dulngku-ngu dunga-ny, milbar bangka-nka kulji ngundu | tide far went-then, camp all reef-LOC walked, shellfish gather-PURP rock near

yira kalakalbay bayan dulngku dungay milbar bangkal kulji ngundu

yira tide; dulngku-ngu LOC(u→ngu); bangka-nka PURP


The low tide is the sea's gift, said the old woman; the sea shows you the food underneath.

Ngajal jalunmu dajil, wulbumanangka balkan; jalunbu mayi badabada milbin, yundu nyajinka.

ngajal jalun-mu daji-l, wulbuman-angka balka-ny; jalun-bu mayi badabada milbi-ny, yundu nyaji-nka | low.tide sea-POSS gift, old.woman said; sea-ERG food underneath shows, you see-PURP

ngajal jalun dajil badabada milbil nyajil


The children ran ahead to the rock pools, turning over stones to find crabs and small fish hiding there.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin maku kulji bananga, kulji murnin, wurru-bulan kuyu buban nyajinka jana ngakijinya.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny maku kulji bana-nga, kulji murni-ny, wurru-bulan kuyu buban nyaji-nka jana ngaki-ji-nya | children ran ahead rock water-LOC, stones turned, crabs fish little find-PURP they hiding-SUB

karrkay warri maku kulji bana murnil wurru-bulan kuyu nyajil ngakil

maku 'ahead'(towards); wurru-bulan crab; murnil turn


The women worked the oyster rocks with sharp stones, breaking the shells open and eating some as they went.

Jalbu-jalbungku julul kuljinga kirrajin kulji dirrabu, milbar dumbarrin, nukan buban dunganya.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku julul kulji-nga kirraji-ny kulji dirra-bu, milbar dumbarri-ny, nuka-ny buban dunga-nya | women oysters rock-LOC worked stone sharp-INST, shells broke.open, ate some going-SUB

jalbu julul kulji kirraji dirra milbar dumbarril nukal

kulji-nga LOC(i→nga, grammar.md:1207); julul oyster


The old man showed a boy how to find the fat clams by the little holes they leave in the wet sand.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay milbin: darkay wandul nyajinka, bakan buban jukar yarungu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay milbi-ny: darkay wandul nyaji-nka, baka-ny buban jukar yaru-ngu | old man boy showed: clams fat find-PURP, holes little sand wet-LOC

mukul karrkay milbil darkay wandul nyajil bakal jukar yaru


By the time the tide turned again, every dilly bag was heavy with shellfish and the children's bellies were full.

Yira baja kadanda, ngunyin wubulku dandi milbarji, karrkay-karrkaymu jibar mumbay.

yira baja kada-ny-da, ngunyin wubul-ku dandi milbar-ji, karrkay-karrkay-mu jibar mumba-y | tide again came-then, dilly.bag all heavy shellfish-COMIT, children-POSS belly full

yira ngunyin dandi milbar karrkay jibar mumbal


The young men waded into the shallows at first light to spear fish and stingray in the good clear water.

Warru-warru bana bubanba walan muduwajunyjiku, kuyu yawu damanka bana ngulkurrbu.

warru-warru bana buban-ba wala-ny muduwaju-nyjiku, kuyu yawu dama-nka bana ngulkurr-bu | young.men water shallow-LOC entered dawn-SUCC, fish stingray spear-PURP water clear-LOC

warru bana buban walal muduwajuny kuyu yawu damal ngulkurr

buban-ba/ngulkurr-ba LOC(n/rr→ba); yawu stingray; dama-nka PURP


One young man stood very still, spear raised, watching the shadow of a big stingray move over the sand.

Warru nyubun janan wunbu bajaku, kalka wangkar, yawu yalbaymu wabarr nyajinya jukar wuyar jalamanya.

warru nyubun jana-ny wunbu-baja-ku, kalka wangkar, yawu yalbay-mu wabarr nyaji-nya jukar wuyar jalama-nya | young.man one stood very.still, spear up, stingray big-POSS shadow watching-SUB sand over moving-SUB

warru nyubun janay kalka wangkar yawu yalbay wabarr nyajil jukar wuyar jalamal


He threw the spear down hard and true, and struck the stingray behind the head where it could not sting him.

Nyulu kalka bada yilban junkurrku yaral, yawu daman dukul kudamundu, kari nyungu damanka.

nyulu kalka bada yilba-ny junkurr-ku yaral, yawu dama-ny dukul kudamundu, kari nyungu dama-nka | he spear down threw hard straight, stingray speared head behind, NEG him sting-PURP

kalka bada yilbal junkurr yaral yawu damal dukul kudamundu

yaral 'straight'(correct); kudamundu behind


The stingray is dangerous even in death, the old man warned, so always cut the tail off before you carry it.

Yawu yinil wulanya baja, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, banda yaka yabarrka wundinyjiku ngadiku.

yawu yinil wula-nya baja, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, banda yaka yabarrka wundi-nyjiku ngadiku | stingray dangerous dying-SUB even, old man warned, tail cut-IMP always carry-SUCC before

banda tail; SUB 'even in death'; SUCC 'before'


The boys carried their catch back along the beach, and the gulls followed them, crying for the scraps.

Warru-warru kuyu wundin baja jalun ngundu, buyi jana wukurrin, yirrkanya mayi bubanka.

warru-warru kuyu wundi-ny baja jalun ngundu, buyi jana wukurri-ny, yirrka-nya mayi buban-ka | young.men fish carried back sea near, birds them followed, crying-SUB food little-DAT

warru kuyu wundil jalun ngundu buyi wukurril yirrkay mayi


That day there was fish enough for everyone, and roasting fish filled the whole camp with a good smell.

Yinya wungar kuyu wubul bama wubulku, kuyu dindan bayan wubulku mumban ngulkurrbu.

yinya wungar kuyu wubul bama wubul-ku, kuyu dinda-ny bayan wubul-ku mumba-ny ngulkurr-bu | that day fish enough people all-DAT, fish roasted camp all filled good-INST

wungar kuyu wubul bama dindal bayan mumbal ngulkurr


The old man taught the boys to read the tides, for the sea gives its food only at the low water.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal binalbungan yira nyajinka, jalunbu mayi dajil nganga ngajalba.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal binal-bunga-ny yira nyaji-nka, jalun-bu mayi daji-l nganga ngajal-ba | old man boys taught tides read-PURP, sea-ERG food gives only low.tide-LOC

mukul dabal binal yira nyajil jalun dajil nganga ngajal


When the high tide comes in the fish come with it into the creek, and the men wait at the narrow place with their spears.

Balar kadanya, kuyu kadan jalunji yilkinga, dingkar-dingkar maku-janan yilki bubanba kalkaji.

balar kada-nya, kuyu kada-ny jalun-ji yilki-nga, dingkar-dingkar maku-jana-ny yilki buban-ba kalka-ji | high.tide coming-SUB, fish came sea-COMIT creek-LOC, men waited creek narrow-LOC spear-COMIT

balar kaday kuyu jalun yilki maku-janay buban kalka

balar high.tide; yilki creek; maku-janay wait


The sea has its own law, said the old man, and a wise person learns it instead of fighting it.

Jalun nyungu yala wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bama binal nyungu binalmal, kari nyungu kunil.

jalun nyungu yala wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bama binal nyungu binal-ma-l, kari nyungu kuni-l | sea its law whole, old man said, person wise it learns, NEG it fights


The children learned the names of the tides — the low water, the turning, the high water, and the still water.

Karrkay-karrkayangka yiramu burri binalman: ngajal, murnimu, balar, bana janay wunbu.

karrkay-karrkay-angka yira-mu burri binal-ma-ny: ngajal, murni-mu, balar, bana jana-y wunbu | children tides-POSS names learned: low.tide, turning, high.tide, water still quiet

karrkay yira burri binal ngajal murnil balar bana janay wunbu


A person who knows the sea never drowns and never goes hungry, for the sea is a good mother to those who honour her.

Bama nyulu jalun binal kari bana wulay, kari dakwuy yabarrka, jalun ngamu ngulkurr bama nyungu ngulkurr-bungal.

bama nyulu jalun binal kari bana wula-y, kari dakwuy yabarrka, jalun ngamu ngulkurr bama nyungu ngulkurr-bunga-l | person who sea knows NEG water dies, NEG hungry ever, sea mother good person it honours

bama jalun binal bana wulay dakwuy ngamu ngulkurr


In the deep water beyond the reef the men hunted dugong, the biggest and best meat of the sea.

Bana badanga dulngku ngubarmuny, dingkar-dingkarangka biwuy balbin, minya yalbay ngulkurr bajaku jalunmu.

bana bada-nga dulngku ngubar-muny, dingkar-dingkar-angka biwuy balbi-ny, minya yalbay ngulkurr-baja-ku jalun-mu | water deep-LOC reef beyond-ABL, men dugong hunted, meat biggest best sea-POSS

bana bada dulngku ngubar biwuy balbi minya yalbay jalun

bada-nga LOC(a→nga); ngubar 'beyond'; biwuy dugong


The hunt for dugong takes many men and a strong raft, for the dugong is heavy and fights hard for its life.

Biwuy balbinka dingkar wubul manil, marrakan junkurr, biwuy dandi bajaku, kuniwal junkurrku wawuka nyungu.

biwuy balbi-nka dingkar wubul mani-l, marrakan junkurr, biwuy dandi-baja-ku, kuni-wa-l junkurr-ku wawu-ka nyungu | dugong hunt-PURP men many needs, raft strong, dugong very.heavy, fights hard life-DAT its

biwuy balbi dingkar wubul manil marrakan junkurr dandi kunil wawu


When they brought the dugong back to the beach, the whole camp came down to help pull it from the water.

Jana biwuy wundinya baja jalun ngundu, bayan wubulku bada kadan mara-dajinka, biwuy banamuny kulbanka.

jana biwuy wundi-nya baja jalun ngundu, bayan wubul-ku bada kada-ny mara-daji-nka, biwuy bana-muny kulba-nka | they dugong bringing-SUB back sea near, camp all down came help-PURP, dugong water-ABL pull-PURP

biwuy wundil jalun bayan bada kaday mara-dajil bana kulbal

mara-daji-nka/kulba-nka PURP; bana-muny ABL


The meat was shared by custom, each family getting its proper part, the hunters' families getting the best.

Minya dajiwan yala ngadiku, jawunkarra wubulku nyungu yala manin, balbibamamu jawunkarra ngulkurr bajaku manin.

minya daji-wa-ny yala ngadiku, jawun-karra wubul-ku nyungu yala mani-ny, balbi-bama-mu jawun-karra ngulkurr-baja-ku mani-ny | meat shared old way, families all their part got, hunters-POSS families best got

minya dajil yala ngadiku jawun manil balbi ngulkurr


There was dugong fat for everyone, and that night the fires burned big and the singing went on very late.

Biwuy wandul bama wubulku, yinya kunarangkal baya yalbay wajun, wulngku badi dungan kunarangkal bajaku.

biwuy wandul bama wubul-ku, yinya kunarangkal baya yalbay waju-ny, wulngku badi dunga-ny kunarangkal-baja-ku | dugong fat people all-DAT, that night fire big burned, singing went night very.late

biwuy
wandul
bama
kunarangkal
baya
yalbay
wayjul
wulngku badi


A dugong feeds a camp for many days, said the old man, so we thank it and waste not one thing.

Biwuy bayan nukamanil wungar wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, yala ngana balkan ngulkurr, kari yamba nyubun baja bawal.

biwuy bayan nuka-mani-l wungar wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, yala ngana balka-ny ngulkurr, kari yamba nyubun baja bawa-l | dugong camp feeds days many, old man said, so we thank, NEG thing one even waste

biwuy bayan nukal wungar mukul balkal yamba nyubun bawal


In the dry weather the men built a stone fish trap across the mouth of the creek where it meets the sea.

Wungar marralba dingkar-dingkarangka kulji makarr ngaran yilki ngandalba, wanja jalunji maku-nyajinya.

wungar marral-ba dingkar-dingkar-angka kulji makarr ngara-ny yilki ngandal-ba, wanja jalun-ji maku-nyaji-nya | days dry-LOC men stone fish.net(trap) made creek mouth-LOC, where sea-COMIT meets-SUB

wungar marral kulji makarr ngaral yilki ngandal jalun maku-nyajil

makarr net/trap; ngandal-ba LOC(l→ba); maku-nyaji meet


When the tide went out, the fish stayed behind the stones, and the people simply gathered them up.

Yira dunganda, kuyu bundan kulji kudamundu, bama nganga jana bangkan.

yira dunga-ny-da, kuyu bunda-ny kulji kudamundu, bama nganga jana bangka-ny | tide went-then, fish stayed stone behind, people simply them gathered

yira dungay kuyu bunday kulji kudamundu bama nganga bangkal


The stone trap fed the camp all through the dry weather without anyone having to go far to hunt.

Makarr kuljimu bayan nukamanil wungar marralba wubulku, kari bama kalakalbay dungay balbinka.

makarr kulji-mu bayan nuka-mani-l wungar marral-ba wubul-ku, kari bama kalakalbay dunga-y balbi-nka | trap stone-POSS camp fed days dry-LOC all, NEG person far went hunt-PURP

makarr kulji bayan nukal wungar marral kalakalbay balbi


The old people said the trap had been there since the first people, and every year the men mended the stones.

Kamba-kamba balkan: makarr yinyay janan bama ngadikumuny, wungar wubulku dingkar-dingkarangka kulji ngulkurr-bungan.

kamba-kamba balka-ny: makarr yinyay jana-ny bama ngadiku-muny, wungar wubul-ku dingkar-dingkar-angka kulji ngulkurr-bunga-ny | elders said: trap there stood people ancient-ABL, years all men stones mended

kamba makarr yinyay janay ngadiku wungar kulji ngulkurr


A thing the old people built for us, we keep for the children who come after, said the old man.

Yamba kamba-kambangka ngananka ngaranmuny, ngana kujil karrkay-karrkayka jana kadanyjiku, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan.

yamba kamba-kamba-ngka ngana-nka ngara-ny-muny, ngana kuji-l karrkay-karrkay-ka jana kada-nyjiku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny | thing elders us-DAT made-ABL, we keep children-DAT they come-SUCC, old man said


One morning the young men went out to fish, though the old man warned them a big wind was coming.

Nyubun wunkuwingku warru-warru kuyuka dungan, yambada mukulungku dingkarangka jana milbin: muyar yalbay kadanya.

nyubun wunkuwingku warru-warru kuyu-ka dunga-ny, yambada mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana milbi-ny: muyar yalbay kada-nya | one morning young.men fish-DAT went, but old man them warned: wind big coming

wunkuwingku warru kuyu dungay mukul milbil muyar yalbay kaday


Out on the water the wind came up fast and hard, and the waves grew tall and the raft began to break apart.

Bananga muyar kadan jinbalku junkurrku, mulngku kalbaymanda, marrakan dumbarrijin.

bana-nga muyar kada-ny jinbal-ku junkurr-ku, mulngku kalbay-ma-ny-da, marrakan dumbarri-ji-ny | water-LOC wind came fast hard, waves tall-INCHO-then, raft broke.apart

bana muyar kaday jinbal junkurr mulngku kalbay marrakan dumbarril


The young men were afraid and did not know the way back, for the rain hid the land from their eyes.

Warru-warru yinil, kari binal yala bayanba, kababu bubu ngakin jana miyilmuny.

warru-warru yinil, kari binal yala bayan-ba, kaba-bu bubu ngaki-ny jana miyil-muny | young.men afraid, NEG knew way home, rain-ERG land hid their eye-ABL

warru yinil binal yala bayan kaba bubu ngakil miyil

kaba-bu ERG; ngakil hide(tr); miyil-muny ABL


On the shore the old man lit a great fire and kept it burning, so the young men could see it and come home through the storm.

Jalun ngundu mukulungku dingkarangka baya yalbay ngaran, kujin wajunya, warru-warru baya nyajinka, bayanba kadanka jarramalimuny.

jalun ngundu mukul-ungku dingkar-angka baya yalbay ngara-ny, kuji-ny waju-nya, warru-warru baya nyaji-nka, bayan-ba kada-nka jarramali-muny | sea near old man fire big made, kept burning-SUB, young.men fire see-PURP, home come-PURP storm-ABL

jalun mukul baya yalbay ngaral kujil wayjul warru nyajil kaday jarramali


Far out in the dark and the rain, one of the young men saw the small light of the fire on the shore.

Kalakalbay wujurrbu kabanga, warru nyubungku baya buban nyajin jalun ngundu.

kalakalbay wujurr-bu kaba-nga, warru nyubun-ngku baya buban nyaji-ny jalun ngundu | far.away dark-LOC rain-LOC, young.man one-ERG fire little saw sea near

kalakalbay wujurr kaba warru nyubun baya buban nyajil jalun

wujurr-ba LOC(rr→ba); kaba-nga LOC(a→nga)


He called to the others and they paddled hard toward the light, following the fire through the wind and the waves.

Nyulu yindu-yindu yirrkan, jana birungubaybu junkurrku dungan baya maku, wukurrin baya muyarmuny mulngkumuny.

nyulu yindu-yindu yirrka-ny, jana birungubay-bu junkurr-ku dunga-ny baya maku, wukurri-ny baya muyar-muny mulngku-muny | he others called, they paddle-INST hard went fire towards, followed fire wind-ABL waves-ABL

yindu yirrkay birungubay junkurr dungay baya maku wukurril muyar mulngku

birungubay paddle; maku 'towards'(correct)


At last the raft came in through the waves onto the sand, and the young men fell down safe and tired on the beach.

Marrakan kadan mulngku wubulmuny jukara, warru-warru daran ngulkurr, jana baja-burray jukara jalun ngundu.

marrakan kada-ny mulngku wubul-muny jukar-a, warru-warru dara-ny ngulkurr, jana baja-burray jukar-a jalun ngundu | raft came waves many-ABL sand-LOC, young.men fell safe, they tired sand-LOC sea near

marrakan kaday mulngku jukar warru daray ngulkurr baja-burray jalun


The old man said nothing about his warning; he only wrapped them in warm bark and gave them hot food.

Mukul dingkar kari balkan nyungu milbinmuny; nyulu nganga jana buykubu wumbulbu nandan, mayi wumbul dajin.

mukul dingkar kari balka-ny nyungu milbi-ny-muny; nyulu nganga jana buyku-bu wumbul-bu nanda-ny, mayi wumbul daji-ny | old man NEG spoke his warning-ABL; he just them paperbark-INST warm-INST wrapped, food hot gave

mukul balkal milbil buyku wumbul nandal mayi dajil


The next morning the young men mended the raft in silence, and this time they listened when the old man spoke.

Wunkun wunkuwingku warru-warru marrakan ngulkurr-bungan wunbu, nyiku jana milka-janan mukul dingkar balkanya.

wunkun wunkuwingku warru-warru marrakan ngulkurr-bunga-ny wunbu, nyiku jana milka-jana-ny mukul dingkar balka-nya | next morning young.men raft mended quietly, now they listened old man speaking-SUB

wunkun warru marrakan ngulkurr wunbu milka-janay mukul balkal


The sea gives and the sea takes, said the old man, and the wise person honours both the calm and the storm.

Jalunbu dajil, jalunbu manil, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bama binal ngulkurr-bungal jalun ngulkurr, jarramali baja.

jalun-bu daji-l, jalun-bu mani-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bama binal ngulkurr-bunga-l jalun ngulkurr, jarramali baja | sea-ERG gives, sea-ERG takes, old man said, person wise honours sea calm, storm too

jalun dajil manil mukul binal ngulkurr jarramali


The young men never went out again without watching the sky and the wind, as the old man had taught them.

Warru-warru kari baja dungan jalunba, jiri muyar nyajilnyjiku ngadiku, yala mukulungku dingkarangka jana milbinmuny.

warru-warru kari baja dunga-ny jalun-ba, jiri muyar nyaji-l-nyjiku ngadiku, yala mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana milbi-ny-muny | young.men NEG again went sea-LOC, sky wind watch-SUCC before, as old man them taught-ABL

warru dungay jalun jiri muyar nyajil ngadiku mukul milbil


And so the young men learned the greatest law of the sea: honour it, listen to those who know it, and you will always come home.

Yalaku warru-warru binalman jalunmu yala yalbay bajaku: ngulkurr-bunga, milka-jana bama nyulu binal, yundu yabarrka bayanba kadan.

yala-ku warru-warru binal-ma-ny jalun-mu yala yalbay-baja-ku: ngulkurr-bunga, milka-jana bama nyulu binal, yundu yabarrka bayan-ba kada-ny | thus young.men learned sea-POSS law greatest: honour-IMP, listen-IMP person who knows, you always home come

warru binal jalun yala yalbay ngulkurr milka-janay bama bayan kaday


When the wet season came the women went to the yam grounds with their digging sticks and big dilly bags.

Buluriji kadanya, jalbu-jalbu kawu bubuka dungan, jaba jarra-kulban, ngunyin yalbay wundin.

bulur-iji kada-nya, jalbu-jalbu kawu bubu-ka dunga-ny, jaba jarra-kulba-ny, ngunyin yalbay wundi-ny | cold.season coming-SUB, women yam ground-DAT went, digging.stick carried, dilly.bag big brought

bulur kaday jalbu kawu bubu jaba jarra-kulbal ngunyin yalbay

kawu yam; jaba digging.stick; bubu-ka DAT


The old woman knew every place where the best yams grew, deep under the vines in the soft black soil.

Wulbumanangka binal wanjawanja kawu ngulkurr bajaku wandin, badabada kalalmu bubu bubanba.

wulbuman-angka binal wanjawanja kawu ngulkurr-baja-ku wandi-ny, badabada kalal-mu bubu buban-ba | old.woman knew where yams best grew, underneath vine-POSS ground soft-LOC

wulbuman binal wanjawanja kawu ngulkurr wandil badabada kalal bubu buban

kalal vine; buban-ba LOC(n→ba); wandil 'grow'


She showed the young girls how to dig carefully lest they break the long yam and lose the best part.

Nyulu maral-maral milbin: wanjabu wunbu bakal, kawu kalbay dumbarrinyji, ngulkurr bajaku kilbanyji.

nyulu maral-maral milbi-ny: wanjabu wunbu baka-l, kawu kalbay dumbarri-nyji, ngulkurr-baja-ku kilba-nyji | she girls showed: how carefully dig, yam long break-PRECAUT, best lose-PRECAUT

maral milbil wanjabu wunbu bakal kawu kalbay dumbarril kilbal


The girls dug all morning, and slowly they learned the feel of the yam through the handle of the digging stick.

Maral-maralangka bakan wunkuwingku wubulku, buban-bubanku jana binalman kawumu yala jababu.

maral-maral-angka baka-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku, buban-buban-ku jana binal-ma-ny kawu-mu yala jaba-bu | girls dug morning all, slowly they learned yam-POSS feel stick-INST

maral bakal wunkuwingku buban binal kawu jaba


By midday the bags were full of long fat yams, and the girls carried them home proud of their first good digging.

Wungar wangkar janan, ngunyin mumbay kawu kalbay wandulji, maral-maral wundin bayanba wawu-mini jana bakanmuny.

wungar wangkar jana-ny, ngunyin mumba-y kawu kalbay wandul-ji, maral-maral wundi-ny bayan-ba wawu-mini jana baka-ny-muny | sun high stood, bags full yam long fat-COMIT, girls carried home proud their digging-ABL

wungar wangkar ngunyin mumbal kawu kalbay wandul maral wundil bayan


A good yam ground feeds a family for the whole wet season, said the old woman, so we never take all and always leave some to grow.

Kawu bubu ngulkurr jawunkarra nukamanil buluriji wubulku, wulbumanangka balkan, yala ngana kari wubulku manil, kanbal bawal wandinka.

kawu bubu ngulkurr jawun-karra nuka-mani-l bulur-iji wubul-ku, wulbuman-angka balka-ny, yala ngana kari wubul-ku mani-l, kanbal bawa-l wandi-nka | yam ground good family feeds cold.season all, old.woman said, so we NEG all take, some leave grow-PURP

kawu bubu ngulkurr jawun nukal bulur manil kanbal bawal wandil


During the wet season a little boy grew sick with fever and could not eat or sleep.

Bulurijinga karrkay buban bambaymanda, wumbulji, murruji nukal, murruji warngku wunay.

bulur-iji-nga karrkay buban bambay-ma-ny-da, wumbul-ji, murruji nuka-l, murruji warngku wuna-y | cold.season-LOC child little sick-INCHO-then, hot-COMIT, unable eat, unable sleep

bulur karrkay buban bambay wumbul murruji nukal warngku wunay


His mother was afraid and carried him to the old woman, who knew the healing plants of the country.

Nyungu ngamu yinil, karrkay jarra-kulban wulbumanda, nyulu binal mayi ngulkurr-bungalmu bubumu.

nyungu ngamu yinil, karrkay jarra-kulba-ny wulbuman-da, nyulu binal mayi ngulkurr-bunga-l-mu bubu-mu | his mother afraid, child carried old.woman-to, she knew plant healing-POSS country-POSS

ngamu yinil karrkay jarra-kulbal wulbuman binal mayi ngulkurr bubu

wulbuman-da potent LOC; 'healing'=ngulkurr-bungal-mu


The old woman felt the boy's hot head and looked into his eyes and knew what sickness had taken him.

Wulbumanangka karrkaymu dukul wumbul nyunjan, miyilba nyajin, binal wanya bambaybu nyungu manin.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-mu dukul wumbul nyunja-ny, miyil-ba nyaji-ny, binal wanya bambay-bu nyungu mani-ny | old.woman child-POSS head hot felt, eyes-LOC looked, knew what sickness-ERG him took

wulbuman karrkay dukul wumbul nyunjal miyil nyajil bambay manil


She sent the girls to gather certain leaves and a special bark, and boiled them together in water over the fire.

Nyulu maral-maral yungan birra kanbal bangkanka, dumbul yindu, jana nyaman bananga baya wuyar.

nyulu maral-maral yunga-ny birra kanbal bangka-nka, dumbul yindu, jana nyama-ny bana-nga baya wuyar | she girls sent leaves some gather-PURP, bark special, them boiled water-LOC fire over

maral yungal birra kanbal bangkal dumbul yindu nyamal bana wuyar

yungal SEND(correct); birra leaf; dumbul bark; nyamal boil


She washed the boy with the warm water and gave him a little to drink, and told his mother not to fear.

Nyulu karrkay julurrin bana wumbulbu ngulkurrbu, buban dajin nukanka, ngamu balkan: kari yinil.

nyulu karrkay julurri-ny bana wumbul-bu ngulkurr-bu, buban daji-ny nuka-nka, ngamu balka-ny: kari yinil | she child washed water warm-INST good-INST, a.little gave drink-PURP, mother told: NEG fear

karrkay julurril bana wumbul ngulkurr dajil nukal ngamu yinil


For three days and nights the old woman sat with the child, giving him the medicine and singing the old healing songs.

Kulur wungar kunarangkalji wulbumanangka karrkayji bundandan, nyungu mayi dajin, wulngku ngadiku badinya.

kulur wungar kunarangkal-ji wulbuman-angka karrkay-ji bundanda-ny, nyungu mayi daji-ny, wulngku ngadiku badi-nya | three days nights-COMIT old.woman child-COMIT sat, him medicine gave, songs old singing-SUB

kulur wungar kunarangkal wulbuman karrkay bunday mayi dajil wulngku badi


On the fourth morning the fever broke and the boy woke clear-eyed and hungry, and his mother wept with joy.

Jambul-jambul wunkuwingku wumbul dungan, karrkay wandin miyil ngulkurrbu, dakwuyji, ngamu badin wawu-mini.

jambul-jambul wunkuwingku wumbul dunga-ny, karrkay wandi-ny miyil ngulkurr-bu, dakwuy-ji, ngamu badi-ny wawu-mini | fourth morning fever went, child woke eye good-INST, hungry-COMIT, mother wept glad

jambul-jambul wunkuwingku wumbul dungay karrkay wandil miyil dakwuy ngamu badi

jambul-jambul four; wandil 'woke'; badi 'wept'


When the figs ripened on the big tree by the river, the birds came in great flocks and the children came too.

Binanji kulbulmanda juku yalbaymba wawubaja ngundu, buyi wubul bajaku kadan, karrkay-karrkay kadan baja.

binanji kulbul-ma-ny-da juku yalbay-mba wawubaja ngundu, buyi wubul-baja-ku kada-ny, karrkay-karrkay kada-ny baja | figs ripened tree big-LOC river near, birds many came, children came too

binanji kulbul juku yalbay wawubaja buyi wubul karrkay kaday

binanji fig; yalbay-mba LOC(y→mba); kulbul ripe


The children climbed the tree and ate the sweet ripe figs, throwing the best ones down to the little ones below.

Karrkay-karrkay jukungu dakan, binanji kulbul jiba-wulay nukan, ngulkurr bajaku bada yilban karrkay bubanka badabada.

karrkay-karrkay juku-ngu daka-ny, binanji kulbul jiba-wulay nuka-ny, ngulkurr-baja-ku bada yilba-ny karrkay buban-ka badabada | children tree-LOC climbed, figs ripe sweet ate, best down threw children little-DAT underneath

karrkay juku dakal binanji kulbul jiba-wulay nukal yilbal buban badabada


The old man said the fig tree had fed the people since before anyone could remember, and it belonged to no one and to all.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: binanji juku bama nukamanil ngadiku bajaku, kari nyubunmu, bama wubulkumu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: binanji juku bama nuka-mani-l ngadiku-baja-ku, kari nyubun-mu, bama wubul-ku-mu | old man said: fig tree people fed long.ago-very, NEG one-POSS, people all-POSS

mukul binanji juku bama nukal ngadiku nyubun wubul


A tree that feeds everyone is a good tree, he said, and a person who shares like that tree is a good person.

Juku bama wubulku nukamanil juku ngulkurr, nyulu balkan, bama nyulu dajil yala juku bama ngulkurr.

juku bama wubul-ku nuka-mani-l juku ngulkurr, nyulu balka-ny, bama nyulu daji-l yala juku bama ngulkurr | tree people all feeds tree good, he said, person who shares like tree person good

parallel headless relatives; yala simile


The children left figs on the low branches for the birds and the possums, as the old people had taught them.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binanji bawan dakilba badabada buyika yawaka, yala kamba-kambangka jana milbinmuny.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binanji bawa-ny dakil-ba badabada buyi-ka yawa-ka, yala kamba-kamba-ngka jana milbi-ny-muny | children figs left branch-LOC underneath birds-DAT possums-DAT, as elders them taught-ABL

karrkay binanji bawal dakil badabada buyi yawa kamba milbil


The old woman taught the children that some plants are food and some are poison, and you must always know which is which.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-karrkay binalbungan: mayi kanbal ngulkurr, kanbal yinil, yundu yabarrka binal wanjawanja.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-ny: mayi kanbal ngulkurr, kanbal yinil, yundu yabarrka binal wanjawanja | old.woman children taught: plants some good, some dangerous, you always know which

wulbuman karrkay binal mayi kanbal ngulkurr yinil yabarrka wanjawanja


This red fruit is good, she said, but that one just like it will make you very sick, so look at the leaf and the vine.

Yanyu mayi ngulkurr, nyulu balkan, yambada yinya yala nyungu yundu bambaymal bajaku, yala nyaka birra kalal.

yanyu mayi ngulkurr, nyulu balka-ny, yambada yinya yala nyungu yundu bambay-ma-l bajaku, yala nyaka birra kalal | this fruit good, she said, but that like it you sick-become very, so look-IMP leaf vine

mayi ngulkurr yinya yala bambay nyajil birra kalal

nyaka IMP(nyajil); bambay-ma-l; look-alike warning


The children learned to look closely at every plant — the shape of the leaf, the look of the fruit, the smell of the root.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman mayi wubulku wunbu nyajinka: birramu yala, mayimu yala, bangkanmu nyajil.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny mayi wubul-ku wunbu nyaji-nka: birra-mu yala, mayi-mu yala, bangkan-mu nyaji-l | children learned plant every carefully look-PURP: leaf-POSS shape, fruit-POSS look, root-POSS smell

karrkay binal mayi wunbu nyajil birra bangkan


Never eat what you do not know, the old woman said; the country is full of good food, so eat only what you know.

Kari nuka wanya yundu kari binal, wulbumanangka balkan; bubu mumbay mayi ngulkurrbu, nuka nganga wanya yundu binal.

kari nuka wanya yundu kari binal, wulbuman-angka balka-ny; bubu mumba-y mayi ngulkurr-bu, nuka nganga wanya yundu binal | NEG eat what you NEG know, old.woman said; country full food good-INST, eat only what you know

nukal wanya binal wulbuman bubu mumbal mayi ngulkurr nganga


One clever boy asked how the first people ever learned which plants were safe, when there was no one to teach them.

Karrkay binal nyubungku babajin: bama ngadiku wanjabu binalman mayi ngulkurr, wanya jana milbin kari?

karrkay binal nyubun-ngku babaji-ny: bama ngadiku wanjabu binal-ma-ny mayi ngulkurr, wanya jana milbi-ny kari? | child clever one-ERG asked: people ancient how learned plants good, who them showed not?

karrkay binal nyubun babaji bama ngadiku wanjabu mayi wanya milbil


The old woman smiled and said: they learned slowly and paid dearly, and every plant we know cost someone long ago.

Wulbumanangka yajarrin, balkan: jana buban-bubanku binalman, dandi bajaku manin, mayi wubulku ngana binal bama ngadiku dajinmuny.

wulbuman-angka yajarri-ny, balka-ny: jana buban-buban-ku binal-ma-ny, dandi-baja-ku mani-ny, mayi wubul-ku ngana binal bama ngadiku daji-ny-muny | old.woman smiled, said: they slowly learned, dearly paid, plants all we know person ancient gave-ABL

wulbuman yajarril buban binal dandi manil mayi ngana ngadiku dajil


The old man showed the boys how to strip the long vines and twist them into strong rope for fishing and carrying.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal milbin: kalal kalbay yakal, murnil karra junkurrku, kuyuka wundinka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal milbi-ny: kalal kalbay yaka-l, murni-l karra junkurr-ku, kuyu-ka wundi-nka | old man boys showed: vine long strip, twist rope strong, fishing-DAT carrying-PURP

mukul dabal milbil kalal kalbay yakal murnil karra junkurr kuyu wundil

kalal vine; murnil twist; wundi-nka PURP


Good rope takes patience and strong hands, he said, but it lasts many years and holds a man's weight over deep water.

Karra ngulkurr wunbu manil, mara junkurr, nyulu balkan, yambada wungar wubulku janay, bama dandi kujil bana badanga wuyar.

karra ngulkurr wunbu mani-l, mara junkurr, nyulu balka-ny, yambada wungar wubul-ku jana-y, bama dandi kuji-l bana bada-nga wuyar | rope good patience needs, hands strong, he said, but years many stands(lasts), person weight holds water deep-LOC over

karra ngulkurr wunbu manil mara junkurr wungar janay dandi kujil bana bada wuyar


By the still water the women gathered water-plant roots and seeds, wading deep with their bags held above the water.

Bana janay ngundu jalbu-jalbungku bangkan diburr manin, bana badanga walan, ngunyin wangkar kujin bana wuyar.

bana jana-y ngundu jalbu-jalbu-ngku bangkan diburr mani-ny, bana bada-nga wala-ny, ngunyin wangkar kuji-ny bana wuyar | water still near women roots seeds got, water deep-LOC entered, bags up held water over

bana janay jalbu bangkan diburr manil bada walal ngunyin wangkar kujil wuyar


The seeds were ground into flour and made into little cakes cooked in the ashes, sweet and filling.

Diburr kuljibu nyurrban bulawu, mayi buban ngaran, nulungu wajun, jiba-wulay, jibar mumbanka.

diburr kulji-bu nyurrba-ny bulawu, mayi buban ngara-ny, nulu-ngu waju-ny, jiba-wulay, jibar mumba-nka | seeds stone-INST ground flour, cakes little made, ashes-LOC cooked, sweet, belly fill-PURP

diburr kulji nyurrbal bulawu mayi buban ngaral nulu wayjul jiba-wulay jibar mumbal


Nothing in the water was wasted either, said the old woman: the root, the seed, the stem, and the flower all had their use.

Bananga yamba kari bawal baja, wulbumanangka balkan: bangkan, diburr, jaba, nganka, yambayamba nyungu yala.

bana-nga yamba kari bawa-l baja, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bangkan, diburr, jaba, nganka, yambayamba nyungu yala | water-LOC thing NEG wasted too, old.woman said: root, seed, stem, flower, everything its use

bana yamba bawal wulbuman bangkan diburr jaba nganka yambayamba yala


The lily flowers also told the season, coming when the wet arrived and going when the dry returned.

Ngankabu yala wungar milbin, nganka kadan buluriji kadanya, dungan marral baja kadanya.

nganka-bu yala wungar milbi-ny, nganka kada-ny bulur-iji kada-nya, dunga-ny marral baja kada-nya | flower-ERG the season showed, flower came cold.season coming-SUB, went dry again coming-SUB

nganka wungar milbil kaday bulur dungay marral


The old people read the whole country like this, she said — the flowers, the winds, the stars, all telling the same story of the turning year.

Kamba-kamba bubu wubulku yala nyajin, wulbumanangka balkan — nganka, muyar, dawar, yambayamba nyubun kuku balkal wungarmu murnimu.

kamba-kamba bubu wubul-ku yala nyaji-ny, wulbuman-angka balka-ny — nganka, muyar, dawar, yambayamba nyubun kuku balka-l wungar-mu murni-mu | elders country whole thus read, old.woman said — flowers, winds, stars, everything one story tell year-POSS turning-POSS

kamba bubu nyajil nganka muyar dawar yambayamba kuku balkal wungar murnil


The old woman was growing old, and she began to teach one clever girl everything she knew about the plants.

Wulbumanangka kambamanda, nyulu maral binal nyubun binalbungan yambayamba mayimu.

wulbuman-angka kamba-ma-ny-da, nyulu maral binal nyubun binal-bunga-ny yambayamba mayi-mu | old.woman old-INCHO-then, she girl clever one taught everything plant-POSS

wulbuman kamba maral binal nyubun yambayamba mayi


Every day they walked the country together, the old woman naming each plant and telling what it was good for.

Wungar wubulku jana jambul bubu dungan, wulbumanangka mayi wubulku burri balkan, yala nyungu ngulkurrmu.

wungar wubul-ku jana jambul bubu dunga-ny, wulbuman-angka mayi wubul-ku burri balka-ny, yala nyungu ngulkurr-mu | days all they two country walked, old.woman plant every name told, what its good-for

wungar jambul bubu dungay wulbuman mayi burri balkal ngulkurr


The girl learned the food plants and the medicine plants and the poison plants, and where each one grew and when.

Maralangka binalman mayi ngulkurr, mayi ngulkurr-bungalmu, mayi yinil, wanjawanja nyungu wandin, wanjawanja baja.

maral-angka binal-ma-ny mayi ngulkurr, mayi ngulkurr-bunga-l-mu, mayi yinil, wanjawanja nyungu wandi-ny, wanjawanja baja | girl learned plants good, plants healing-POSS, plants dangerous, where they grew, when too

maral binal mayi ngulkurr yinil wanjawanja wandil


It takes a lifetime to learn the country, the old woman said, and a lifetime is barely long enough.

Bubu binalmanka wungar wubulku manil, wulbumanangka balkan, wungar wubulku nganga kariku.

bubu binal-ma-nka wungar wubul-ku mani-l, wulbuman-angka balka-ny, wungar wubul-ku nganga kariku | country learn-PURP years many takes, old.woman said, years many only not.yet(barely)

bubu binal wungar manil wulbuman nganga kariku

kariku 'barely/not.yet'; binal-ma-nka PURP


But what one person learns and passes on never dies, she said, and so the knowledge lives longer than any of us.

Yambada wanya nyubungku binalman, dajil baja, kari wulay yabarrka, nyulu balkan, binal janay kalbay nganamuny wubulku.

yambada wanya nyubun-ngku binal-ma-ny, daji-l baja, kari wula-y yabarrka, nyulu balka-ny, binal jana-y kalbay ngana-muny wubul-ku | but what one learns, gives on, NEG dies ever, she said, knowledge stands longer us-ABL all

wanya nyubun binal dajil wulay binal janay kalbay ngana


When the old woman died at last, full of years, the girl she had taught became the new keeper of the plants.

Wulbuman wulanda ngadiku, wungar wubulji, maral nyulu binalbunganmuny mayimu kuji jirakalmanda.

wulbuman wula-ny-da ngadiku, wungar wubul-ji, maral nyulu binal-bunga-ny-muny mayi-mu kuji jirakal-ma-ny-da | old.woman died at.last, years many-COMIT, girl she taught-ABL plant-POSS keeper new-become-then

wulbuman wulay ngadiku wungar maral binal mayi kujil jirakal


The young woman walked the same country and named the same plants and taught the children just as she had been taught.

Maral jirakalbu bubu nyubun dungan, mayi nyubun burri balkan, karrkay-karrkay binalbungan yala nyulu binalbunganmuny.

maral jirakal-bu bubu nyubun dunga-ny, mayi nyubun burri balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-ny yala nyulu binal-bunga-ny-muny | woman young country same walked, plant same name told, children taught as she taught-ABL

maral jirakal bubu nyubun mayi burri karrkay binal


And so the knowledge of the plants passed from the old to the young, unbroken, longer than anyone could say.

Yalaku mayimu binal kamba-kambamuny warru-warruka dungan, kari dumbarrin, yala ngadiku bajaku bama kari balkanka.

yala-ku mayi-mu binal kamba-kamba-muny warru-warru-ka dunga-ny, kari dumbarri-ny, yala ngadiku-baja-ku bama kari balka-nka | thus plant-POSS knowledge elders-ABL young-DAT passed, NEG broken, like long.ago-very person NEG say-PURP

mayi binal kamba warru dungay dumbarril ngadiku balkal


The country keeps its children who keep its knowledge, said the old woman's last student to her own students, many years on.

Bububu karrkay kujil jana nyungu binal kujil, wulbumanmu maral ngadikubu nyungu karrkay-karrkayka balkan, wungar wubulku dunganmuny.

bubu-bu karrkay kuji-l jana nyungu binal kuji-l, wulbuman-mu maral ngadiku-bu nyungu karrkay-karrkay-ka balka-ny, wungar wubul-ku dunga-ny-muny | country-ERG children keeps who its knowledge keep, old.woman-POSS girl last-INST her students-DAT said, years many gone-ABL

bubu karrkay kujil binal wulbuman maral ngadiku balkal wungar


Before the wet season came, the family built a strong humpy of bark and saplings to keep out the rain.

Buluriji kadanyjiku, jawunkarrangka wurun junkurr ngaran dumbulmuny jukumuny, kaba nandanka.

bulur-iji kada-nyjiku, jawun-karra-ngka wurun junkurr ngara-ny dumbul-muny juku-muny, kaba nanda-nka | cold.season come-SUCC, family humpy strong made bark-ABL sapling-ABL, rain keep.out-PURP

bulur kaday jawun wurun junkurr ngaral dumbul juku kaba nandal

wurun humpy; SUCC 'before'; nanda-nka PURP


The men cut the saplings and set them in the ground, and the women covered the frame with sheets of paperbark.

Dingkar-dingkarangka juku yakan, bubungu yijarrin, jalbu-jalbungku wurun nandan buykubu.

dingkar-dingkar-angka juku yaka-ny, bubu-ngu yijarri-ny, jalbu-jalbu-ngku wurun nanda-ny buyku-bu | men saplings cut, ground-LOC put, women humpy covered paperbark-INST

dingkar juku yakal bubu yijarril jalbu wurun nandal buyku


They left a small opening on the side away from the wind, so the smoke could go out but the rain could not come in.

Jana muyar kudamundu buban bawan, kubu badil, yambada kaba kari walanyji.

jana muyar kudamundu buban bawa-ny, kubu badi-l, yambada kaba kari wala-nyji | they wind behind opening little left, smoke goes.out, but rain NEG come.in-PRECAUT

muyar kudamundu buban bawal kubu badil kaba walal


Inside they laid soft grass and paperbark for beds, and the humpy was dry and warm even in the hardest rain.

Dukurr jana jikan buban buyku yijarrin dubalka, wurun marral wumbul, kaba junkurr bajaku yambada.

dukurr jana jikan buban buyku yijarri-ny dubal-ka, wurun marral wumbul, kaba junkurr-baja-ku yambada | inside they grass soft paperbark put bed-DAT, humpy dry warm, rain hardest even

dukurr jikan buban buyku yijarril dubal wurun marral wumbul kaba


A good humpy is worth the work, said the old man, for a wet cold camp makes everyone sick and cross.

Wurun ngulkurr kirrajimu ngulkurr, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bayan yaru kiway bama wubulku bambaymal, dukul-wuri baja.

wurun ngulkurr kirraji-mu ngulkurr, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bayan yaru kiway bama wubul-ku bambay-ma-l, dukul-wuri baja | humpy good work-POSS worth, old man said, camp wet cold people all sick-become, angry too

wurun ngulkurr kirraji mukul bayan yaru kiway bambay dukul-wuri


The children helped by carrying paperbark and by holding the saplings straight while the men tied them fast.

Karrkay-karrkayangka mara-dajin buyku wundinya, juku yaral karrbanya dingkar-dingkarangka kajanya junkurrku.

karrkay-karrkay-angka mara-daji-ny buyku wundi-nya, juku yaral karrba-nya dingkar-dingkar-angka kaja-nya junkurr-ku | children helped paperbark carrying-SUB, saplings straight holding-SUB men tying-SUB fast

karrkay mara-dajil buyku wundil juku yaral karrbal kajal


By the time the first rain came that night, the whole family sat dry and warm inside, listening to it fall.

Kaba kadanya yinya kunarangkal, jawunkarra wubulku dukurr bundandan marral wumbul, kaba badinya milka-jananya.

kaba kada-nya yinya kunarangkal, jawun-karra wubul-ku dukurr bundanda-ny marral wumbul, kaba badi-nya milka-jana-nya | rain coming-SUB that night, family all inside sat dry warm, rain falling-SUB listening-SUB

kaba kaday kunarangkal jawun dukurr bunday marral wumbul milka-janay


The most important thing in any camp is the fire, and someone must always keep it alive through the night.

Yamba ngulkurr bajaku bayanba baya, bama nyubungku yabarrka baya kujil kunarangkalji.

yamba ngulkurr-baja-ku bayan-ba baya, bama nyubun-ngku yabarrka baya kuji-l kunarangkal-ji | thing most.important camp-LOC fire, person one always fire keeps night-COMIT

yamba ngulkurr bayan baya bama nyubun kujil kunarangkal


In the evening the old woman banked the coals with ash so the fire would stay warm at first light.

Yilay-yilay wulbumanangka ngunjil nulubu nandan, baya wumbul janay muduwajunyjiku.

yilay-yilay wulbuman-angka ngunjil nulu-bu nanda-ny, baya wumbul jana-y muduwaju-nyjiku | evening old.woman coals ash-INST covered, fire warm stays dawn-SUCC

yilay-yilay wulbuman ngunjil nulu nandal baya wumbul janay


At first light she put dry grass and small sticks on the coals, and the flame rose up bright.

Muduwajunyjiku nyulu jikan marral juku buban ngunjilba yijarrin, baya wandin yalbay.

muduwaju-nyjiku nyulu jikan marral juku buban ngunjil-ba yijarri-ny, baya wandi-ny yalbay | dawn-SUCC she grass dry sticks little coals-LOC put, fire rose big

muduwajuny jikan marral juku buban ngunjil yijarril baya wandil

ngunjil-ba LOC(l→ba); baya wandil 'fire rises'


Fire is a living thing, said the old woman; feed it and keep it and it serves you, neglect it and it dies or turns on you.

Baya yamba wawuji, wulbumanangka balkan; nukamani, kuji, baya yununda kirrajil, bawa, baya wulay, yununda dukul-wuri baja.

baya yamba wawu-ji, wulbuman-angka balka-ny; nuka-mani, kuji, baya yunu-nda kirraji-l, bawa, baya wula-y, yunu-nda dukul-wuri baja | fire thing life-COMIT, old.woman said; feed-IMP, keep-IMP, fire you-LOC works, neglect-IMP, fire dies, you-LOC angry too

baya yamba wawu nukal kujil yunu kirraji bawal wulay dukul-wuri

IMP series; wawu-ji 'living'; yunu-nda potent LOC


When the family moved to a new camp, they carried fire with them in a slow-burning firestick wrapped in bark.

Jawunkarra bayan jirakalka jurrkijinya, jana baya wundin jidinga buban-buban wajunya, dumbulbu nandan.

jawun-karra bayan jirakal-ka jurrki-ji-nya, jana baya wundi-ny jidi-nga buban-buban waju-nya, dumbul-bu nanda-ny | family camp new-DAT moving-SUB, they fire carried firestick-LOC slowly burning-SUB, bark-INST wrapped

jawun bayan jirakal jurrkil baya wundil jidi dumbul nandal


Carrying fire is an old and careful skill, for a lost fire means cold food and a hard night far from home.

Baya wundinka yala ngadiku wunbu, baya kilbanmuny mayi kiway, kunarangkal dandi bayanmuny kalakalbay.

baya wundi-nka yala ngadiku wunbu, baya kilba-ny-muny mayi kiway, kunarangkal dandi bayan-muny kalakalbay | fire carrying old way careful, fire lost-ABL food cold, night hard home-ABL far

baya wundil ngadiku wunbu kilbal mayi kiway kunarangkal dandi kalakalbay


The old people said fire was a gift from long ago, brought by the ancestors, never to be let die out of carelessness.

Kamba-kamba balkan: baya dajil ngadikumuny, kamba-kambangka wundinmuny, kari yabarrka wulanka wunbu-karibu.

kamba-kamba balka-ny: baya daji-l ngadiku-muny, kamba-kamba-ngka wundi-ny-muny, kari yabarrka wula-nka wunbu-kari-bu | elders said: fire gift long.ago-ABL, ancestors brought-ABL, NEG ever die-PURP carelessness-INST

kamba baya dajil ngadiku wundil wulay wunbu

wunbu-kari-bu 'by carelessness' PRIV-INST


One night in the cold season a hard wind came down from the hills and the cold crept into every humpy.

Nyubun kunarangkal bulurijinga muyar junkurr bada kadan manjalmuny, kiway walan wurun wubulku.

nyubun kunarangkal bulur-iji-nga muyar junkurr bada kada-ny manjal-muny, kiway wala-ny wurun wubul-ku | one night cold.season-LOC wind hard down came hills-ABL, cold entered humpy all

kunarangkal bulur muyar junkurr bada kaday manjal kiway walal wurun

buluriji-nga LOC(i→nga); manjal-muny ABL


The mother built the fire up high and wrapped the little children in warm paperbark close to the coals.

Ngamungka baya wangkar ngaran, karrkay-karrkay buban nandan buyku wumbulbu ngunjil ngundu.

ngamu-ngka baya wangkar ngara-ny, karrkay-karrkay buban nanda-ny buyku wumbul-bu ngunjil ngundu | mother fire up built, children little wrapped paperbark warm-INST coals near

ngamu baya wangkar ngaral karrkay buban nandal buyku wumbul ngunjil


The old man told stories in the firelight so the children would forget the cold until they fell asleep.

Mukulungku dingkarangka kuku balkan bayanga, karrkay-karrkay kiway milka-wulanka warngku wunanyjiku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kuku balka-ny baya-nga, karrkay-karrkay kiway milka-wula-nka warngku wuna-nyjiku | old man stories told fire-LOC, children cold forget-PURP sleep-SUCC

mukul kuku balkal baya karrkay kiway milka-wulay warngku wunay


The whole family slept close together under one big blanket, sharing their warmth against the long cold night.

Jawunkarra wubulku warngku wunan jambulku, bilangkurr yalbay nyubun badabada, wumbul dajiwanya kunarangkal kiway kalbaymuny.

jawun-karra wubul-ku warngku wuna-ny jambul-ku, bilangkurr yalbay nyubun badabada, wumbul daji-wa-nya kunarangkal kiway kalbay-muny | family all slept together, blanket big one underneath, warmth sharing-SUB night cold long-ABL

jawun warngku wunay jambul bilangkurr yalbay badabada wumbul dajil kiway


In the morning the frost lay on the grass, but inside the humpy the children woke warm and safe.

Wunkuwingku ngiki jikanba dungay, yambada wurun dukurr karrkay-karrkay wandin wumbul ngulkurr.

wunkuwingku ngiki jikan-ba dunga-y, yambada wurun dukurr karrkay-karrkay wandi-ny wumbul ngulkurr | morning frost grass-LOC lay, but humpy inside children woke warm safe

wunkuwingku ngiki jikan dungay wurun dukurr karrkay wandil wumbul ngulkurr

ngiki cold/frost; jikan-ba LOC(n→ba); wandil woke


A warm camp on a cold night is a small thing but a real one, said the old woman, and it holds a family together.

Bayan wumbul kunarangkal kiwaymba yamba buban, yambada yamba yukil, wulbumanangka balkan, jawunkarra nyubun kujil.

bayan wumbul kunarangkal kiway-mba yamba buban, yambada yamba yukil, wulbuman-angka balka-ny, jawun-karra nyubun kuji-l | camp warm night cold-LOC thing small, but thing real, old.woman said, family one keeps

bayan wumbul kunarangkal kiway yamba buban yukil jawun nyubun kujil


The children learned that warmth shared is warmth doubled, and cold faced together is only half as cold.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman: wumbul dajiwanmuny wumbul jambulmanil, kiway jambulku nyajinmuny kiway buban nganga.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny: wumbul daji-wa-ny-muny wumbul jambul-ma-ni-l, kiway jambul-ku nyaji-ny-muny kiway buban nganga | children learned: warmth shared-ABL warmth doubles, cold together faced-ABL cold little only

karrkay binal wumbul dajil jambul kiway nyajil buban nganga


The old man spent the wet season days making and mending tools, for a camp with good tools lives well.

Mukulungku dingkarangka buluriji wungar yamba ngaran ngulkurr-bungan, bayan yamba ngulkurrji ngulkurr bundanday.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka bulur-iji wungar yamba ngara-ny ngulkurr-bunga-ny, bayan yamba ngulkurr-ji ngulkurr bundanda-y | old man cold.season days tools made mended, camp tools good-COMIT well lives

mukul bulur wungar yamba ngaral ngulkurr bayan bunday


He shaped a new axe handle from hard wood and bound the stone head to it with vine.

Nyulu waymbil kimil jirakal ngaran juku junkurrmuny, kulji dukul kajan kalalbu.

nyulu waymbil kimil jirakal ngara-ny juku junkurr-muny, kulji dukul kaja-ny kalal-bu | he axe handle new made wood hard-ABL, stone head tied vine-INST

waymbil kimil jirakal ngaral juku junkurr kulji dukul kajal kalal

waymbil axe; kimil handle; kalal-bu INST


The women made new dilly bags and mended the old ones, and the girls learned the weave stitch by stitch.

Jalbu-jalbungku ngunyin jirakal ngaran, ngunyin ngadiku ngulkurr-bungan, maral-maral binalman yala buban-buban.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku ngunyin jirakal ngara-ny, ngunyin ngadiku ngulkurr-bunga-ny, maral-maral binal-ma-ny yala buban-buban | women dilly.bag new made, dilly.bag old mended, girls learned weave slowly

jalbu ngunyin jirakal ngaral ngadiku maral binal buban


A boy asked why they worked so hard on the tools when the rain kept them in camp anyway.

Karrkayangka babajin: wanyurringku jana junkurrku kirrajil yambaka, kababu jana bayanba kujinya?

karrkay-angka babaji-ny: wanyurringku jana junkurr-ku kirraji-l yamba-ka, kaba-bu jana bayan-ba kuji-nya? | child-ERG asked: why they hard work tools-DAT, rain-ERG them camp-LOC keeping-SUB?

karrkay babaji wanyurringku junkurr kirraji yamba kaba bayan kujil

karrkay-angka ERG(y→angka); wanyurringku why; kaba-bu ERG


The old man laughed and said: the wet season is exactly when we make tools, so they are ready when the hunting season comes.

Mukulungku dingkarangka yajarrin, balkan: buluriji nyiku ngana yamba ngaral, ngulkurrmanka wangariji kadanyjiku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yajarri-ny, balka-ny: bulur-iji nyiku ngana yamba ngara-l, ngulkurr-ma-nka wangar-iji kada-nyjiku | old man laughed, said: cold.season now we tools make, ready-become-PURP hot.season come-SUCC

mukul yajarril bulur ngana yamba ngaral ngulkurr wangariji kaday

wangariji hot.season; ngulkurr-ma-nka PURP


A wise camp does the right work in the right season, he said: tools in the wet, hunting in the dry, always looking ahead.

Bayan binal ngulkurr kirrajil yala wungara, nyulu balkan: yamba buluriji, balbi wangariji, yabarrka maku nyajil.

bayan binal ngulkurr kirraji-l yala wungar-a, nyulu balka-ny: yamba bulur-iji, balbi wangar-iji, yabarrka maku nyaji-l | camp wise right works in season-LOC, he said: tools cold.season, hunting hot.season, always ahead looks

bayan binal ngulkurr kirraji wungar yamba bulur balbi wangariji maku

wungar-a LOC(r→a); maku 'ahead'(correct)


The boy watched the old man's hands and came to understand that patience itself was a kind of tool.

Karrkayangka mukulmu mara nyajin, binalmanda: wunbu nyulu yamba yala.

karrkay-angka mukul-mu mara nyaji-ny, binal-ma-ny-da: wunbu nyulu yamba yala | child-ERG old.man-POSS hands watched, understood: patience itself tool like

karrkay mukul mara nyajil binal wunbu yamba yala

karrkay-angka ERG; binal-ma-l 'understand'


The camp woke before the sun, when the morning star still hung low over the eastern hills.

Bayan wandin wungar wandinyjiku, kurrubijal bada janay manjalba nakanga.

bayan wandi-ny wungar wandi-nyjiku, kurrubijal bada jana-y manjal-ba naka-nga | camp woke sun rise-SUCC, morning.star low stood hills-LOC east-LOC

bayan wandil wungar kurrubijal bada janay manjal naka

manjal-ba LOC(l→ba); naka-nga(a→nga); SUCC 'before'


The women went first to the water, carrying the big bark water-carriers on their heads.

Jalbu-jalbu banaka dunganyarr, bana wungarmu wundin, balji yalbay dukulba jarra-kulban.

jalbu-jalbu bana-ka dunga-ny-arr, bana wungar-mu wundi-ny, balji yalbay dukul-ba jarra-kulba-ny | women water-DAT went-first, water day-POSS brought, carrier big head-LOC carried

jalbu bana dungay wungar wundil balji yalbay dukul jarra-kulbal


The men checked their spears and nets and set out to hunt and fish while the day was still cool.

Dingkar-dingkarangka kalka makarr nyajin, balbinka kuyuka dungan wungar kiway jananya.

dingkar-dingkar-angka kalka makarr nyaji-ny, balbi-nka kuyu-ka dunga-ny wungar kiway jana-nya | men spears nets checked, hunt-PURP fish-DAT went day cool standing-SUB

dingkar kalka makarr nyajil balbi kuyu dungay wungar kiway


The children were given their chores — gathering firewood, minding the babies, and helping the old ones — before they could play.

Karrkay-karrkay nyungu yamba manin: juku bangkanka, ngawa-ngawa nyajinka, kamba-kamba mara-dajinka, kinkanyjiku ngadiku.

karrkay-karrkay nyungu yamba mani-ny: juku bangka-nka, ngawa-ngawa nyaji-nka, kamba-kamba mara-daji-nka, kinka-nyjiku ngadiku | children their tasks got: wood gather-PURP, babies mind-PURP, elders help-PURP, play-SUCC before

karrkay yamba manil juku bangkal ngawa nyajil kamba mara-dajil kinkay


By the middle of the day the hunters came back, and the smell of cooking rose from every fire in the camp.

Wungar wangkar jananya, balbibama kadan baja, mayi wajunmu kubu wandin baya wubulkumuny bayanba.

wungar wangkar jana-nya, balbi-bama kada-ny baja, mayi waju-ny-mu kubu wandi-ny baya wubul-ku-muny bayan-ba | sun high standing-SUB, hunters came back, food cooking-POSS smoke rose fire all-ABL camp-LOC

wungar wangkar balbi kaday mayi wayjul kubu wandil baya bayan


In the heat of the afternoon the camp rested in the shade, the old ones telling quiet stories, the babies asleep.

Wungar wumbul yilay-yilay bayan mara-kunban wabarrba, kamba-kamba kuku wunbu balkanya, ngawa-ngawa warngku.

wungar wumbul yilay-yilay bayan mara-kunba-ny wabarr-ba, kamba-kamba kuku wunbu balka-nya, ngawa-ngawa warngku | sun hot afternoon camp rested shade-LOC, elders stories quiet telling-SUB, babies asleep

wungar wumbul yilay-yilay bayan mara-kunbay wabarr kamba kuku wunbu warngku


As the day cooled the women prepared the evening food, and the children came back tired and hungry from their play.

Wungar kiwaymanda, jalbu-jalbungku mayi yilay-yilaymu ngaran, karrkay-karrkay kadan baja baja-burray dakwuyji kinkaymuny.

wungar kiway-ma-ny-da, jalbu-jalbu-ngku mayi yilay-yilay-mu ngara-ny, karrkay-karrkay kada-ny baja baja-burray dakwuy-ji kinkay-muny | day cool-INCHO-then, women food evening-POSS prepared, children came back tired hungry-COMIT play-ABL

wungar kiway jalbu mayi yilay-yilay ngaral karrkay baja-burray dakwuy kinkay


After the evening meal the whole camp gathered at the big fire, and the old man began the night's stories.

Mayi yilay-yilaymu nukanmuny, bayan wubulku baya yalbaymba bangkan, mukulungku dingkarangka kuku kunarangkalmu badinyarr.

mayi yilay-yilay-mu nuka-ny-muny, bayan wubul-ku baya yalbay-mba bangka-ny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kuku kunarangkal-mu badi-ny-arr | food evening-POSS eaten-ABL, camp all fire big-LOC gathered, old man stories night-POSS began-first

mayi yilay-yilay nukal bayan baya yalbay bangkal mukul kuku kunarangkal

yalbay-mba LOC(y→mba); TEMP3 badi-ny-arr


The best part of the whole day was the night, when the work was done and the stories began by the fire.

Wungar wubulmu ngulkurr bajaku kunarangkal, kirraji dunganmuny, kuku badinya bayanga.

wungar wubul-mu ngulkurr-baja-ku kunarangkal, kirraji dunga-ny-muny, kuku badi-nya baya-nga | day whole-POSS best night, work done-ABL, stories beginning-SUB fire-LOC

wungar wubul ngulkurr kunarangkal kirraji dungay kuku badil baya


The old man told of the making of the country, and the children listened with wide eyes and open mouths.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan bubu ngaranmuny, karrkay-karrkay milka-janan miyil yalbaymba ngandal badinya.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny bubu ngara-ny-muny, karrkay-karrkay milka-jana-ny miyil yalbay-mba ngandal badi-nya | old man told country making-ABL, children listened eye big-LOC mouth opening-SUB

mukul balkal bubu ngaral karrkay milka-janay miyil yalbay ngandal badil


He told how the first fire was stolen and given to the people, and why we must keep it burning ever since.

Nyulu balkan baya ngadiku wanya manin, bama dajinmuny, wanyurringku ngana baya kujil ngadikumuny.

nyulu balka-ny baya ngadiku wanya mani-ny, bama daji-ny-muny, wanyurringku ngana baya kuji-l ngadiku-muny | he told fire ancient who took, people given-ABL, why we fire keep long.ago-since

baya ngadiku wanya manil bama dajil wanyurringku kujil


Some stories made the children laugh until their bellies hurt, and some made them quiet and thoughtful.

Kuku kanbal karrkay-karrkay yajarrimanil jibar kaka bajaku, kuku kanbal jana wunbu bundanday milka-bu baykanya.

kuku kanbal karrkay-karrkay yajarri-ma-ni-l jibar kaka bajaku, kuku kanbal jana wunbu bundanda-y milka-bu bayka-nya | stories some children laugh-make belly sore very, stories some them quiet stayed thinking-SUB

kuku kanbal karrkay yajarril jibar kaka wunbu bunday milka

yajarri-ma-ni-l 'make laugh'; milka-bu baykal 'think'


The old woman said that a child who hears the old stories carries the whole country inside them forever.

Wulbumanangka balkan: karrkay nyulu kuku ngadiku milka-jananmuny bubu wubulku dukurr wundil yabarrka.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: karrkay nyulu kuku ngadiku milka-jana-ny-muny bubu wubul-ku dukurr wundi-l yabarrka | old.woman said: child who stories old heard-ABL country whole inside carries always

wulbuman karrkay kuku ngadiku milka-janay bubu dukurr wundil

headless relative; 'carries country inside'


Little by little the children's eyes grew heavy, and one by one they fell asleep where they sat by the fire.

Buban-bubanku karrkay-karrkaymu miyil dandimanda, nyubun-nyubun jana warngku wunan wanja jana bundanya bayanga.

buban-buban-ku karrkay-karrkay-mu miyil dandi-ma-ny-da, nyubun-nyubun jana warngku wuna-ny wanja jana bunda-nya baya-nga | slowly children-POSS eyes heavy-INCHO-then, one.by.one they slept where they sitting-SUB fire-LOC

buban karrkay miyil dandi nyubun warngku wunay bunday baya

nyubun-nyubun 'one by one'; baya-nga LOC


The mothers carried the sleeping children to their beds and covered them warm, and the camp grew quiet.

Ngamu-ngamungka karrkay-karrkay warngku wundin dubalka, wumbulbu nandan, bayan wunbumanda.

ngamu-ngamu-ngka karrkay-karrkay warngku wundi-ny dubal-ka, wumbul-bu nanda-ny, bayan wunbu-ma-ny-da | mothers children sleeping carried bed-DAT, warm-INST covered, camp quiet-INCHO-then

ngamu karrkay warngku wundil dubal wumbul nandal bayan wunbu


Only the old man stayed awake by the fire a while longer, watching the coals and thinking of the old days.

Mukul dingkar nganga janay bayanga baja, ngunjil nyajinya, wungar ngadiku milka-bu baykanya.

mukul dingkar nganga jana-y baya-nga baja, ngunjil nyaji-nya, wungar ngadiku milka-bu bayka-nya | old man only stayed.awake fire-LOC longer, coals watching-SUB, days old thinking-SUB

mukul nganga janay baya ngunjil nyajil wungar ngadiku milka


He thought of the people who had sat at this same fire long ago, and of the children who would sit here after him.

Nyulu milka-bu baykan bama ngadikumuny, jana baya nyubunba bundandanmuny, karrkay-karrkay jana kadanyjiku bundanyjiku nyungu kudamundu.

nyulu milka-bu bayka-ny bama ngadiku-muny, jana baya nyubun-ba bunda-ny-muny, karrkay-karrkay jana kada-nyjiku bunda-nyjiku nyungu kudamundu | he thought people ancient-ABL, they fire same-LOC sat-ABL, children they come-SUCC sit-SUCC him behind

milka bama ngadiku baya nyubun bunday karrkay kaday kudamundu

nyubun-ba LOC(n→ba); generational continuity


The fire is the heart of the camp, he thought, and the stories are the fire of the people, and neither must ever go out.

Baya bayanmu jibar, nyulu milka-bu baykan, kuku bamamu baya, jambulku kari yabarrka wulanka.

baya bayan-mu jibar, nyulu milka-bu bayka-ny, kuku bama-mu baya, jambul-ku kari yabarrka wula-nka | fire camp-POSS heart, he thought, stories people-POSS fire, both NEG ever die-PURP

baya bayan jibar milka kuku bama jambul wulay


At last the old man banked the fire, wrapped himself in his blanket, and lay down to sleep beside the warm coals.

Ngadiku mukulungku dingkarangka baya nandan ngunjilbu, nyulu kararrbu nandajin, wunan ngunjil wumbul ngundu.

ngadiku mukul-ungku dingkar-angka baya nanda-ny ngunjil-bu, nyulu kararr-bu nanda-ji-ny, wuna-ny ngunjil wumbul ngundu | at.last old man fire banked coals-INST, he blanket-INST wrapped-self, lay coals warm near

mukul baya nandal ngunjil kararr wunay wumbul


The last thing he heard was the soft rain on the bark roof and the deep quiet breathing of his sleeping family.

Nyungu milka-janan ngadiku bajaku kaba wunbu buykungu, jawunkarra warngku wunanya wawu wunbu badanga.

nyungu milka-jana-ny ngadiku-baja-ku kaba wunbu buyku-ngu, jawun-karra warngku wuna-nya wawu wunbu bada-nga | his heard last-most rain soft paperbark-LOC, family sleeping-SUB breath quiet deep-LOC

milka-janay kaba wunbu buyku jawun warngku wunay wawu bada


And so another day in the camp came to its end, the same as ten thousand days before it and ten thousand still to come.

Yalaku wungar yindu bayanba dungan baja, yala wungar wubul ngadiku, yala wungar wubul kadanyjiku baja.

yala-ku wungar yindu bayan-ba dunga-ny baja, yala wungar wubul ngadiku, yala wungar wubul kada-nyjiku baja | thus day another camp-LOC ended, like days many long.ago, like days many come-SUCC too

wungar yindu bayan dungay wubul ngadiku kaday


The camp slept, the fire glowed low, and the old country held them all in the dark, as it always had and always would.

Bayan warngku, baya buban wajun, bububu jana wubulku kujin wujurrbu, yala yabarrka ngadiku, yala yabarrka kadanyjiku.

bayan warngku, baya buban waju-ny, bubu-bu jana wubul-ku kuji-ny wujurr-bu, yala yabarrka ngadiku, yala yabarrka kada-nyjiku | camp slept, fire low burned, country-ERG them all held dark-LOC, as always long.ago, as always come-SUCC

bayan warngku baya wayjul bubu kujil wujurr yabarrka ngadiku

bubu-bu ERG; wujurr-ba LOC(rr→ba); payoff


All afternoon the air grew heavy and still, and the old man watched the black clouds pile up over the western hills.

Yilay-yilay wubulku muyar dandimanda janay, mukulungku dingkarangka ngurrban wujurr nyajin wangkar manjalba kuwanga.

yilay-yilay wubul-ku muyar dandi-ma-ny-da jana-y, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka ngurrban wujurr nyaji-ny wangkar manjal-ba kuwa-nga | afternoon all air heavy-INCHO stood, old man clouds dark watched up hills-LOC west-LOC

yilay-yilay muyar dandi janay mukul ngurrban wujurr manjal kuwa

ngurrban cloud; kuwa-nga(a→nga); manjal-ba(l→ba)


This will be a big storm, he said, so bring the children in and cover the food and tie down everything the wind could take.

Yanyu jarramali yalbay kadanya, nyulu balkan, karrkay-karrkay dukurr wundi, mayi nanda, yamba wubulku kaja muyarbu kari manilnyji.

yanyu jarramali yalbay kada-nya, nyulu balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay dukurr wundi, mayi nanda, yamba wubul-ku kaja muyar-bu kari mani-l-nyji | this storm big coming, he said, children inside bring-IMP, food cover-IMP, things all tie-IMP wind-ERG NEG take-PRECAUT

jarramali yalbay kaday karrkay dukurr wundil mayi nandal kajal muyar manil


The wind hit the camp first, bending the trees flat and tearing at the humpies and throwing dust and leaves everywhere.

Muyar bayan damanyarr, juku bada kulban, wurun kunin, jukar birra yilban yiringkurr.

muyar bayan dama-ny-arr, juku bada kulba-ny, wurun kuni-ny, jukar birra yilba-ny yiringkurr | wind camp struck-first, trees down bent, humpies hit, dust leaves threw everywhere

muyar bayan damal juku kulbal wurun kunil jukar birra yilbal

TEMP3 dama-ny-arr; kunil hit; yiringkurr


Then the lightning came, splitting the dark sky, and the thunder rolled down from the hills like a hundred falling stones.

Yalada balbay kadan, jiri wujurr yika-daman, jabulbina bada dungan manjalmuny yala kulji wubul daranya.

yala-da balbay kada-ny, jiri wujurr yika-dama-ny, jabulbina bada dunga-ny manjal-muny yala kulji wubul dara-nya | then lightning came, sky dark split, thunder down went hills-ABL like stones many falling-SUB

balbay kaday jiri wujurr yika-damal jabulbina bada manjal kulji daray

balbay lightning; jabulbina thunder; yika-damal split


The rain came down so hard that the children could not see the fire from the door of the humpy.

Kaba bada kadan junkurr bajaku, karrkay-karrkay murruji baya nyajil wurun ngandalmuny.

kaba bada kada-ny junkurr-baja-ku, karrkay-karrkay murruji baya nyaji-l wurun ngandal-muny | rain down came very.hard, children unable fire see humpy mouth(door)-ABL

kaba bada kaday junkurr karrkay murruji baya nyajil wurun ngandal


But the humpy the family had built held strong against the storm, and inside they were dry and safe and close together.

Yambada wurun jawunkarrangka ngaranmuny junkurr janay jarramalinga, dukurr jana marral ngulkurr jambulku.

yambada wurun jawun-karra-ngka ngara-ny-muny junkurr jana-y jarramali-nga, dukurr jana marral ngulkurr jambul-ku | but humpy family made-ABL strong stood storm-LOC, inside they dry safe together

wurun jawun ngaral junkurr janay jarramali dukurr marral ngulkurr jambul

jarramali-nga LOC(i→nga); payoff of b029 humpy


The old man said: a storm shows you the worth of good work, for the lazy camp is wet and cold tonight and ours is dry.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: jarramalibu yununda milbil kirrajimu ngulkurr, bayan daki-daki yaru kiway nyiku, nganamu marral.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: jarramali-bu yunu-nda milbi-l kirraji-mu ngulkurr, bayan daki-daki yaru kiway nyiku, ngana-mu marral | old man said: storm-ERG you-LOC shows work-POSS worth, camp lazy wet cold now, ours dry

jarramali yunu milbil kirraji bayan wunbu yaru kiway marral


The children were not afraid, because the old people told stories all through the storm, laughing at the thunder.

Karrkay-karrkay kari yinil, kamba-kambangka kuku balkan jarramali wubulku, jabulbinaka yajarrinya.

karrkay-karrkay kari yinil, kamba-kamba-ngka kuku balka-ny jarramali wubul-ku, jabulbina-ka yajarri-nya | children NEG afraid, elders stories told storm all, thunder-DAT laughing-SUB

karrkay yinil kamba kuku balkal jarramali jabulbina yajarril


By morning the storm had passed, and the world was washed clean and green and shining under a soft new sun.

Wunkuwingku jarramali dungan, bubu wubulku julurrijin, ngulkurr, wungar jirakal wumbulbu balbajinya.

wunkuwingku jarramali dunga-ny, bubu wubul-ku julurri-ji-ny, ngulkurr, wungar jirakal wumbul-bu balbaji-nya | morning storm gone, country all washed-itself, good, sun new warm-INST shining-SUB

wunkuwingku jarramali dungay bubu julurril wungar jirakal wumbul balbajil


The children ran out to play in the water, and above them a great rainbow stood across the whole sky.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin badil kinkanka bananga, jana wuyar yiril yalbay janay jiri wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny badi-l kinka-nka bana-nga, jana wuyar yiril yalbay jana-y jiri wubul-ku | children ran out play-PURP water-LOC, them over rainbow big stood sky whole

karrkay warri badil kinkay bana wuyar yiril yalbay jiri

yiril rainbow; wuyar over; kinka-nka PURP


The old woman said the rainbow was a great snake that lived in the deep waterholes and rose into the sky after rain.

Wulbumanangka balkan: yiril jarba yalbay, bana badanga bundanay, jiri wangkar wandin kabamuny.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yiril jarba yalbay, bana bada-nga bunda-nay, jiri wangkar wandi-ny kaba-muny | old.woman said: rainbow snake big, water deep-LOC lives, sky up rose rain-ABL(after)

yiril jarba yalbay bana bada bunday jiri wangkar wandil kaba


Do not point at the rainbow, she warned the children, and do not swim in the deep holes while it is in the sky.

Kari yiril milbi, nyulu karrkay-karrkay balkan, kari maraji bana badanga yiril jiringa janaynya.

kari yiril milbi, nyulu karrkay-karrkay balka-ny, kari maraji bana bada-nga yiril jiri-nga jana-y-nya | NEG rainbow point, she children warned, NEG swim water deep-LOC rainbow sky-LOC standing-SUB

yiril milbil maraji bana bada jiri janay


The children looked up at the rainbow with wonder and a little fear, and thought about the great snake below the water.

Karrkay-karrkay wangkar yiril nyajin wawu-mini yinil buban, milka-bu baykan jarba yalbay bana badabada.

karrkay-karrkay wangkar yiril nyaji-ny wawu-mini yinil buban, milka-bu bayka-ny jarba yalbay bana badabada | children up rainbow looked wonder fear little, thought snake big water underneath

karrkay wangkar yiril nyajil wawu-mini yinil milka jarba badabada


When the rainbow faded, the old woman said the snake had gone back down to sleep in the deep, and the rain was truly over.

Yiril dunganda, wulbumanangka balkan: jarba bada dungan baja warngku wunanka badanga, kaba yukil dungan.

yiril dunga-ny-da, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: jarba bada dunga-ny baja warngku wuna-nka bada-nga, kaba yukil dunga-ny | rainbow faded-then, old.woman said: snake down went back sleep-PURP deep-LOC, rain truly gone

yiril dungay jarba bada warngku wunay kaba yukil


The old people knew many seasons, not just two, and they read each one in the plants and the winds and the animals.

Kamba-kamba binal wungar wubulku, kari jambul nganga, jana nyajin yala mayinga muyara minyanga.

kamba-kamba binal wungar wubul-ku, kari jambul nganga, jana nyaji-ny yala mayi-nga muyar-a minya-nga | elders knew seasons many, NEG two only, they read each plant-LOC wind-LOC animal-LOC

kamba binal wungar jambul nganga nyajil mayi muyar minya


When the wattle flowered along the river, the people knew the cold season was ending and the fish were coming back.

Nganka wandinya wawubaja ngundu, bama binal buluriji dunganya, kuyu kadanya baja.

nganka wandi-nya wawubaja ngundu, bama binal bulur-iji dunga-nya, kuyu kada-nya baja | flower blooming-SUB river near, people knew cold.season ending-SUB, fish coming back

nganka wandil wawubaja bama binal bulur dungay kuyu kaday


When the hot winds came from the west, the people moved down to the coast where the sea breeze kept them cool.

Muyar wumbul kadanya kuwamuny, bama bada dungan jalun ngundu, jalunmu muyar jana kiway kujinya.

muyar wumbul kada-nya kuwa-muny, bama bada dunga-ny jalun ngundu, jalun-mu muyar jana kiway kuji-nya | wind hot coming west-ABL, people down went sea near, sea-POSS wind them cool keeping-SUB

muyar wumbul kaday kuwa bama bada jalun kiway kujil


The turning of each season told the people where to go and what to gather, so no one who read the country well ever went hungry.

Wungar wubulku murninya bama milbin wanjaka dungay, wanya bangkal, kari bama dakwuy nyulu bubu ngulkurr nyajil.

wungar wubul-ku murni-nya bama milbi-ny wanja-ka dunga-y, wanya bangka-l, kari bama dakwuy nyulu bubu ngulkurr nyaji-l | seasons all turning-SUB people showed where go, what gather, NEG person hungry who country well reads

wungar murnil bama milbil wanja dungay bangkal dakwuy bubu nyajil


A person who knows only two seasons is half blind, said the old man; the country speaks in many voices, and you must learn them all.

Bama nyulu jambul nganga binal ngamba buban, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan; bubu kuku wubulku balkal, yundu yabarrka binalmanka wubulku.

bama nyulu jambul nganga binal ngamba buban, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny; bubu kuku wubul-ku balka-l, yundu yabarrka binal-ma-nka wubul-ku | person who two only knows half.blind, old man said; country voices many speaks, you always learn-PURP all

bama jambul nganga binal ngamba bubu kuku balkal binal


The children learned the signs one by one — the flowering, the fruiting, the winds, the movements of the birds and the fish.

Karrkay-karrkayangka yala nyubun-nyubun binalman: nganka wandinya, mayi kulbulmanda, muyar, buyi kuyu jalamanya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka yala nyubun-nyubun binal-ma-ny: nganka wandi-nya, mayi kulbul-ma-ny-da, muyar, buyi kuyu jalama-nya | children signs one.by.one learned: flowering, fruit ripening, winds, birds fish moving-SUB

karrkay nyubun binal nganka wandil mayi kulbul muyar buyi kuyu jalamal


It takes many years to learn to read the country, the old man said, and the reading never ends, for the country is always speaking.

Bubu nyajilmanka wungar wubulku manil, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, nyajil kari dungay yabarrka, bubu balkal yabarrka.

bubu nyaji-l-ma-nka wungar wubul-ku mani-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, nyaji-l kari dunga-y yabarrka, bubu balka-l yabarrka | country read-learn-PURP years many takes, old man said, reading NEG ends ever, country speaks always

bubu nyajil wungar manil mukul dungay balkal


And the country never lies and never changes its story for anyone, he said, and that is why we can trust it above all things.

Bubu kari warmbijil yabarrka, nyulu balkan, kari nyungu kuku murnil bamaka, yala ngana bubu binalku yamba wubulmuny.

bubu kari warmbiji-l yabarrka, nyulu balka-ny, kari nyungu kuku murni-l bama-ka, yala ngana bubu binalku yamba wubul-muny | country NEG lies ever, he said, NEG its story changes person-DAT, thus we country trust things all-ABL

bubu warmbiji kuku murnil bama binalku yamba

warmbiji lie; binalku 'trust'; comparative ABL


The old man taught the children the moon and its changing face — how it grows fat and thin, and dies, and is born again.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay kija milbin, nyungu walu murninya, yala kija dandimal, bubanmal, wulay, wandin baja.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay kija milbi-ny, nyungu walu murni-nya, yala kija dandi-ma-l, buban-ma-l, wula-y, wandi-ny baja | old man children moon showed, its face changing-SUB, how moon fat-becomes, thin-becomes, dies, born again

mukul karrkay kija milbil walu murnil dandi buban wulay wandil


When the moon is full and round and bright, the old people said, it is a good time to travel and to hunt at night.

Kija yalbaymanda balbajinya, kamba-kamba balkan, wungar ngulkurr jilba dungay, balbinka kunarangkalji.

kija yalbay-ma-ny-da balbaji-nya, kamba-kamba balka-ny, wungar ngulkurr jilba dunga-y, balbi-nka kunarangkal-ji | moon full-then shining-SUB, elders said, time good walk go, hunt-PURP night-COMIT

kija yalbay balbajil kamba wungar jilba dungay balbi kunarangkal


When the moon is dark and gone from the sky, it is a time to stay close to the fire and tell the deep old stories.

Kija wujurr jirimuny dunganda, wungar baya ngundu bundanka, kuku ngadiku badanga balkanka.

kija wujurr jiri-muny dunga-ny-da, wungar baya ngundu bunda-nka, kuku ngadiku bada-nga balka-nka | moon dark sky-ABL gone-then, time fire near sit-PURP, stories old deep-LOC tell-PURP

kija wujurr jiri dungay baya bunday kuku ngadiku bada balkal


The moon pulls the tides, the old man said, so a person who knows the moon also knows when the sea will give its food.

Kijabu yira kulbal, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bama nyulu kija binal jalunmu mayi wanjawanja binal baja.

kija-bu yira kulba-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bama nyulu kija binal jalun-mu mayi wanjawanja binal baja | moon-ERG tides pulls, old man said, person who moon knows sea-POSS food when knows too

kija yira kulbal bama binal jalun mayi wanjawanja


A ring near the moon means rain is coming, he said, and the people would look for it and mend their shelters.

Kija ngundu yala nyajinya, kaba kadanya, nyulu balkan, bama nyajin, wurun ngulkurr-bungan.

kija ngundu yala nyaji-nya, kaba kada-nya, nyulu balka-ny, bama nyaji-ny, wurun ngulkurr-bunga-ny | moon near ring seeing-SUB, rain coming, he said, people looked, humpies mended

kija ngundu nyajil kaba kaday bama wurun ngulkurr


The children watched the moon each night and learned to tell the days by it, from one full moon to the next.

Karrkay-karrkayangka kija nyajin kunarangkal wubulku, wungar binalman kijabu, kija yalbaymuny kija yalbayka.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kija nyaji-ny kunarangkal wubul-ku, wungar binal-ma-ny kija-bu, kija yalbay-muny kija yalbay-ka | children moon watched night all, days learned moon-INST, moon full-ABL moon full-DAT

karrkay kija nyajil kunarangkal wungar binal yalbay


The moon is the camp's clock and calendar, said the old man, marking the passing of the nights and the turning of the seasons.

Kija bayanmu wungar milbil, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, kunarangkal dunganya milbil, wungar murninya milbil.

kija bayan-mu wungar milbi-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, kunarangkal dunga-nya milbi-l, wungar murni-nya milbi-l | moon camp-POSS time shows, old man said, nights passing shows, seasons turning shows

kija bayan wungar milbil kunarangkal dungay murnil


On the clearest nights the old man showed the children the stars and told them the names and the stories written there.

Kunarangkal ngulkurr bajaku mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay dawar milbin, burri kuku jiringa balkan.

kunarangkal ngulkurr-baja-ku mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay dawar milbi-ny, burri kuku jiri-nga balka-ny | night clearest old man children stars showed, names stories sky-LOC told

kunarangkal ngulkurr mukul karrkay dawar milbil burri kuku jiri


That long white road of stars across the sky, he said, is the smoke of the ancestors' fires, camped along the great river.

Yinya dawar jina kalbay jiri wubulku, nyulu balkan, kamba-kamba baya kubu, jana wawubaja yalbay ngundu bundanmuny.

yinya dawar jina kalbay jiri wubul-ku, nyulu balka-ny, kamba-kamba baya kubu, jana wawubaja yalbay ngundu bunda-ny-muny | that stars road long sky whole, he said, ancestors fire smoke, they river big near camped-ABL

dawar jina kalbay jiri kamba baya kubu wawubaja bunday


Those bright stars there are two brothers who hunt across the sky forever, chasing a great emu of dark and stars.

Yinya dawar balbajinya jambul yaba, jiri wubulku balbil yabarrka, kurranji yalbay wujurr dawarji jirrkumanya.

yinya dawar balbaji-nya jambul yaba, jiri wubul-ku balbi-l yabarrka, kurranji yalbay wujurr dawar-ji jirrkuma-nya | those stars shining two brothers, sky whole hunt always, emu big dark stars-COMIT chasing-SUB

dawar balbajil jambul yaba jiri balbi kurranji wujurr jirrkumal

yaba brother; jirrkumal chase; star-myth


When those brothers stand high overhead at first dark, the old man said, the cold season has truly come.

Yaba jambul wangkar jananya wujurrmanda, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, buluriji yukil kadan.

yaba jambul wangkar jana-nya wujurr-ma-ny-da, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bulur-iji yukil kada-ny | brothers two high standing-SUB dark-INCHO-then, old man said, cold.season truly came

yaba jambul wangkar janay wujurr bulur yukil kaday


The stars tell the season and the direction and the hour of night, he said, so a person who knows them is never lost in time or place.

Dawar wungar milbil, wanjabu dungay milbil, kunarangkal yala milbil, bama nyulu dawar binal kari kilbaji wungara bubungu.

dawar wungar milbi-l, wanjabu dunga-y milbi-l, kunarangkal yala milbi-l, bama nyulu dawar binal kari kilba-ji wungar-a bubu-ngu | stars season show, where go show, night time show, person who stars knows NEG lost time-LOC place-LOC

dawar wungar milbil wanjabu dungay kunarangkal binal kilbal bubu


The children lay on their backs in the warm sand and learned the stars until their eyes closed and they slept.

Karrkay-karrkay muku wunan jukar wumbulba, dawar binalman miyil nandanyjiku warngku wunanyjiku.

karrkay-karrkay muku wuna-ny jukar wumbul-ba, dawar binal-ma-ny miyil nanda-nyjiku warngku wuna-nyjiku | children back lay sand warm-LOC, stars learned eyes close-SUCC sleep-SUCC

karrkay muku wunay jukar wumbul dawar binal miyil nandal warngku

wumbul-ba LOC(l→ba); nandal 'close eyes'


The old man said the stars had been the people's first teachers, showing them the way and the seasons since the very beginning.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: dawar bamamu binal-bungabama ngadiku, jana milbin yala wungar ngadikumuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: dawar bama-mu binal-bunga-bama ngadiku, jana milbi-ny yala wungar ngadiku-muny | old man said: stars people-POSS teachers ancient, them showed way seasons long.ago-ABL

dawar bama binal milbil yala wungar ngadiku

'first teachers'; ngadiku-muny ABL 'since'


And the same stars still shine on the children tonight that shone on the first people long ago, and that is a kind of forever.

Dawar nyubun balbajil karrkay-karrkayka nyiku, yala balbajinmuny bama ngadiku, yanyu yala yabarrka.

dawar nyubun balbaji-l karrkay-karrkay-ka nyiku, yala balbaji-ny-muny bama ngadiku, yanyu yala yabarrka | stars same shine children-DAT now, as shone-ABL people ancient, this like forever

dawar nyubun balbajil karrkay yala bama ngadiku yabarrka


One year the wet season rains came harder and longer than anyone could remember, and the river rose higher every day.

Nyubun wungara buluriji kaba kadan junkurr kalbay bama binalmuny, wawubaja wangkar wandin wungar wubulku.

nyubun wungar-a bulur-iji kaba kada-ny junkurr kalbay bama binal-muny, wawubaja wangkar wandi-ny wungar wubul-ku | one year cold.season rain came hard long people memory-ABL, river up rose days all

wungar bulur kaba kaday junkurr kalbay bama binal wawubaja wandil


The old man read the signs early and moved the whole camp up to the high ground before the flood came.

Mukulungku dingkarangka yala nyajin ngadiku, bayan wubulku bubu wangkarka jurrkijin jalungkarr kadanyjiku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yala nyaji-ny ngadiku, bayan wubul-ku bubu wangkar-ka jurrki-ji-ny jalungkarr kada-nyjiku | old man signs read early, camp all ground high-DAT moved flood come-SUCC

mukul nyajil ngadiku bayan bubu wangkar jurrkil jalungkarr kaday

jalungkarr flood; jurrkiji move.camp; SUCC


When the flood came it covered the whole valley in brown water, and the trees stood like drowning people up to their necks.

Jalungkarr kadanya, bubu wubulku bana nandan, juku janay yala bama bana wulaynya jakay ngundu.

jalungkarr kada-nya, bubu wubul-ku bana nanda-ny, juku jana-y yala bama bana wula-y-nya jakay ngundu | flood coming, ground all water covered, trees stood like people water drowning-SUB neck near

jalungkarr kaday bubu bana nandal juku janay bama wulay jakay


From the high ground the people watched the flood carry away logs and dead animals and whole trees torn up by the roots.

Bubu wangkarmuny bama jalungkarr nyajin, juku minya wulanmuny juku wubulku bangkanji wundinya.

bubu wangkar-muny bama jalungkarr nyaji-ny, juku minya wula-ny-muny juku wubul-ku bangkan-ji wundi-nya | ground high-ABL people flood watched, logs animals dead trees whole roots-COMIT carrying-SUB

bubu wangkar bama jalungkarr nyajil juku minya wulay bangkan wundil

bangkan-ji 'with roots'; wangkar-muny ABL


The flood is a hard teacher, said the old man, but it teaches the most important lesson of all: read the country, and move in time.

Jalungkarr binal-bungabama dandi, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, yambada nyulu milbil yamba ngulkurr bajaku: bubu nyaka, jurrkiji ngadiku.

jalungkarr binal-bunga-bama dandi, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, yambada nyulu milbi-l yamba ngulkurr-baja-ku: bubu nyaka, jurrki-ji ngadiku | flood teacher hard, old man said, but it teaches lesson most.important: country look-IMP, move.camp early

jalungkarr binal dandi mukul milbil yamba bubu nyajil jurrkil


The camp that reads the flood coming lives, he said, and the camp that waits to see the water dies; there is no third way.

Bayan nyulu jalungkarr kadanya nyajil wawuji, nyulu balkan, bayan nyulu bana nyajilnyjiku maku-janay wulay, kari kulur yala.

bayan nyulu jalungkarr kada-nya nyaji-l wawu-ji, nyulu balka-ny, bayan nyulu bana nyaji-l-nyjiku maku-jana-y wula-y, kari kulur yala | camp that flood coming reads lives, he said, camp that water see-SUCC waits dies, NEG third way

bayan jalungkarr nyajil wawu bana maku-janay wulay kulur yala


When the water went down at last, the people came back to a changed country and began the slow work of making a new camp.

Bana bada dunganda ngadiku, bama kadan baja bubu yindungu, badil kirrajin buban-buban bayan jirakal ngaranka.

bana bada dunga-ny-da ngadiku, bama kada-ny baja bubu yindu-ngu, badi-l kirraji-ny buban-buban bayan jirakal ngara-nka | water down gone-then at.last, people came back country changed-LOC, began work slowly camp new make-PURP

bana bada dungay bama kaday bubu yindu kirraji bayan jirakal


One cold morning a thick white fog lay over the whole river valley, so the children could not see the humpy next to their own.

Nyubun wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal kalbay bubu wubulku wuyar dungay, karrkay-karrkay murruji wurun ngundu nyajil.

nyubun wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal kalbay bubu wubul-ku wuyar dunga-y, karrkay-karrkay murruji wurun ngundu nyaji-l | one morning cold fog thick country whole over lay, children unable humpy near see

wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal kalbay bubu wuyar karrkay murruji wurun nyajil


The old man said the fog was the breath of the country sleeping, and it would lift when the sun woke it, and it did.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: ngurrbal bubumu wawu warngku wunanya, wandinyjiku wungarbu wandimananya, yala kadan.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngurrbal bubu-mu wawu warngku wuna-nya, wandi-nyjiku wungar-bu wandi-mana-nya, yala kada-ny | old man said: fog country-POSS breath sleeping-SUB, lift-SUCC sun-ERG waking-SUB, thus happened

ngurrbal bubu wawu warngku wunay wandil wungar


As the sun rose higher the fog thinned and lifted and burned away, and the green wet country appeared underneath, shining.

Wungar wangkar wandinya, ngurrbal bubanmanda, wandin, dungan, bubu yaru ngulkurr badil badabada, balbajinya.

wungar wangkar wandi-nya, ngurrbal buban-ma-ny-da, wandi-ny, dunga-ny, bubu yaru ngulkurr badi-l badabada, balbaji-nya | sun high rising-SUB, fog thin-became, rose, went, country wet green appeared underneath, shining-SUB

wungar wangkar wandil ngurrbal buban dungay bubu yaru badil balbajil


Later that day, in the heat, a whirlwind spun across the dry flat, lifting dust and dead leaves high into the still air.

Yilay-yilay wungar wumbulba, jukar-warra bubu marralba jalaman, jukar birra wulan wangkar wandin muyar jananga.

yilay-yilay wungar wumbul-ba, jukar-warra bubu marral-ba jalama-ny, jukar birra wula-ny wangkar wandi-ny muyar jana-nga | afternoon sun hot-LOC, whirlwind ground dry-LOC spun, dust leaves dead up rose air still-LOC

yilay-yilay wungar wumbul jukar-warra bubu marral jalamal jukar birra muyar

jukar-warra whirlwind; wumbul-ba/marral-ba/jana-nga LOC


The little children ran from the whirlwind, but the old man laughed and said it was only the country dancing on a hot day.

Karrkay-karrkay buban warrin jukar-warramuny, yambada mukul dingkar yajarrin, balkan: bubu nganga wuri wungar wumbulba.

karrkay-karrkay buban warri-ny jukar-warra-muny, yambada mukul dingkar yajarri-ny, balka-ny: bubu nganga wuri wungar wumbul-ba | children little ran whirlwind-ABL, but old man laughed, said: country only dancing sun hot-LOC

karrkay warri jukar-warra yajarril bubu nganga wuri wungar wumbul

wuri (E-017); wumbul-ba LOC; 'country dancing'


But a bigger whirlwind, a cyclone, is a different thing, he said, and when one comes you must lie low and hold the earth and wait.

Yambada jukar-warra yalbay, wadjal, yamba yindu, nyulu balkan, yinya kadanya yundu bada wuna, bubu karrba, maku-janay.

yambada jukar-warra yalbay, wadjal, yamba yindu, nyulu balka-ny, yinya kada-nya yundu bada wuna, bubu karrba, maku-jana-y | but whirlwind big, cyclone, thing different, he said, that coming you down lie-IMP, earth hold-IMP, wait

jukar-warra yalbay wadjal yamba yindu bada wunay bubu karrbal maku-janay


The cyclone comes once in many years, he said, but the old people remember it and teach the young what to do, so no one forgets.

Wadjal kadan nyubun wungar wubulku, nyulu balkan, yambada kamba-kamba binalku, warru-warru milbil wanya ngaranka, kari bama milka-wulay.

wadjal kada-ny nyubun wungar wubul-ku, nyulu balka-ny, yambada kamba-kamba binalku, warru-warru milbi-l wanya ngara-nka, kari bama milka-wula-y | cyclone comes once years many, he said, but elders remember, young show what do-PURP, NEG person forgets

wadjal kaday wungar binalku kamba warru milbil wanya milka-wulay

binalku remember; milka-wulay forget; oral memory


This is why we tell the old stories, said the old man, so the knowledge of rare and terrible things is never lost between the times they come.

Yala ngana kuku ngadiku balkal, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, yamba yinil kadan buban binal kari kilbanka wungar wubulku jana kadanya ngundu.

yala ngana kuku ngadiku balka-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, yamba yinil kada-ny buban binal kari kilba-nka wungar wubul-ku jana kada-nya ngundu | thus we stories old tell, old man said, things dangerous come rarely knowledge NEG lose-PURP years many they coming between

kuku ngadiku balkal yamba yinil binal kilbal wungar kaday


The children learned the weather the way they learned everything — by watching the old people, by listening, and by living it season after season.

Karrkay-karrkayangka wungar binalman yala jana yambayamba binalmanmuny: kamba-kamba nyajinya, milka-jananya, wungar murninya wubulku bundanya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka wungar binal-ma-ny yala jana yambayamba binal-ma-ny-muny: kamba-kamba nyaji-nya, milka-jana-nya, wungar murni-nya wubul-ku bunda-nya | children weather learned as they everything learned-ABL: elders watching-SUB, listening-SUB, seasons turning all living-SUB

karrkay wungar binal yambayamba kamba nyajil milka-janay murnil bunday


The old man said the weather was the country's mood, and just as you learn a person's moods you learn the country's, so it never surprises you.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: wungar bubumu wawu, yala yundu bamamu wawu binal, bubumu wawu binal baja, kari yununda yinilbungalnyji.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: wungar bubu-mu wawu, yala yundu bama-mu wawu binal, bubu-mu wawu binal baja, kari yunu-nda yinil-bunga-l-nyji | old man said: weather country-POSS mood, as you person-POSS mood learn, country-POSS mood learn too, NEG you-LOC surprise-PRECAUT

wawu 'mood'; yinil-bungal 'frighten'; PRECAUT


A person at peace with the weather is at peace with the world, he said, for the weather is the world showing its face.

Bama nyulu wungarji ngulkurr bundanay bubu wubulkuji ngulkurr, nyulu balkan, wungar bubumu walu milbil.

bama nyulu wungar-ji ngulkurr bunda-nay bubu wubul-ku-ji ngulkurr, nyulu balka-ny, wungar bubu-mu walu milbi-l | person who weather-COMIT well lives world-COMIT well, he said, weather country-POSS face shows

bama wungar ngulkurr bunday bubu walu milbil


The children grew up reading the sky as easily as they read each other's faces, and the country was never a stranger to them.

Karrkay-karrkay kambaman jiri nyajil yala jana walu nyubunmu nyajil, bubu kari jananka yindu yabarrka.

karrkay-karrkay kamba-ma-ny jiri nyaji-l yala jana walu nyubun-mu nyaji-l, bubu kari jana-nka yindu yabarrka | children grew.up sky read as they face each.other-POSS read, country NEG them-DAT stranger ever

karrkay kamba jiri nyajil walu nyubun bubu yindu


When they were old themselves, they would teach their own children the same signs in the same sky, unchanged since the beginning.

Jana kambamanda baja, jana nyungu karrkay-karrkay milbil yala nyubun jiri nyubunba, kari murninmuny ngadikumuny.

jana kamba-ma-ny-da baja, jana nyungu karrkay-karrkay milbi-l yala nyubun jiri nyubun-ba, kari murni-ny-muny ngadiku-muny | they old-became too, they their children show signs same sky same-LOC, NEG changed-ABL beginning-ABL

kamba karrkay milbil yala nyubun jiri murnil ngadiku