The wild storm came down on the camp like a great angry man throwing many spears.

Jarramali kuli bayan-ka bada kadan, yala dingkar kuli yalbay kalka wubul daman.

jarramali kuli bayan-ka bada kada-ny, yala dingkar kuli yalbay kalka wubul dama-ny | thunderstorm fierce camp-DAT down came, like man angry big spear many threw

jarramali kuli bayan bada kaday dingkar yalbay kalka wubul damal

SIMILATIVE yala 'like'; jarramali 'storm' (b087); dama-l 'throw/spear'


Her long grey hair hung down like the dry yellow grass on the high river bank.

Nyungu mungka kalbay ngungul-ngungul bada wunay, yala jikan marral jalkar-a wunay.

nyungu mungka kalbay ngungul-ngungul bada wunay, yala jikan marral jalkar-a wunay | her hair long grey(REDUP) down hang, like grass dry bank-LOC(jalkar-a) hang

nyungu mungka kalbay ngungul bada wunay jikan marral jalkar

SIMILATIVE yala 'like'; mungka 'hair'/jalkar 'bank' (b094/b093)


The two brothers are exactly alike; you cannot tell the older one from the younger one.

Yaba jambul yala-karrajikur; yundu kari binal, wanjinya mukul wanjinya buban.

yaba jambul yala-karrajikur; yundu kari binal, wanjinya mukul wanjinya buban | elder.brother two alike; 2sg NEG know, which old which small

yaba jambul yundu kari binal wanjinya mukul buban

'alike' = yala-karrajikur (L28864); wanjinya 'which' (b090)


He speaks the old language just like the very old people used to speak it long, long ago.

Nyulu kuku mukul balka-l yala-ku mukul-bama balkan kalbay-muny.

nyulu kuku mukul balka-l yala-ku mukul-bama balka-ny kalbay-muny | 3sg language old speak like-ADV old-people spoke long.ago-ABL

nyulu kuku mukul balkal mukul bama kalbay

SIMILATIVE yala-ku 'like'; kuku 'language'; balka-l 'speak' (b088)


This spear and that spear over there are the same; both are straight and hard and sharp.

Kalka yinya kalka yinyay yala, jambul jinbal junkurr jinbal-baja-ku.

kalka yinya kalka yinyay yala, jambul jinbal junkurr jinbal-baja-ku | spear this spear that same, two straight hard sharp-DEG2-EMPH

kalka yinya yinyay jambul jinbal junkurr

'same' = yala; yinya/yinyay 'this/that' (b093)


These two dogs look quite different: one is dark and big, the other bright and rather small.

Kaya jambul yinya walu-yindu: nyubun ngungul yalbay, yindu balbal jarra-buban.

kaya jambul yinya walu-yindu: nyubun ngungul yalbay, yindu balbal jarra-buban | dog two this different: one dark big, other bright DEG1-small

kaya jambul yinya nyubun ngungul yalbay yindu balbal buban

'different' = walu-yindu (L25810); DEG1 jarra-buban


My country and your country are not the same; a big river runs right between the two.

Ngayku bubu yunu bubu kari yala; wawubaja yalbay jambul dindarra-nga warri.

ngayku bubu yunu bubu kari yala; wawubaja yalbay jambul dindarra-nga warri | my country your country NEG same; river big two middle-LOC run

ngayku bubu yunu kari wawubaja yalbay jambul dindarra warri

'not the same' = kari yala; ngayku/yunu POSS (b094)


The old talk and the other new talk are very different, the old man said, sitting quietly.

Kuku mukul kuku yindu walu-yindu-baja-ku, mukul-dingkar-angka janka bundan balkan.

kuku mukul kuku yindu walu-yindu-baja-ku, mukul-dingkar-angka janka bunda-ny balka-ny | talk old talk other different-DEG2-EMPH, old-man-ERG quiet sat said

kuku mukul yindu mukul dingkar janka bundal balkal

'very different' = walu-yindu-baja-ku; yindu 'other'


Each of the two brothers took a different path, but both came home to the same old camp.

Yaba jambul-bu jina yindu-yindu manin, yamba jambul bayan yala-ka kadan.

yaba jambul-bu jina yindu-yindu mani-ny, yamba jambul bayan yala-ka kada-ny | brother two-ERG track different(REDUP) took, BUT two camp same-DAT came

yaba jambul jina yindu manil yamba bayan kaday

yindu-yindu 'different(ones)'; bayan yala-ka 'to the same camp'


Do it the same way your old grandfather did it, not in some new and different way.

Yijarri yala-ku yunu kami yijarrin, kari yindu walu-yindu-ku.

yijarri yala-ku yunu kami yijarri-ny, kari yindu walu-yindu-ku | do like-ADV your grandfather did, NEG other different-ADV

'same way' = yala-ku; kami 'grandfather' (b094)


All people are the same deep inside, the old woman taught, though their faces are all different.

Bama wubulku yala dukurr-ba, mukul-jalbu-ngka milban, yamba jana walu wubulku walu-yindu.

bama wubul-ku yala dukurr-ba, mukul-jalbu-ngka milba-ny, yamba jana walu wubul-ku walu-yindu | person all same inside-LOC, old-woman-ERG taught, BUT their face all different

bama wubul yala dukurr mukul jalbu milbal jana walu

'same'=yala vs 'different'=walu-yindu contrasted; dukurr 'inside' (b093)


The old man's grey hair was thin on top, but his eyebrows were still thick and dark.

Mukul-dingkar dukul mungka ngungul-ngungul buban wangkar-a, yamba nyungu bilirr junkurr ngungul niji.

mukul-dingkar dukul mungka ngungul-ngungul buban wangkar-a, yamba nyungu bilirr junkurr ngungul niji | old-man head hair grey(REDUP) thin top-LOC, BUT his eyebrow thick dark still

mukul dingkar dukul mungka ngungul buban wangkar bilirr junkurr niji


The baby has no teeth yet in her little mouth, so her mother feeds her soft food.

Ngawa dirra kariku ngandal buban-ba, nyungu ngamu-ngka mayi kima daji nuka-nka.

ngawa dirra kariku ngandal buban-ba, nyungu ngamu-ngka mayi kima daji nuka-nka | baby tooth not.yet mouth small-LOC, her mother-ERG food soft gives eat-PURP

ngawa dirra kari ngandal buban nyungu ngamu mayi kima daji

dirra tooth, ngandal mouth; kariku 'not yet' (b092)


The hunter has very sharp eyes; he sees the small bird high up in the far tall tree.

Balbi-bama miyil jinbal-baja-ku; nyulu buyi buban juku kalbay wangkar-a nyaji-l.

balbi-bama miyil jinbal-baja-ku; nyulu buyi buban juku kalbay wangkar-a nyaji-l | hunter eye sharp-DEG2-EMPH; 3sg bird small tree tall up-LOC see

balbi bama miyil jinbal buyi buban juku kalbay nyajil


When the old woman speaks, her tongue is quick and her words are always straight and true.

Mukul-jalbu balka-nya, nyungu nyabil jinbal, nyungu kuku jinbal ngulkurr baja.

mukul-jalbu balka-nya, nyungu nyabil jinbal, nyungu kuku jinbal ngulkurr baja | old-woman speak-SUB, her tongue quick, her word straight good too

mukul jalbu balkal nyungu nyabil jinbal kuku ngulkurr


The little boy hurt his forehead badly when he fell down hard on the sharp grey rock.

Warru buban munju kaka-mani-n, nyulu bada dara-n kulji jinbal-ba junkurr-baja.

warru buban munju kaka-mani-ny, nyulu bada dara-ny kulji jinbal-ba junkurr-baja | boy small forehead sore-CAUS(hurt), 3sg down fell rock sharp-LOC hard-very

warru buban munju kaka manil bada daray kulji jinbal

munju forehead; kaka-mani-l 'hurt' (b092)


The old man's face was deeply lined, his cheeks thin, his chin covered in white hair.

Mukul-dingkar walu ngungul-ngungul, nyungu kangkul buban, bari mungka balbal-jirr.

mukul-dingkar walu ngungul-ngungul, nyungu kangkul buban, bari mungka balbal-jirr | old-man face dark(REDUP,lined), his cheek thin, chin hair white-COMIT

mukul dingkar walu ngungul nyungu kangkul buban bari mungka balbal


She took the sweat from her hot forehead with the back of her thin brown hand.

Nyulu jila-warri munju wumbul-muny mani-n, nyungu mara muku-bu.

nyulu jila-warri munju wumbul-muny mani-ny, nyungu mara muku-bu | 3sg sweat forehead hot-ABL took, her hand back-INST

nyulu jila-warri munju wumbul manil nyungu mara muku

jila-warri sweat, munju forehead, muku back


The dog's long red tongue hung right out of its wide mouth over its sharp white teeth.

Kaya nyabil kalbay ngandal kalbay-muny bada wunay, dirra jinbal balbal wangkar-a.

kaya nyabil kalbay ngandal kalbay-muny bada wunay, dirra jinbal balbal wangkar-a | dog tongue long mouth wide-ABL down hang, tooth sharp white above-LOC

kaya nyabil kalbay ngandal bada wunay dirra jinbal balbal wangkar

nyabil tongue, ngandal mouth, dirra tooth


The child's two front teeth fell out, and now she cannot bite the hard dry wallaby meat.

Karrkay dirra jambul ngandal-muny dara-n, niji nyulu kari minya marral junkurr bayka-l.

karrkay dirra jambul ngandal-muny dara-ny, niji nyulu kari minya marral junkurr bayka-l | child tooth two mouth-ABL fell, now 3sg NEG meat dry hard bite

karrkay dirra jambul ngandal daray niji kari minya marral baykal

dirra tooth, ngandal mouth; bayka-l 'bite'


The old man heard the soft, soft sound with his good ears in the quiet of the night.

Mukul-dingkar milka ngulkurr-bu nyajin, wujurr janka-ba kinka buban-buban.

mukul-dingkar milka ngulkurr-bu nyaji-ny, wujurr janka-ba kinka buban-buban | old-man ear good-INST heard, night quiet-LOC sound soft(REDUP)

mukul dingkar milka ngulkurr nyajil wujurr janka kinka buban


Her long black hair fell down over her shoulders and covered her whole thin back.

Nyungu mungka ngungul-ngungul kalbay binda-nga bada wunay, nyungu muku wubulku nandan.

nyungu mungka ngungul-ngungul kalbay binda-nga bada wunay, nyungu muku wubul-ku nanda-ny | her hair black(REDUP) long shoulder-LOC down hang, her back all covered

nyungu mungka ngungul kalbay binda bada wunay muku nandal


The green ant bit the little boy right on the cheek, and it swelled up big and dark.

Munjurr-angka warru buban kangkul-ba baykan, nyulu yalbay-ma-n ngungul-baja.

munjurr-angka warru buban kangkul-ba bayka-ny, nyulu yalbay-ma-ny ngungul-baja | green.ant-ERG boy small cheek-LOC bit, 3sg big-INCHO(swelled) dark-very

munjurr warru buban kangkul baykal yalbay ngungul

kangkul cheek; yalbay-ma-l 'swell(become big)'


The old woman's eyes are weak now; she cannot see the small tracks in the soft sand.

Mukul-jalbu miyil buban niji; nyulu kari jina buban jukar-a nyaji-l.

mukul-jalbu miyil buban niji; nyulu kari jina buban jukar-a nyaji-l | old-woman eye weak now; 3sg NEG track small sand-LOC see

mukul jalbu miyil buban niji kari jina jukar nyajil

miyil eye; jina 'track'; jukar-a (single-r LOC)


The baby looked up at her mother's face with two bright dark eyes, and reached out her hand.

Ngawa nyungu ngamu walu wangkar-a nyajin, miyil jambul balbal ngungul-bu, mara wandin.

ngawa nyungu ngamu walu wangkar-a nyaji-ny, miyil jambul balbal ngungul-bu, mara wandi-ny | baby her mother face up-LOC looked, eye two bright dark-INST, hand reached

ngawa nyungu ngamu walu wangkar nyajil miyil jambul balbal mara


The strong young man carried the heavy log on one broad shoulder all the way to the camp.

Warru junkurr-baja-ku juku kulngkul binda nyubun-bu wundin, bayan-ka wubulku.

warru junkurr-baja-ku juku kulngkul binda nyubun-bu wundi-ny, bayan-ka wubul-ku | young.man strong-DEG2-EMPH log heavy shoulder one-INST carried, camp-DAT all

warru junkurr juku kulngkul binda nyubun wundil bayan


The old man's neck was thin and his throat was dry, so he drank the cool water slowly.

Mukul-dingkar jakay buban manu marral, nyulu bana ngiki buban-buban nukan.

mukul-dingkar jakay buban manu marral, nyulu bana ngiki buban-buban nuka-ny | old-man neck thin throat dry, 3sg water cool slowly drank

mukul dingkar jakay buban manu marral bana ngiki nukal


She carried the sleeping baby against her warm chest, holding it close and gentle.

Nyulu ngawa wuna-nya damu wumbul-ba karrban, ngundu-baja ngulkurr baja.

nyulu ngawa wuna-nya damu wumbul-ba karrba-ny, ngundu-baja ngulkurr baja | 3sg baby sleep-SUB chest warm-LOC held, close-very gentle too

nyulu ngawa wunay damu wumbul karrbal ngundu ngulkurr

damu chest; karrba-l 'hold'; wumbul-ba (l LOC)


The mother fed the hungry baby at her breast until the little one fell fast asleep.

Ngamu-ngka ngawa dakuy bibi-bu daji, karrkay buban wuna-n jinbal-baja-ku.

ngamu-ngka ngawa dakuy bibi-bu daji, karrkay buban wuna-ny jinbal-baja-ku | mother-ERG baby hungry breast-INST fed, child small slept fast-DEG2-EMPH

ngamu ngawa dakuy bibi daji karrkay buban wunay jinbal


The old woman's back is bent low now with the many long years of hard, hard work.

Mukul-jalbu muku bada-baja niji, nyulu wungar kalbay wubul junkurr-junkurr-muny mukul-ma-n.

mukul-jalbu muku bada-baja niji, nyulu wungar kalbay wubul junkurr-junkurr-muny mukul-ma-ny | old-woman back low-very now, 3sg year long many hard(REDUP,work)-ABL old-INCHO

mukul jalbu muku bada niji wungar kalbay wubul junkurr


The hunter's whole body was covered in sweat after the long, fast run through the thick scrub.

Balbi-bama bangkarr wubulku jila-warri-jirr, nyulu kalbay warri-nya madja-burr jinbal-baja.

balbi-bama bangkarr wubul-ku jila-warri-jirr, nyulu kalbay warri-nya madja-burr jinbal-baja | hunter body whole sweat-COMIT, 3sg far run-SUB scrub-PERL fast-very

balbi bama bangkarr wubul jila-warri kalbay warri madja

bangkarr body, jila-warri sweat; warri 'run'


The little girl has a small round belly and a deep navel, like all the young children.

Jalbu buban jibar buban warral-warral, wurra dukurr, yala karrkay-karrkay wubulku.

jalbu buban jibar buban warral-warral, wurra dukurr, yala karrkay-karrkay wubul-ku | girl small belly small round(REDUP), navel deep, like children all

jalbu buban jibar warral wurra dukurr yala karrkay wubul

jibar belly, wurra navel; yala 'like' (b096)


The old man was so thin that you could see each and every rib on his hollow chest.

Mukul-dingkar buban-baja-ku, yundu mirrimar wubulku damu-ngu nyaji-l.

mukul-dingkar buban-baja-ku, yundu mirrimar wubul-ku damu-ngu nyaji-l | old-man thin-DEG2-EMPH, 2sg rib all chest-LOC see

mukul dingkar buban yundu mirrimar wubul damu nyajil

mirrimar rib, damu chest; damu-ngu (u LOC)


She rubbed the warm turtle fat on the old man's sore, aching shoulder and his thin back.

Nyulu wandul wumbul mukul-dingkar binda kaka-nga baja muku-ngu julngkan.

nyulu wandul wumbul mukul-dingkar binda kaka-nga baja muku-ngu julngka-ny | 3sg fat warm old-man shoulder sore-LOC and back-LOC rubbed

nyulu wandul wumbul mukul dingkar binda kaka muku julngkal

wandul fat, binda shoulder, muku back; julngka-l 'rub' (b091)


The baby is growing well and getting fat; look at her round cheeks and her full little belly.

Ngawa ngulkurr yalbay-ma-l wandul-jirr; yundu nyaji nyungu kangkul warral-warral jibar yalbay baja.

ngawa ngulkurr yalbay-ma-l wandul-jirr; yundu nyaji nyungu kangkul warral-warral jibar yalbay baja | baby well big-INCHO(grow) fat-COMIT; 2sg see her cheek round(REDUP) belly big too

ngawa ngulkurr yalbay wandul yundu nyajil kangkul warral jibar


The strong man's chest and shoulders were broad, and he lifted the big log up with ease.

Dingkar junkurr damu binda kalbay, nyulu juku kulngkul jinbal-baja-ku kulban wangkar-a.

dingkar junkurr damu binda kalbay, nyulu juku kulngkul jinbal-baja-ku kulba-ny wangkar-a | man strong chest shoulder broad, 3sg log heavy easy-DEG2-EMPH lifted up-LOC

dingkar junkurr damu binda kalbay juku kulngkul kulbal wangkar

damu chest, binda shoulder; kulba-l 'lift'


The old woman held the sick child's hot little body close all through the cold, cold night.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka karrkay bambay bangkarr wumbul buban ngundu-baja karrban, wujurr ngiki wubulku.

mukul-jalbu-ngka karrkay bambay bangkarr wumbul buban ngundu-baja karrba-ny, wujurr ngiki wubul-ku | old-woman-ERG child sick body hot small close-very held, night cold all

mukul jalbu karrkay bambay bangkarr wumbul ngundu karrbal wujurr ngiki


The young man's arms are strong; he can throw the heavy fighting spear a very long way.

Warru wakuy junkurr; nyulu murrangkal kulngkul kalbay-baja-ku dama-l.

warru wakuy junkurr; nyulu murrangkal kulngkul kalbay-baja-ku dama-l | young.man arm strong; 3sg fighting.spear heavy far-DEG2-EMPH throw

warru wakuy junkurr murrangkal kulngkul kalbay damal


The old woman's hands are wrinkled and thin, but they still weave the very finest dilly bags.

Mukul-jalbu mara ngungul-ngungul buban, yamba nyulu ngunyin ngulkurr bajaku bunga-l.

mukul-jalbu mara ngungul-ngungul buban, yamba nyulu ngunyin ngulkurr bajaku bunga-l | old-woman hand wrinkled(REDUP) thin, BUT 3sg dilly.bag good most make

mukul jalbu mara ngungul buban yamba ngunyin ngulkurr bungal

mara hand; SUPERLATIVE ngulkurr bajaku (b096)


He wears a plaited band of strong vine around each brown wrist and each strong ankle.

Nyulu mawar kulba-nya jinbar-a baja wulu-ngu karrban.

nyulu mawar kulba-nya jinbar-a baja wulu-ngu karrba-ny | 3sg vine split-SUB wrist-LOC and ankle-LOC wore

jinbar wrist (single-r LOC -a), wulu ankle (u LOC -ngu); mawar vine (b095)


The little boy stubbed his big toe hard on the rock and cried out loudly in real pain.

Warru buban durru yalbay kulji-nga kunin, nyulu yalbay-bu yirrkan kaka-baja.

warru buban durru yalbay kulji-nga kuni-ny, nyulu yalbay-bu yirrka-ny kaka-baja | boy small toe big rock-LOC hit, 3sg loud-INST cried pain-very

warru buban durru yalbay kulji kunil yirrkay kaka


Her long strong legs carried her quickly across the wide open ground to the far river bank.

Nyungu jandal kalbay junkurr nyunguny jinbal-baja-ku wundin, bubu kalbay-burr wawubaja jalkar-ka.

nyungu jandal kalbay junkurr nyunguny jinbal-baja-ku wundi-ny, bubu kalbay-burr wawubaja jalkar-ka | her leg long strong 3sg.ACC fast-DEG2-EMPH carried, ground wide-PERL river bank-DAT

nyungu jandal kalbay junkurr jinbal wundil bubu wawubaja jalkar


The old man's legs are weak now, and he leans on a strong wooden stick when he walks.

Mukul-dingkar jandal buban niji, nyulu juku junkurr-ba karrba jilba-nya.

mukul-dingkar jandal buban niji, nyulu juku junkurr-ba karrba jilba-nya | old-man leg weak now, 3sg stick strong-LOC(junkurr-ba) hold walk-SUB

mukul dingkar jandal buban niji juku junkurr karrbal jilba


The hunter's strong thighs and legs never grow tired on the long, long day's hard hunt.

Balbi-bama waba jandal junkurr, nyulu wungar kalbay balbi kariku bunda-l.

balbi-bama waba jandal junkurr, nyulu wungar kalbay balbi kariku bunda-l | hunter thigh leg strong, 3sg day long hunt never stop

balbi bama waba jandal junkurr wungar kalbay kari bundal


She pointed with her hand at the small fresh track in the soft wet sand of the river bank.

Nyulu mara-bu jina buban jukar kima-nga milban, wawubaja jalkar-a.

nyulu mara-bu jina buban jukar kima-nga milba-ny, wawubaja jalkar-a | 3sg hand-INST track small sand soft-LOC pointed, river bank-LOC

nyulu mara jina buban jukar kima milbal wawubaja jalkar


The old woman's fingernails were long and hard from digging yams in the dry, dry ground.

Mukul-jalbu birri kalbay junkurr, wukay bubu marral-muny bakal-muny.

mukul-jalbu birri kalbay junkurr, wukay bubu marral-muny bakal-muny | old-woman fingernail long hard, yam ground dry-ABL dig-ABL

mukul jalbu birri kalbay junkurr wukay bubu marral bakal

birri fingernail; bakal 'dig'; wukay 'yam'


He held the smooth spear tight in his right hand and raised his strong arm up high.

Nyulu kalka jinali mara-bu junkurr karrban, wakuy junkurr wangkar-a jarra-jarra.

nyulu kalka jinali mara-bu junkurr karrba-ny, wakuy junkurr wangkar-a jarra-jarra | 3sg spear smooth hand-INST tight held, arm strong up-LOC high

nyulu kalka jinali mara junkurr karrbal wakuy wangkar jarra

mara hand, wakuy arm; jinali 'smooth' (b093)


The baby's tiny hands and tiny feet are soft and warm, with many little pink fingernails.

Ngawa mara buban jina buban kima wumbul, birri buban wubul.

ngawa mara buban jina buban kima wumbul, birri buban wubul | baby hand small foot small soft warm, fingernail small many

ngawa mara buban jina kima wumbul birri wubul


His foot was badly cut on the sharp rock, and the bright blood ran down over his toes.

Nyungu jina kulji jinbal-ba yakan, mula durru-ngu bada warri.

nyungu jina kulji jinbal-ba yaka-ny, mula durru-ngu bada warri | his foot rock sharp-LOC cut, blood toe-LOC down run

nyungu jina kulji jinbal yakal mula durru bada warri

jina foot, mula blood, durru toe (u LOC -ngu); yaka-l 'cut' (b095)


The old people knew that strong bones come from plenty of good fat meat and marrow.

Mukul-bama-ngka binal, bajibay junkurr minya wandul ngulkurr wubul-muny kada-nya.

mukul-bama-ngka binal, bajibay junkurr minya wandul ngulkurr wubul-muny kada-nya | old-people-ERG knew, bone strong meat fat good much-ABL come-SUB

mukul bama binal bajibay junkurr minya wandul ngulkurr wubul


When you eat the sweet turtle fat, it warms your whole body on the cold, cold night.

Yundu ngawiya wandul jiba-wulay nuka-nya, nyulu yunu bangkarr wubulku wumbul-bunga-l, wujurr ngiki-ba.

yundu ngawiya wandul jiba-wulay nuka-nya, nyulu yunu bangkarr wubul-ku wumbul-bunga-l, wujurr ngiki-ba | 2sg turtle fat sweet eat-SUB, 3sg your body whole hot-CAUS(warm), night cold-LOC

yundu ngawiya wandul nukal yunu bangkarr wubul wumbul wujurr ngiki

wandul fat, bangkarr body; wumbul-bunga-l 'warm(state-CAUS)' (b092)


The green ant bite made his whole arm swell, and the deep pain went right into the bone.

Munjurr baykal nyungu wakuy wubulku yalbay-ma-n, kaka bajibay dukurr-ka dungan.

munjurr bayka-l nyungu wakuy wubul-ku yalbay-ma-ny, kaka bajibay dukurr-ka dunga-ny | green.ant bite his arm whole big-INCHO(swell), pain bone deep-DAT went

munjurr baykal nyungu wakuy wubul yalbay kaka bajibay dukurr dungay

wakuy arm, bajibay bone; yalbay-ma-l 'swell'


The old man's heart was still strong, though his legs and his arms had grown very weak.

Mukul-dingkar wubul junkurr niji, yamba nyungu jandal wakuy buban-baja-ku-ma-nya.

mukul-dingkar wubul junkurr niji, yamba nyungu jandal wakuy buban-baja-ku-ma-nya | old-man heart strong still, BUT his leg arm weak-DEG2-EMPH-INCHO

mukul dingkar wubul junkurr niji nyungu jandal wakuy buban

wubul HEART (homophone of wubul 'many'); jandal leg, wakuy arm


Blood ran fast from the deep cut, so she pressed the soft green leaves hard on it.

Mula kaka dukurr-muny jinbal warri, nyulu birra kima jikan-jikan nandan junkurr-baja.

mula kaka dukurr-muny jinbal warri, nyulu birra kima jikan-jikan nanda-ny junkurr-baja | blood cut deep-ABL fast ran, 3sg leaf soft green pressed hard-very

mula kaka dukurr jinbal warri birra kima jikan nandal

mula blood; birra 'leaf' (b095); nanda-l 'press/cover'


The liver and the guts of the fat kangaroo are given to the old people, who like them best.

Mayarriji wandul-jirr jiba julbi baja mukul-bama-nka daji, jana wawu bajaku.

mayarriji wandul-jirr jiba julbi baja mukul-bama-nka daji, jana wawu bajaku | kangaroo fat-COMIT liver guts and old-people-DAT given, 3pl like most

mayarriji wandul jiba julbi mukul bama daji wawu

jiba liver, julbi guts; wawu bajaku 'like best'


Wipe the sweat and the saliva from the sick child's hot face with a soft, wet cloth.

Jila-warri nyumba baja karrkay bambay walu wumbul-muny mani, kambi kima bana-jirr-bu.

jila-warri nyumba baja karrkay bambay walu wumbul-muny mani, kambi kima bana-jirr-bu | sweat saliva and child sick face hot-ABL take.IMP, cloth soft water-COMIT-INST

jila-warri nyumba karrkay bambay walu wumbul manil kambi kima bana

jila-warri sweat, nyumba saliva, walu face


His mouth was dry and there was no saliva; he had walked all day with no water at all.

Nyungu ngandal marral, nyumba kari; nyulu wungar wubulku jilba-nya bana-kari.

nyungu ngandal marral, nyumba kari; nyulu wungar wubul-ku jilba-nya bana-kari | his mouth dry, saliva none; 3sg day all walk-SUB water-PRIV(without)

nyungu ngandal marral nyumba kari wungar wubul jilba bana

ngandal mouth, nyumba saliva; -mundu 'without' (b092)


The old woman's bones ached in the cold wet season, deep in her legs and her bent back.

Mukul-jalbu bajibay kaka kaba-wungar-a, jandal muku dukurr-ba.

mukul-jalbu bajibay kaka kaba-wungar-a, jandal muku dukurr-ba | old-woman bone ache wet.season-LOC, leg back deep-LOC

mukul jalbu bajibay kaka kaba wungar jandal muku dukurr

bajibay bone, jandal leg, muku back; kaka 'ache'


Sweat ran down the hunter's back and chest as he carried the heavy pig up the steep hill.

Jila-warri balbi-bama muku damu-ngu bada warri, nyulu bikibiki kulngkul manjal wangkar-a wundin.

jila-warri balbi-bama muku damu-ngu bada warri, nyulu bikibiki kulngkul manjal wangkar-a wundi-ny | sweat hunter back chest-LOC down ran, 3sg pig heavy mountain up-LOC carried

jila-warri balbi bama muku damu bada warri bikibiki kulngkul manjal

jila-warri sweat, muku back, damu chest (u LOC -ngu)


The fat under the turtle is sweet and yellow, the very best food of all in the sea.

Ngawiya wandul jiba-wulay, mayi ngulkurr bajaku wubulku-muny, jalun-ba.

ngawiya wandul jiba-wulay, mayi ngulkurr bajaku wubul-ku-muny, jalun-ba | turtle fat sweet, food good most all-ABL, sea-LOC

ngawiya wandul mayi ngulkurr wubul jalun

wandul fat; jiba-wulay 'sweet'/SUPERLATIVE bajaku (b096)


Deep inside every single person there is a strong heart and warm red blood, the old man taught.

Bama nyubun-nyubun dukurr-ba wubul junkurr mula wumbul, mukul-dingkar-angka milban.

bama nyubun-nyubun dukurr-ba wubul junkurr mula wumbul, mukul-dingkar-angka milba-ny | person each(REDUP) inside-LOC heart strong blood warm, old-man-ERG taught

bama nyubun dukurr wubul junkurr mula wumbul mukul dingkar milbal

wubul HEART, mula blood; dukurr 'inside' (b093)


One old man sat alone by the fire, and two young men stood quietly beside him in the dark.

Mukul-dingkar nyubun baya ngundu nyubun-bu bundan, warru jambul nyungu ngundu janka janay.

mukul-dingkar nyubun baya ngundu nyubun-bu bunda-ny, warru jambul nyungu ngundu janka janay | old-man one fire near alone sat, young.man two him near quiet stood

mukul dingkar nyubun baya ngundu bundal warru jambul janka janay

CARDINAL nyubun 1, jambul 2 (follow noun)


The hunter threw three straight spears, but the fast kangaroo was hit by only one of them.

Balbi-bama kalka jinbal kulur daman, mayarriji jinbal nyubun-bu kunin.

balbi-bama kalka jinbal kulur dama-ny, mayarriji jinbal nyubun-bu kuni-ny | hunter spear straight three threw, kangaroo fast one-INST hit

balbi bama kalka jinbal kulur damal mayarriji nyubun kunil

CARDINAL kulur 3; nyubun-bu 'by one' (INST)


Two women and three children walked down to the river to dig for the sweet white yams.

Jalbu jambul karrkay kulur baja wawubaja-ka bada jilba-dungan, wukay jiba-wulay bakal-ka.

jalbu jambul karrkay kulur baja wawubaja-ka bada jilba-dunga-ny, wukay jiba-wulay bakal-ka | woman two child three too river-DAT down walked, yam sweet dig-DAT

jalbu jambul karrkay kulur wawubaja bada jilba wukay bakal


I saw two big trees standing there: one growing by the track, and one down on the beach.

Ngayu juku yalbay jambul nyajin yinyay, nyubun jina karangkal nyubun jukar bada.

ngayu juku yalbay jambul nyaji-ny yinyay, nyubun jina karangkal nyubun jukar bada | 1sg tree big two saw there, one track alongside one beach down

ngayu juku yalbay jambul nyajil yinyay nyubun jina jukar

CARDINAL jambul 2, nyubun 1 (ex.67b pattern)


The old man gave one good spear to each of his three strong young sons.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru kulur-ka nyubun-nyubun dajin.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru kulur-ka nyubun-nyubun daji-ny | old-man-ERG spear good one young.man three-DAT each(REDUP) gave

mukul dingkar kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru kulur daji

DISTRIBUTIVE nyubun-nyubun 'each'; kulur 3


Only two of the many hunters came back to the camp before the dark night fell down.

Balbi-bama wubul-muny jambul bayan-ka kadan, wujurr ngungul dara-nyjiku.

balbi-bama wubul-muny jambul bayan-ka kada-ny, wujurr ngungul dara-nyjiku | hunter many-ABL two camp-DAT came, night dark fall-SUCC(before)

balbi bama wubul jambul bayan kaday wujurr ngungul daray


Three long days passed, and still the two young men did not return from the far hunt.

Wungar kalbay kulur dungan, warru jambul kariku kadan balbi kala-kalbay-muny.

wungar kalbay kulur dunga-ny, warru jambul kariku kada-ny balbi kala-kalbay-muny | day long three passed, young.man two not.yet came hunt far.away-ABL

wungar kalbay kulur dungay warru jambul kari kaday balbi

CARDINAL kulur 3, jambul 2; kariku 'not yet' (b092)


She carried two dilly bags full of ripe fruit and one big bag full of small silver fish.

Nyulu ngunyin jambul mayi kulbul-jirr wundin, ngunyin nyubun yalbay kuyu buban-jirr baja.

nyulu ngunyin jambul mayi kulbul-jirr wundi-ny, ngunyin nyubun yalbay kuyu buban-jirr baja | 3sg dilly.bag two fruit ripe-COMIT carried, dilly.bag one big fish small-COMIT too

nyulu ngunyin jambul mayi kulbul wundil nyubun yalbay kuyu buban

CARDINAL jambul 2, nyubun 1; kulbul 'ripe' (b095)


The old woman had only three teeth left, so she could not eat the hard, dry wallaby meat.

Mukul-jalbu dirra kulur karrba niji, nyulu kari minya marral junkurr nuka-l.

mukul-jalbu dirra kulur karrba niji, nyulu kari minya marral junkurr nuka-l | old-woman tooth three hold now, 3sg NEG meat dry hard eat

mukul jalbu dirra kulur karrbal niji kari minya marral nukal


Two dogs and one man went out hunting, but they came home with three big fat pigs.

Kaya jambul dingkar nyubun baja balbi dungan, jana bikibiki wandul kulur-jirr kadan.

kaya jambul dingkar nyubun baja balbi dunga-ny, jana bikibiki wandul kulur-jirr kada-ny | dog two man one too hunt went, 3pl pig fat three-COMIT came

kaya jambul dingkar nyubun balbi dungay jana bikibiki wandul kulur

CARDINAL jambul 2, nyubun 1, kulur 3; wandul 'fat' (b097)


Many people gathered at the big meeting, more people than the old man had ever seen before.

Bama wubul malkarri yalbay-ka muru-ma-n, bama jarra-wubul mukul-dingkar nyaji-nya-muny.

bama wubul malkarri yalbay-ka muru-ma-ny, bama jarra-wubul mukul-dingkar nyaji-nya-muny | person many meeting big-DAT gathered, person more old-man see-SUB-ABL

bama wubul malkarri yalbay muru jarra mukul dingkar nyajil

QUANT wubul 'many'; jarra-wubul 'more numerous'; malkarri (b080)


The girls dug up a lot of small pipis in the wet grey sand at the edge of the sea.

Maral-maral-angka bulkiji wubul jukar duna-nga bakan, jalun karangkal.

maral-maral-angka bulkiji wubul jukar duna-nga baka-ny, jalun karangkal | girl-REDUP-ERG pipi many sand wet-LOC dug, sea alongside

maral bulkiji wubul jukar duna bakal jalun

REDUP plural maral-maral 'girls' + wubul (ex.61 exact); bulkiji 'pipi'


All the people of that country came together to share the meat of the one big sea turtle.

Bama narmba bubu yinya-mu muru-ma-n, ngawiya yalbay nyubun minya bangka-nka.

bama narmba bubu yinya-mu muru-ma-ny, ngawiya yalbay nyubun minya bangka-nka | person all country that-POSS gathered, turtle big one meat share-PURP

bama narmba bubu yinya muru ngawiya yalbay nyubun bangkal

QUANT narmba 'all'; nyubun 1; muru-ma-l 'gather' (b094)


There are lots and lots of ripe fruits on that tall tree; go and gather plenty for us all.

Mayi kulbul jirray juku kalbay yinya-nga; dunga-y bangka wubul ngana-nka.

mayi kulbul jirray juku kalbay yinya-nga; dunga-y bangka wubul ngana-nka | fruit ripe lots tree tall this-LOC; go.IMP gather.IMP plenty 1pl-DAT

mayi kulbul jirray juku kalbay dungay bangkal wubul ngana


So many stars filled the whole night sky, far more than all the people of this country.

Dawar wubul jiri wujurr-ba, jarra-wubul bama narmba bubu yinya-mu.

dawar wubul jiri wujurr-ba, jarra-wubul bama narmba bubu yinya-mu | star many sky night-LOC, more person all country this-POSS

dawar wubul jiri wujurr jarra bama narmba bubu

QUANT wubul/narmba; jarra-wubul 'more'; dawar 'star'; jiri 'sky' (b093)


All night long the many frogs sang together in the muddy water of the big, big swamp.

Wujurr wubulku karrkurr wubul muru balkan, daburri yalbay bana buyun-ba.

wujurr wubul-ku karrkurr wubul muru balka-ny, daburri yalbay bana buyun-ba | night all frog many together sang, swamp big water muddy-LOC

wujurr wubul karrkurr muru balkal daburri yalbay bana buyun

QUANT wubulku 'all', wubul 'many'; karrkurr 'frog' (b089)


The old man knew the names of all the trees and all the birds in his whole wide country.

Mukul-dingkar-angka juku narmba buyi narmba burri binal, nyungu bubu wubulku-ba.

mukul-dingkar-angka juku narmba buyi narmba burri binal, nyungu bubu wubul-ku-ba | old-man-ERG tree all bird all name knew, his country all-LOC

mukul dingkar juku narmba buyi burri binal bubu wubul

QUANT narmba 'all' (×2); burri 'name' (b088)


Only small fish were left in the drying waterhole in the middle of the long dry season.

Kuyu buban janku marral-ma-nya-ba karrba niji, marral-wungar kalbay dindarra-nga.

kuyu buban janku marral-ma-nya-ba karrba niji, marral-wungar kalbay dindarra-nga | fish small waterhole dry-INCHO-SUB-LOC remain now, dry-season long middle-LOC

kuyu buban janku marral karrbal marral wungar kalbay dindarra

janku 'waterhole' (b093); dindarra 'middle'


Every single child in the camp ran to see the two hunters bringing home the big fat pig.

Karrkay-karrkay narmba bayan-ba warri, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka.

karrkay-karrkay narmba bayan-ba warri, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka | child-REDUP all camp-LOC ran, hunter two pig big carry-SUB see-PURP

karrkay narmba bayan warri balbi bama jambul bikibiki yalbay nyajil

QUANT narmba 'every'; jambul 2; REDUP karrkay-karrkay


The whole family sat down together and shared plenty of good food between all of them.

Jawun-karra narmba muru bundan, mayi ngulkurr jirray jana wubulku nukan.

jawun-karra narmba muru bunda-ny, mayi ngulkurr jirray jana wubul-ku nuka-ny | family-KPL all together sat, food good plenty 3pl all ate

jawun karra narmba muru bundal mayi ngulkurr jirray jana

KPL jawun-karra 'family'; narmba 'all'; jirray 'plenty'


The old men sat in the cool shade all day, telling long stories of the old, old days.

Wulman-wulman wabarr ngiki-ba wungar wubulku bundan, kuku kalbay mukul wungar-mu balkan.

wulman-wulman wabarr ngiki-ba wungar wubul-ku bunda-ny, kuku kalbay mukul wungar-mu balka-ny | old.man-REDUP shade cool-LOC day all sat, story long old time-POSS told

wulman wabarr ngiki wungar wubul bundal kuku kalbay mukul balkal

REDUP plural wulman-wulman 'old men' (grammar §3.2.3.5)


The little children played by the water while the women dug for yams in the soft sand.

Karrkay-karrkay bana ngundu bundan, jalbu-ngka wukay jukar-a bakan wungar wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay bana ngundu bunda-ny, jalbu-ngka wukay jukar-a baka-ny wungar wubul-ku | child-REDUP water near sat, woman-ERG yam sand-LOC dug day all

karrkay bana ngundu bundal jalbu wukay jukar bakal wungar

REDUP karrkay-karrkay 'children'; jukar-a (single-r LOC)


Tall trees grew thick along the winding river, and the many green leaves shone in the sun.

Juku-juku kalbay wawubaja karangkal junkurr janay, birra jikan-jikan wubul balbal wungar-a.

juku-juku kalbay wawubaja karangkal junkurr janay, birra jikan-jikan wubul balbal wungar-a | tree-REDUP tall river alongside thick stand, leaf green many bright sun-LOC

juku kalbay wawubaja junkurr janay birra jikan wubul balbal wungar

REDUP plural juku-juku 'trees' (grammar §3.2.3.5); birra 'leaf' (b095)


The many snakes came out in the wet season and moved through the long, wet green grass.

Jarba-jarba kaba-wungar-a kadan, jikan duna kalbay-burr jilba-nya wubul.

jarba-jarba kaba-wungar-a kada-ny, jikan duna kalbay-burr jilba-nya wubul | snake-REDUP wet.season-LOC came, grass wet long-PERL move-SUB many

jarba kaba wungar kaday jikan duna kalbay jilba wubul

REDUP plural jarba-jarba 'snakes'; duna 'wet' (ex.60)


The salt-water crocodiles lay very still on the muddy bank, watching the fish in the river.

Bilngkumu-bilngkumu daburri jalkar-a janka wunay, kuyu wawubaja-nga nyaji-l.

bilngkumu-bilngkumu daburri jalkar-a janka wunay, kuyu wawubaja-nga nyaji-l | crocodile-REDUP swamp bank-LOC still lay, fish river-LOC watch

bilngkumu daburri jalkar janka wunay kuyu wawubaja nyajil

REDUP bilngkumu-bilngkumu 'crocodiles' (grammar §3.2.3.5); jalkar-a (single-r LOC)


The narrow paths were wet and slippery after the big rain had fallen all through the night.

Jina-jina duna julbarr, kaba yalbay dara-nya-muny wujurr wubulku.

jina-jina duna julbarr, kaba yalbay dara-nya-muny wujurr wubul-ku | path-REDUP wet slippery, rain big fall-SUB-ABL night all

jina duna julbarr kaba yalbay daray wujurr wubul

REDUP jina-jina 'paths' (ex.60 pattern; baral='feeling' NOT road); duna 'wet'


The two old women wove many fine dilly bags, sitting together in the cool afternoon shade.

Jalbu-jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bungan, muru bundan wabarr ngiki-ba.

jalbu-jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bunga-ny, muru bunda-ny wabarr ngiki-ba | woman-REDUP old two dilly.bag many made, together sat shade cool-LOC

jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bungal muru bundal wabarr ngiki

REDUP jalbu-jalbu 'women' + jambul 2; muru 'together'


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

Buyi-buyi buban janku-ka bada warri bana nuka-nka, wunkuwingku ngiki-ba.

buyi-buyi buban janku-ka bada warri bana nuka-nka, wunkuwingku ngiki-ba | bird-REDUP small waterhole-DAT down flew water drink-PURP, morning cool-LOC

buyi buban janku bada warri bana nukal wunkuwingku ngiki

REDUP buyi-buyi 'birds'; janku 'waterhole' (b093)


The dogs barked loudly at the two strangers walking slowly toward the quiet evening camp.

Kaya-kaya yalbay-bu yirrkan, bama yindu jambul bayan janka-ka buban-buban jilba-nya.

kaya-kaya yalbay-bu yirrka-ny, bama yindu jambul bayan janka-ka buban-buban jilba-nya | dog-REDUP loud-INST barked, person other two camp quiet-DAT slowly walk-SUB

kaya yalbay yirrkay bama yindu jambul bayan janka jilba

REDUP kaya-kaya 'dogs' + jambul 2; yindu 'other'


Many grey stones lay scattered on the flat ground where the old people once made their fires.

Kulji-kulji bubu jirakal-ba yindu-yindu wunay, mukul-bama baya bunga-nya-mu.

kulji-kulji bubu jirakal-ba yindu-yindu wunay, mukul-bama baya bunga-nya-mu | stone-REDUP ground flat-LOC scattered(REDUP) lay, old-people fire make-SUB-POSS

kulji bubu jirakal yindu wunay mukul bama baya bungal

REDUP kulji-kulji 'stones'; jirakal-ba (l LOC); yindu-yindu 'scattered'


The mothers and the fathers went to the meeting to talk about the young children's future.

Ngamu-karra nganjan-karra malkarri-ka dungan, karrkay-karrkay-mu wungar kada-nya-mu balka-nka.

ngamu-karra nganjan-karra malkarri-ka dunga-ny, karrkay-karrkay-mu wungar kada-nya-mu balka-nka | mother-KPL father-KPL meeting-DAT went, child-REDUP-POSS day come-SUB-POSS talk-PURP

ngamu karra nganjan malkarri dungay karrkay wungar kaday balkal

KPL ngamu-karra 'mothers', nganjan-karra 'fathers' (ex.64)


The wives said to the men: go now and get us some good fish from the deep river.

Manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar balkan, 'Dunga-y niji kuyu ngulkurr mani ngana-nka wawubaja dajali-muny.'

manyarr-karra-ngka dingkar balka-ny, 'dunga-y niji kuyu ngulkurr mani ngana-nka wawubaja dajali-muny' | wife-KPL-ERG man said, 'go.IMP now fish good get.IMP 1pl-DAT river deep-ABL'

manyarr karra dingkar balkal dungay kuyu ngulkurr manil ngana dajali


He went around asking all his friends and relatives for a little food and some cool water.

Nyulu jawun-karra-nda kunja-n-kunjajin mayi-ka bana ngiki-ka baja.

nyulu jawun-karra-nda kunja-n-kunjaji-ny mayi-ka bana ngiki-ka baja | 3sg friend-KPL-LOC ask.REDUP-PAST food-DAT water cool-DAT too

nyulu jawun karra kunjal mayi bana ngiki

KPL jawun-karra 'friends/relatives' (ex.62 exact)


The husbands went out hunting at first light while the wives stayed to mind the children.

Dunyu-karra balbi dungan wunkuwingku, manyarr-karra karrkay-karrkay karrba bayan-ba bundan.

dunyu-karra balbi dunga-ny wunkuwingku, manyarr-karra karrkay-karrkay karrba bayan-ba bunda-ny | husband-KPL hunt went dawn, wife-KPL child-REDUP mind camp-LOC sat

dunyu karra balbi dungay wunkuwingku manyarr karrkay karrbal bayan bundal

KPL dunyu-karra 'husbands', manyarr-karra 'wives'


The grandmothers taught the young girls how to weave the strong baskets from lawyer cane.

Babi-karra maral milban, ngunyin junkurr kaku-muny bunga-nka.

babi-karra maral milba-ny, ngunyin junkurr kaku-muny bunga-nka | grandmother-KPL girl taught, dilly.bag strong lawyer.cane-ABL make-PURP

babi karra maral milbal ngunyin junkurr kaku bungal

KPL babi-karra 'grandmothers'; maral 'girl'; kaku 'lawyer cane' (b094)


The younger brothers followed the older men out onto the wide reef at the very low tide.

Yabuju-karra dingkar mukul wukurri-l dulngku kalbay-ka, bana bada-nya-baja.

yabuju-karra dingkar mukul wukurri-l dulngku kalbay-ka, bana bada-nya-baja | younger.brother-KPL man old follow reef wide-DAT, water down-SUB-very(low.tide)

yabuju karra dingkar mukul wukurril dulngku kalbay bana bada

KPL yabuju-karra 'younger brothers'; dulngku 'reef' (b093)


The grandfathers remembered the names of all those who had died long, long ago.

Kami-karra burri binal bama wula-nya-mu, bama narmba kalbay-muny wula-nya.

kami-karra burri binal bama wula-nya-mu, bama narmba kalbay-muny wula-nya | grandfather-KPL name knew person die-SUB-POSS, person all long.ago-ABL die-SUB

kami karra burri binal bama wulal narmba kalbay

KPL kami-karra 'grandfathers'; narmba 'all'; wula-l 'die'


The parents and the grandparents all sat down together and shared the big feed of turtle.

Ngamu-karra nganjan-karra kami-karra baja narmba muru bundan, ngawiya minya yalbay nukan.

ngamu-karra nganjan-karra kami-karra baja narmba muru bunda-ny, ngawiya minya yalbay nuka-ny | mother-KPL father-KPL grandfather-KPL too all together sat, turtle meat big ate

ngamu karra nganjan kami narmba muru bundal ngawiya minya

KPL stacked; narmba 'all'; muru 'together'


The two women, who always went everywhere together, burnt the dry grass on the hillside.

Jalbu-bulal-angka jikan marral wajun jamba-nga, bula wungar wubulku muru jilba-nya.

jalbu-bulal-angka jikan marral waju-ny jamba-nga, bula wungar wubul-ku muru jilba-nya | woman-PAIR-ERG grass dry burnt hillside-LOC, 3du day all together walk-SUB

jalbu jikan marral wajul jamba bula wungar wubul muru jilba

DUAL PAIR jalbu-bulal 'the two women (together)' + bula 3du (ex.65); waju-l 'burn'


A pair of horses, a mother and her young foal, came slowly down the track to the water.

Yarraman-bulal kankadan, ngamu warru baja, jina-burr bada bana-ka buban-buban.

yarraman-bulal kankada-y, ngamu warru baja, jina-burr bada bana-ka buban-buban | horse-PAIR come.REDUP, mother young too, track-PERL down water-DAT slowly

yarraman kankaday ngamu warru jina bada bana buban

DUAL PAIR yarraman-bulal 'pair that belong together' (ex.66a); kankada-y 'come(REDUP)'


Two horses that did not belong together ran off in their own different ways to the river.

Yarraman jambul wawubaja-nga wanarrin, bula yindu-yindu kala-kalbay-ka.

yarraman jambul wawubaja-nga wanarri-y, bula yindu-yindu kala-kalbay-ka | horse two river-LOC run.REDUP, 3du different(REDUP) far.away-DAT

yarraman jambul wawubaja wanarri bula yindu kala-kalbay

jambul 'just two (unconnected)' vs -bulal (ex.66b); bula 3du; wanarri-y 'run(REDUP)'


A pair of tall trees stood close together there, the same kind and the same great size.

Juku-bulal jarra-jarra yinyay muru janjanan, yala-karrajikur yalbay yala baja.

juku-bulal jarra-jarra yinyay muru janjana-y, yala-karrajikur yalbay yala baja | tree-PAIR tall there together stand.REDUP, alike big same too

juku jarra yinyay muru janjana yala yalbay

DUAL PAIR juku-bulal 'pair of like trees' (ex.67a); yala-karrajikur 'alike' (b096)


I saw two trees, one growing by the roadside and the other down on the sandy beach.

Ngayu juku jambul nyajin, nyubun jina karangkal nyubun jukar bada janay.

ngayu juku jambul nyaji-ny, nyubun jina karangkal nyubun jukar bada janay | 1sg tree two saw, one track alongside one beach down stand

ngayu juku jambul nyajil nyubun jina jukar bada janay

jambul 'two (unconnected)' (ex.67b exact); nyubun 1


The two brothers, who hunted together every day, speared a big fat pig in the deep swamp.

Yaba-bulal-angka bikibiki yalbay wandul daburri-nga daman, bula wungar wubulku muru balbi-nya.

yaba-bulal-angka bikibiki yalbay wandul daburri-nga dama-ny, bula wungar wubul-ku muru balbi-nya | brother-PAIR-ERG pig big fat swamp-LOC speared, 3du day all together hunt-SUB

yaba bikibiki yalbay wandul daburri damal bula wungar muru balbi

DUAL PAIR yaba-bulal 'the two brothers'; bula 3du


The pair of little girls, sisters always side by side, sang the old song together softly.

Maral-bulal muru balkan kuku mukul, bula wungar wubulku muru janka.

maral-bulal muru balka-ny kuku mukul, bula wungar wubul-ku muru janka | girl-PAIR together sang song old, 3du day all together quiet

maral muru balkal kuku mukul bula wungar wubul janka

DUAL PAIR maral-bulal 'pair of girls'; bula 3du


Those two, the old man and his old wife, have lived in this same camp for many long years.

Bula, mukul-dingkar nyungu manyarr mukul baja, bayan yinya-nga wunan wungar kalbay wubul-muny.

bula, mukul-dingkar nyungu manyarr mukul baja, bayan yinya-nga wuna-ny wungar kalbay wubul-muny | 3du, old-man his wife old too, camp this-LOC lived year long many-ABL

bula mukul dingkar nyungu manyarr bayan yinya wunay wungar wubul

dual pronoun bula 'those two'; manyarr 'wife' (b094)


The pair of hunting dogs, brothers from the very same mother, always ran side by side.

Kaya-bulal balbi-nka, yaba nyubun ngamu-mu, wungar wubulku muru warri.

kaya-bulal balbi-nka, yaba nyubun ngamu-mu, wungar wubul-ku muru warri | dog-PAIR hunt-PURP, brother one mother-POSS, day all together run

kaya balbi yaba nyubun ngamu wungar wubul muru warri

DUAL PAIR kaya-bulal 'pair of dogs'; nyubun 1; ngamu-mu POSS (b094)


Give one good spear to each of the two young men, for they always hunt together as a pair.

Kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru jambul-ka nyubun-nyubun daji, bula wungar wubulku muru balbi.

kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru jambul-ka nyubun-nyubun daji, bula wungar wubul-ku muru balbi | spear good one young.man two-DAT each(REDUP) give.IMP, 3du day all together hunt

kalka ngulkurr nyubun warru jambul daji bula wungar muru balbi

DISTRIB nyubun-nyubun 'each'; jambul 2; bula 3du


The two of them, walking together, followed the one fresh track deep into the thick scrub.

Bula jambul, muru jilba-nya, jina nyubun wukurri-l madja junkurr dukurr-ka.

bula jambul, muru jilba-nya, jina nyubun wukurri-l madja junkurr dukurr-ka | 3du two, together walk-SUB, track one follow scrub thick deep-DAT

bula jambul muru jilba jina nyubun wukurril madja junkurr dukurr

bula 3du + jambul 2; nyubun 1; wukurri-l 'follow' (b092)


The old people said two are stronger than one, and three are stronger again than two.

Mukul-bama-ngka balkan, jambul jarra-junkurr nyubun-ka, kulur jarra-junkurr jambul-ka baja.

mukul-bama-ngka balka-ny, jambul jarra-junkurr nyubun-ka, kulur jarra-junkurr jambul-ka baja | old-people-ERG said, two more-strong one-DAT, three more-strong two-DAT again

mukul bama balkal jambul jarra junkurr nyubun kulur

COMPARATIVE jarra-junkurr + DAT (b096) over numerals nyubun/jambul/kulur


The little child badly wanted the sweet ripe fruit, but he could not get it from the tall tree.

Karrkay buban wawu jirray mayi kulbul jiba-wulay-ka, yamba nyulu kari mani-l juku kalbay-muny.

karrkay buban wawu jirray mayi kulbul jiba-wulay-ka, yamba nyulu kari mani-l juku kalbay-muny | child small want much food ripe sweet-DAT, but 3sg NEG get tree tall-ABL

karrkay buban wawu jirray mayi kulbul jiba-wulay manil juku kalbay

WANT wawu jirray 'love/want much' + DAT (b096); jiba-wulay 'sweet' (b095)


I want good meat without any bones, and my old father wants a big fat fish.

Ngayu wawu bangkarr-ka bajibay-kari-ka, ngayku nganjan mukul wawu kuyu yalbay wandul-ka.

ngayu wawu bangkarr-ka bajibay-kari-ka, ngayku nganjan mukul wawu kuyu yalbay wandul-ka | 1sg want meat-DAT bone-PRIV-DAT, my father old want fish big fat-DAT

ngayu wawu bangkarr bajibay ngayku nganjan mukul kuyu yalbay wandul

WANT wawu + DAT stimulus (ex.58 exact); bajibay-kari 'boneless' (PRIV)


The two young men both loved the one beautiful girl, and so their hearts were not good together.

Warru jambul wawu jirray maral ngulkurr nyubun-ka, yamba bula wubul kari ngulkurr baja.

warru jambul wawu jirray maral ngulkurr nyubun-ka, yamba bula wubul kari ngulkurr baja | young.man two want much girl good one-DAT, but 3du heart NEG good too

warru jambul wawu jirray maral ngulkurr nyubun bula wubul

wawu jirray + DAT; wubul 'heart' (b097); bula 3du (b098)


The old woman was very happy when all her grandchildren came back to the camp.

Mukul-jalbu wawu-mini bajaku, karrkay narmba nyungu bayan-ka kada-nya.

mukul-jalbu wawu-mini bajaku, karrkay narmba nyungu bayan-ka kada-nya | old-woman happy very, child all her camp-DAT come-SUB

mukul jalbu wawu-mini karrkay narmba nyungu bayan kaday

HAPPY wawu-mini + bajaku 'very' (b096); narmba 'all' (b098)


My liver is glad now, because my son has come home safely from the long, far hunt.

Ngayu jiba-ngulkurr-ma-n niji, ngayku kangkal kadan balbi kala-kalbay-muny ngulkurr.

ngayu jiba-ngulkurr-ma-ny niji, ngayku kangkal kada-ny balbi kala-kalbay-muny ngulkurr | 1sg liver-good-INCHO now, my own.child come-PAST hunt far.away-ABL good

ngayu jiba-ngulkurr niji ngayku kangkal kaday balbi ngulkurr

GLAD jiba-ngulkurr-ma-l 'liver-good-become' (INCHO); kangkal 'own child'


He wanted to go hunting for kangaroo, but the heavy rain fell and he stayed in the camp.

Nyulu wawu balbi-nka mayarriji-ka, yamba kaba kulngkul daran, nyulu bayan-ba bundan.

nyulu wawu balbi-nka mayarriji-ka, yamba kaba kulngkul dara-ny, nyulu bayan-ba bunda-ny | 3sg want hunt-PURP kangaroo-DAT, but rain heavy fall-PAST, 3sg camp-LOC sit-PAST

nyulu wawu balbi mayarriji kaba kulngkul daray bayan bundal

WANT wawu + PURP; kulngkul 'heavy' (b095); bayan-ba (n LOC)


The children laughed and laughed when the old man told the story about the cheeky dog.

Karrkay-karrkay yajarrin yajarrin, mukul-dingkar-angka kuku balkan kaya-mu.

karrkay-karrkay yajarri-ny yajarri-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka kuku balka-ny kaya-mu | child-REDUP laugh-PAST laugh-PAST, old-man-ERG story tell-PAST dog-POSS

karrkay yajarril mukul dingkar kuku balkal kaya

LAUGH yajarri-l; kuku 'story' + kaya-mu POSS (b094)


She loves her little baby very much, holding it close to her warm breast all through the cold night.

Nyulu wawu jirray nyungu karrkay buban-ka, karrbal bibi wumbul ngundu wujurr-ba ngiki.

nyulu wawu jirray nyungu karrkay buban-ka, karrba-l bibi wumbul ngundu wujurr-ba ngiki | 3sg want much her child small-DAT, hold breast warm near night-LOC cold

nyulu wawu jirray nyungu karrkay buban karrbal bibi wumbul wujurr ngiki

wawu jirray + DAT; bibi 'breast' + wumbul 'warm/hot' (b097); wujurr-ba (rr LOC)


Everyone in the camp was happy and glad, for the men had brought back plenty of good food.

Bama narmba bayan-ba wawu-mini jiba-ngulkurr baja, dingkar-bu mayi ngulkurr jirray wundin.

bama narmba bayan-ba wawu-mini jiba-ngulkurr baja, dingkar-bu mayi ngulkurr jirray wundi-ny | person all camp-LOC happy glad too, man-ERG food good plenty carry-PAST

bama narmba bayan wawu-mini jiba-ngulkurr dingkar mayi ngulkurr jirray wundil

HAPPY wawu-mini + GLAD jiba-ngulkurr (adj); jirray 'plenty' (b098)


The old woman felt very sad when she knew that her old husband had died.

Mukul-jalbu jiba-badi bajaku, nyulu binal nyungu dunyu mukul wula-nya.

mukul-jalbu jiba-badi(-y) bajaku, nyulu binal nyungu dunyu mukul wula-nya | old-woman liver-cry(sad) very, 3sg know her husband old die-SUB

mukul jalbu jiba-badi binal nyungu dunyu wulal

SAD jiba-badi-y 'feel sad' (l.1506, surface drops -y); binal 'know'; dunyu 'husband'


The small child cried and cried for its mother, who had gone far away to dig for yams.

Karrkay buban badi badi ngamu-nka, ngamu kala-kalbay-ka dungan wukay bakal-ka.

karrkay buban badi(-y) badi(-y) ngamu-nka, ngamu kala-kalbay-ka dunga-ny wukay bakal-ka | child small cry cry mother-DAT, mother far.away-DAT go-PAST yam dig-DAT

karrkay buban badi ngamu kala-kalbay dungay wukay bakal

CRY badi(-y) reduplicated for 'cried and cried'; ngamu-nka DAT stimulus


I feel very sorry for the poor blind old man, who has no family left with him now.

Ngayu jiba-badi bajaku dingkar mukul miyil-kari-nka, nyungu jawun-karra kari niji.

ngayu jiba-badi(-y) bajaku dingkar mukul miyil-kari-nka, nyungu jawun-karra kari niji | 1sg liver-cry(sad) very man old eye-PRIV(blind)-DAT, his family NEG now

ngayu jiba-badi dingkar mukul miyil jawun karra niji

SAD jiba-badi + DAT stimulus; miyil-kari 'blind' (eye-PRIV, b097); jawun-karra 'family'


Her face was sad and full of sorrow, and the big tears ran slowly down from her eyes.

Nyungu walu-jirrbu-jirrbu, miyil-bana yalbay bada wanarrin buban-buban.

nyungu walu-jirrbu-jirrbu, miyil-bana yalbay bada wanarri-y buban-buban | her face-sad(REDUP), eye-water(tears) big down run.REDUP slowly

nyungu walu miyil bana yalbay bada wanarri buban

SAD walu-jirrbu-jirrbu 'face-sad'; miyil-bana 'tears' (transparent eye-water); wanarri 'run(REDUP)'


The young man was so exhausted after the long hunt that he lay down and slept at once.

Warru wawu-wulay baja balbi kalbay-muny, nyulu janka wunan warngku niji.

warru wawu-wulay baja balbi kalbay-muny, nyulu janka wuna-ny warngku niji | young.man breath-die(exhausted) too hunt long-ABL, 3sg quiet lie-PAST sleep now

warru wawu-wulay balbi kalbay nyulu janka wunay warngku niji

EXHAUSTED wawu-wulay 'breath-die' (l.1506); SLEEP warngku wuna-l (l.1476)


We two walked in the hot sun all day and grew very tired, our legs and feet weak and sore.

Ngali wungar-a jilba-nya wungar wubulku, baja-burray-ma-n, ngali jandal jina bambay baja.

ngali wungar-a jilba-nya wungar wubul-ku, baja-burray-ma-ny, ngali jandal jina bambay baja | 1du sun-LOC walk-SUB day all, tired-INCHO-PAST, 1du leg foot weak too

ngali wungar jilba wubul baja-burray jandal jina bambay

TIRED baja-burray-ma-l 'become tired'; bambay 'weak/sick' (b096 ex.85); wungar-a (single-r LOC)


The mother cried quietly by the fire, feeling sad in her liver for her little son who had died.

Ngamu badi janka baya ngundu, jiba-badi nyungu karrkay buban wula-nya-mu.

ngamu badi(-y) janka baya ngundu, jiba-badi(-y) nyungu karrkay buban wula-nya-mu | mother cry quiet fire near, liver-cry(sad) her child small die-SUB-POSS

ngamu badi janka baya ngundu jiba-badi nyungu karrkay buban wulal

CRY badi + SAD jiba-badi; wula-nya-mu 'of the dead one' (SUB-POSS)


When the old people tell the story of the old days, my heart feels sad and I want to cry.

Mukul-bama-ngka kuku balka-nya mukul wungar-mu, ngayku wubul jiba-badi, ngayu wawu badi-nka.

mukul-bama-ngka kuku balka-nya mukul wungar-mu, ngayku wubul jiba-badi(-y), ngayu wawu badi-nka | old-people-ERG story tell-SUB old day-POSS, my heart liver-cry(sad), 1sg want cry-PURP

mukul bama kuku balka wungar ngayku wubul jiba-badi wawu badi

SAD wubul(heart) jiba-badi; wawu + PURP badi-nka 'want to cry'


The tired old dog lay quietly in the shade, too weak to follow the hunters.

Kaya mukul baja-burray wabarr-ba janka wunay, bambay-baja, kari wukurri-l balbi-bama.

kaya mukul baja-burray wabarr-ba janka wunay, bambay-baja, kari wukurri-l balbi-bama | dog old tired shade-LOC quiet lie, weak-very, NEG follow hunter

kaya mukul baja-burray wabarr janka wunay bambay wukurril balbi bama

TIRED baja-burray; bambay-baja 'very weak'; wukurri-l 'follow' (b092)


The little child was very afraid of the big black dog that barked loudly at the camp.

Karrkay buban yinil bajaku kaya yalbay ngunjil-ka, kaya yirrkan yalbay-bu bayan-ba.

karrkay buban yinil bajaku kaya yalbay ngunjil-ka, kaya yirrka-ny yalbay-bu bayan-ba | child small afraid very dog big black-DAT, dog bark-PAST loud-INST camp-LOC

karrkay buban yinil kaya yalbay ngunjil yirrkay bayan

FEAR yinil + DAT stimulus (ex.47); ngunjil 'black' (b095); yirrka-l 'bark'


I am afraid of the wild angry man, who lives alone up in the dark country.

Ngayu yinil kuli-baka-nka, dingkar kuli yinya wunay nyubun-bu wangkar bubu ngungul-ba.

ngayu yinil kuli-baka-nka, dingkar kuli yinya wunay nyubun-bu wangkar bubu ngungul-ba | 1sg afraid rage-excess-DAT, man angry that live one up country dark-LOC

ngayu yinil kuli dingkar yinya wunay nyubun kaka bubu ngungul

FEAR yinil kuli-baka-nka (ex.71 exact); kuli 'anger'(N, l.1476); kaka 'up' (b093)


When the big rain fell hard in the black night, all the children shivered and were frightened.

Kaba yalbay daran junkurr wujurr ngungul-ba, karrkay-karrkay narmba yararrin yini-yini.

kaba yalbay dara-ny junkurr wujurr ngungul-ba, karrkay-karrkay narmba yararri-ny yini-yini | rain big fall-PAST hard night dark-LOC, child-REDUP all shiver-PAST frightened

kaba yalbay daray junkurr wujurr ngungul karrkay narmba yararri yini-yini

SHIVER yararri; FRIGHTENED yini-yini (milkak 'lightning' unattested -> avoided)


He was so frightened in his liver that he could not move or call out to anyone.

Nyulu jiba-yararri baja, nyulu kari jilba-l kari balka-l bama yindu-nka.

nyulu jiba-yararri baja, nyulu kari jilba-l kari balka-l bama yindu-nka | 3sg liver-shiver(frightened) too, 3sg NEG move NEG speak person other-DAT

nyulu jiba-yararri jilbal balkal bama yindu

FRIGHTENED jiba-yararri 'liver-shiver'; yindu 'other' (b098)


The women were afraid to walk in the dark scrub at night, for the wild pigs lived there.

Jalbu-jalbu yinil jilba-nka madja ngungul-ba wujurr-ba, bikibiki kuli yinya wunan.

jalbu-jalbu yinil jilba-nka madja ngungul-ba wujurr-ba, bikibiki kuli yinya wuna-ny | woman-REDUP afraid walk-PURP scrub dark-LOC night-LOC, pig angry(wild) that live-PAST

jalbu yinil jilba madja ngungul wujurr bikibiki kuli wunay

FEAR yinil + PURP; madja 'scrub'; bikibiki kuli 'wild pig'


Do not be afraid of the small snake; it is not the bad one that bites and kills people.

Kari yinil jarba buban-ka, yinya kari buyun bama bayka-l kuni-l.

kari yinil jarba buban-ka, yinya kari buyun bama bayka-l kuni-l | NEG afraid snake small-DAT, that NEG bad person bite kill

kari yinil jarba buban yinya buyun bama bayka-l kuni-l

NEG FEAR kari yinil + DAT; bayka-l 'bite' + kuni-l 'kill/hit' (b097)


The frightened kangaroo ran fast into the long grass and lay still, away from the two hunters.

Mayarriji yini-yini wanarrin jikan kalbay-ka, janka wunan balbi-bama jambul-muny.

mayarriji yini-yini wanarri-y jikan kalbay-ka, janka wuna-ny balbi-bama jambul-muny | kangaroo frightened run.REDUP grass long-DAT, still lie-PAST hunter two-ABL

mayarriji yini-yini wanarri jikan kalbay janka wunay balbi bama jambul

FRIGHTENED yini-yini; wanarri 'run(REDUP)'; jambul-muny 'from two' (b098)


My old grandmother is afraid of the deep water, so she never goes into it alone.

Ngayku babi mukul yinil bana dajali-nka, nyulu kari kana dunga-y nyubun-bu.

ngayku babi mukul yinil bana dajali-nka, nyulu kari kana dunga-y nyubun-bu | my grandmother old afraid water deep-DAT, 3sg NEG inside go one-INST(alone)

ngayku babi mukul yinil bana dajali kana dungay nyubun

FEAR yinil + DAT; dajali 'deep water'; kana 'inside'; nyubun-bu 'alone'


The children were afraid of the dark and did not want to sleep away from the warm fire.

Karrkay-karrkay yinil ngungul-ka, jana kari wawu warngku wuna-nka baya wumbul-muny janka.

karrkay-karrkay yinil ngungul-ka, jana kari wawu warngku wuna-nka baya wumbul-muny janka | child-REDUP afraid dark-DAT, 3pl NEG want sleep lie-PURP fire warm-ABL quiet

karrkay yinil ngungul jana wawu warngku wunay baya wumbul

FEAR yinil + DAT; wawu + PURP; warngku wuna-l 'sleep'


When the big crocodile rose up from the muddy water, everyone was frightened and ran far away.

Bilngkumu yalbay wandin bana buyun-muny, bama narmba yini-yini wanarrin kala-kalbay-ka.

bilngkumu yalbay wandi-ny bana buyun-muny, bama narmba yini-yini wanarri-y kala-kalbay-ka | crocodile big rise-PAST water muddy-ABL, person all frightened run.REDUP far.away-DAT

bilngkumu yalbay wandil bana buyun bama narmba yini-yini wanarri kala-kalbay

FRIGHTENED yini-yini; wandi-l 'rise' (b095 correction); buyun 'muddy/bad'


The old man was very angry with the young men, who had speared his best hunting dog.

Mukul-dingkar dukul-wuri bajaku warru-nka, warru-ngku nyungu kaya balbi ngulkurr daman.

mukul-dingkar dukul-wuri bajaku warru-nka, warru-ngku nyungu kaya balbi ngulkurr dama-ny | old-man head-angry very young.man-DAT, young.man-ERG his dog hunt good spear-PAST

mukul dingkar dukul-wuri warru nyungu kaya balbi ngulkurr damal

ANGRY dukul-wuri 'head-angry' + DAT stimulus; dama-l 'spear'


My father got angry and shouted loudly when he saw the boys standing near the deep water.

Ngayku nganjan kuli-ma-n yirrkan yalbay-bu, nyulu nyajin warru bana dajali ngundu janay.

ngayku nganjan kuli-ma-ny yirrka-ny yalbay-bu, nyulu nyaji-ny warru bana dajali ngundu janay | my father anger-INCHO-PAST shout-PAST loud-INST, 3sg see-PAST young.man water deep near stand

ngayku nganjan kuli yirrkay yalbay nyajil warru bana dajali janay

GET-ANGRY kuli-ma-l (INCHO); yirrka-l 'shout'; dajali 'deep water'


The two brothers were angry with each other and did not talk together for many long days.

Yaba-bulal dukul-wuri, bula kari balka-wa wungar kalbay wubul-muny.

yaba-bulal dukul-wuri, bula kari balka-wa wungar kalbay wubul-muny | brother-PAIR head-angry, 3du NEG talk-RECIP day long many-ABL

yaba dukul-wuri bula balka wungar kalbay wubul

ANGRY dukul-wuri; balka-wa 'talk-RECIP' (b086); yaba-bulal 'pair of brothers' (b098)


Do not make the old woman angry; speak softly, and give her some good food and cool water.

Kari mukul-jalbu kuli-mani-l, balka-y janka, daya nyungu-nka mayi ngulkurr bana ngiki baja.

kari mukul-jalbu kuli-mani-l, balka-y janka, daya nyungu-nka mayi ngulkurr bana ngiki baja | NEG old-woman anger-CAUS, talk-IMP quiet, give-IMP(suppletive) her-DAT food good water cool too

kari mukul jalbu kuli balkal janka daji nyungu mayi ngulkurr bana ngiki

MAKE-ANGRY kuli-mani-l (CAUS) vs kuli-ma-l (INCHO); daji-y 'give' IMP (b095)


The angry man threw his spear hard into the ground and walked away without a single word.

Dingkar kuli-bu kalka nyungu daman bubu-ngu junkurr, jilban kuku-kari nyubun-bu.

dingkar kuli-bu kalka nyungu dama-ny bubu-ngu junkurr, jilba-ny kuku-kari nyubun-bu | man anger-INST spear his throw-PAST ground-LOC hard, walk-PAST word-PRIV one-INST

dingkar kuli kalka nyungu damal bubu junkurr jilba kuku nyubun

kuli-bu 'in anger' (INST); dama-l 'throw'; kuku-kari 'wordless' (PRIV); bubu-ngu (u LOC)


He was so angry in his head that his face went dark and his hands were shaking badly.

Nyulu dukul-wuri baja, nyungu walu ngungul-ma-n, nyungu mara yararri-yararri buyun.

nyulu dukul-wuri baja, nyungu walu ngungul-ma-ny, nyungu mara yararri-yararri buyun | 3sg head-angry too, his face dark-INCHO-PAST, his hand shiver.REDUP badly

nyulu dukul-wuri nyungu walu ngungul mara yararri buyun

ANGRY dukul-wuri; walu 'face' ngungul-ma-l 'go dark'; yararri-yararri 'shaking'


The old people say it is not good to hold anger in your liver for too long a time.

Mukul-bama-ngka balka, kari ngulkurr kuli karrba-l jiba-nga kalbay-baja wungar-mu.

mukul-bama-ngka balka, kari ngulkurr kuli karrba-l jiba-nga kalbay-baja wungar-mu | old-people-ERG say, NEG good anger hold liver-LOC long-very time-POSS

mukul bama balkal kuli karrbal jiba kalbay wungar

kuli 'anger'(N); karrba-l 'hold'; jiba-nga 'in the liver' (a LOC); kalbay-baja 'too long'


When the children became deaf to advice and would not heed their mother's words, she grew angry and growled.

Karrkay-karrkay milka-kari-ma-n, jana kari binal ngamu-mu kuku, ngamu kuli-ma-n yirrkan.

karrkay-karrkay milka-kari-ma-ny, jana kari binal ngamu-mu kuku, ngamu kuli-ma-ny yirrka-ny | child-REDUP ear-PRIV-INCHO-PAST, 3pl NEG heed mother-POSS word, mother anger-INCHO-PAST growl-PAST

karrkay milka binal jana ngamu kuku kuli yirrkay

milka-kari 'deaf' (ear-PRIV, parallel to attested miyil-kari); kuli-ma-l 'get angry'


The wild bullock was angry and dangerous, so all the people ran quickly away from that place.

Bulki kuli buyun baja, bama narmba wanarrin buyun-muny yinya bubu-muny.

bulki kuli buyun baja, bama narmba wanarri-y buyun-muny yinya bubu-muny | cattle angry bad(dangerous) too, person all run.REDUP bad-ABL that place-ABL

bulki kuli buyun bama narmba wanarri yinya bubu

bulki 'cattle/beef' (l.1724/2133); kuli buyun 'angry-dangerous'; bubu-muny 'from the place'


The young man felt very ashamed when the old people saw that he had taken the food.

Warru murru-kaday bajaku, mukul-bama-ngka nyajin nyulu mayi manin.

warru murru-kaday bajaku, mukul-bama-ngka nyaji-ny nyulu mayi mani-ny | young.man ashamed very, old-people-ERG see-PAST 3sg food take-PAST

warru murru-kaday mukul bama nyajil nyulu mayi manil


She was so ashamed that she sat quietly at the meeting, covering her face from the people.

Nyulu murru-kaday baja, nyulu janka bundan malkarri-nga, walu nanda-l bama-muny.

nyulu murru-kaday baja, nyulu janka bunda-ny malkarri-nga, walu nanda-l bama-muny | 3sg ashamed too, 3sg quiet sit-PAST meeting-LOC, face cover person-ABL

nyulu murru-kaday janka bundal malkarri walu nanda-l bama

ASHAMED murru-kaday; malkarri-nga (i LOC); walu 'face' + nanda-l 'cover' (b097)


The jealous man watched his wife talking with the other young men, and his liver was not good.

Dingkar ngujan nyajin nyungu manyarr balka-wa warru yindu-jirr, nyungu jiba kari ngulkurr.

dingkar ngujan nyaji-ny nyungu manyarr balka-wa warru yindu-jirr, nyungu jiba kari ngulkurr | man jealous watch-PAST his wife talk-RECIP young.man other-COMIT, his liver NEG good

dingkar ngujan nyajil nyungu manyarr balka warru yindu jiba

JEALOUS ngujan; balka-wa 'talk-RECIP'; warru yindu-jirr 'with other men' (COMIT); jiba 'liver'


Do not be jealous of your brother's spear; make your own good straight one from hard wood.

Kari ngujan yunu yaba-mu kalka-ka, bunga-y yunu ngulkurr jinbal juku junkurr-muny.

kari ngujan yunu yaba-mu kalka-ka, bunga-y yunu ngulkurr jinbal juku junkurr-muny | NEG jealous your brother-POSS spear-DAT, make-IMP your good straight tree hard-ABL

kari ngujan yunu yaba kalka bunga ngulkurr jinbal juku junkurr

JEALOUS ngujan + DAT; yaba-mu POSS (b094); junkurr-muny 'from hard wood'


My old mother worries too much when I go hunting alone far away in the scrub.

Ngayku ngamu mukul wawu-buyun bajaku, ngayu balbi dunga-y nyubun-bu madja kala-kalbay-ba.

ngayku ngamu mukul wawu-buyun bajaku, ngayu balbi dunga-y nyubun-bu madja kala-kalbay-ba | my mother old worried very, 1sg hunt go one-INST(alone) scrub far.away-LOC

ngayku ngamu mukul wawu-buyun ngayu balbi dungay nyubun madja kala-kalbay

WORRIED wawu-buyun 'want-bad'; madja 'scrub'; nyubun-bu 'alone'


The people hated the cruel wild man and did not want him to come near their quiet camp.

Bama wawu-kari bajaku dingkar kuli buyun-ka, jana kari wawu nyulu kadan bayan janka ngundu.

bama wawu-kari bajaku dingkar kuli buyun-ka, jana kari wawu nyulu kada-ny bayan janka ngundu | person want-NEG very man angry bad-DAT, 3pl NEG want 3sg come-PAST camp quiet near

bama wawu kari dingkar kuli buyun jana kaday bayan janka ngundu

HATE wawu-kari...bajaku 'want-not very' (dict); kuli buyun 'cruel/wild'


The old man knows the man with the spear, and he knows the country and all its water holes.

Mukul-dingkar binal dingkar kalka-jirr-ka, nyulu binal bubu janku narmba baja.

mukul-dingkar binal dingkar kalka-jirr-ka, nyulu binal bubu janku narmba baja | old-man know man spear-COMIT-DAT, 3sg know country waterhole all too

mukul dingkar binal kalka nyulu bubu janku narmba

KNOW binal + DAT (ex.52 exact); kalka-jirr 'with spear' (COMIT); janku 'waterhole'


I still remember the old song my grandfather sang to me when I was a small child long ago.

Ngayu binalku kariku kuku mukul ngayku kami-mu balka-nya-muny, ngayu karrkay buban kalbay-muny.

ngayu binalku kariku kuku mukul ngayku kami-mu balka-nya-muny, ngayu karrkay buban kalbay-muny | 1sg remember still song old my grandfather-POSS sing-SUB-ABL, 1sg child small long.ago-ABL

ngayu binalku kariku kuku mukul ngayku kami balka karrkay kalbay

REMEMBER binalku; kami 'grandfather' (b094); kalbay-muny 'long ago' (b092)


She forgot the name of the far-away place and could not tell the young people where to go.

Nyulu milka-wulay burri bubu kala-kalbay-mu, nyulu kari balka-l warru-nka wanjarra dunga-nka.

nyulu milka-wulay burri bubu kala-kalbay-mu, nyulu kari balka-l warru-nka wanjarra dunga-nka | 3sg ear-die(forget) name place far.away-POSS, 3sg NEG tell young.man-DAT where go-PURP

nyulu milka burri bubu kala-kalbay balkal warru wanjarra dungay

FORGET milka-wulay 'ear-die'; burri 'name' (b088); wanjarra 'where' (b090)


The two old men sat by the fire and thought hard for a long time about the coming big rain.

Mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bundan, milka-bu baykan junkurr kaba yalbay kada-nya-mu.

mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bunda-ny, milka-bu bayka-ny junkurr kaba yalbay kada-nya-mu | old-man two fire near sit-PAST, ear-INST bite(think)-PAST hard rain big come-SUB-POSS

mukul dingkar jambul baya ngundu bundal milka bayka-l junkurr kaba

THINK milka-bu bayka-l 'ear-INST bite' (b092); kada-nya-mu 'of the coming'


Remember well the words of the old people, for they know all the law of this country.

Binalku ngulkurr mukul-bama-mu kuku, jana binal bubu yinya-mu kuku narmba baja.

binalku ngulkurr mukul-bama-mu kuku, jana binal bubu yinya-mu kuku narmba baja | remember.IMP good old-people-POSS word, 3pl know country this-POSS law all too

binalku ngulkurr mukul bama kuku jana binal bubu yinya narmba

REMEMBER binalku (IMP); binal 'know'; kuku 'word/law'; narmba 'all'


He thought about his dead mother all night long and could not sleep at all.

Nyulu milka-bu baykan nyungu ngamu wula-nya-mu wujurr wubulku, kari warngku wuna-l.

nyulu milka-bu bayka-ny nyungu ngamu wula-nya-mu wujurr wubul-ku, kari warngku wuna-l | 3sg ear-INST bite(think)-PAST his mother die-SUB-POSS night all, NEG sleep lie

nyulu milka bayka-l nyungu ngamu wulal wujurr wubul warngku wunay

THINK milka-bu bayka-l; wula-nya-mu 'of the dead'; warngku wuna-l 'sleep'


The old people believe that the spirits of the dead go up to live in the dark night sky.

Mukul-bama manubaja-bungal, bama wula-nya-mu dubu wangkar dunga-y wuna-nka jiri wujurr-ba.

mukul-bama manubaja-bunga-l, bama wula-nya-mu dubu wangkar dunga-y wuna-nka jiri wujurr-ba | old-people believe, person die-SUB-POSS spirit up go live-PURP sky night-LOC

mukul bama dubu wulal kaka dungay wunay jiri wujurr

BELIEVE manubaja-bunga-l; dubu 'spirit' (ex.65); kaka 'up'; jiri 'sky' (b093); wujurr-ba (rr LOC)


The old man kept coming back to the same waterhole every morning to watch the birds drink.

Mukul-dingkar kankaday janku nyubun-ka wunkuwingku wubulku, buyi nyaji-nka bana nuka-nya.

mukul-dingkar kankada-y janku nyubun-ka wunkuwingku wubul-ku, buyi nyaji-nka bana nuka-nya | old-man come.REDUP(keep) waterhole one-DAT morning all, bird see-PURP water drink-HABIT

mukul dingkar kankaday janku nyubun wunkuwingku buyi nyajil bana nukal

CONT kankaday 'keep coming' (l.1238); nuka-nya HABITUAL (ex.68)


The little children kept crying for their mother all through the long, cold, dark night.

Karrkay-karrkay banbadi ngamu-nka wujurr kalbay ngiki ngungul wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay banbadi(-y) ngamu-nka wujurr kalbay ngiki ngungul wubul-ku | child-REDUP cry.REDUP(keep) mother-DAT night long cold dark all

karrkay banbadi ngamu wujurr kalbay ngiki ngungul wubul

CONT banbadiy 'keep crying' (l.1238, badi)


The two tired dogs kept running back and forth along the sand all day long.

Kaya jambul baja-burray wanarri jukar-a wungar wubulku, bada wangkar baja.

kaya jambul baja-burray wanarri(-y) jukar-a wungar wubul-ku, bada wangkar baja | dog two tired run.REDUP(keep) sand-LOC day all, down up too

kaya jambul baja-burray wanarri jukar wungar wubul bada kaka

CONT wanarriy 'keep running' (l.1238, warri); jukar-a (single-r LOC)


The old woman kept sitting by the fire all day long, weaving her dilly bag from the lawyer cane.

Mukul-jalbu bundanday baya ngundu wungar wubulku, ngunyin bungal kaku-muny.

mukul-jalbu bundanday baya ngundu wungar wubul-ku, ngunyin bunga-l kaku-muny | old-woman sit.REDUP(stay) fire near day all, dilly.bag make lawyer.cane-ABL

mukul jalbu bundanday baya ngundu wungar ngunyin bungal kaku

CONT bundanday 'keep sitting/stay' (l.1238, bundal)


The sick child kept lying down, too weak to get up and walk out of the camp.

Karrkay bambay wunanay, bambay-baja, kari wandi-l jilba-l bayan-muny.

karrkay bambay wunanay, bambay-baja, kari wandi-l jilba-l bayan-muny | child sick lie.REDUP(keep), weak-very, NEG rise walk camp-ABL

karrkay bambay wunanay kari wandil jilbal bayan

CONT wunanay 'keep lying' (l.1238, wunay); wandi-l 'rise' (b095)


The hunter kept standing very still in the long grass, watching the kangaroo come near.

Balbi-bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay-ba, mayarriji ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l.

balbi-bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay-ba, mayarriji ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l | hunter stand.REDUP(keep) still grass long-LOC, kangaroo near come-SUB watch

balbi bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay mayarriji kaday nyajil

CONT janjanay 'keep standing' (l.1238, janay)


The big river kept running fast and strong down over the stones after the heavy rain fell.

Wawubaja yalbay wanarri junkurr kulji kaka-muny, kaba kulngkul dara-nya-muny.

wawubaja yalbay wanarri(-y) junkurr kulji kaka-muny, kaba kulngkul dara-nya-muny | river big run.REDUP(keep) strong stone up-ABL, rain heavy fall-SUB-ABL

wawubaja yalbay wanarri junkurr kulji kaka kaba kulngkul daray

CONT wanarri = perpetual water-motion (l.3636)! kulngkul 'heavy' (b095)


They kept sitting together and talking quietly by the fire until the morning light came.

Jana bundanday muru balka-l janka baya ngundu, wunkuwingku balbal kada-nyjiku.

jana bundanday muru balka-l janka baya ngundu, wunkuwingku balbal kada-nyjiku | 3pl sit.REDUP(stay) together talk quiet fire near, morning bright come-SUCC(until)

jana bundanday muru balkal janka baya wunkuwingku balbal kaday

CONT bundanday; balbal 'bright'; -nyjiku 'until' (SUCC)


The frightened kangaroo kept running away from the two dogs, but they kept coming after it.

Mayarriji yini-yini wanarri kaya jambul-muny, yamba kaya kankaday nyungu-muny.

mayarriji yini-yini wanarri(-y) kaya jambul-muny, yamba kaya kankada-y nyungu-muny | kangaroo frightened run.REDUP(keep) dog two-ABL, but dog come.REDUP(keep) it-ABL(after)

mayarriji yini-yini wanarri kaya jambul kaya kankaday nyungu

CONT wanarri + kankaday paired; yini-yini 'frightened' (b099)


The old people kept coming to the big meeting all week to talk about the young men's law.

Mukul-bama kankaday malkarri yalbay-ka wungar wubulku, warru-mu kuku balka-nka.

mukul-bama kankada-y malkarri yalbay-ka wungar wubul-ku, warru-mu kuku balka-nka | old-people come.REDUP(keep) meeting big-DAT day all, young.man-POSS law talk-PURP

mukul bama kankaday malkarri yalbay wungar warru kuku balkal

CONT kankaday; malkarri 'meeting' (b080); kuku 'law/word'


The baby kept crying and crying, so the mother kept holding it close to her warm breast.

Karrkay buban banbadi banbadi, ngamu-ngku karrba-l-karrba-l bibi wumbul ngundu.

karrkay buban banbadi(-y) banbadi(-y), ngamu-ngku karrba-l-karrba-l bibi wumbul ngundu | child small cry.REDUP cry.REDUP, mother-ERG hold-REDUP(keep) breast warm near

karrkay buban banbadi ngamu karrbal bibi wumbul ngundu

CONT banbadi (doubled=intensity); karrba-l-karrba-l 'keep holding'


The two brothers kept standing on the high hill, looking out over the wide sea for the fish.

Yaba jambul janjanay jamba kaka-nga, jalun kalbay nyaji-l-nyaji-l kuyu-ka.

yaba jambul janjanay jamba kaka-nga, jalun kalbay nyaji-l-nyaji-l kuyu-ka | brother two stand.REDUP(keep) hill up-LOC, sea wide examine.REDUP fish-DAT

yaba jambul janjanay jamba kaka jalun kalbay nyajil kuyu

CONT janjanay + INTENSIVE nyaji-l-nyaji-l 'keep looking'; jamba 'hill'


As a small child I used to eat kangaroo and echidna that my old grandfather hunted for us.

Ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya mayarriji ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-n, ngayku kami-ngku balbi-nya.

ngayu karrkay-nyja-ku minya mayarriji ngangkin nuka-l-nuka-ny, ngayku kami-ngku balbi-nya | 1sg child-ERG-ADV meat kangaroo echidna eat-REDUP-PAST(used.to), my grandfather-ERG hunt-SUB

ngayu karrkay minya mayarriji ngangkin nukal ngayku kami balbi

HABITUAL nuka-l-nuka-ny 'used to eat' (ex.203 exact); ngangkin 'echidna'


The old man always eats the liver of the kangaroo, for it is the best meat of all.

Mukul-dingkar minya mayarriji jiba nuka-nya, yinya minya ngulkurr bajaku narmba-muny.

mukul-dingkar minya mayarriji jiba nuka-nya, yinya minya ngulkurr bajaku narmba-muny | old-man meat kangaroo liver eat-HABIT(always), that meat good most all-ABL

mukul dingkar minya mayarriji jiba nukal ngulkurr bajaku narmba

HABITUAL nuka-nya 'always eats' (-nyV, ex.68); jiba 'liver' (b097)


Those two women always used to gather the sweet yams together down by the big river.

Jalbu-bulal wukay jiba-wulay muru bangka-l-bangka-n, wawubaja yalbay-ba bada.

jalbu-bulal wukay jiba-wulay muru bangka-l-bangka-ny, wawubaja yalbay-ba bada | woman-PAIR yam sweet together gather-REDUP-PAST(used.to), river big-LOC down

jalbu wukay jiba-wulay muru bangkal wawubaja yalbay bada

HABITUAL bangka-l-bangka-ny 'used to gather'; jalbu-bulal (b098); jiba-wulay 'sweet'


My grandmother always sings the old song quietly to the children before they go to sleep.

Ngayku babi kuku mukul janka balka-nya karrkay-nka, jana warngku wuna-nka kariku.

ngayku babi kuku mukul janka balka-nya karrkay-nka, jana warngku wuna-nka kariku | my grandmother song old quiet sing-HABIT(always) child-DAT, 3pl sleep lie-PURP not.yet(before)

ngayku babi kuku mukul janka balka karrkay warngku wunay

HABITUAL balka-nya 'always sings' (-nyV); warngku wuna-l 'sleep' (b099)


Long ago the old people used to cook the meat and fish in the hot stones of the ground oven.

Kalbay-muny mukul-bama minya kuyu baja waju-l-waju-n kulji wumbul-ba bubu-ngu.

kalbay-muny mukul-bama minya kuyu baja waju-l-waju-ny kulji wumbul-ba bubu-ngu | long.ago old-people meat fish too cook-REDUP-PAST(used.to) stone hot-LOC ground-LOC

kalbay mukul bama minya kuyu wajul kulji wumbul bubu

HABITUAL waju-l-waju-ny 'used to cook'; waju-l 'cook' (b098); bubu-ngu (u LOC)


That man always walks slowly now, not like the fast young hunter he used to be long ago.

Yinya dingkar niji jilba-l-jilba-l buban-buban, kari warru balbi-bama kalbay-muny.

yinya dingkar niji jilba-l-jilba-l buban-buban, kari warru balbi-bama kalbay-muny | that man now walk-REDUP(always) slowly, NEG young.man hunter long.ago-ABL

yinya dingkar niji jilba buban warru balbi bama kalbay

HABITUAL jilba-l-jilba-l 'always walks'; buban-buban 'slowly'; niji 'now'


The children always used to stay down by the water while the women dug for yams in the sand.

Karrkay-karrkay bana ngundu bundanday, jalbu-ngka wukay bakal-bakal jukar-a.

karrkay-karrkay bana ngundu bundanday, jalbu-ngka wukay bakal-bakal jukar-a | child-REDUP water near stay.REDUP, woman-ERG yam dig-REDUP sand-LOC

karrkay bana ngundu bundanday jalbu wukay bakal jukar

CONT/HABIT bundanday + bakal-bakal 'kept digging'; jukar-a (single-r LOC)


The old dog always used to follow the hunter everywhere, running along beside him all day.

Kaya mukul balbi-bama wukurri-l-wukurri-l wubulku, ngundu wanarri wungar wubulku.

kaya mukul balbi-bama wukurri-l-wukurri-l wubul-ku, ngundu wanarri(-y) wungar wubul-ku | dog old hunter follow-REDUP(always) all, near run.REDUP(keep) day all

kaya mukul balbi bama wukurril ngundu wanarri wungar wubul

HABIT wukurri-l-wukurri-l 'always followed'; CONT wanarri; wukurri-l 'follow' (b092)


Those old men always sit together in the shade and keep telling the young ones the old stories.

Wulman-wulman wabarr-ba muru bundanday, warru-nka kuku mukul balka-l-balka-l.

wulman-wulman wabarr-ba muru bundanday, warru-nka kuku mukul balka-l-balka-l | old.man-REDUP shade-LOC together stay.REDUP, young.man-DAT story old tell-REDUP(keep)

wulman wabarr muru bundanday warru kuku mukul balkal

CONT bundanday + balka-l-balka-l 'keep telling'; wulman-wulman 'old men' (b098)


In the wet season the frogs always keep singing all night long in the water of the big swamp.

Kaba-wungar-a karrkurr wujurr wubulku balka-l-balka-l, daburri yalbay bana-nga.

kaba-wungar-a karrkurr wujurr wubul-ku balka-l-balka-l, daburri yalbay bana-nga | wet.season-LOC frog night all sing-REDUP(keep), swamp big water-LOC

kaba wungar karrkurr wujurr wubul balkal daburri yalbay bana

CONT balka-l-balka-l 'keep singing'; karrkurr 'frog' (b089)


The old hunter looked thoroughly all over the ground, examining every track the kangaroo had left.

Balbi-bama mukul bubu narmba nyaji-l-nyaji-n, mayarriji-mu jina narmba binalman.

balbi-bama mukul bubu narmba nyaji-l-nyaji-ny, mayarriji-mu jina narmba binal-ma-ny | hunter old ground all examine.REDUP-PAST, kangaroo-POSS track all know-INCHO-PAST

balbi bama mukul bubu narmba nyajil mayarriji jina binal

INTENSIVE nyaji-l-nyaji-ny 'examine thoroughly' (l.3581); jina 'track'


She searched thoroughly through the whole camp, looking again and again for her lost dilly bag.

Nyulu bayan wubulku nyaji-l-nyaji-n nyungu ngunyin-ka, kari manin baja.

nyulu bayan wubul-ku nyaji-l-nyaji-ny nyungu ngunyin-ka, kari mani-ny baja | 3sg camp all examine.REDUP-PAST her dilly.bag-DAT, NEG get-PAST too

nyulu bayan wubul nyajil nyungu ngunyin manil

INTENSIVE nyaji-l-nyaji-ny 'search thoroughly'; ngunyin 'dilly bag'


The old man kept looking and looking at the tall tree that the big storm had struck.

Mukul-dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-n juku kalbay, kaba yalbay-bu kuni-nya.

mukul-dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-ny juku kalbay, kaba yalbay-bu kuni-nya | old-man look.REDUP-PAST tree tall, rain big-INST hit-SUB

mukul dingkar nyajil juku kalbay kaba yalbay kunil

INTENSIVE nyaji-l-nyaji-ny 'keep looking'; kuni-l 'hit/strike' (b097)


The women worked hard all morning, digging and digging until the dilly bag was full of yams.

Jalbu-jalbu bakal-bakan wunkuwingku wubulku, ngunyin-ba wukay wubul-ma-n.

jalbu-jalbu bakal-bakan wunkuwingku wubul-ku, ngunyin-ba wukay wubul-ma-ny | woman-REDUP dig-REDUP.PAST morning all, dilly.bag-LOC yam many-INCHO-PAST

jalbu bakal wunkuwingku wubul ngunyin wukay

INTENSIVE bakal-bakan 'dig and dig'; wubul-ma-l 'become many'


He hit the hard wood again and again with the stone axe until the tall tree finally fell down.

Nyulu juku junkurr kuni-l-kuni-n warrbi-bu, juku kalbay dara-nyjiku bada.

nyulu juku junkurr kuni-l-kuni-ny warrbi-bu, juku kalbay dara-nyjiku bada | 3sg wood hard hit-REDUP-PAST axe-INST, tree tall fall-SUCC(until) down

nyulu juku junkurr kunil warrbi kalbay daray bada

INTENSIVE kuni-l-kuni-ny 'hit again and again'; warrbi 'axe' (b091)


The old woman ground the seeds thoroughly between the two flat stones to make the good flour.

Mukul-jalbu mayi murni-l-murni-n kulji jambul-bu, mayi ngulkurr bunga-nka.

mukul-jalbu mayi murni-l-murni-ny kulji jambul-bu, mayi ngulkurr bunga-nka | old-woman food grind-REDUP-PAST stone two-INST, food good make-PURP

mukul jalbu mayi murnil kulji jambul ngulkurr bungal

INTENSIVE murni-l-murni-ny 'grind thoroughly' (murni-l 'stir/grind' l.920)


The two children kept eating and eating the sweet honey until their little bellies were big and round.

Karrkay jambul wunba jiba-wulay nuka-l-nuka-n, jibar yalbay murru-ma-nyjiku.

karrkay jambul wunba jiba-wulay nuka-l-nuka-ny, jibar yalbay murru-ma-nyjiku | child two honey sweet eat-REDUP-PAST, belly big round-INCHO-SUCC(until)

karrkay jambul wunba jiba-wulay nukal jibar yalbay murru

INTENSIVE nuka-l-nuka-ny 'keep eating'; wunba 'honey', jiba-wulay 'sweet'; murru 'round'


He kept thinking hard about the dead man all night, biting with his ear again and again.

Nyulu milka-bu bayka-l-bayka-n dingkar wula-nya-mu wujurr wubulku junkurr.

nyulu milka-bu bayka-l-bayka-ny dingkar wula-nya-mu wujurr wubul-ku junkurr | 3sg ear-INST bite-REDUP-PAST(think) man die-SUB-POSS night all hard

nyulu milka bayka-l dingkar wulal wujurr wubul junkurr

INTENSIVE milka-bu bayka-l-bayka-ny 'keep thinking' (think=ear-bite, b092)


The dog kept biting and biting at the snake until at last the long snake lay dead and still.

Kaya jarba bayka-l-bayka-n, jarba kalbay wula-nyjiku janka wunay.

kaya jarba bayka-l-bayka-ny, jarba kalbay wula-nyjiku janka wunay | dog snake bite-REDUP-PAST, snake long die-SUCC(until) still lie

kaya jarba bayka-l kalbay wulal janka wunay

INTENSIVE bayka-l-bayka-ny 'keep biting'; wula-l 'die'; -nyjiku 'until'


The old man examined the sky thoroughly at dusk, watching for the sign of the coming rain.

Mukul-dingkar jiri nyaji-l-nyaji-n wujurr-ma-nya, kaba kada-nya-mu binal-nka.

mukul-dingkar jiri nyaji-l-nyaji-ny wujurr-ma-nya, kaba kada-nya-mu binal-nka | old-man sky examine.REDUP-PAST night-INCHO-SUB(at.dusk), rain come-SUB-POSS know-PURP

mukul dingkar jiri nyajil wujurr kaba kaday binal

INTENSIVE nyaji-l-nyaji-ny 'examine'; jiri 'sky' (b093); wujurr-ma-l 'become night'


The hunters came one after another out of the dark scrub, each carrying a big fat kangaroo.

Balbi-bama jururr kadan madja ngungul-muny, nyubun-nyubun mayarriji yalbay wandul wundin.

balbi-bama jururr kada-ny madja ngungul-muny, nyubun-nyubun mayarriji yalbay wandul wundi-ny | hunter one.after.another come-PAST scrub dark-ABL, each kangaroo big fat carry-PAST

balbi bama jururr kaday madja ngungul nyubun mayarriji wandul wundil

jururr 'one after another' (l.3709); nyubun-nyubun 'each' (b098); madja 'scrub'


The big water kept coming in one after another onto the sandy beach all day long.

Bana yalbay jururr kadan jukar-a, bada wangkar baja wungar wubulku.

bana yalbay jururr kada-ny jukar-a, bada wangkar baja wungar wubul-ku | water big one.after.another come-PAST sand-LOC, down up too day all

bana yalbay jururr kaday jukar bada kaka wungar wubul

jururr 'one after another'; jukar-a (single-r LOC)


The people walked one after another along the narrow track, going together to the big meeting.

Bama jururr jilban jina-burr buban, malkarri yalbay-ka muru dungan.

bama jururr jilba-ny jina-burr buban, malkarri yalbay-ka muru dunga-ny | person one.after.another walk-PAST track-PERL narrow, meeting big-DAT together go-PAST

bama jururr jilba jina buban malkarri yalbay muru dungay

jururr 'one after another'; jina-burr 'along track' (PERL)


The old man called out again and again across the wide valley, but no answer ever came back.

Mukul-dingkar yirrka-l-yirrka-n jamba kalbay-burr, yamba kari balka kadan baja.

mukul-dingkar yirrka-l-yirrka-ny jamba kalbay-burr, yamba kari balka kada-ny baja | old-man call-REDUP-PAST hill wide-PERL, but NEG word come-PAST too

mukul dingkar yirrkay jamba kalbay balka kaday

INTENSIVE yirrka-l-yirrka-ny 'call again and again'; jamba 'valley/hill'


The children ran out one after another to see the two hunters bringing home the big fat pig.

Karrkay-karrkay jururr wanarrin, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka.

karrkay-karrkay jururr wanarri-ny, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka | child-REDUP one.after.another run-PAST, hunter two pig big carry-SUB see-PURP

karrkay jururr wanarri balbi bama jambul bikibiki yalbay nyajil

jururr 'one after another'; wanarri-ny 'ran'


The old woman told the same story over and over, until at last the children fell asleep.

Mukul-jalbu kuku nyubun balka-l-balka-n, karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-nyjiku baja.

mukul-jalbu kuku nyubun balka-l-balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-nyjiku baja | old-woman story one tell-REDUP-PAST, child-REDUP sleep lie-SUCC(until) too

mukul jalbu kuku nyubun balkal karrkay warngku wunay

INTENSIVE balka-l-balka-ny 'told over and over'; warngku wuna-l 'fall asleep'


The spears flew one after another at the running kangaroo, but every one missed and fell in the grass.

Kalka jururr wanarrin mayarriji-ka, yamba narmba kari kuni-l jikan-ba daran.

kalka jururr wanarri-ny mayarriji-ka, yamba narmba kari kuni-l jikan-ba dara-ny | spear one.after.another run(fly)-PAST kangaroo-DAT, but all NEG hit grass-LOC fall-PAST

kalka jururr wanarri mayarriji narmba kunil jikan daray

jururr 'one after another'; narmba kari kuni-l 'all missed'; jikan-ba (n LOC)


He kept calling and calling his old dog, but it had run far away and did not come back.

Nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrka-l-yirrka-n, yamba kaya kala-kalbay-ka wanarrin kari kadan.

nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrka-l-yirrka-ny, yamba kaya kala-kalbay-ka wanarri-ny kari kada-ny | 3sg dog old his call-REDUP-PAST, but dog far.away-DAT run-PAST NEG come-PAST

nyulu kaya mukul nyungu yirrkay kala-kalbay wanarri kaday

INTENSIVE yirrka-l-yirrka-ny 'keep calling'; wanarri-ny 'ran'


The old men kept telling and re-telling the story of the great flood again and again for many days.

Wulman-wulman kuku bana yalbay-mu balka-l-balka-n, jururr jururr baja wungar wubul-muny.

wulman-wulman kuku bana yalbay-mu balka-l-balka-ny, jururr jururr baja wungar wubul-muny | old.man-REDUP story water big-POSS tell-REDUP-PAST, repeatedly(REDUP) too day many-ABL

wulman kuku bana yalbay balkal jururr wungar wubul

INTENSIVE balka-l-balka-ny + jururr-jururr 'repeatedly' (l.3709)


The rain fell down and down for many days, one heavy day after another, until the river flooded.

Kaba daran daran daran wungar wubul-muny, jururr kulngkul, wawubaja yalbay-ma-nyjiku.

kaba dara-ny dara-ny dara-ny wungar wubul-muny, jururr kulngkul, wawubaja yalbay-ma-nyjiku | rain fall fall fall day many-ABL, one.after.another heavy, river big-INCHO-SUCC(until,flooded)

kaba daray wungar wubul jururr kulngkul wawubaja yalbay

EXCESSIVE DURATION: bare verb repeated (daran×3, l.3581); jururr; kulngkul 'heavy'


As a young man my father used to go hunting the kangaroo every day, and he always came home with meat.

Ngayku nganjan warru-nyja-ku mayarriji-ka balbi dunga-l-dunga-n wungar wubulku, minya-jirr kankadan.

ngayku nganjan warru-nyja-ku mayarriji-ka balbi dunga-l-dunga-ny wungar wubul-ku, minya-jirr kankada-ny | my father young.man-ERG-ADV kangaroo-DAT hunt go-REDUP-PAST(used.to) day all, meat-COMIT come.REDUP-PAST

ngayku nganjan warru mayarriji balbi dungay wungar wubul minya kankaday

HABIT dunga-l-dunga-ny 'used to go'; warru-nyja-ku 'as young man' (cf ex.203)


The old woman kept sitting quietly and weaving, while the children kept running and playing outside.

Mukul-jalbu janka bundanday ngunyin bungal, karrkay-karrkay wanarri bayan-muny.

mukul-jalbu janka bundanday ngunyin bunga-l, karrkay-karrkay wanarri(-y) bayan-muny | old-woman quiet sit.REDUP dilly.bag make, child-REDUP run.REDUP camp-ABL(outside)

mukul jalbu janka bundanday ngunyin bungal karrkay wanarri bayan

CONT bundanday + wanarri paired; ngunyin 'dilly bag'


Long ago the two mobs always used to come together for the big ceremony when the food was plenty.

Kalbay-muny bama-jambul kankaday muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul-ma-nya.

kalbay-muny bama-jambul kankada-y muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul-ma-nya | long.ago people-two(mob) come.REDUP together day big(ceremony)-DAT, food many-INCHO-SUB

kalbay bama jambul kankaday muru wungar yalbay mayi wubul

HABIT kankaday 'used to come'; bama-jambul 'two mobs'; wubul-ma-l 'become plenty'


The sick old man kept lying by the fire all night, and his good wife kept looking after him.

Dingkar mukul bambay wunanay baya ngundu wujurr wubulku, nyungu manyarr ngulkurr kuji-l-kuji-l.

dingkar mukul bambay wunanay baya ngundu wujurr wubul-ku, nyungu manyarr ngulkurr kuji-l-kuji-l | man old sick lie.REDUP(keep) fire near night all, his wife good look.after-REDUP(keep)

dingkar mukul bambay wunanay baya wujurr wubul nyungu manyarr kujil

CONT wunanay + kuji-l-kuji-l 'keep looking after' (ex.100); manyarr 'wife' (b094)


The hunter kept standing still and watching, and the big kangaroo came out to eat the grass.

Balbi-bama janjanay janka nyaji-l, mayarriji yalbay kadan jikan nuka-nka.

balbi-bama janjanay janka nyaji-l, mayarriji yalbay kada-ny jikan nuka-nka | hunter stand.REDUP(keep) still watch, kangaroo big come-PAST grass eat-PURP

balbi bama janjanay janka nyajil mayarriji yalbay kaday jikan nukal

CONT janjanay 'keep standing'; nyaji-l 'watch'


The children kept crying for food, so the old woman kept cooking the fish over the hot coals.

Karrkay-karrkay banbadi mayi-ka, mukul-jalbu kuyu waju-l-waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba.

karrkay-karrkay banbadi(-y) mayi-ka, mukul-jalbu kuyu waju-l-waju-l ngunjil wumbul-ba | child-REDUP cry.REDUP(keep) food-DAT, old-woman fish cook-REDUP(keep) charcoal hot-LOC

karrkay banbadi mayi mukul jalbu kuyu wajul ngunjil wumbul

CONT banbadi + waju-l-waju-l 'keep cooking'; ngunjil 'charcoal/coals' (b095)


The old man kept coming and going along the same track, until his feet had worn it smooth and hard.

Mukul-dingkar kankaday dunga-l-dunga-n jina nyubun-ba, jina junkurr-ma-nyjiku.

mukul-dingkar kankada-y dunga-l-dunga-ny jina nyubun-ba, jina junkurr-ma-nyjiku | old-man come.REDUP go-REDUP-PAST track one-LOC, track hard-INCHO-SUCC(until)

mukul dingkar kankaday dungay jina nyubun junkurr

CONT kankaday + dunga-l-dunga-ny 'keep coming and going'; jina 'track/foot'


All through the wet season the frogs kept singing and the rain kept falling, day after day, night after night.

Kaba-wungar-a karrkurr balka-l-balka-l, kaba daran daran, wungar jururr, wujurr jururr.

kaba-wungar-a karrkurr balka-l-balka-l, kaba dara-ny dara-ny, wungar jururr, wujurr jururr | wet.season-LOC frog sing-REDUP(keep), rain fall fall, day one.after.another, night one.after.another

kaba wungar karrkurr balkal daray jururr wujurr

CONT balka-l-balka-l + EXCESSIVE daran daran + jururr; karrkurr 'frog'


The old man told the young men a long story about the great flood of the old, old days.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru-nka kuku kalbay balkan, bana yalbay mukul wungar-mu.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-nka kuku kalbay balka-ny, bana yalbay mukul wungar-mu | old-man-ERG young.man-DAT story long tell-PAST, water big old time-POSS

mukul dingkar warru kuku kalbay balkal bana yalbay wungar

TELL balka-l; kuku 'story'; +DAT addressee


'Come here and sit down,' the old woman said quietly to the two tired children by the fire.

'Kada-y yinya-ka bundal,' mukul-jalbu-ngku janka yalaman karrkay jambul baja-burray-nka baya ngundu.

'kada-y yinya-ka bundal,' mukul-jalbu-ngku janka yalama-ny karrkay jambul baja-burray-nka baya ngundu | 'come-IMP here-DAT sit,' old-woman-ERG quiet say-PAST child two tired-DAT fire near

kaday yinya bundal mukul jalbu janka yalamal karrkay jambul baja-burray

SAY yalama-l 'say' (l.2976); janka 'quietly'


The two men talked together quietly all night about where the kangaroos had gone in the dry time.

Dingkar jambul muru balka-wa janka wujurr wubulku, mayarriji wanja dunga-nya marral-wungar-a.

dingkar jambul muru balka-wa janka wujurr wubul-ku, mayarriji wanja dunga-nya marral-wungar-a | man two together talk-RECIP quiet night all, kangaroo where go-SUB dry-season-LOC

dingkar jambul muru balka janka wujurr mayarriji wanja marral wungar

TALK balka-wa 'talk-RECIP' (b086); wanja 'where'; marral-wungar-a (single-r LOC)


My old grandfather always spoke the true language of this country, never the words of the strangers.

Ngayku kami mukul kuku yukil bubu yinya-mu balka-nya, kari kuku bama yindu-mu.

ngayku kami mukul kuku yukil bubu yinya-mu balka-nya, kari kuku bama yindu-mu | my grandfather old language true country this-POSS talk-HABIT, NEG word person other-POSS

ngayku kami mukul kuku yukil bubu yinya balka bama yindu

kuku 'language/word'; yukil 'true' (b099); balka-nya HABITUAL (b100)


'Do not go near the deep water where the big crocodile lives,' the old woman said to the frightened children.

'Kari kada-y bana dajali ngundu, bilngkumu yalbay yinya wunay,' mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay yini-yini-nka yalaman.

'kari kada-y bana dajali ngundu, bilngkumu yalbay yinya wunay,' mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay yini-yini-nka yalama-ny | 'NEG come-IMP water deep near, crocodile big that live,' old-woman-ERG child frightened-DAT say-PAST

kari kaday bana dajali bilngkumu yalbay wunay mukul jalbu yalamal karrkay yini-yini

SAY yalama-l; dajali 'deep water' (b099); yini-yini 'frightened'


He told the whole camp the good news that the two hunters were coming home with plenty of meat.

Nyulu bayan wubulku kuku ngulkurr balkan, balbi-bama jambul minya jirray-jirr kankaday.

nyulu bayan wubul-ku kuku ngulkurr balka-ny, balbi-bama jambul minya jirray-jirr kankada-y | 3sg camp all news good tell-PAST, hunter two meat plenty-COMIT come.REDUP(keep)

nyulu bayan wubul kuku ngulkurr balkal balbi bama jambul minya kankaday

kuku 'news'; balka-l 'tell'; kankaday 'keep coming' (b100)


The children could not understand the old man's words, for he spoke the deep language of long ago.

Karrkay-karrkay kari binal mukul-dingkar-mu kuku, nyulu kuku kalbay kalbay-muny balka-nya.

karrkay-karrkay kari binal mukul-dingkar-mu kuku, nyulu kuku kalbay kalbay-muny balka-nya | child-REDUP NEG understand old-man-POSS word, 3sg language deep long.ago-ABL talk-HABIT

karrkay binal mukul dingkar kuku kalbay balka

binal 'understand'; kuku 'word/language'; kalbay-muny 'long ago'


'I am going hunting now, and I will come back before the dark night,' the young man said to his wife.

'Ngayu balbi dunga-y niji, ngayu kadan wujurr ngungul kariku,' warru-ngku nyungu manyarr-nka yalaman.

'ngayu balbi dunga-y niji, ngayu kada-ny wujurr ngungul kariku,' warru-ngku nyungu manyarr-nka yalama-ny | 'I hunt go-IMP now, I come night dark not.yet(before),' young.man-ERG his wife-DAT say-PAST

ngayu balbi dungay niji kaday wujurr ngungul warru nyungu manyarr yalamal

SAY yalama-l; manyarr 'wife' (b094); niji 'now'


The old people talked and talked about the law of the land until the bright morning light came.

Mukul-bama kuku bubu-mu balka-l-balka-n, wunkuwingku balbal kada-nyjiku.

mukul-bama kuku bubu-mu balka-l-balka-ny, wunkuwingku balbal kada-nyjiku | old-people law country-POSS talk-REDUP-PAST, morning bright come-SUCC(until)

mukul bama kuku bubu balkal wunkuwingku balbal kaday

kuku 'law'; balka-l-balka-ny 'talked and talked' (b100 INTENSIVE)


Ask the old dilly-bag expert about the dilly bags, for she knows best of all how to weave them.

Babaji mala-ngunyin-da ngunyin-ka, nyulu binal ngunyin bunga-nka ngulkurr bajaku.

babaji mala-ngunyin-da ngunyin-ka, nyulu binal ngunyin bunga-nka ngulkurr bajaku | ask.IMP expert-dilly.bag-LOC dilly.bag-DAT, 3sg know dilly.bag make-PURP good very

babaji mala ngunyin binal bungal ngulkurr bajaku

ASK babaji-l: person=LOC, topic=DAT (ex.77 exact); mala- 'expert' (ex.75)


I asked my elder brother where the fat kangaroos were feeding in the long dry season.

Ngayu yaba-nda babajin, mayarriji wandul wanja nukal marral-wungar-a.

ngayu yaba-nda babaji-ny, mayarriji wandul wanja nukal marral-wungar-a | 1sg elder.brother-LOC ask-PAST, kangaroo fat where eat dry-season-LOC

ngayu yaba babaji mayarriji wandul wanja nukal marral wungar

ASK babaji-l + LOC person (ex.101 exact); wanja 'where' (b090)


The young man asked the old hunter about the best way to make a straight, strong spear.

Warru-ngku balbi-bama mukul-da babajin, kalka jinbal junkurr bunga-nka ngulkurr-ka.

warru-ngku balbi-bama mukul-da babaji-ny, kalka jinbal junkurr bunga-nka ngulkurr-ka | young.man-ERG hunter old-LOC ask-PAST, spear straight strong make-PURP good-DAT

warru balbi bama mukul babaji kalka jinbal junkurr bungal

ASK babaji-l + LOC person; jinbal 'straight' (b091)