The possum, the bandicoot, and the kangaroo rat all feed in the dark and lie hidden in the day.

Yawa kulngu jayju wubul nukal wujurr-ba, janka wunay wungar-a.

yawa kulngu jayju wubul nukal wujurr-ba, janka wunay wungar-a | possum bandicoot kangaroo.rat all eat night-LOC, still lie day-LOC

yawa kulngu jayju wubul nukal wujurr janka wunay wungar

yawa/kulngu/jayju; janka 'still/hidden' (b101)


The echidna sat curled up in a ball on the hard ground when the dingo came sniffing near it.

Ngangkin murru bundan bubu-ngu junkurr-ba, murramu ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l-nyaji-l.

ngangkin murru bunda-ny bubu-ngu junkurr-ba, murramu ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l-nyaji-l | echidna round sit-PAST ground-LOC hard-LOC, dingo near come-SUB search

ngangkin murru bundal bubu junkurr murramu ngundu kaday

ngangkin echidna; murru 'round/curled'; murramu 'dingo'


The old woman caught two fat bandicoots in the thick grass through the long, cold night.

Mukul-jalbu ngumbi jambul wandul manin jikan junkurr-ba, wujurr ngiki kalbay-mba.

mukul-jalbu ngumbi jambul wandul mani-ny jikan junkurr-ba, wujurr ngiki kalbay-mba | old-woman bandicoot two fat catch-PAST grass thick-LOC, night cold long-LOC

mukul jalbu ngumbi jambul wandul manil jikan junkurr wujurr ngiki

ngumbi 'bandicoot'; wandul fat, mani 'catch'


The tree kangaroo is hard to see and hard to catch, high up in the dark rainforest canopy.

Murral nyaji-l buyun, mani buyun, wangkar-wangkar madja junkurr ngungul dukurr.

murral nyaji-l buyun, mani buyun, wangkar-wangkar madja junkurr ngungul dukurr | tree.kangaroo see bad(hard), catch bad(hard), high.up scrub thick dark inside

murral nyajil buyun manil wangkar madja junkurr ngungul dukurr

murral 'tree kangaroo'; nyaji-l buyun 'hard to see'; wangkar-wangkar above (b102)


The hunters cooked the possum and the bandicoot together in the hot coals of the big fire.

Balbi-bama yawa ngumbi muru wajun baya ngunjil wumbul-ba yalbay-mba.

balbi-bama yawa ngumbi muru waju-ny baya ngunjil wumbul-ba yalbay-mba | hunter possum bandicoot together cook-PAST fire charcoal hot-LOC big-LOC

balbi bama yawa ngumbi muru wajul baya ngunjil wumbul yalbay

yawa possum, ngumbi bandicoot; waju-l cook (b098), ngunjil charcoal


The echidna's meat is sweet and good, but you must first dig it out of the hard ground.

Ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr, yamba yundu bubu junkurr-muny baka ngadiku.

ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr, yamba yundu bubu junkurr-muny baka ngadiku | echidna meat sweet good, but 2sg ground hard-ABL dig.IMP first

ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr yundu bubu junkurr baka-l ngadiku

ngangkin echidna; jiba-wulay sweet (b095), baka-l dig, ngadiku 'first' (b098)


The possum bit the boy's hand hard, so he let it go, and it ran back up the tall tree.

Yawa karrkay mara baykan junkurr, nyulu daya, yawa juku kalbay wangkar nyunban.

yawa karrkay mara bayka-ny junkurr, nyulu daya, yawa juku kalbay wangkar nyunba-ny | possum child hand bite-PAST hard, 3sg release, possum tree tall up return-PAST

yawa karrkay mara baykal junkurr daya juku wangkar nyunbay

yawa possum; bayka-l bite (b097), mara hand; nyunba-y go back (b103)


The little bandicoot with sharp claws dug a deep hole down under the roots of the big tree.

Kulngu buban mara junkurr-jirr janku dajali bakan juku yalbay bada-nga.

kulngu buban mara junkurr-jirr janku dajali baka-ny juku yalbay bada-nga | bandicoot small hand(claw) strong-COMIT hole deep dig-PAST tree big down-LOC(under)

kulngu buban mara junkurr janku dajali baka-l juku yalbay

kulngu bandicoot; COMIT mara junkurr-jirr 'with strong claws' (b104)


As children we hunted the possum and the echidna, and our grandmother cooked them in the coals.

Ngali karrkay-nyja-ku yawa ngangkin balbin, ngali-nya mukul-jalbu-ngku wajun ngunjil-ba.

ngali karrkay-nyja-ku yawa ngangkin balbi-ny, ngali-nya mukul-jalbu-ngku waju-ny ngunjil-ba | 1du child-ERG-ADV possum echidna hunt-PAST, our old-woman-ERG cook-PAST charcoal-LOC

ngali karrkay yawa ngangkin balbi mukul jalbu wajul ngunjil

yawa/ngangkin; balbi 'hunt'; ngali '1du'; ngunjil charcoal


The dingo hunts alone in the night, following the scent of the wallaby through the dark scrub.

Murramu nyubun-bu balbi wujurr-ba, kadar jina wukurrin madja ngungul-burr.

murramu nyubun-bu balbi wujurr-ba, kadar jina wukurri-ny madja ngungul-burr | dingo one-INST(alone) hunt night-LOC, wallaby track follow-PAST scrub dark-PERL

murramu nyubun balbi wujurr kadar jina wukurril madja ngungul

murramu 'dingo'; kadar wallaby; wukurri-l follow (b103)


The two dingoes chased the kangaroo down the hill and across the shallow, muddy creek.

Murramu jambul mayarriji kangan bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka.

murramu jambul mayarriji kanga-ny bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka | dingo two kangaroo chase-PAST down hill-ABL across creek muddy-DAT

murramu jambul mayarriji kangal bada jamba naka-naka wawubaja buyun

murramu dingo, mayarriji kangaroo; kanga-l chase, naka-naka across (b102)


The native cat is a small, fierce hunter that kills the rats and the little birds in the night.

Jungarr buban, balbi-bama kuli-ji, kukur buyi buban kunil wujurr-ba.

jungarr buban, balbi-bama kuli-ji, kukur buyi buban kuni-ny wujurr-ba | native.cat small, hunter anger-COMIT, rat bird small kill-PAST night-LOC

jungarr buban balbi bama kuli kukur buyi kunil wujurr

jungarr 'native cat'; kukur 'rat'; kuni-l kill; COMIT kuli-ji 'fierce' (b104)


The rats came into the camp at night and ate the seeds and good food the people had stored.

Kukur bayan-ka kadan wujurr-ba, mayi wukay ngulkurr bama-mu nukal nanda-nya.

kukur bayan-ka kada-ny wujurr-ba, mayi wukay ngulkurr bama-mu nukal nanda-nya | rat camp-DAT come-PAST night-LOC, food yam good person-POSS eat put(store)-SUB

kukur bayan kaday wujurr mayi wukay ngulkurr bama nukal nanda


The flying foxes came in a big dark cloud at dusk and settled screeching in the fruiting trees.

Kambi wubul ngungul yalbay-mba kadan wujurr-ma-nya, nyurra juku mayi-jirr-ba bundan.

kambi wubul ngungul yalbay-mba kada-ny wujurr-ma-nya, nyurra juku mayi-jirr-ba bunda-ny | flying.fox many cloud big-LOC come-PAST night-INCHO-SUB(dusk), noise tree fruit-COMIT-LOC sit-PAST

kambi wubul ngungul yalbay kaday nyurra juku mayi bundal

kambi 'flying fox'; nyurra noise (b101); COMIT juku mayi-jirr 'fruiting tree' (b104)


The little bat flew out of the dark tree hollow at night and caught small insects over the water.

Mali buban juku ngungul dukurr-muny marra-warrin wujurr-ba, minya buban bana wangkar-wangkar manin.

mali buban juku ngungul dukurr-muny marra-warri-ny wujurr-ba, minya buban bana wangkar-wangkar mani-ny | bat small tree dark hollow-ABL fly-PAST night-LOC, creature small water above catch-PAST

mali buban juku ngungul dukurr marra-warri wujurr minya bana wangkar

mali 'bat'; marra-warri fly (b103); dukurr hollow, minya buban 'small creatures'


The dingo howled in the dark hills all through the cold night, and the camp dogs called back.

Murramu jamba ngungul-ba badin wujurr ngiki wubulku, bayan kaya balka-wa.

murramu jamba ngungul-ba badi-ny wujurr ngiki wubul-ku, bayan kaya balka-wa | dingo hill dark-LOC cry(howl)-PAST night cold all, camp dog call-RECIP

murramu jamba ngungul badil wujurr ngiki bayan kaya balka

murramu dingo; badi 'cry/howl' (b101); balka-wa 'call to each other'


The flying fox hung upside down in the tall tree all day and flew off to feed at dark.

Kambi juku kalbay-mba bada-bada wunay wungar wubulku, marra-warri nukal-nka wujurr-ba.

kambi juku kalbay-mba bada-bada wunay wungar wubul-ku, marra-warri nukal-nka wujurr-ba | flying.fox tree tall-LOC below(upside.down) lie day all, fly eat-PURP night-LOC

kambi juku kalbay bada wunay wungar marra-warri nukal wujurr

kambi flying fox; bada-bada 'below/upside-down' (b102); marra-warri fly (b103)


The native cat crept quietly along the branch and took the sleeping bird from its nest.

Jungarr janka jilba dakil-burr, buyi warngku wuna-nya manin bayan-muny.

jungarr janka jilba dakil-burr, buyi warngku wuna-nya mani-ny bayan-muny | native.cat quiet walk branch-PERL, bird sleep lie-SUB take-PAST nest-ABL

jungarr janka jilba dakil buyi warngku wunay manil bayan

jungarr native cat; dakil 'branch' (b091); janka 'quietly'; bayan 'nest'


The rats and the bats live in the dark places and come out only in the black of the night.

Kukur mali ngungul bubu-ba wunay, wandin nyubun wujurr ngungul bajaku-ba.

kukur mali ngungul bubu-ba wunay, wandi-ny nyubun wujurr ngungul bajaku-ba | rat bat dark place-LOC live, come.out-PAST only night dark very-LOC

kukur mali ngungul bubu wunay wandil nyubun wujurr bajaku

kukur rat, mali bat; wandi-l come out (b103)


The dingo is the wild dog of this country; it hunts the kangaroo but fears the fire and the man.

Murramu kaya buyun bubu yala-mu; mayarriji balbi, yamba yinil baya-nka dingkar-anka.

murramu kaya buyun bubu yala-mu; mayarriji balbi, yamba yinil baya-nka dingkar-anka | dingo dog wild country here-POSS; kangaroo hunt, but fear fire-DAT man-DAT

murramu kaya buyun bubu yala mayarriji balbi yinil baya dingkar

murramu dingo; mayarriji kangaroo; yinil 'fear' (b099) + DAT stimulus


The old man followed the dingo tracks to its den and found the little pups hidden inside.

Mukul-dingkar murramu jina wukurrin nyungu bayan-ka, karrkay buban wubul dukurr janka nyajin.

mukul-dingkar murramu jina wukurri-ny nyungu bayan-ka, karrkay buban wubul dukurr janka nyaji-ny | old-man dingo track follow-PAST its den-DAT, child small many inside hidden find-PAST

mukul dingkar murramu jina wukurril bayan karrkay buban dukurr nyajil

murramu dingo; wukurri-l follow; dukurr inside (b102)


The boss of the young men told them to go and hunt the kangaroo before the sun rose over the hills.

Maja warru-warru-nka balkan, jana balbi-ka dunga-y mayarriji-ka, wungar daka-nya kariku jamba-muny.

maja warru-warru-nka balka-ny, jana balbi-ka dunga-y mayarriji-ka, wungar daka-nya kariku jamba-muny | boss young.man-REDUP-DAT tell-PAST, 3pl hunt-DAT go-IMP kangaroo-DAT, sun climb(rise)-SUB not.yet(before) hill-ABL

maja warru balkal jana balbi dungay mayarriji wungar dakal jamba

maja 'boss' (ex.91); mayarriji kangaroo; daka-l 'rise' (b103)


He killed the wallaby with one throw, made a thorough job of it, and carried it home proudly.

Nyulu kadar daman nyubun-bu, nguymal yalaman, bayan-ka wundin jiba-ngulkurr-jirr.

nyulu kadar dama-ny nyubun-bu, nguymal yalama-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny jiba-ngulkurr-jirr | 3sg wallaby spear-PAST one-INST, thoroughly do-PAST, camp-DAT carry-PAST liver-good-COMIT(proud)

nyulu kadar damal nyubun nguymal yalamal bayan wundil jiba-ngulkurr

kadar wallaby; dama-l spear, nguymal thoroughly (ex.192); COMIT jiba-ngulkurr-jirr 'proud'


As a child I used to eat kangaroo, wallaby, possum, and echidna, all cooked in the hot coals.

Ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya mayarriji, kadar, yawa, ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-n, narmba ngunjil-ba wajun.

ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya mayarriji, kadar, yawa, ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-ny, narmba ngunjil-ba waju-ny | 1sg child-ERG-ADV meat kangaroo wallaby possum echidna eat-HABIT-PAST, all charcoal-LOC cook-PAST

ngayu karrkay minya mayarriji kadar yawa ngangkin nukal ngunjil wajul

⭐all four macropod/game correct; nuka-l-nuka-ny habitual (ex.203)


The kangaroo meat is good and lean, but the possum is fat and sweet in the cold season.

Mayarriji minya ngulkurr, yamba yawa wandul jiba-wulay ngiki-wungar-a.

mayarriji minya ngulkurr, yamba yawa wandul jiba-wulay ngiki-wungar-a | kangaroo meat good, but possum fat sweet cold-season-LOC

mayarriji minya ngulkurr yawa wandul jiba-wulay ngiki wungar

mayarriji kangaroo, yawa possum; wandul fat, jiba-wulay sweet (b095)


The two old men sat by the fire and talked all night about where the kangaroos were feeding.

Mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bundan, kuku balka-l-balka-n wujurr wubulku, wanja mayarriji nukal.

mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bunda-ny, kuku balka-l-balka-ny wujurr wubul-ku, wanja mayarriji nukal | old-man two fire near sit-PAST, talk tell-REDUP-PAST night all, where kangaroo eat

mukul dingkar jambul baya bundal kuku balkal wujurr wanja mayarriji

mayarriji kangaroo; balka-l-balka-n 'talked and talked' (b101); wanja 'where'


The young hunter with a strong spear brought back a big grey kangaroo and shared its meat with all.

Warru balbi-bama kalka junkurr-jirr julmbanu yalbay wundin, minya narmba-nka dajin.

warru balbi-bama kalka junkurr-jirr julmbanu yalbay wundi-ny, minya narmba-nka daji-ny | young.man hunter spear strength-COMIT grey.kangaroo big carry-PAST, meat all-DAT give-PAST

warru balbi bama kalka junkurr julmbanu yalbay wundil minya dajil

julmbanu grey kangaroo; COMIT kalka junkurr-jirr 'with a strong spear' (b104)


The dingo took the wallaby meat we had left by the fire, and ran off into the dark scrub with it.

Murramu minya kadar bama-ngku baya ngundu nanda-nya manin, madja ngungul-ka wanarrin.

murramu minya kadar bama-ngku baya ngundu nanda-nya mani-ny, madja ngungul-ka wanarri-ny | dingo meat wallaby person-ERG fire near leave-SUB take-PAST, scrub dark-DAT run.REDUP-PAST

murramu minya kadar bama baya ngundu nanda manil madja wanarri

murramu dingo, kadar wallaby; wanarri 'run off' (b100)


The kangaroo, the wallaby, and the tree kangaroo all belong to this country and its old stories.

Mayarriji, kadar, jarrabina, narmba yala bubu-mu, kuku mukul-mu.

mayarriji, kadar, jarrabina, narmba yala bubu-mu, kuku mukul-mu | kangaroo wallaby tree.kangaroo, all here country-POSS, story old-POSS

mayarriji kadar jarrabina narmba yala bubu kuku mukul

⭐mayarriji/kadar/jarrabina — the three macropods correct; kuku 'story' (b101)


The big kangaroo stood up tall, looked all around, and then hopped away down across the plain.

Mayarriji yalbay wandin janay, murru-murru nyaji-l, bada dungan bubu-burr.

mayarriji yalbay wandi-ny janay, murru-murru nyaji-l, bada dunga-ny bubu-burr | kangaroo big get.up-PAST stand, round-round look, down go-PAST ground-PERL

mayarriji yalbay wandil janay murru nyajil bada dungay bubu

S=ABSOLUTIVE (mayarriji, no ERG); all intransitive verbs


The old man is sitting quietly by the fire, and the little children are sleeping in the warm camp.

Mukul-dingkar janka bundan baya ngundu, karrkay-karrkay buban warngku wuna bayan wumbul-ba.

mukul-dingkar janka bunda-ny baya ngundu, karrkay-karrkay buban warngku wuna bayan wumbul-ba | old-man quietly sit-PAST fire near, child-REDUP small sleep lie camp warm-LOC

mukul dingkar janka bundal baya ngundu karrkay buban warngku wunay

S=ABS (mukul-dingkar, karrkay-karrkay); intransitive sit/sleep


The two young men walked all day up the river and came back to the camp at dark.

Warru jambul wungar wubulku wangkar wawubaja jilban, bayan-ka nyunban wujurr-ba.

warru jambul wungar wubul-ku wangkar wawubaja jilba-ny, bayan-ka nyunba-ny wujurr-ba | young.man two day all up river walk-PAST, camp-DAT return-PAST dark-LOC

warru jambul wungar wubul wangkar wawubaja jilba bayan nyunbay wujurr

S=ABS (warru jambul); intransitive walk/return


The bright sun rose slowly over the hills, and the day soon became hot and dry.

Wungar balbal daka buban-buban jamba-muny, wungar niji wumbul-ma-n marral.

wungar balbal daka buban-buban jamba-muny, wungar niji wumbul-ma-ny marral | sun bright climb(rise) slowly hill-ABL, day now hot-INCHO-PAST dry

wungar balbal dakal jamba niji wumbul marral

S=ABS (wungar); daka-l 'rise' (b103), wumbul-ma-l 'become hot' INCHO


The frightened bird flew up into the tall tree and sat there calling in the cold dawn.

Buyi yini-yini juku kalbay wangkar marra-warrin, yinyay bundan yirrka-l wunkuwingku ngiki-ba.

buyi yini-yini juku kalbay wangkar marra-warri-ny, yinyay bunda-ny yirrka-l wunkuwingku ngiki-ba | bird frightened tree tall up fly-PAST, there sit-PAST call morning cold-LOC

buyi yini-yini juku kalbay wangkar marra-warri yinyay bundal yirrkal wunkuwingku

S=ABS (buyi); intransitive fly/sit; marra-warri fly (b103)


The river runs down from the high country to the wide sea through the deep, dark scrub.

Wawubaja bada wanarri bubu wangkar-muny jalun kalbay-ka, madja ngungul dajali-burr.

wawubaja bada wanarri bubu wangkar-muny jalun kalbay-ka, madja ngungul dajali-burr | river down run country high-ABL sea wide-DAT, scrub dark deep-PERL

wawubaja bada wanarri bubu wangkar jalun kalbay madja ngungul dajali

S=ABS (wawubaja); intransitive run; wanarri 'keep running' (b100)


The old woman is crying quietly in the dark, for her good husband died last cold season.

Mukul-jalbu janka badi ngungul-ba, nyungu dingkar ngulkurr wula ngiki-wungar kalbay-muny.

mukul-jalbu janka badi ngungul-ba, nyungu dingkar ngulkurr wula ngiki-wungar kalbay-muny | old-woman quietly cry dark-LOC, her man good die cold-season long-ABL

mukul jalbu janka badil ngungul nyungu dingkar ngulkurr wulal ngiki

S=ABS (mukul-jalbu, dingkar); intransitive cry/die; badi 'cry' (b101), wula-l die (b099)


The little child is laughing and jumping around the warm fire in the cool evening.

Karrkay buban yajarri-l jalama-l-jalama-l baya wumbul murru-murru wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba.

karrkay buban yajarri-l jalama-l-jalama-l baya wumbul murru-murru wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba | child small laugh jump-REDUP fire warm round-round(around) night-INCHO-SUB(evening) cool-LOC

karrkay buban yajarril jalamal baya wumbul murru wujurr ngiki

S=ABS (karrkay); intransitive laugh/jump; jalama-l-jalama-l intensive (b103)


The two old people are talking quietly together all night about the country and the old stories.

Mukul-bama jambul janka balka-wa wujurr wubulku, bubu-ka kuku mukul-ka.

mukul-bama jambul janka balka-wa wujurr wubul-ku, bubu-ka kuku mukul-ka | old-people two quietly talk-RECIP night all, country-DAT story old-DAT

mukul bama jambul janka balka wujurr wubul bubu kuku

S=ABS (mukul-bama); balka-wa 'talk to each other' RECIP (intransitive)


The strong young hunter came back from the north, walked up the beach, and sat down by the fire.

Warru balbi-bama junkurr kungkarr-muny kadan, jukar wangkar jilban, baya ngundu bundan.

warru balbi-bama junkurr kungkarr-muny kada-ny, jukar wangkar jilba-ny, baya ngundu bunda-ny | young.man hunter strong north-ABL come-PAST, beach up walk-PAST, fire near sit-PAST

warru balbi bama junkurr kungkarr kaday jukar wangkar jilba bundal

S=ABS (warru balbi-bama); intransitive come/walk/sit; kungkarr-muny 'from north' (b102)


The man killed the wallaby with one thorough throw of his long spear on the open plain.

Dingkar-angka kadar kunin nguymal, kalka kalbay-bu nyubun-bu bubu ngalkal-ba.

dingkar-angka kadar kuni-ny nguymal, kalka kalbay-bu nyubun-bu bubu ngalkal-ba | man-ERG:pt wallaby hit/kill-PAST thoroughly, spear long-INST one-INST ground open-LOC

dingkar kadar kunil nguymal kalka kalbay nyubun bubu ngalkal

⭐A=ERG:pt (dingkar-angka), O=ABS (kadar), INST (kalka-bu); ex.192 kadar kuni-ny nguymal


The old woman cut up the kangaroo meat and gave it out to all the hungry children by the fire.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku minya mayarriji yakan, karrkay-karrkay dakwuy narmba-nka dajin baya ngundu.

mukul-jalbu-ngku minya mayarriji yaka-ny, karrkay-karrkay dakwuy narmba-nka daji-ny baya ngundu | old-woman-ERG:pt meat kangaroo cut-PAST, child-REDUP hungry all-DAT give-PAST fire near

mukul jalbu minya mayarriji yakal karrkay dakwuy narmba dajil baya

⭐A=ERG:pt (mukul-jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (minya); recipient=DAT (karrkay-nka)


The dog bit the little boy's hand hard, and the frightened child cried out loudly in the camp.

Kaya-ngka karrkay buban mara baykan junkurr, karrkay yini-yini yirrkan yalbay bayan-ba.

kaya-ngka karrkay buban mara bayka-ny junkurr, karrkay yini-yini yirrka-ny yalbay bayan-ba | dog-ERG:pt child small hand bite-PAST hard, child frightened shout-PAST big(loud) camp-LOC

kaya karrkay buban mara baykal junkurr yini-yini yirrkal bayan

⭐A=ERG:pt (kaya-ngka), O=ABS (mara); then S=ABS (karrkay) intransitive cry


The grandfather taught the young men the true old law of the country long, long ago.

Kami-ngka warru-warru kuku mukul yukil bubu-mu balkan kalbay-muny.

kami-ngka warru-warru kuku mukul yukil bubu-mu balka-ny kalbay-muny | grandfather-ERG:pt young.man-REDUP word old true country-POSS tell-PAST long.ago-ABL

kami warru kuku mukul yukil bubu balkal kalbay

⭐A=ERG:pt (kami-ngka), O=ABS (kuku); addressee=DAT understood; kuku 'law' (b101)


The echidna dug into the hard ground quickly with its strong claws when the dingo came near.

Ngangkin-angka bubu junkurr bakan buyun-buyun mara junkurr-bu, murramu ngundu kada-nya.

ngangkin-angka bubu junkurr baka-ny buyun-buyun mara junkurr-bu, murramu ngundu kada-nya | echidna-ERG:pt ground hard dig-PAST quickly hand(claw) strong-INST, dingo near come-SUB

ngangkin bubu junkurr baka-l mara murramu ngundu kaday

⭐A=ERG:pt (ngangkin-angka l.1614), O=ABS (bubu), INST (mara-bu); murramu dingo


The two women carried the water back to the camp in a big bark container held in their hands.

Jalbu-ngku jambul bana wundin bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, mara-bu karrba-l.

jalbu-ngku jambul bana wundi-ny bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, mara-bu karrba-l | woman-ERG:pt two water carry-PAST camp-DAT bark big-LOC, hand-INST hold

jalbu jambul bana wundil bayan dakil yalbay mara karrbal

A=ERG:pt (jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (bana), INST (mara-bu); dakil 'bark' (b091)


The mother called the sleeping children and told them to come quickly to the morning fire.

Ngamu-ngku karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-nya yirrkan, balkan jana kada-y buyun-buyun baya-ka.

ngamu-ngku karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-nya yirrka-ny, balka-ny jana kada-y buyun-buyun baya-ka | mother-ERG:pt child-REDUP sleep lie-SUB call-PAST, tell-PAST 3pl come-IMP quickly fire-DAT

ngamu karrkay warngku wunay yirrkal balkal jana kaday baya

A=ERG:pt (ngamu-ngku), O=ABS (karrkay); jana '3pl' addressee


The hunter speared the big grey kangaroo, and the strong young men carried it home to the camp.

Balbi-bama-ngka julmbanu yalbay daman, warru-ngku junkurr bayan-ka wundin.

balbi-bama-ngka julmbanu yalbay dama-ny, warru-ngku junkurr bayan-ka wundi-ny | hunter-ERG:pt grey.kangaroo big spear-PAST, young.man-ERG:pt strong camp-DAT carry-PAST

balbi bama julmbanu yalbay damal warru junkurr bayan wundil

⭐A=ERG:pt (balbi-bama-ngka, warru-ngku), O=ABS (julmbanu); dama-l spear (b105)


The old man made a strong new spear from the hard wood by the fire in the evening.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kalka junkurr jirakal bungal juku junkurr-bu baya ngundu wujurr-ma-nya.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka junkurr jirakal bunga-l juku junkurr-bu baya ngundu wujurr-ma-nya | old-man-ERG:pt spear strong new make wood hard-INST fire near night-INCHO-SUB(evening)

mukul dingkar kalka junkurr jirakal bungal juku baya ngundu

A=ERG:pt (mukul-dingkar-angka), O=ABS (kalka), INST (juku-bu); jirakal 'new'


The little girl gathered the sweet ripe fruit and put it into her small dilly bag by the tree.

Maral-angka mayi kulbul jiba-wulay bangkan, ngunyin buban-ba nanda juku ngundu.

maral-angka mayi kulbul jiba-wulay bangka-ny, ngunyin buban-ba nanda juku ngundu | girl-ERG:pt fruit ripe sweet gather-PAST, dilly.bag small-LOC put tree near

maral mayi kulbul jiba-wulay bangkal ngunyin buban nanda juku

⭐A=ERG:pt (maral-angka l.965), O=ABS (mayi); bangka-l gather, nanda-l put


The dingo chased the frightened wallaby down the hill and across the shallow, muddy creek.

Murramu-ngku kadar yini-yini kangan bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka.

murramu-ngku kadar yini-yini kanga-ny bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka | dingo-ERG:pt wallaby frightened chase-PAST down hill-ABL across creek muddy-DAT

murramu kadar yini-yini kangal bada jamba naka-naka wawubaja buyun

⭐A=ERG:pt (murramu-ngku), O=ABS (kadar); kanga-l chase (b103)


The women wove the strong dilly bags from the lawyer cane by the fire in the cool evening.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngku ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku-muny baya ngundu wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku ngunyin junkurr bunga-l kaku-muny baya ngundu wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba | woman-REDUP-ERG:pt dilly.bag strong make lawyer.cane-ABL fire near night-INCHO-SUB cool-LOC

jalbu ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku baya ngundu ngiki

A=ERG:pt (jalbu-jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (ngunyin); kaku 'lawyer cane' (b094)


The old man speared two big fish in the cool clear water with his long, sharp spear.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kuyu yalbay jambul daman bana ngiki-ba, kalka kalbay-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka kuyu yalbay jambul dama-ny bana ngiki-ba, kalka kalbay-bu | old-man-ERG:pt fish big two spear-PAST water cool-LOC, spear long-INST

mukul dingkar kuyu yalbay jambul damal bana ngiki kalka kalbay

A=ERG:pt (mukul-dingkar-angka), O=ABS (kuyu), INST (kalka-bu)


The angry man hit the dog hard with a heavy stick, and it ran off crying into the scrub.

Dingkar-angka kuli-ji kaya kunin junkurr juku kulngkul-bu, kaya badi wanarrin madja-ka.

dingkar-angka kuli-ji kaya kuni-ny junkurr juku kulngkul-bu, kaya badi wanarri-ny madja-ka | man-ERG:pt anger-COMIT dog hit-PAST hard stick heavy-INST, dog cry run.REDUP-PAST scrub-DAT

dingkar kuli kaya kunil junkurr juku kulngkul badil wanarri madja

A=ERG:pt (dingkar-angka), O=ABS (kaya), INST (juku-bu); kuni-l hit (b105)


The old woman caught the little bandicoot in the long grass and carried it back to the camp.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku kulngu buban manin jikan kalbay-mba, bayan-ka wundin.

mukul-jalbu-ngku kulngu buban mani-ny jikan kalbay-mba, bayan-ka wundi-ny | old-woman-ERG:pt bandicoot small catch-PAST grass long-LOC, camp-DAT carry-PAST

mukul jalbu kulngu buban manil jikan kalbay bayan wundil

A=ERG:pt (mukul-jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (kulngu); mani 'catch' (b105)


The spirit of the dead man frightened the young hunter in the dark scrub late at night.

Dubu-ngku dingkar wula-nya-mu warru balbi-bama yararri-mani-n madja ngungul-ba wujurr-ba.

dubu-ngku dingkar wula-nya-mu warru balbi-bama yararri-mani-ny madja ngungul-ba wujurr-ba | spirit-ERG:pt man die-SUB-POSS young.man hunter afraid-CAUS-PAST scrub dark-LOC night-LOC

dubu dingkar wulal warru balbi bama yararri madja ngungul wujurr

⭐A=ERG:pt (dubu-ngku, spirit is potent), O=ABS (warru); yararri-mani-l 'frighten' CAUS (b099)


The old people gave the young men the sacred law and the true old stories of the country.

Mukul-bama-ngku warru-warru kuku yirmbal-mu, kuku mukul yukil bubu-mu dajin.

mukul-bama-ngku warru-warru kuku yirmbal-mu, kuku mukul yukil bubu-mu daji-ny | old-people-ERG:pt young.man-REDUP word sacred-POSS, word old true country-POSS give-PAST

mukul bama warru kuku yirmbal yukil bubu dajil

A=ERG:pt (mukul-bama-ngku), O=ABS (kuku); daji-l give, yirmbal 'sacred' (b102)


The big crocodile seized the dog at the water's edge and dragged it down into the deep river.

Bilngkumu-ngku kaya bana ngundu manin, bada wundin wawubaja dajali-ka.

bilngkumu-ngku kaya bana ngundu mani-ny, bada wundi-ny wawubaja dajali-ka | crocodile-ERG:pt dog water near seize-PAST, down drag-PAST river deep-DAT

bilngkumu kaya bana ngundu manil bada wundil wawubaja dajali

⭐A=ERG:pt (bilngkumu-ngku), O=ABS (kaya); mani 'seize', wundi-l 'drag' (b103)


The hunter killed the wallaby with his long spear, not with the small throwing stick.

Balbi-bama-ngka kadar kunin kalka kalbay-bu, kari juku buban-bu.

balbi-bama-ngka kadar kuni-ny kalka kalbay-bu, kari juku buban-bu | hunter-ERG:pt wallaby kill-PAST spear long-INST, NEG stick small-INST

balbi bama kadar kunil kalka kalbay juku buban

⭐INST -bu: kalka-bu 'with a spear' vs juku-bu 'with a stick'; kalka-bu vowel-final -bu


The old woman dug the yams out of the hard ground with a strong wooden digging stick.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku wukay bubu junkurr-muny bakan juku junkurr-bu.

mukul-jalbu-ngku wukay bubu junkurr-muny baka-ny juku junkurr-bu | old-woman-ERG:pt yam ground hard-ABL dig-PAST wood strong-INST

mukul jalbu wukay bubu junkurr baka-l juku

INST juku-bu 'with a stick'; A=ERG:pt, O=ABS (wukay); baka-l dig


She carried the water home from the river in a big bark container held in both her hands.

Nyulu bana wawubaja-muny wundin bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, mara jambul-bu karrba-l.

nyulu bana wawubaja-muny wundi-ny bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, mara jambul-bu karrba-l | 3sg water river-ABL carry-PAST camp-DAT bark big-LOC, hand two-INST hold

nyulu bana wawubaja wundil bayan dakil yalbay mara jambul karrbal

INST mara jambul-bu 'with two hands'; nyulu 3sg (pronoun, no ERG)


The man cut up the meat with a sharp stone and cooked it in the hot coals of the fire.

Dingkar-angka minya yakan kulji-bu, wajun baya ngunjil wumbul-ba.

dingkar-angka minya yaka-ny kulji-bu, waju-ny baya ngunjil wumbul-ba | man-ERG:pt meat cut-PAST stone-INST, cook-PAST fire charcoal hot-LOC

dingkar minya yakal kulji wajul baya ngunjil wumbul

⭐INST kulji-bu 'with a stone'; A=ERG:pt, O=ABS (minya); waju-l cook (b098)


The old man made fire with two dry sticks, rubbing them fast and hard together in the morning.

Mukul-dingkar-angka baya bungal juku marral jambul-bu, buyun-buyun junkurr murnin wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar-angka baya bunga-l juku marral jambul-bu, buyun-buyun junkurr murni-ny wunkuwingku | old-man-ERG:pt fire make wood dry two-INST, quickly hard rub-PAST morning

mukul dingkar baya bungal juku marral jambul murni wunkuwingku

INST juku ... jambul-bu 'with two sticks'; murni-l 'rub' (b100)


He speared the two big fish with one good throw of his long, sharp fishing spear.

Nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul daman nyubun-bu, kalka kalbay kuyu-mu-bu.

nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul dama-ny nyubun-bu, kalka kalbay kuyu-mu-bu | 3sg fish big two spear-PAST one-INST, spear long fish-POSS-INST

nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul damal nyubun kalka kalbay

INST nyubun-bu 'with one throw', kalka-bu 'with a spear'; nyulu 3sg (no ERG)


The woman ground the hard seeds into meal on the big flat grinding stone by the camp.

Jalbu-ngku mayi junkurr murnin kulji yalbay-bu bayan ngundu.

jalbu-ngku mayi junkurr murni-ny kulji yalbay-bu bayan ngundu | woman-ERG:pt food(seed) hard grind-PAST stone big-INST camp near

jalbu mayi junkurr murni kulji yalbay bayan ngundu

INST kulji yalbay-bu 'with a big stone'; murni-l 'grind' (b100)


The dog killed the big black goanna by the roots of the tree in the hot midday sun.

Kaya-ngka walkarr yalbay kunin juku bada-nga, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga.

kaya-ngka walkarr yalbay kuni-ny juku bada-nga, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga | dog-ERG:pt goanna big kill-PAST tree down-LOC(under), sun hot middle-LOC

kaya walkarr yalbay kunil juku bada wungar wumbul dindarra

A=ERG:pt (kaya-ngka), O=ABS (walkarr); walkarr 'black goanna' (l.1614)


The old woman killed the long snake with a heavy stick and threw it away into the grass.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku jarba kalbay kunin juku kulngkul-bu, jikan-ka bunjan.

mukul-jalbu-ngku jarba kalbay kuni-ny juku kulngkul-bu, jikan-ka bunja-ny | old-woman-ERG:pt snake long kill-PAST stick heavy-INST, grass-DAT throw-PAST

mukul jalbu jarba kalbay kunil juku kulngkul jikan

⭐INST juku kulngkul-bu 'with a heavy stick'; jarba 'snake' (b089)


They made the big fire with dry bark and dry wood in the cold, dark evening.

Jana baya yalbay bungal dakil marral-bu juku marral-bu wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba.

jana baya yalbay bunga-l dakil marral-bu juku marral-bu wujurr-ma-nya ngiki-ba | 3pl fire big make bark dry-INST wood dry-INST night-INCHO-SUB(evening) cold-LOC

jana baya yalbay bungal dakil marral juku wujurr ngiki

⭐INST dakil-bu / juku-bu; jana '3pl' = A but PRONOUN takes NO ERG (jana)


I saw the big kangaroo out on the plain, but the man with the spear did not see me at all.

Ngayu mayarriji yalbay nyajin bubu-ba, yamba dingkar kalka-jirr-angka nganya kari nyajin.

ngayu mayarriji yalbay nyaji-ny bubu-ba, yamba dingkar kalka-jirr-angka nganya kari nyaji-ny | 1sg.NOM kangaroo big see-PAST ground-LOC, but man spear-COMIT-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC NEG see-PAST

ngayu mayarriji yalbay nyajil bubu dingkar kalka nganya

⭐THE SPLIT: pronoun A=ngayu(NOM, no ERG) / O=nganya(ACC); noun A=dingkar-angka(ERG:pt)


The man saw me by the fire in the dark, but I did not see that man at all.

Dingkar-angka nganya nyajin baya ngundu ngungul-ba, yamba ngayu yinya dingkar kari nyajin.

dingkar-angka nganya nyaji-ny baya ngundu ngungul-ba, yamba ngayu yinya dingkar kari nyaji-ny | man-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC see-PAST fire near dark-LOC, but 1sg.NOM that man NEG see-PAST

dingkar nganya nyajil baya ngundu ngungul ngayu yinya

⭐noun A=dingkar-angka(ERG) + pron O=nganya(ACC); pron A=ngayu(NOM) + noun O=dingkar(ABS)


We two saw the big grey kangaroo on the plain, and the old man speared it with one throw.

Ngali julmbanu yalbay nyajin bubu-ba, mukul-dingkar-angka daman nyubun-bu.

ngali julmbanu yalbay nyaji-ny bubu-ba, mukul-dingkar-angka dama-ny nyubun-bu | 1du.NOM grey.kangaroo big see-PAST ground-LOC, old-man-ERG:pt spear-PAST one-INST

ngali julmbanu yalbay nyajil bubu mukul dingkar damal nyubun

⭐pron A=ngali(1du NOM, no ERG) vs noun A=mukul-dingkar-angka(ERG:pt)


They killed the wallaby and shared the good meat out to all the people in the camp.

Jana kadar kunin, minya ngulkurr bama narmba-nka dajin bayan-ba.

jana kadar kuni-ny, minya ngulkurr bama narmba-nka daji-ny bayan-ba | 3pl.NOM wallaby kill-PAST, meat good person all-DAT give-PAST camp-LOC

jana kadar kunil minya ngulkurr bama narmba dajil bayan

⭐pron A=jana(3pl NOM, NO ERG), O=ABS (kadar); recipient=DAT (bama narmba-nka)


The dog bit me on the hand, but I did not hit the dog with my walking stick.

Kaya-ngka nganya mara baykan, yamba ngayu kaya kari kunin ngayku juku-bu.

kaya-ngka nganya mara bayka-ny, yamba ngayu kaya kari kuni-ny ngayku juku-bu | dog-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC hand bite-PAST, but 1sg.NOM dog NEG hit-PAST my stick-INST

kaya nganya mara baykal ngayu kunil ngayku juku

⭐noun A=kaya-ngka(ERG)+pron O=nganya(ACC); pron A=ngayu(NOM)+noun O=kaya(ABS)+INST juku-bu


You gave me the sweet ripe fruit, and I gave the good fish to the old man by the fire.

Yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya dajin, ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul-dingkar-anda dajin.

yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya daji-ny, ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul-dingkar-anda daji-ny | 2sg.NOM fruit ripe sweet 1sg.ACC(recipient) give-PAST, 1sg.NOM fish good old-man-LOC:pt give-PAST

yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya dajil ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul

recipient of give = nganya(1sg) / mukul-dingkar-anda(noun LOC:pt); pron A=yundu/ngayu(NOM)


The old woman told the children the true story of the country long ago in the cold season.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka kuku yukil bubu-mu balkan kalbay-muny ngiki-wungar-a.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka kuku yukil bubu-mu balka-ny kalbay-muny ngiki-wungar-a | old-woman-ERG:pt child-REDUP-DAT word true country-POSS tell-PAST long.ago-ABL cold-season-LOC

mukul jalbu karrkay kuku yukil bubu balkal kalbay ngiki wungar

A=ERG:pt (mukul-jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (kuku), addressee=DAT (karrkay-nka)


I am walking down to the water, and my old father is following me along the sandy track.

Ngayu bana-ka bada jilba, ngayku mukul nganjan-angka nganya wukurri jina-burr.

ngayu bana-ka bada jilba, ngayku mukul nganjan-angka nganya wukurri jina-burr | 1sg.NOM water-DAT down walk, my old father-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC follow track-PERL

ngayu bana bada jilba ngayku mukul nganjan nganya wukurril jina

⭐pron S=ngayu(NOM); noun A=nganjan-angka(ERG:pt)+pron O=nganya(ACC); nganjan 'father' (b094)


I see the big grey kangaroo on the plain, but the kangaroo does not see me in the long grass.

Ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyaji-l bubu-ba, yamba julmbanu-ngku nganya kari nyaji-l jikan kalbay-mba.

ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyaji-l bubu-ba, yamba julmbanu-ngku nganya kari nyaji-l jikan kalbay-mba | 1sg.NOM grey.kangaroo big see ground-LOC, but grey.kangaroo-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC NEG see grass long-LOC

ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyajil bubu nganya jikan kalbay

⭐pron A=ngayu(NOM) vs noun A=julmbanu-ngku(ERG:pt, animal is potent); O=nganya(ACC)


The dog saw the little bird in the grass and chased it up into the tall, dark tree.

Kaya-ngka buyi buban nyajin jikan-ba, kangan juku kalbay ngungul wangkar.

kaya-ngka buyi buban nyaji-ny jikan-ba, kanga-ny juku kalbay ngungul wangkar | dog-ERG:pt bird small see-PAST grass-LOC, chase-PAST tree tall dark up

kaya buyi buban nyajil jikan kangal juku kalbay ngungul wangkar

A=ERG:pt (kaya-ngka), O=ABS (buyi buban); kanga-l chase (b103)


The spirit frightened me in the dark scrub, and I ran quickly back to the warm fire.

Dubu-ngku nganya yararri-mani-n madja ngungul-ba, ngayu buyun-buyun nyunban baya wumbul-ka.

dubu-ngku nganya yararri-mani-ny madja ngungul-ba, ngayu buyun-buyun nyunba-ny baya wumbul-ka | spirit-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC afraid-CAUS-PAST scrub dark-LOC, 1sg.NOM quickly return-PAST fire warm-DAT

dubu nganya yararri madja ngungul ngayu nyunbay baya wumbul

⭐noun A=dubu-ngku(ERG:pt)+pron O=nganya(ACC); pron S=ngayu(NOM); yararri-mani-l frighten (b099)


The two old men made the big fire, and the women cooked the meat in the hot coals of it.

Mukul-dingkar-angka jambul baya yalbay bungal, jalbu-ngku minya wajun ngunjil wumbul-ba.

mukul-dingkar-angka jambul baya yalbay bunga-l, jalbu-ngku minya waju-ny ngunjil wumbul-ba | old-man-ERG:pt two fire big make, woman-ERG:pt meat cook-PAST charcoal hot-LOC

mukul dingkar jambul baya yalbay bungal jalbu minya wajul ngunjil

⭐two clean transitives: A=ERG:pt (mukul-dingkar-angka, jalbu-ngku), O=ABS (baya, minya)


The old man made a long, straight spear from the hard wood and fitted a sharp stone spear-head to it.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kalka kalbay jinbal bungal juku junkurr-bu, biyul kulji nanda.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka kalbay jinbal bunga-l juku junkurr-bu, biyul kulji nanda | old-man-ERG:pt spear long straight make wood hard-INST, spear.head stone put

mukul dingkar kalka kalbay jinbal bungal juku junkurr biyul kulji

kalka 'spear', biyul 'spear-head'; bunga-l make; A=ERG:pt (b106)


The young hunter threw his spear with the spear-thrower and struck the big kangaroo out on the plain.

Warru balbi-bama kalka daman balur-ubu, mayarriji yalbay kunin bubu ngalkal-ba.

warru balbi-bama kalka dama-ny balur-ubu, mayarriji yalbay kuni-ny bubu ngalkal-ba | young.man hunter spear throw-PAST spear.thrower-INST, kangaroo big strike-PAST ground open-LOC

warru balbi bama kalka damal balur mayarriji yalbay kunil bubu

balur 'spear-thrower' (INST balur-ubu, single-r -Vbu); dama-l throw (ex.629)


The men carried their spears, their boomerangs, and their shields when they went to meet the other people.

Dingkar-angka kalka, wangal, kunjuri wundin, jana bama yindu-ka dungan.

dingkar-angka kalka, wangal, kunjuri wundi-ny, jana bama yindu-ka dunga-ny | man-ERG:pt spear boomerang shield carry-PAST, 3pl person other-DAT go-PAST

dingkar kalka wangal kunjuri wundil jana bama yindu dungay

wangal 'boomerang', kunjuri 'shield'; jana '3pl'; yindu 'other' (b098)


The boomerang flew fast and straight through the air, and it came back to the young man's hand.

Wangal warri bajaku jinbal wangkar-wangkar, warru-mu mara-ka nyunban.

wangal warri bajaku jinbal wangkar-wangkar, warru-mu mara-ka nyunba-ny | boomerang go(fly) fast straight above, young.man-POSS hand-DAT return-PAST

wangal warri jinbal wangkar warru mara nyunbay

wangal 'boomerang'; nyunba-y 'come back' (b103); mara 'hand'


The shield is made from the light wood of the fig tree, and it guards the man from the flying spears.

Kunjuri juku balbal-muny bungal, kalka-muny dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-l.

kunjuri juku balbal-muny bunga-l, kalka-muny dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-l | shield wood light-ABL make, spear-ABL man guard(watch-over)

kunjuri juku balbal bungal kalka dingkar nyajil

kunjuri 'shield'; balbal 'light/pale'; nyaji-l-nyaji-l 'guard' (b100)


The old man fitted the sharp stone head onto the wooden spear-shaft and bound it tight with strong cord.

Mukul-dingkar-angka biyul kulji kalka juku-ka nanda, kajan junkurr karra junkurr-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka biyul kulji kalka juku-ka nanda, kaja-ny junkurr karra junkurr-bu | old-man-ERG:pt spear.head stone spear wood-DAT put, tie-PAST tight cord strong-INST

mukul dingkar biyul kulji kalka juku nanda kajal karra junkurr

⭐kaja-l 'tie/wrap' (l.5037); biyul spear-head, karra 'cord/rope'


The two young men practised throwing their spears at the soft bark target all through the long morning.

Warru jambul kalka daman-daman dakil buban-ka wunkuwingku wubulku.

warru jambul kalka dama-ny-daman dakil buban-ka wunkuwingku wubul-ku | young.man two spear throw-REDUP bark soft-DAT morning all

warru jambul kalka damal dakil buban wunkuwingku wubul

dama-l throw (repeated=practise); dakil 'bark' (b091) as target


A good spear-thrower sends the spear flying far and straight, not like the bare hand alone.

Balur ngulkurr-bu kalka kala-kalbay marra-warri jinbal, mara nyubun-bu kari yala.

balur ngulkurr-bu kalka kala-kalbay marra-warri jinbal, mara nyubun-bu kari yala | spear.thrower good-INST spear far fly straight, hand one-INST NEG like

balur ngulkurr kalka kala-kalbay marra-warri jinbal mara nyubun

balur 'spear-thrower' INST; marra-warri fly (b103)


The hunter speared two big fish in the shallow water with his three-pronged fishing spear.

Balbi-bama-ngka kuyu yalbay jambul daman bana buban-ba, kalka kulur-biyul-jirr.

balbi-bama-ngka kuyu yalbay jambul dama-ny bana buban-ba, kalka kulur-biyul-jirr | hunter-ERG:pt fish big two spear-PAST water shallow-LOC, spear three-head-COMIT

balbi bama kuyu yalbay jambul damal bana kalka kulur biyul

kalka kulur-biyul-jirr 'three-headed spear' (kulur 'three' b098 + biyul + COMIT b104)


The old man kept his best spears and his boomerang in the bark shelter out of the heavy rain.

Mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu kalka ngulkurr, wangal, dakil bayan-ba nanda kaba-muny.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu kalka ngulkurr, wangal, dakil bayan-ba nanda kaba-muny | old-man-ERG:pt his spear good boomerang bark shelter-LOC keep rain-ABL

mukul dingkar kalka ngulkurr wangal dakil bayan nanda kaba

kalka/wangal; nanda-l 'keep'; dakil bayan 'bark shelter'; kaba 'rain' (b087)


The club is a heavy weapon of hard wood, used to kill the wounded animal quickly and cleanly.

Mirru juku junkurr kulngkul, minya kaka-jirr kuni-nka buyun-buyun.

mirru juku junkurr kulngkul, minya kaka-jirr kuni-nka buyun-buyun | club wood hard heavy, animal sore-COMIT(wounded) kill-PURP quickly

mirru juku junkurr kulngkul minya kaka kunil

mirru 'club'; COMIT kaka-jirr 'wounded' (kaka 'sore' b102); kuni-l kill (b105)


The young men made new spears and new boomerangs from the hard wood before the big meeting.

Warru-ngku kalka jirakal, wangal jirakal bungal juku junkurr-bu, muru yalbay kariku.

warru-ngku kalka jirakal, wangal jirakal bunga-l juku junkurr-bu, muru yalbay kariku | young.man-ERG:pt spear new boomerang new make wood hard-INST, meeting big not.yet(before)

warru kalka jirakal wangal bungal juku junkurr muru

kalka/wangal; jirakal 'new'; A=ERG:pt (warru-ngku, b106)


He threw the boomerang at the flock of birds, and it knocked two of them down to the ground.

Nyulu wangal daman buyi wubul-ka, jambul bada kunin bubu-ngu.

nyulu wangal dama-ny buyi wubul-ka, jambul bada kuni-ny bubu-ngu | 3sg boomerang throw-PAST bird many-DAT, two down knock-PAST ground-LOC

nyulu wangal damal buyi wubul jambul bada kunil bubu

wangal 'boomerang'; dama-l throw, kuni-l knock; bubu-ngu LOC (u->-ngu)


The hunter crept close through the long grass, held his spear up high, and struck the feeding kangaroo.

Balbi-bama janka jilba jikan kalbay-burr, kalka wangkar karrban, mayarriji nuka-nya daman.

balbi-bama janka jilba jikan kalbay-burr, kalka wangkar karrba-ny, mayarriji nuka-nya dama-ny | hunter quietly walk grass long-PERL, spear up hold-PAST, kangaroo eat-SUB spear-PAST

balbi bama janka jilba jikan kalbay kalka wangkar karrbal mayarriji

kalka; karrba-l hold; dama-l spear; janka 'quietly' (b101)


The spears, the boomerangs, and the shields all belong to the men, and the dilly bags to the women.

Kalka, wangal, kunjuri, narmba dingkar-mu; ngunyin jalbu-mu.

kalka, wangal, kunjuri, narmba dingkar-mu; ngunyin jalbu-mu | spear boomerang shield, all man-POSS; dilly.bag woman-POSS

kalka wangal kunjuri narmba dingkar ngunyin jalbu


The old man taught the young men to throw the spear straight and true with the spear-thrower.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru kalka dama-nka balkan, jinbal nguymal balur-ubu.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru kalka dama-nka balka-ny, jinbal nguymal balur-ubu | old-man-ERG:pt young.man-REDUP spear throw-PURP tell-PAST, straight truly spear.thrower-INST

mukul dingkar warru kalka damal balkal jinbal nguymal balur

balur-ubu INST; dama-nka PURP; nguymal 'truly' (b105)


The old woman wove a strong dilly bag from the lawyer cane to carry the yams and the sweet fruit.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku-muny, wukay mayi jiba-wulay wundi-nka.

mukul-jalbu-ngku ngunyin junkurr bunga-l kaku-muny, wukay mayi jiba-wulay wundi-nka | old-woman-ERG:pt dilly.bag strong make lawyer.cane-ABL, yam fruit sweet carry-PURP

mukul jalbu ngunyin junkurr bungal kaku wukay mayi jiba-wulay wundil

ngunyin 'dilly bag', kaku 'lawyer cane' (b094); bunga-l weave; A=ERG:pt


She filled her dilly bag with sweet ripe fruit and small roots and carried it home on her back.

Nyulu ngunyin mayi kulbul jiba-wulay wukay buban nanda, bayan-ka wundin kudamundu.

nyulu ngunyin mayi kulbul jiba-wulay wukay buban nanda, bayan-ka wundi-ny kudamundu | 3sg dilly.bag fruit ripe sweet yam small put, camp-DAT carry-PAST behind(on.back)

nyulu ngunyin mayi kulbul jiba-wulay wukay buban nanda bayan wundil

ngunyin; nanda-l 'put' (fill); kudamundu 'behind/back' (b102)


The men made strong rope from the inner bark of the tree and twisted it tight with their hands.

Dingkar-angka karra junkurr bungal dakil dukurr-muny, mara-bu junkurr murnin.

dingkar-angka karra junkurr bunga-l dakil dukurr-muny, mara-bu junkurr murni-ny | man-ERG:pt rope strong make bark inside-ABL, hand-INST tight twist-PAST

dingkar karra junkurr bungal dakil dukurr mara murni

karra 'rope'; murni-l 'twist' (b100); INST mara-bu


The women carried the water back to the camp in big bark containers slung on strong rope.

Jalbu-ngku bana wundin bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, karra junkurr-bu karrban.

jalbu-ngku bana wundi-ny bayan-ka dakil yalbay-mba, karra junkurr-bu karrba-ny | woman-ERG:pt water carry-PAST camp-DAT bark big-LOC, rope strong-INST hold-PAST

jalbu bana wundil bayan dakil yalbay karra junkurr karrbal

karra 'rope'; dakil 'bark container'; A=ERG:pt (jalbu-ngku)


The old man set his fish net across the shallow creek and caught many fish in the early morning.

Mukul-dingkar-angka makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda, kuyu wubul manin wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar-angka makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda, kuyu wubul mani-ny wunkuwingku | old-man-ERG:pt fish.net creek small across set, fish many catch-PAST morning

mukul dingkar makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda kuyu wubul manil

makarr 'fish net'; naka-naka 'across' (b102); mani 'catch' (b105)


The little dilly bag is for the small things, but the big one carries the heavy load of yams.

Ngunyin buban minya buban-mu, yamba yalbay wukay kulngkul wundi.

ngunyin buban minya buban-mu, yamba yalbay wukay kulngkul wundi | dilly.bag small thing small-POSS, but big yam heavy carry

ngunyin buban minya yalbay wukay kulngkul wundil

ngunyin 'dilly bag'; kulngkul 'heavy' (b095)


She carried the little baby in a soft bark sling on her hip and the dilly bag upon her back.

Nyulu karrkay buban dakil balbal-ba karrban jandal-ba, ngunyin kudamundu.

nyulu karrkay buban dakil balbal-ba karrba-ny jandal-ba, ngunyin kudamundu | 3sg child small bark light(pliable)-LOC hold-PAST hip(leg)-LOC, dilly.bag behind(on.back)

nyulu karrkay buban dakil balbal karrbal jandal ngunyin kudamundu

dakil 'bark' sling, ngunyin dilly bag; jandal 'leg/hip' (b097)


The men wove the big fish net from strong string, working together for many days by the evening fire.

Dingkar-angka makarr yalbay bungal karra junkurr-bu, muru bungal wungar wubul baya ngundu.

dingkar-angka makarr yalbay bunga-l karra junkurr-bu, muru bunga-l wungar wubul baya ngundu | man-ERG:pt fish.net big make string strong-INST, together make day many fire near

dingkar makarr yalbay bungal karra junkurr muru wungar baya

makarr 'fish net'; karra 'string'; muru 'together'; INST karra-bu


The dilly bag is made by the women, but the spear and the shield are made by the men.

Ngunyin jalbu-ngku bungal, yamba kalka kunjuri dingkar-angka bungal.

ngunyin jalbu-ngku bunga-l, yamba kalka kunjuri dingkar-angka bunga-l | dilly.bag woman-ERG:pt make, but spear shield man-ERG:pt make

ngunyin jalbu bungal kalka kunjuri dingkar

⭐two ERG:pt agents (jalbu-ngku / dingkar-angka, b106); ngunyin/kalka/kunjuri


He tied the sharp stone blade to the wooden handle with tight, strong cord of twisted bark.

Nyulu kulji naybu juku-ka kajan karra junkurr-bu, karra dakil-mu murninmuny.

nyulu kulji naybu juku-ka kaja-ny karra junkurr-bu, karra dakil-mu murni-ny-muny | 3sg stone knife(blade) wood-DAT tie-PAST cord strong-INST, cord bark-POSS twist-PAST-ABL

nyulu kulji naybu juku kajal karra junkurr dakil murni

⭐kaja-l 'tie' (l.5037); naybu 'knife/blade'; karra 'cord'; murni-l twist


The old woman kept the string, the small dilly bags, and the hard stones all in her big carrying bag.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karra, ngunyin buban, kulji junkurr narmba balji yalbay-mba nanda.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karra, ngunyin buban, kulji junkurr narmba balji yalbay-mba nanda | old-woman-ERG:pt string dilly.bag small stone hard all bag big-LOC keep

mukul jalbu karra ngunyin buban kulji narmba balji yalbay nanda

balji 'bag' (ex.77); karra/ngunyin; nanda-l keep


The fish net and the fishing spear are the tools of the men who hunt in the sea and the river.

Makarr kalka kuyu-mu, dingkar balbi-bama-mu jalun wawubaja-nga.

makarr kalka kuyu-mu, dingkar balbi-bama-mu jalun wawubaja-nga | fish.net spear fish-POSS, man hunter-POSS sea river-LOC

makarr kalka kuyu dingkar balbi bama jalun wawubaja

makarr 'fish net', kalka 'fishing spear'; jalun 'sea' (b102)


She wove the dilly bag so tightly the small seeds and the sweet honey would not fall out through it.

Nyulu ngunyin junkurr bungal, mayi buban wunba jiba-wulay kari bada dara-nyaku dukurr-muny.

nyulu ngunyin junkurr bunga-l, mayi buban wunba jiba-wulay kari bada dara-nyaku dukurr-muny | 3sg dilly.bag tight make, seed small honey sweet NEG down fall-IRR inside-ABL

nyulu ngunyin junkurr bungal mayi wunba jiba-wulay dara dukurr

ngunyin; wunba 'honey' (b091); dara-nyaku IRR 'would fall'; dukurr 'inside' (b102)


The men carried the long spears in one hand and the heavy shields in the other, ready for the fight.

Dingkar-angka kalka kalbay mara nyubun-ba karrban, kunjuri kulngkul mara yindu-ngu.

dingkar-angka kalka kalbay mara nyubun-ba karrba-ny, kunjuri kulngkul mara yindu-ngu | man-ERG:pt spear long hand one-LOC hold-PAST, shield heavy hand other-LOC

dingkar kalka kalbay mara nyubun karrbal kunjuri kulngkul yindu

kalka/kunjuri; mara 'hand'; yindu 'other' (b098)


The man cut the meat into pieces with a sharp stone and shared it out among all the people.

Dingkar-angka minya yakan kulji-bu, bama narmba-nka dajin baya ngundu.

dingkar-angka minya yaka-ny kulji-bu, bama narmba-nka daji-ny baya ngundu | man-ERG:pt meat cut-PAST stone-INST, person all-DAT give-PAST fire near

dingkar minya yakal kulji bama narmba dajil baya

INST kulji-bu 'with a stone'; yaka-l cut, daji-l share (b105)


The old man chopped the hard wood with a heavy stone axe to make the shaft of his new spear.

Mukul-dingkar-angka juku junkurr yakan warrbi-bu, kalka jirakal-mu juku bungal.

mukul-dingkar-angka juku junkurr yaka-ny warrbi-bu, kalka jirakal-mu juku bunga-l | old-man-ERG:pt wood hard cut-PAST axe-INST, spear new-POSS wood make

mukul dingkar juku junkurr yakal warrbi kalka jirakal bungal

warrbi 'axe' (INST warrbi-bu); yaka-l chop; jirakal 'new'


She dug the deep hole for the ground oven with a strong, pointed digging stick in the morning.

Nyulu janku dajali bakan bubu-ngu, juwal junkurr-bu wunkuwingku.

nyulu janku dajali baka-ny bubu-ngu, juwal junkurr-bu wunkuwingku | 3sg hole deep dig-PAST ground-LOC, digging.stick strong-INST morning

nyulu janku dajali baka-l bubu juwal junkurr wunkuwingku

⭐juwal 'digging stick' (ex.629 juwal-da); baka-l dig; janku 'hole/waterhole' (b093)


The old man made a big warm fire with a dry firestick in the cold, dark early morning.

Mukul-dingkar-angka baya yalbay wumbul bungal jidi marral-bu, ngiki ngungul wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar-angka baya yalbay wumbul bunga-l jidi marral-bu, ngiki ngungul wunkuwingku | old-man-ERG:pt fire big warm make firestick dry-INST, cold dark morning

mukul dingkar baya yalbay wumbul bungal jidi marral ngiki wunkuwingku

jidi 'firestick/torch'; baya bunga-l 'make fire' (kaja-l='tie' NOT light)


The women ground the hard seeds into meal on a big flat grinding stone by the morning fire.

Jalbu-ngku mayi junkurr murnin kulji yalbay-bu, baya ngundu wunkuwingku.

jalbu-ngku mayi junkurr murni-ny kulji yalbay-bu, baya ngundu wunkuwingku | woman-ERG:pt food(seed) hard grind-PAST stone big-INST, fire near morning

jalbu mayi junkurr murni kulji yalbay baya wunkuwingku

INST kulji yalbay-bu 'grinding stone'; murni-l 'grind' (b100)


With a sharp knife you cut the meat, and with a heavy stone axe you split the hard, dry wood.

Naybu-bu minya yaka-l, warrbi-bu juku junkurr marral yaka-l.

naybu-bu minya yaka-l, warrbi-bu juku junkurr marral yaka-l | knife-INST meat cut, axe-INST wood hard dry cut(split)

naybu minya ngaki yakal warrbi juku junkurr

naybu 'knife', warrbi 'axe' INST; yaka-l cut; ngaki 'skin/body'


He carried the firestick carefully through the dark scrub so the small flame would not die out.

Nyulu jidi janka karrban madja ngungul-burr, baya buban kari wula-nyaku.

nyulu jidi janka karrba-ny madja ngungul-burr, baya buban kari wula-nyaku | 3sg firestick carefully hold-PAST scrub dark-PERL, fire small NEG die-IRR

nyulu jidi janka karrbal madja ngungul baya wulal

jidi 'firestick'; janka 'carefully' (b101); wula-nyaku IRR 'would die'


The old woman rubbed the edge of the stone knife on a harder stone to make it sharp and good again.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku naybu kulji junkurr yindu-bu murnin, jirrbu ngulkurr yindu-mani.

mukul-jalbu-ngku naybu kulji junkurr yindu-bu murni-ny, jirrbu ngulkurr yindu-mani | old-woman-ERG:pt knife stone hard other-INST rub-PAST, edge good other-CAUS(make)

mukul jalbu naybu kulji junkurr yindu murni jirrbu ngulkurr

naybu; murni-l 'rub'; yindu-mani-l 'make different' (b098); jirrbu 'edge'


The men made the long spears, the boomerangs, the clubs, and the shields, all from the hard wood.

Dingkar-angka kalka kalbay, wangal, mirru, kunjuri narmba bungal juku junkurr-muny.

dingkar-angka kalka kalbay, wangal, mirru, kunjuri narmba bunga-l juku junkurr-muny | man-ERG:pt spear long boomerang club shield all make wood hard-ABL

dingkar kalka kalbay wangal mirru kunjuri narmba bungal juku

full weapon list: kalka/wangal/mirru/kunjuri; A=ERG:pt


She cut the lawyer cane with a sharp stone and wove it into a strong, tight little dilly bag.

Nyulu kaku yakan kulji-bu, ngunyin junkurr buban bungal.

nyulu kaku yaka-ny kulji-bu, ngunyin junkurr buban bunga-l | 3sg lawyer.cane cut-PAST stone-INST, dilly.bag tight small make

nyulu kaku yakal kulji ngunyin junkurr buban bungal

kaku 'lawyer cane', ngunyin 'dilly bag'; INST kulji-bu


The heavy stone axe belongs to the old man, but the little digging stick belongs to his good wife.

Warrbi kulngkul mukul-dingkar-mu, yamba juwal buban nyungu jalbu ngulkurr-mu.

warrbi kulngkul mukul-dingkar-mu, yamba juwal buban nyungu jalbu ngulkurr-mu | axe heavy old-man-POSS, but digging.stick small his woman good-POSS

warrbi kulngkul mukul dingkar juwal buban nyungu jalbu ngulkurr

warrbi 'axe', juwal 'digging stick'; possessive -mu


The firestick, the grinding stone, and the digging stick are the tools of the daily work of the camp.

Jidi, kulji murni-nka, juwal, narmba bayan-mu balbi-mu wungar-wungar.

jidi, kulji murni-nka, juwal, narmba bayan-mu balbi-mu wungar-wungar | firestick stone grind-PURP(grinding.stone) digging.stick, all camp-POSS work-POSS day-REDUP(daily)

jidi kulji murni juwal narmba bayan balbi wungar

jidi/juwal; kulji murni 'grinding stone'; wungar-wungar 'daily'


The old man knew how to make every weapon: the spear, the boomerang, the club, and the shield.

Mukul-dingkar-angka binal, kalka wangal mirru kunjuri narmba bunga-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka binal, kalka wangal mirru kunjuri narmba bunga-nka | old-man-ERG:pt know, spear boomerang club shield all make-PURP

mukul dingkar binal kalka wangal mirru kunjuri narmba bungal

binal 'know'; bunga-nka PURP 'to make'; full weapon list


He fitted the sharp stone head to the shaft, bound it with cord, and made a strong new spear.

Nyulu biyul kulji juku-ka nanda, karra-bu junkurr kajan, kalka jirakal junkurr bungal.

nyulu biyul kulji juku-ka nanda, karra-bu junkurr kaja-ny, kalka jirakal junkurr bunga-l | 3sg spear.head stone wood-DAT put, cord-INST tight tie-PAST, spear new strong make

nyulu biyul kulji juku nanda karra junkurr kajal kalka jirakal

biyul spear-head; kaja-l 'tie' (l.5037); karra 'cord'; jirakal 'new'


The women showed the young girls how to weave the dilly bags from the strong lawyer cane.

Jalbu-ngku maral-maral balkan, ngunyin bunga-nka kaku junkurr-muny.

jalbu-ngku maral-maral balka-ny, ngunyin bunga-nka kaku junkurr-muny | woman-ERG:pt girl-REDUP tell-PAST, dilly.bag make-PURP lawyer.cane strong-ABL

jalbu maral balkal ngunyin bungal kaku junkurr

maral 'girl' (b104); ngunyin bunga-nka PURP; A=ERG:pt


A man with a good spear, a spear-thrower, and a shield is a man ready for the hunt in the morning.

Dingkar kalka ngulkurr-jirr, balur-jirr, kunjuri-jirr, yinya dingkar balbi-nyaku wunkuwingku.

dingkar kalka ngulkurr-jirr, balur-jirr, kunjuri-jirr, yinya dingkar balbi-nyaku wunkuwingku | man spear good-COMIT spear.thrower-COMIT shield-COMIT, that man hunt-IRR(ready) morning

dingkar kalka ngulkurr balur kunjuri balbi wunkuwingku

⭐COMIT -jirr 'with' (b104): kalka-jirr/balur-jirr/kunjuri-jirr; balbi-nyaku IRR


The old woman carried her dilly bag full of food and her digging stick everywhere that she went.

Mukul-jalbu ngunyin mayi-jirr, juwal-jirr wundin wubulku, wanja-wanja nyulu dungan.

mukul-jalbu ngunyin mayi-jirr, juwal-jirr wundi-ny wubul-ku, wanja-wanja nyulu dunga-ny | old-woman dilly.bag food-COMIT digging.stick-COMIT carry-PAST all, everywhere 3sg go-PAST

mukul jalbu ngunyin mayi juwal wundil wubul wanja dungay

COMIT ngunyin mayi-jirr / juwal-jirr; juwal 'digging stick'; wanja-wanja 'everywhere'


The boy learned to throw the boomerang so that it flew out far and came spinning back to his hand.

Karrkay warru wangal daman binalman, wangal marra-warri kala-kalbay, jurrki-l nyunban mara-ka.

karrkay warru wangal dama-ny binal-ma-ny, wangal marra-warri kala-kalbay, jurrki-l nyunba-ny mara-ka | child young boomerang throw learn-INCHO-PAST, boomerang fly far, spin return-PAST hand-DAT

karrkay warru wangal damal binal marra-warri kala-kalbay jurrkil nyunbay mara

wangal; binal-ma-l 'learn'; jurrki-l 'spin/turn' (b103); nyunba-y come back


The men made the fish nets and the fishing spears, and the women made the dilly bags and the string.

Dingkar-angka makarr kalka bungal, jalbu-ngku ngunyin karra bungal.

dingkar-angka makarr kalka bunga-l, jalbu-ngku ngunyin karra bunga-l | man-ERG:pt fish.net spear make, woman-ERG:pt dilly.bag string make

dingkar makarr kalka bungal jalbu ngunyin karra

⭐two ERG:pt agents; makarr/kalka (men) vs ngunyin/karra (women)


Every tool and every weapon of the people is made from the wood, the stone, the bark, and the cane of the country.

Bayan-mu balbi narmba, kalka narmba, juku-muny kulji-muny dakil-muny kaku-muny bungal bubu-mu.

bayan-mu balbi narmba, kalka narmba, juku-muny kulji-muny dakil-muny kaku-muny bunga-l bubu-mu | camp-POSS tool all spear all, wood-ABL stone-ABL bark-ABL lawyer.cane-ABL make country-POSS

bayan balbi narmba kalka juku kulji dakil kaku bungal bubu

materials: juku/kulji/dakil/kaku all -muny ABL 'from'; bunga-l make


The old man asked the children by the fire: "Who killed the big kangaroo out on the plain today?"

Mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay babajin baya ngundu: Wanyangka mayarriji yalbay kunin bubu-ba niji?

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay babaji-ny baya ngundu: wanyangka mayarriji yalbay kuni-ny bubu-ba niji | old-man-ERG:pt child-REDUP ask-PAST fire near: who-ERG kangaroo big kill-PAST ground-LOC now

mukul dingkar karrkay babajil baya wanya mayarriji yalbay kunil bubu niji

⭐wanyangka 'who-ERG' (killed=transitive A, potent set); babaji-l 'ask' (ex.77)


"Who is that man standing over there by the water, the one with the long spear in his hand?"

Wanya yinya dingkar janay yinyay bana ngundu, yinya kalka kalbay-jirr mara-ba?

wanya yinya dingkar janay yinyay bana ngundu, yinya kalka kalbay-jirr mara-ba | who that man stand there water near, that spear long-COMIT hand-LOC

wanya yinya dingkar janay yinyay bana kalka kalbay mara

wanya 'who-ABS' (equational, no verb); kalka-jirr COMIT (b104)


The young woman asked her mother: "What are you cooking in the hot coals there for the evening meal?"

Warru-jalbu-ngku nyungu ngamu babajin: Wanyu yundu waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba, mayi wujurr-mu?

warru-jalbu-ngku nyungu ngamu babaji-ny: wanyu yundu waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba, mayi wujurr-mu | young-woman-ERG:pt her mother ask-PAST: what 2sg cook charcoal hot-LOC, food night-POSS

warru jalbu ngamu babajil wanyu yundu wajul ngunjil wumbul mayi wujurr

wanyu 'what-ABS' (O of cook); waju-l cook (b98); ngunjil charcoal (b105)


"Whose little dilly bag is this, the one lying here by the fire in the cold morning?"

Wanyamba ngunyin buban yala, wuna-nya baya ngundu ngiki wunkuwingku?

wanyamba ngunyin buban yala, wuna-nya baya ngundu ngiki wunkuwingku | who-POSS dilly.bag small this, lie-SUB fire near cold morning

wanya ngunyin buban yala wunay baya ngundu ngiki wunkuwingku

⭐wanyamba 'whose' (POSS stem, zero infl); yala 'this/here'; ngunyin (b107)


The old woman asked the boy: "What did you see in the dark scrub when you went hunting last night?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay babajin: Wanyu yundu nyajin madja ngungul-ba, yundu balbi-ka dunga-nya wujurr-muny?

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay babaji-ny: wanyu yundu nyaji-ny madja ngungul-ba, yundu balbi-ka dunga-nya wujurr-muny | old-woman-ERG:pt boy ask-PAST: what 2sg see-PAST scrub dark-LOC, 2sg hunt-DAT go-SUB night-ABL

mukul jalbu karrkay babajil wanyu yundu nyajil madja ngungul balbi wujurr

wanyu 'what' (O); balbi-ka DAT 'to hunt'; dunga-nya SUB 'when going'


"Who gave you that good meat and the sweet fruit that you are eating there by the fire?"

Wanyangka yundu minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay dajin, yundu nuka-l baya ngundu?

wanyangka yundu minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay daji-ny, yundu nuka-l baya ngundu | who-ERG 2sg meat good food sweet give-PAST, 2sg eat fire near

wanya yundu minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay dajil nukal baya

wanyangka 'who-ERG' (gave=transitive); daji-l give, nuka-l eat


The father asked the young man: "To whom did you give my long spear and my good hunting boomerang?"

Nganjan-angka warru babajin: Wanyanka yundu ngayku kalka kalbay wangal balbi-mu dajin?

nganjan-angka warru babaji-ny: wanyanka yundu ngayku kalka kalbay wangal balbi-mu daji-ny | father-ERG:pt young.man ask-PAST: who-DAT 2sg my spear long boomerang hunt-POSS give-PAST

nganjan warru babajil wanya yundu ngayku kalka kalbay wangal dajil

⭐wanyanka 'to whom' (who-DAT); nganjan father (b94); wangal boomerang (b107)


"What is that big animal moving slowly through the long grass down by the creek there?"

Wanyu yinya minya yalbay jilba buban-buban jikan kalbay-burr wawubaja bada-ba?

wanyu yinya minya yalbay jilba buban-buban jikan kalbay-burr wawubaja bada-ba | what that animal big walk slowly grass long-PERL creek down-LOC

wanyu yinya minya yalbay jilba buban jikan kalbay wawubaja bada

wanyu 'what' (equational); minya 'animal'; jikan-burr PERL 'through the grass'


The children asked the old man: "Who made all these good spears and shields long, long ago?"

Karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babajin: Wanyangka narmba kalka ngulkurr kunjuri bungal kalbay-muny?

karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babaji-ny: wanyangka narmba kalka ngulkurr kunjuri bunga-l kalbay-muny | child-REDUP old-man ask-PAST: who-ERG all spear good shield make long.ago-ABL

karrkay mukul dingkar babajil wanya narmba kalka ngulkurr kunjuri bungal kalbay

wanyangka 'who-ERG' (made); kunjuri shield, bunga-l make (b107)


"Who are those people walking up the sandy beach towards our camp in the early morning light?"

Wanya yinya bama jilba jukar wangkar ngaliny bayan-ka wunkuwingku balbal-ba?

wanya yinya bama jilba jukar wangkar ngaliny bayan-ka wunkuwingku balbal-ba | who that people walk sand up our camp-DAT morning light-LOC

wanya yinya bama jilba jukar wangkar ngaliny bayan wunkuwingku balbal

wanya 'who' (plural people); jukar 'sand' (beach); ngaliny 1du.inc 'our'


The old woman asked her daughter: "What did the dog steal from the camp and carry off last night?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku nyungu jalbu-karrkay babajin: Wanyu kaya-ngka bayan-muny ngakin, madja-ka wundin wujurr-muny?

mukul-jalbu-ngku nyungu jalbu-karrkay babaji-ny: wanyu kaya-ngka bayan-muny ngaki-ny, madja-ka wundi-ny wujurr-muny | old-woman-ERG:pt her daughter ask-PAST: what dog-ERG camp-ABL steal-PAST, scrub-DAT carry-PAST night-ABL

mukul jalbu karrkay babajil wanyu kaya bayan madja wundil wujurr

⭐ngaki-l 'STEAL' (l.2645 'dog stole my meat'); wanyu 'what' O; kaya-ngka ERG


"Whose children are these, laughing and playing here in the sand by the water in the warm afternoon?"

Wanyamba karrkay-karrkay yala, yajarri-l jina-ba bana ngundu wungar dindarra-muny?

wanyamba karrkay-karrkay yala, yajarri-l jina-ba bana ngundu wungar dindarra-muny | who-POSS child-REDUP this, laugh sand-LOC water near sun middle-ABL(afternoon)

wanya karrkay yala yajarril jina bana ngundu wungar dindarra

wanyamba 'whose'; yajarri-l laugh/play (b8); jina here='sand/ground'


The hunter asked his mate: "Who speared this wallaby, and who will carry it home to the camp?"

Balbi-bama-ngka nyungu bama babajin: Wanyangka kadar yinya daman, wanyangka bayan-ka wundi?

balbi-bama-ngka nyungu bama babaji-ny: wanyangka kadar yinya dama-ny, wanyangka bayan-ka wundi | hunter-ERG:pt his mate ask-PAST: who-ERG wallaby that spear-PAST, who-ERG camp-DAT carry

balbi bama babajil wanya kadar yinya damal bayan wundil

wanyangka ×2 'who-ERG' (speared/will-carry, both transitive); kadar wallaby (b105)


"What are you holding there in your hand, hidden behind your back in the dark scrub?"

Wanyu yundu karrba-l mara-ba, kudamundu yunu ngungul-ba madja-nga?

wanyu yundu karrba-l mara-ba, kudamundu yunu ngungul-ba madja-nga | what 2sg hold hand-LOC, behind(your.back) 2sg.POSS dark-LOC scrub-LOC

wanyu yundu karrbal mara kudamundu yunu ngungul madja

wanyu 'what' (O); karrba-l hold; kudamundu 'behind/back' (b102)


The old man asked the traveller: "Where are you going now, and where have you come from today?"

Mukul-dingkar-angka bama dunga-nya babajin: Yundu wanjabu dunga-y niji, yundu wanjamuny kadan?

mukul-dingkar-angka bama dunga-nya babaji-ny: yundu wanjabu dunga-y niji, yundu wanjamuny kada-ny | old-man-ERG:pt person go-SUB ask-PAST: 2sg where go-NONPAST now, 2sg where.from come-PAST

mukul dingkar bama dungay babajil yundu wanja niji kaday

⭐wanjabu 'where(to)' (ex.130 greeting), wanjamuny 'where from' (ABL)


"Where is your old mother sitting, and where is your good father hunting in the dark scrub?"

Yunu ngamu mukul wanjabu bundan, yunu nganjan ngulkurr wanjabu balbi madja-ba?

yunu ngamu mukul wanjabu bunda-ny, yunu nganjan ngulkurr wanjabu balbi madja-ba | 2sg.POSS mother old where sit-PAST, 2sg.POSS father good where hunt scrub-LOC

yunu ngamu mukul wanja bundal nganjan ngulkurr balbi madja

wanjabu 'where' (ex.129 'Yunu ngamu wanjabu?'); yunu 2sg.POSS


The children asked: "Where did the big grey kangaroo go when it hopped away across the plain?"

Karrkay-karrkay babajin: Julmbanu yalbay wanjabu dungan, nyulu bubu-burr warri-nya?

karrkay-karrkay babaji-ny: julmbanu yalbay wanjabu dunga-ny, nyulu bubu-burr warri-nya | child-REDUP ask-PAST: grey.kangaroo big where go-PAST, 3sg ground-PERL run-SUB

karrkay babajil julmbanu yalbay wanja dungay bubu warri

wanjabu 'where'; julmbanu grey kangaroo (b105); warri-nya SUB 'as it ran'


"Where does the sweet water lie in the dry season, when all the creeks and the waterholes are empty?"

Bana ngulkurr wanjabu wuna marral-wungar-a, wawubaja janku narmba kari-ma-nya?

bana ngulkurr wanjabu wuna marral-wungar-a, wawubaja janku narmba kari-ma-nya | water good where lie dry-season-LOC, creek waterhole all NEG-INCHO-SUB(empty)

bana ngulkurr wanja wunay marral wungar wawubaja janku narmba

wanjabu 'where'; janku 'waterhole' (b93); kari-ma-nya 'becoming nothing'


The old woman asked the young man: "When will you come back to the camp, in the cold season or the hot?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku warru babajin: Wanjawanja yundu kada-y-baja bayan-ka, ngiki-wungar-a wumbul-wungar-a?

mukul-jalbu-ngku warru babaji-ny: wanjawanja yundu kada-y-baja bayan-ka, ngiki-wungar-a wumbul-wungar-a | old-woman-ERG:pt young.man ask-PAST: when 2sg come-NONPAST-again camp-DAT, cold-season-LOC hot-season-LOC

mukul jalbu warru babajil wanjawanja yundu kaday bayan ngiki wungar wumbul

⭐wanjawanja 'when' (ex.582 'kada-y-baja, wungariji?'); kada-y-baja 'come back'


"When did the old man die, and when did the people go from that river country forever?"

Wanjawanja mukul-dingkar wulan, wanjawanja bama bubu wawubaja-muny dungan wubulku-ku?

wanjawanja mukul-dingkar wula-ny, wanjawanja bama bubu wawubaja-muny dunga-ny wubulku-ku | when old-man die-PAST, when people country river-ABL go-PAST all-EMPH(forever)

wanjawanja mukul dingkar wulal bama bubu wawubaja dungay wubulku

wanjawanja ×2 'when'; wula-l die (b99); dunga-ny bubu-muny 'went from country'


The hunter asked: "Where are all the fish now, in the deep river or the shallow creek near the sea?"

Balbi-bama-ngka babajin: Kuyu narmba wanjabu niji, wawubaja dajali-ba wawubaja buban jalun ngundu?

balbi-bama-ngka babaji-ny: kuyu narmba wanjabu niji, wawubaja dajali-ba wawubaja buban jalun ngundu | hunter-ERG:pt ask-PAST: fish all where now, river deep-LOC creek small sea near

balbi bama babajil kuyu narmba wanja niji wawubaja dajali jalun

wanjabu 'where'; dajali 'deep' (b93); jalun 'sea' (b102)


"Where did you put my good digging stick and my little dilly bag full of ripe yams?"

Yundu ngayku juwal ngulkurr ngunyin buban wukay-jirr wanjabu nanda?

yundu ngayku juwal ngulkurr ngunyin buban wukay-jirr wanjabu nanda | 2sg my digging.stick good dilly.bag small yam-COMIT where put

yundu ngayku juwal ngulkurr ngunyin buban wukay wanja nanda

wanjabu 'where'; juwal digging stick (b107); wukay-jirr COMIT 'with yams'


The mother asked her children at dark: "Where have you all been all day, and when did you last eat?"

Ngamu-ngku nyungu karrkay-karrkay babajin wujurr-ba: Yurra wanjabu wungar wubulku, wanjawanja yurra nukan kariku?

ngamu-ngku nyungu karrkay-karrkay babaji-ny wujurr-ba: yurra wanjabu wungar wubul-ku, wanjawanja yurra nuka-ny kariku | mother-ERG:pt her child-REDUP ask-PAST night-LOC: 2pl where day all, when 2pl eat-PAST before

ngamu karrkay babajil wujurr yurra wanja wungar wubul wanjawanja nukal kariku

wanjabu/wanjawanja together; yurra 2pl 'you all'; nuka-l eat, kariku 'before'


"Where does that narrow track go, the one that runs up the hill into the dark scrub?"

Yinya jina buban-buban wanjabu dunga-y, wangkar daka jamba-ka madja ngungul-ka?

yinya jina buban-buban wanjabu dunga-y, wangkar daka jamba-ka madja ngungul-ka | that track narrow where go-NONPAST, up climb hill-DAT scrub dark-DAT

yinya jina buban wanja dungay wangkar dakal jamba madja ngungul

wanjabu 'where'; jina 'track/foot'; daka-l climb (b103); jamba hill (b93)


The old man said to the boy: "When the hot season comes, where will we two find the ripe fruit and honey?"

Mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balkan: Wumbul-wungar kada-nya, ngali wanjabu mayi kulbul wunba mani?

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balka-ny: wumbul-wungar kada-nya, ngali wanjabu mayi kulbul wunba mani | old-man-ERG:pt boy tell-PAST: hot-season come-SUB, 1du where fruit ripe honey find

mukul dingkar karrkay balkal wumbul wungar kaday ngali wanja mayi kulbul wunba

wanjabu 'where'; ngali 1du; wunba honey (b91); kada-nya SUB 'when it comes'


"Where did you all go yesterday, and where will you go hunting tomorrow in the early morning?"

Yurra wanjabu dungan yilayku, yurra wanjabu balbi-ka dunga-y wungar kada-nya wunkuwingku?

yurra wanjabu dunga-ny yilayku, yurra wanjabu balbi-ka dunga-y wungar kada-nya wunkuwingku | 2pl where go-PAST yesterday, 2pl where hunt-DAT go-NONPAST day come-SUB(tomorrow) morning

yurra wanja dungay yilayku balbi wungar kaday wunkuwingku

⭐yilayku 'yesterday' (l.2487); wanjabu ×2; wungar kada-nya 'the coming day'=tomorrow


The old woman asked the boy sharply: "Why did you take the dog into the camp and not leave it outside?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay babajin junkurr: Wanyurringku yundu kaya bayan-ka wundin, ngalkal-ba kari nanda?

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay babaji-ny junkurr: wanyurringku yundu kaya bayan-ka wundi-ny, ngalkal-ba kari nanda | old-woman-ERG:pt boy ask-PAST hard: why 2sg dog camp-DAT take-PAST, outside-LOC NEG put

mukul jalbu karrkay babajil wanya yundu kaya bayan ngalkal nanda

⭐wanyurringku 'why' (what-DAT, ex.127b); ngalkal 'outside' (b102); nanda-l put


"Why did you go to that dark place by the river, and not to the good camp near the sea?"

Wanyurrimbu yundu dungan yinya bubu ngungul-ka wawubaja-nga, bayan ngulkurr jalun ngundu kari?

wanyurrimbu yundu dunga-ny yinya bubu ngungul-ka wawubaja-nga, bayan ngulkurr jalun ngundu kari | why(place) 2sg go-PAST that place dark-DAT river-LOC, camp good sea near NEG

wanya yundu dungay yinya bubu ngungul wawubaja bayan ngulkurr jalun

⭐wanyurrimbu 'why (this place)' (what-LOC, ex.127a); enquires the choice of location


The father asked the young hunter: "How did you come back so quickly from the far hills today?"

Nganjan-angka warru balbi-bama babajin: Yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja buyun-buyun jamba kala-kalbay-muny?

nganjan-angka warru balbi-bama babaji-ny: yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja buyun-buyun jamba kala-kalbay-muny | father-ERG:pt young.man hunter ask-PAST: 2sg how come-PAST-again quickly hill far-ABL

nganjan warru balbi bama babajil yundu wanjarr kaday buyun jamba kala-kalbay

⭐wanjarr 'how' (ex.132 'wanjarr kada-ny-baja'); kala-kalbay 'far' (b96)


"How do you cook the freshwater eel and the big fish in the hot coals of the fire?"

Yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr kuyu yalbay waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba?

yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr kuyu yalbay waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba | 2pl how-ADV meat freshwater.eel fish big cook charcoal hot-LOC

yurra wanjarr minya kubarr kuyu yalbay wajul ngunjil wumbul

⭐wanjarr-ku 'how' (+ADV, ex.133); kubarr 'freshwater eel'; waju-l cook


The children asked the old man: "How many people lived in this country long, long ago before us?"

Karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babajin: Wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya-ba bundanda-y kalbay-muny, ngaliny kariku?

karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babaji-ny: wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya-ba bundanda-y kalbay-muny, ngaliny kariku | child-REDUP old-man ask-PAST: how.many people country that-LOC sit.REDUP-NONPAST long.ago-ABL, us before

karrkay mukul dingkar babajil wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya kalbay ngaliny kariku

⭐wanjarrinya 'how many' (ex.583 'wanjarrinya bama ... bundanda-y'); bundanda-y 'live/sit.REDUP'


"How many big fish did you catch in the fish net at the river near the sea this morning?"

Wanjarrinya kuyu yalbay yundu makarr-ba manin wawubaja jalun ngundu wunkuwingku?

wanjarrinya kuyu yalbay yundu makarr-ba mani-ny wawubaja jalun ngundu wunkuwingku | how.many fish big 2sg fish.net-LOC catch-PAST river sea near morning

wanjarrinya kuyu yalbay yundu makarr manil wawubaja jalun wunkuwingku

wanjarrinya 'how many'; makarr fish net (b107); mani 'catch' (b105)


The old woman asked: "Which one is your dilly bag, the big one or the little one lying here by the fire?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku babajin: Wanjinya yunu ngunyin, yalbay yamba buban yala wuna-nya baya ngundu?

mukul-jalbu-ngku babaji-ny: wanjinya yunu ngunyin, yalbay yamba buban yala wuna-nya baya ngundu | old-woman-ERG:pt ask-PAST: which.one 2sg.POSS dilly.bag, big or small this lie-SUB fire near

mukul jalbu babajil wanjinya yunu ngunyin yalbay yamba buban yala wunay

⭐wanjinya 'which one' (ex.134 'wanjinya yunu bayan?'); yamba 'or/but'


"Which way did the wallaby run when the dog chased it down across the creek in the dark?"

Kadar wanjarr warrin, kaya-ngka nyulu kangan bada naka-naka wawubaja-burr ngungul-ba?

kadar wanjarr warri-ny, kaya-ngka nyulu kanga-ny bada naka-naka wawubaja-burr ngungul-ba | wallaby how(which.way) run-PAST, dog-ERG:pt 3sg chase-PAST down across creek-PERL dark-LOC

kadar wanjarr warri kaya kangal bada naka-naka wawubaja ngungul

wanjarr 'how/which way'; kanga-l chase (b103); naka-naka 'across' (b102)


The young man asked his grandfather: "Why does the grey kangaroo stand like the boss of the wide plain?"

Warru-ngku nyungu kami babajin: Wanyurringku julmbanu janay yala maja bubu-ku, bubu kalbay-mu?

warru-ngku nyungu kami babaji-ny: wanyurringku julmbanu janay yala maja bubu-ku, bubu kalbay-mu | young.man-ERG:pt his grandfather ask-PAST: why grey.kangaroo stand like boss country-DAT, country wide-POSS

warru kami babajil wanya julmbanu janay yala maja bubu kalbay

wanyurringku 'why'; kami grandfather; julmbanu ... maja bubu-ku (ex.267); yala 'like'


"How many days did you all walk through the scrub before you came to the big river country?"

Yurra wanjarrinya wungar jilban madja-burr, yurra wawubaja bubu yalbay-ka kada-nya kariku?

yurra wanjarrinya wungar jilba-ny madja-burr, yurra wawubaja bubu yalbay-ka kada-nya kariku | 2pl how.many day walk-PAST scrub-PERL, 2pl river country big-DAT come-SUB before

yurra wanjarrinya wungar jilba madja wawubaja bubu yalbay kaday kariku

wanjarrinya wungar 'how many days'; madja-burr PERL 'through the scrub'


The mother asked the crying child: "Why are you crying, and what is hurting you there in the dark?"

Ngamu-ngku karrkay badi-nya babajin: Wanyurringku yundu badi, wanyu yundu kaka-mani-l ngungul-ba?

ngamu-ngku karrkay badi-nya babaji-ny: wanyurringku yundu badi, wanyu yundu kaka-mani-l ngungul-ba | mother-ERG:pt child cry-SUB ask-PAST: why 2sg cry, what 2sg pain-CAUS dark-LOC

ngamu karrkay badil babajil wanya yundu wanyu kaka ngungul

wanyurringku 'why' + wanyu 'what'; badi cry (b101); kaka-mani-l 'hurt' CAUS (b102)


"Which one of these two spears is the good one, the long straight one or the heavy hard one?"

Wanjinya kalka jambul-mu ngulkurr, kalbay jinbal yamba junkurr kulngkul?

wanjinya kalka jambul-mu ngulkurr, kalbay jinbal yamba junkurr kulngkul | which.one spear two-POSS good, long straight or hard heavy

wanjinya kalka jambul ngulkurr kalbay jinbal yamba junkurr kulngkul

wanjinya 'which one'; kalka spear (b107); yamba 'or'; jinbal straight


The old man asked the boy: "How did the little bird get up into that tall tree so high above us?"

Mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay babajin: Buyi buban wanjarr wangkar dakan juku kalbay-ka, ngali wangkar-wangkar?

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay babaji-ny: buyi buban wanjarr wangkar daka-ny juku kalbay-ka, ngali wangkar-wangkar | old-man-ERG:pt boy ask-PAST: bird small how up climb-PAST tree tall-DAT, us above

mukul dingkar karrkay babajil buyi buban wanjarr wangkar dakal juku kalbay

wanjarr 'how'; daka-l climb (b103); wangkar-wangkar 'above' (b102)


"What kind of tree is that, the big one with the sweet ripe fruit up there by the water?"

Yinya juku wanyu-nguy, yalbay mayi kulbul jiba-wulay-jirr wangkar bana ngundu?

yinya juku wanyu-nguy, yalbay mayi kulbul jiba-wulay-jirr wangkar bana ngundu | that tree what-kind, big fruit ripe sweet-COMIT up water near

yinya juku wanyu yalbay mayi kulbul jiba-wulay wangkar bana

⭐wanyu-nguy 'what kind' (stem -nguy); jiba-wulay-jirr COMIT 'with sweet fruit'


The old man asked the hunter: "Did you kill the big kangaroo today?" and the young man said: "Yes, I killed it."

Mukul-dingkar-angka balbi-bama babajin: Yundu mayarriji yalbay kunin niji? Warru balkan: Yuwu, ngayu kunin.

mukul-dingkar-angka balbi-bama babaji-ny: yundu mayarriji yalbay kuni-ny niji? warru balka-ny: yuwu, ngayu kuni-ny | old-man-ERG:pt hunter ask-PAST: 2sg kangaroo big kill-PAST now? young.man say-PAST: yes, 1sg kill-PAST

mukul dingkar balbi bama babajil yundu mayarriji kunil yuwu ngayu

⭐POLAR Q = statement + rising intonation (no particle); yuwu 'yes'; answer ngayu kunin


"Is your mother sitting in the camp? Or has she gone down to the water to get the food?"

Yunu ngamu bayan-ba bundan? Nyulu bana-ka bada dungan mayi manil-ka?

yunu ngamu bayan-ba bunda-ny? nyulu bana-ka bada dunga-ny mayi mani-l-ka | 2sg.POSS mother camp-LOC sit-PAST? 3sg water-DAT down go-PAST food get-PURP

yunu ngamu bayan bundal nyulu bana bada dungay mayi manil

two polar Qs by intonation; mani-l-ka PURP 'to get'; bada 'down/seaward'


The child asked the mother: "Is there sweet honey in that tree? Or is the tree empty and dry inside?"

Karrkay-ngku ngamu babajin: Wunba jiba-wulay juku yinya-ba wuna? Juku kari-ma-nya marral dukurr-ba?

karrkay-ngku ngamu babaji-ny: wunba jiba-wulay juku yinya-ba wuna? juku kari-ma-nya marral dukurr-ba | child-ERG:pt mother ask-PAST: honey sweet tree that-LOC lie? tree NEG-INCHO-SUB dry inside-LOC

karrkay ngamu babajil wunba jiba-wulay juku yinya wunay marral dukurr

polar Qs; wunba honey (b91); dukurr 'inside' (b102); kari-ma-nya 'be empty'


"My good knife is somewhere here in the camp, but I do not know where I put it in the dark last night."

Ngayku naybu ngulkurr wanjabu yala bayan-ba, yamba ngayu binal-kari wanja ngayu nanda ngungul-ba yilayku.

ngayku naybu ngulkurr wanjabu yala bayan-ba, yamba ngayu binal-kari wanja ngayu nanda ngungul-ba yilayku | my knife good somewhere this camp-LOC, but 1sg know-PRIV where 1sg put dark-LOC yesterday

ngayku naybu ngulkurr wanja yala bayan yamba binal nanda ngungul yilayku

⭐wanjabu/wanja = INDEFINITE 'somewhere' (ex.131); binal-kari 'not knowing' (PRIV b104)


The old woman said: "Something is moving there in the long grass. Is it a snake, or a little bandicoot?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku balkan: Junjuy jilba yinyay jikan kalbay-mba. Jarba yinya, kulngu buban yinya?

mukul-jalbu-ngku balka-ny: junjuy jilba yinyay jikan kalbay-mba. jarba yinya, kulngu buban yinya | old-woman-ERG:pt say-PAST: something move there grass long-LOC. snake that, bandicoot small that

mukul jalbu balkal junjuy jilba yinyay jikan kalbay jarba kulngu

⭐junjuy 'something' (indefinite, non-human); jarba snake (b89); kulngu bandicoot (b105)


The father asked the sick boy gently: "What are you ill with, and where does the pain sit in your body?"

Nganjan-angka karrkay bambay babajin janka: Yundu wanyurrinji bambay, kaka wanjabu wuna yunu bangkarr-ba?

nganjan-angka karrkay bambay babaji-ny janka: yundu wanyurrinji bambay, kaka wanjabu wuna yunu bangkarr-ba | father-ERG:pt boy sick ask-PAST gently: 2sg what.COMIT sick, pain where lie 2sg.POSS body-LOC

nganjan karrkay bambay babajil yundu wanya kaka wanja yunu bangkarr

⭐wanyurrinji 'what illness' (COMIT, ex.128 'wanyurrinji bambay'); bambay sick; kaka pain


"Do you know that old man standing by the fire? Or is he a stranger come from another country?"

Yundu yinya mukul-dingkar binal, janay baya ngundu? Nyulu bama yindu, bubu yindu-muny kadan?

yundu yinya mukul-dingkar binal, janay baya ngundu? nyulu bama yindu, bubu yindu-muny kada-ny | 2sg that old-man know, stand fire near? 3sg person other, country other-ABL come-PAST

yundu yinya mukul dingkar binal janay baya nyulu bama yindu kaday

polar Q (binal 'know'); yindu 'other/another' (b98); bubu yindu-muny 'from another country'


The children asked: "Who will teach us the old law and the true stories now that the grandfather is dead?"

Karrkay-karrkay babajin: Wanyangka ngaliny kuku mukul yukil balka, kami wula-nya niji?

karrkay-karrkay babaji-ny: wanyangka ngaliny kuku mukul yukil balka, kami wula-nya niji | child-REDUP ask-PAST: who-ERG us word old true tell, grandfather die-SUB now

karrkay babajil wanya ngaliny kuku mukul yukil balkal kami wulal niji

wanyangka 'who-ERG' (teach=transitive); kuku 'law/word'; kami grandfather; wula-nya SUB


The old woman answered the child: "No, that is not the right way; the good track goes down to the sea."

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay balkan: Kari, yinya jina kari ngulkurr; jina ngulkurr bada dunga-y jalun-ka.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay balka-ny: kari, yinya jina kari ngulkurr; jina ngulkurr bada dunga-y jalun-ka | old-woman-ERG:pt child tell-PAST: no, that track NEG good; track good down go-NONPAST sea-DAT

mukul jalbu karrkay balkal kari yinya jina ngulkurr bada dungay jalun

⭐kari 'no' (answer); jina 'track'; bada 'down/seaward'; jalun sea (b102)


The old man asked the whole camp quietly: "Where have all the young people gone, and when will they return?"

Mukul-dingkar-angka bayan narmba babajin janka: Warru-warru narmba wanjabu dungan, wanjawanja jana nyunba?

mukul-dingkar-angka bayan narmba babaji-ny janka: warru-warru narmba wanjabu dunga-ny, wanjawanja jana nyunba | old-man-ERG:pt camp all ask-PAST quietly: young.man-REDUP all where go-PAST, when 3pl return

mukul dingkar bayan narmba babajil janka warru wanja dungay wanjawanja jana nyunbay

wanjabu + wanjawanja; jana 3pl; nyunba-y return (b103); janka 'quietly' (b101)


The old man's head is aching badly today, and his two eyes are sore and weeping from the fire's smoke.

Mukul-dingkar dukul kaka bayan niji, nyungu miyil jambul kaka bana wanarri kubu-muny.

mukul-dingkar dukul kaka bayan niji, nyungu miyil jambul kaka bana wanarri kubu-muny | old-man head pain big now, his eye two sore water run smoke-ABL

mukul dingkar dukul kaka niji miyil jambul bana wanarri kubu

dukul 'head', miyil 'eye' (juxtaposed inalienable poss); kubu 'smoke'; kaka pain (b102)


The little child's hair is long and black, and it hangs down over her small face and her dark eyes.

Karrkay buban mungka kalbay ngumbu, bada wuna nyungu walu buban miyil ngungul-ka.

karrkay buban mungka kalbay ngumbu, bada wuna nyungu walu buban miyil ngungul-ka | child small hair long black, down lie her face small eye dark-DAT

karrkay buban mungka kalbay ngumbu bada wunay walu miyil ngungul

mungka 'hair', walu 'face', miyil 'eye'; ngumbu 'black'


The old woman has lost all her teeth now, and her empty mouth is soft, and her chin sticks out sharply.

Mukul-jalbu dirra narmba kari-ma-n, niji nyungu ngandal kari, bari ngalkal janay.

mukul-jalbu dirra narmba kari-ma-ny, niji nyungu ngandal kari, bari ngalkal janay | old-woman tooth all NEG-INCHO-PAST, now her mouth nothing, chin outside stand

mukul jalbu dirra narmba niji ngandal bari ngalkal janay

dirra 'tooth', ngandal 'mouth', bari 'chin'; kari-ma-ny 'became none'


The man opened his mouth wide and put out his tongue, showing the children the sweet fruit held inside.

Dingkar-angka ngandal yalbay bungal, nyabil ngalkal nanda, karrkay-karrkay mayi jiba-wulay dukurr nyaji-mani.

dingkar-angka ngandal yalbay bunga-l, nyabil ngalkal nanda, karrkay-karrkay mayi jiba-wulay dukurr nyaji-mani | man-ERG:pt mouth wide make, tongue outside put, child-REDUP fruit sweet inside see-CAUS(show)

dingkar ngandal yalbay bungal nyabil ngalkal nanda karrkay jiba-wulay dukurr

ngandal 'mouth', nyabil 'tongue'; nyaji-mani-l 'show'; dukurr 'inside' (b102)


His face is wide and dark, his forehead is high, and his eyes are small and black like a little bird's.

Nyungu walu yalbay ngungul, munju wangkar, miyil buban ngumbu buyi buban-mu yala.

nyungu walu yalbay ngungul, munju wangkar, miyil buban ngumbu buyi buban-mu yala | his face wide dark, forehead high, eye small black bird small-POSS like

nyungu walu yalbay ngungul munju wangkar miyil buban ngumbu buyi

walu 'face', munju 'forehead', miyil 'eye'; ngumbu black; yala 'like'


The old man cannot hear the children calling him, for both his ears are old and deaf now.

Mukul-dingkar karrkay-karrkay yirrka-nya milka-bu kari nyaji-l, nyungu milka jambul mukul milka-kari niji.

mukul-dingkar karrkay-karrkay yirrka-nya milka-bu kari nyaji-l, nyungu milka jambul mukul milka-kari niji | old-man child-REDUP call-SUB ear-INST NEG hear, his ear two old ear-PRIV(deaf) now

mukul dingkar karrkay yirrkal milka nyajil jambul kari

⭐milka 'ear'; milka-bu nyaji-l 'hear with ear'; milka-kari 'deaf' (b104, ear-PRIV)


The child's neck and throat are sore, and she cannot swallow the good meat or drink the cool water.

Karrkay jakay manu kaka, nyulu minya ngulkurr bana ngiki kari nuka.

karrkay jakay manu kaka, nyulu minya ngulkurr bana ngiki kari nuka | child neck throat sore, 3sg meat good water cool NEG swallow(eat)

karrkay jakay manu kaka nyulu minya ngulkurr bana ngiki nukal

jakay 'neck', manu 'throat'; kaka 'sore'; nuka-l eat/swallow


The old woman rubbed the sweet white fat on her face and her long grey hair before the big meeting.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku wandul balbal walu mungka-ka murnin, muru yalbay kariku.

mukul-jalbu-ngku wandul balbal walu mungka-ka murni-ny, muru yalbay kariku | old-woman-ERG:pt fat white face hair-DAT rub-PAST, meeting big before

mukul jalbu wandul balbal walu mungka murni muru kariku

wandul 'fat', walu 'face', mungka 'hair'; murni-l rub (b100)


The man's one eye is blind now, stale and white, and he walks slowly with a stick through the dark scrub.

Dingkar miyil nyubun miyil-burra niji, nyulu janka jilba juku-jirr madja ngungul-burr.

dingkar miyil nyubun miyil-burra niji, nyulu janka jilba juku-jirr madja ngungul-burr | man eye one eye-stale(blind) now, 3sg slowly walk stick-COMIT scrub dark-PERL

dingkar miyil nyubun niji janka jilba juku madja ngungul

⭐miyil-burra 'blind' (eye-stale, l.2234); juku-jirr COMIT 'with a stick'


The old grandfather's forehead and cheeks are deeply lined, for he has seen very many cold seasons.

Mukul kami munju kangkul dajali-dajali, nyulu ngiki-wungar wubul bajaku nyajin.

mukul kami munju kangkul dajali-dajali, nyulu ngiki-wungar wubul bajaku nyaji-ny | old grandfather forehead cheek deep-REDUP(lined), 3sg cold-season many very see-PAST

mukul kami munju kangkul dajali ngiki wungar wubul bajaku nyajil

munju 'forehead', kangkul 'cheek'; wubul 'many' (here NOT heart); nyaji-l see


The little boy's tooth came out today, and he showed his mother the small white tooth in his hand.

Karrkay buban dirra bada dungan niji, nyulu ngamu dirra buban balbal mara-ba nyaji-mani.

karrkay buban dirra bada dunga-ny niji, nyulu ngamu dirra buban balbal mara-ba nyaji-mani | child small tooth down go-PAST now, 3sg mother tooth small white hand-LOC see-CAUS(show)

karrkay buban dirra bada dungay ngamu balbal mara nyajil

dirra 'tooth', mara 'hand'; nyaji-mani-l 'show'; balbal 'white/light'


The old woman's tongue and mouth are dry, and she asked the child for the cool sweet water.

Mukul-jalbu nyabil ngandal marral, nyulu karrkay bana ngiki jiba-wulay-ka babajin.

mukul-jalbu nyabil ngandal marral, nyulu karrkay bana ngiki jiba-wulay-ka babaji-ny | old-woman tongue mouth dry, 3sg child water cool sweet-DAT ask-PAST

mukul jalbu nyabil ngandal marral karrkay bana ngiki jiba-wulay babajil

nyabil 'tongue', ngandal 'mouth'; marral 'dry'; babaji-l ask (b108)


His hair is grey now like the old man's, but his eyes are still sharp and see far across the wide plain.

Nyungu mungka wulman niji mukul-dingkar-mu yala, yamba nyungu miyil junkurr, kala-kalbay nyaji-l bubu-burr.

nyungu mungka wulman niji mukul-dingkar-mu yala, yamba nyungu miyil junkurr, kala-kalbay nyaji-l bubu-burr | his hair grey now old-man-POSS like, but his eye strong(sharp), far see ground-PERL

nyungu mungka wulman mukul dingkar miyil junkurr kala-kalbay nyajil bubu

mungka 'hair', miyil 'eye'; wulman 'grey/old'; nyaji-l see; kala-kalbay far (b96)


The children painted the old man's face with white and red for the big dance and the singing.

Karrkay-karrkay-ngku mukul-dingkar walu balbal kulbul-jirr nanda, muru yalbay wulngku-ka.

karrkay-karrkay-ngku mukul-dingkar walu balbal kulbul-jirr nanda, muru yalbay wulngku-ka | child-REDUP-ERG:pt old-man face white red-COMIT put, meeting big song-DAT

karrkay mukul dingkar walu balbal kulbul muru yalbay wulngku

walu 'face'; wulngku 'song'; balbal white / kulbul red(ripe); A=ERG:pt


The spear struck the man in the chest, and the red blood ran down over his belly to the ground.

Kalka-bu dingkar damu-ba daman, mula kulbul bada wanarri jibar-burr bubu-ngu.

kalka-bu dingkar damu-ba dama-ny, mula kulbul bada wanarri jibar-burr bubu-ngu | spear-INST man chest-LOC spear-PAST, blood red down run belly-PERL ground-LOC

kalka dingkar damu damal mula kulbul bada wanarri jibar bubu

damu 'chest', mula 'blood', jibar 'belly'; kulbul 'red'; INST kalka-bu


The old woman carried the heavy load on her back and her shoulder all the way to the camp.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku kulngkul muku binda-ba wundin bayan-ka wubulku.

mukul-jalbu-ngku kulngkul muku binda-ba wundi-ny bayan-ka wubul-ku | old-woman-ERG:pt heavy back shoulder-LOC carry-PAST camp-DAT all

mukul jalbu kulngkul muku binda wundil bayan wubul

muku 'back', binda 'shoulder'; wundi-l carry (b103); kulngkul heavy


The child's stomach is full of the good meat and the sweet fruit, and now she is sleepy and quiet.

Karrkay jibar minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay-jirr, niji nyulu warngku-warngku janka.

karrkay jibar minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay-jirr, niji nyulu warngku-warngku janka | child belly meat good food sweet-COMIT, now 3sg sleep-REDUP quiet

karrkay jibar minya ngulkurr mayi jiba-wulay niji warngku janka

jibar 'belly/stomach'; jiba-wulay-jirr COMIT; warngku sleep (b101)


His heart is strong and good, but his liver is sick, and the old doctor cannot heal him.

Nyungu wubul junkurr ngulkurr, yamba nyungu jiba bambay, mukul murri-ngka nyulu kari ngulkurr-mani.

nyungu wubul junkurr ngulkurr, yamba nyungu jiba bambay, mukul murri-ngka nyulu kari ngulkurr-mani | his heart strong good, but his liver sick, old healer-ERG:pt 3sg NEG good-CAUS(heal)

nyungu wubul junkurr ngulkurr jiba bambay murri kari

⭐wubul 'HEART' (homophone of 'many'); jiba 'liver'; murri 'doctor/healer' (l.689); bambay sick (b108)


The old man's back is bent and sore now, and he cannot stand up straight or walk up the hill.

Mukul-dingkar muku kaka niji, nyulu jinbal janay kari, jamba wangkar jilba kari.

mukul-dingkar muku kaka niji, nyulu jinbal janay kari, jamba wangkar jilba kari | old-man back sore now, 3sg straight stand NEG, hill up walk NEG

mukul dingkar muku kaka jinbal janay jamba wangkar jilba

muku 'back'; kaka sore; jinbal straight; jamba hill (b93)


The hunter cut the animal open and took out the heart, the liver, and the guts there by the fire.

Balbi-bama-ngka minya yakan, wubul jiba julbi ngalkal nanda baya ngundu.

balbi-bama-ngka minya yaka-ny, wubul jiba julbi ngalkal nanda baya ngundu | hunter-ERG:pt animal cut-PAST, heart liver guts outside put fire near

balbi bama minya yakal wubul jiba julbi ngalkal baya

wubul 'heart', jiba 'liver', julbi 'guts'; yaka-l cut; A=ERG:pt


The blood of the speared wallaby is red and warm, and it runs down onto the man's hands and arms.

Kadar daman-mu mula kulbul wumbul, bada wanarri dingkar mara wakuy-ka.

kadar dama-ny-mu mula kulbul wumbul, bada wanarri dingkar mara wakuy-ka | wallaby spear-PAST-POSS blood red warm, down run man hand arm-DAT

kadar damal mula kulbul wumbul bada wanarri dingkar mara wakuy

mula 'blood', mara 'hand', wakuy 'arm'; kadar wallaby (b105)


The old woman's breast is empty now, and the hungry baby cries all through the long cold night.

Mukul-jalbu bibi kari niji, karrkay buban dakwuy badi wujurr wubulku ngiki-ba.

mukul-jalbu bibi kari niji, karrkay buban dakwuy badi wujurr wubul-ku ngiki-ba | old-woman breast nothing now, child small hungry cry night all cold-LOC

mukul jalbu bibi kari karrkay buban dakwuy badil wujurr ngiki

bibi 'breast'; dakwuy hungry (b105); badi cry (b101)


The bones of the old kangaroo lie white and dry on the ground where the dingoes ate it long ago.

Mayarriji mukul bajibay balbal marral wuna bubu-ngu, murramu-ngka yinyay nukan-muny.

mayarriji mukul bajibay balbal marral wuna bubu-ngu, murramu-ngka yinyay nuka-ny-muny | kangaroo old bone white dry lie ground-LOC, dingo-ERG:pt there eat-PAST-ABL

mayarriji mukul bajibay balbal marral wunay bubu murramu nukal

bajibay 'bone'; balbal white, marral dry; murramu dingo (b105); mayarriji kangaroo


The man put his hand upon his chest, over his beating heart, and spoke the true words quietly.

Dingkar-angka mara damu-ba nanda, wubul-ba, kuku yukil janka balkan.

dingkar-angka mara damu-ba nanda, wubul-ba, kuku yukil janka balka-ny | man-ERG:pt hand chest-LOC put, heart-LOC, word true quietly say-PAST

dingkar mara damu nanda wubul kuku yukil janka balkal

mara 'hand', damu 'chest', wubul 'heart'; kuku yukil 'true words'; balka-l say


Her navel is small and round, and the little child laughs when the mother tickles her soft belly.

Nyungu wurra buban murru-murru, karrkay buban yajarri-l, ngamu-ngku nyungu jibar balbal dama-nya.

nyungu wurra buban murru-murru, karrkay buban yajarri-l, ngamu-ngku nyungu jibar balbal dama-nya | her navel small round, child small laugh, mother-ERG:pt her belly soft touch-SUB

nyungu wurra buban murru karrkay yajarril ngamu jibar balbal

wurra 'navel', jibar 'belly'; yajarri-l laugh (b8); dama-nya SUB 'when touching'


The old man's guts are sick and sore, and the doctor gave him bush medicine from the Leichardt tree.

Mukul-dingkar julbi bambay kaka, murri-ngka nyungu mayi ngulkurr kabal-muny dajin.

mukul-dingkar julbi bambay kaka, murri-ngka nyungu mayi ngulkurr kabal-muny daji-ny | old-man guts sick sore, doctor-ERG:pt him food(medicine) good Leichardt.tree-ABL give-PAST

mukul dingkar julbi bambay kaka murri mayi ngulkurr kabal dajil

julbi 'guts'; murri 'healer' + kabal 'Leichardt tree' medicine (l.689)


Inside the chest sits the heart, and the warm red blood flows all around it in the body.

Damu dukurr-ba wubul wuna, mula kulbul wumbul murru-murru wanarri bangkarr-ba.

damu dukurr-ba wubul wuna, mula kulbul wumbul murru-murru wanarri bangkarr-ba | chest inside-LOC heart lie, blood red warm round-round flow body-LOC

damu dukurr wubul wunay mula kulbul wumbul murru wanarri bangkarr

damu 'chest', wubul 'heart', mula 'blood', bangkarr 'body' (b108); dukurr inside


The shoulder and the arm of the strong young man are big, for he throws the spear every day.

Warru junkurr binda wakuy yalbay, nyulu kalka daman wungar-wungar.

warru junkurr binda wakuy yalbay, nyulu kalka dama-ny wungar-wungar | young.man strong shoulder arm big, 3sg spear throw day-REDUP(daily)

warru junkurr binda wakuy yalbay kalka damal wungar

binda 'shoulder', wakuy 'arm'; kalka spear (b107); wungar-wungar daily


The man's hand is strong, and with it he holds the spear, the boomerang, and the heavy club.

Dingkar mara junkurr, mara-bu nyulu kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrba-l.

dingkar mara junkurr, mara-bu nyulu kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrba-l | man hand strong, hand-INST 3sg spear boomerang club heavy hold

dingkar mara junkurr kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrbal

⭐mara 'hand' (juxtaposed inalienable poss) + mara-bu INST; wangal/mirru (b107)