The old people fear the black snake most of all, the old man said, for its bite kills quickly, and there is no cure once the poison is in the blood.

Mukul-bama bindimu yararri wubulku-muny, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyungu baykal bila kuni, bama wula, mula-ba buyun kada-nya-muny.

mukul-bama bindimu yararri wubul-ku-muny, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyungu baykal bila kuni, bama wula, mula-ba buyun kada-nya-muny | old-person black.snake fear all-ABL(most), old-man said, its bite fast kill, person die, blood-LOC bad come-SUB-ABL

mukul bindimu yararri baykal bila kunil bama wulal mula

bindimu black snake; yararri fear (b116); baykal bite; the deadly bite (no 'cure/poison' word — reworded); mula blood (b109)


The water snake lives in the still lagoon and the mangrove creek, the old woman said, and the children must never swim where they have seen one.

Bakay bana janka-ba kajul bana-jandu-ngka wuna, mukul-jalbu balkan, karrkay-karrkay wanja jana bakay nyaji-nya-ba baluda maraji.

bakay bana janka-ba kajul bana-jandu-ngka wuna, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay wanja jana bakay nyaji-nya-ba baluda maraji | water.snake water still-LOC mangrove creek-LOC lie, old-woman said, child-REDUP where 3pl water.snake see-SUB-LOC don't swim

bakay bana kajul bana-jandu wunay karrkay wanja nyajil baluda maraji

bakay 'water snake'; kajul mangrove (b115); baluda maraji 'don't swim' (b110/b115); where-you've-seen-one


The old man could tell every snake by its track in the dust, the old woman said, the broad mark of the python and the thin quick line of the whip snake.

Mukul-dingkar jarba wubulku-mu jina jukar-a binal, mukul-jalbu balkan, kabul-mu jina yalbay, jijirrbay-mu jina dumbi bila.

mukul-dingkar jarba wubul-ku-mu jina jukar-a binal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kabul-mu jina yalbay, jijirrbay-mu jina dumbi bila | old-man snake all-POSS track dust(sand)-LOC know, old-woman said, python-POSS track big(broad), whip.snake-POSS track thin fast

mukul jarba jina jukar binal kabul yalbay jijirrbay dumbi bila

jijirrbay 'whip snake'; jina track (b109); reading-snake-tracks; kudamundu 'behind/trailing' (b116 slow sense reworded)


When the men find a python in a hollow log, the old man said, they block both ends and cut it out, for its meat is fat and very good to eat.

Dingkar-dingkar kabul walmba janku-ba nyaji-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana ngandal jambul nandal, baka ngalkal, nyungu minya wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka.

dingkar-dingkar kabul walmba janku-ba nyaji-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana ngandal jambul nandal-l, baka ngalkal, nyungu minya wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka | man-REDUP python log hole-LOC see-SUB, old-man said, 3pl mouth(end) two close, dig out, its meat fat good eat-PURP

dingkar kabul walmba janku nyajil ngandal jambul bakal wandul minya

kabul python; walmba 'log'; janku 'hole'; baka-l 'dig out' (b113); wandul fat (b109); python-as-food


The old woman said the snake is not evil, only hungry and afraid like everything else, so give it room and it will go its own way and leave you alone.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: jarba kari buyun, dakuy yararri-jirr nyubun-bu yala wubulku, bubu daji, nyulu nyungu jangan-a dunga, yundu balu wuna.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: jarba kari buyun, dakuy yararri-jirr nyubun-bu yala wubulku, bubu daji, nyulu nyungu jangan-a dunga, yundu balu wuna | old-woman said: snake NEG evil(bad), hungry fear-COMIT only like all, room give, 3sg its way-LOC go, you let be

jarba buyun dakuy yararri yala bubu dajil balu wunay

jarba snake; kari buyun 'not evil'; dakuy hungry (b114); balu 'let be' (b118); snake-respect wisdom


The whip snake is thin as a bootlace and moves faster than the eye can follow, the old man said, but its bite, though it burns, will not kill a grown person.

Jijirrbay dumbi yala karra bila miyil-muny-baja, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyungu baykal, wubul-bu yinbay-mani, kari bama yalbay kuni.

jijirrbay dumbi yala karra bila miyil-muny-baja, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyungu baykal, wubul-bu yinbay-mani, kari bama yalbay kuni | whip.snake thin like string fast eye-ABL-more, old-man said, its bite, much-INST burn-CAUS, NEG person big kill

jijirrbay dumbi yala karra bila miyil baykal yinbay kunil

jijirrbay whip snake; yala karra 'like string' (b112); miyil eye (b109); baykal bite; painful but not deadly


The children learned never to put a hand into a dark hole or a hollow log, the old woman said, for that is where the snake and the scorpion wait in the day.

Karrkay-karrkay binalman mara janku ngumbu-ba walmba-ba baluda wandi, mukul-jalbu balkan, wanja jarra biringal-jirr wungar-a wuna.

karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-ny mara janku ngumbu-ba walmba-ba baluda wandi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wanja jarba biringal-jirr wungar-a wuna | child-REDUP learn hand hole black-LOC log-LOC don't put, old-woman said, where snake scorpion-COMIT day-LOC lie

karrkay binal mara janku ngumbu walmba baluda jarba biringal wungar

⭐biringal 'scorpion'; janku hole; walmba log; baluda wandi 'don't put' (b110); never-reach-into-a-hole


The old man killed the black snake with one hard blow of the throwing-stick across its back, the old woman said, then buried its head deep so the dogs would not find it.

Mukul-dingkarangka bindimu kuni juku-bu nyubun-bu muku-ba junkurr, mukul-jalbu balkan, walu janku dajali-ba wandi, kaya kari mani.

mukul-dingkar-angka bindimu kuni juku-bu nyubun-bu muku-ba junkurr, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, walu janku dajali-ba wandi, kaya kari mani | old-man-ERG:pt black.snake kill stick-INST one-INST back-LOC hard, old-woman said, head hole deep-LOC put(bury), dog NEG get

mukul bindimu kunil juku muku junkurr walu janku kaya

bindimu black snake; kuni-l kill; muku back (b109); walu head (b109); janku hole; bury-the-head safety


The old man said the snakes come out most in the warm wet season when the frogs are many, and the old people watch the ground with every step then.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: jarba ngalkal wubul kaba-wungar wumbul-ba yirku-yirku wubul-nya, mukul-bama bubu nyaji-nyaji jina nyubun-nyubun-bu.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: jarba ngalkal wubul kaba-wungar wumbul-ba yirku-yirku wubul-nya, mukul-bama bubu nyaji-nyaji jina nyubun-nyubun-bu | old-man said: snake out many wet.season warm-LOC frog many-SUB, old-person ground keep-watching foot each-INST

jarba ngalkal wubul kaba wumbul yirku-yirku mukul bubu nyaji-nyaji

jarba snake; kaba-wungar wet season (b116); yirku-yirku frog (b119); watch-every-step-in-the-wet


The sand goanna is good hunting, the old man said, for it is fat and easy on the open ground, and the dogs run it down and hold it at a hollow log.

Jadi ngulkurr balbi-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu wandul bubu ngalkal-ba, kaya-kaya warri mani walmba janku-ba karrba.

jadi ngulkurr balbi-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu wandul bubu ngalkal-ba, kaya-kaya warri mani walmba janku-ba karrba | sand.goanna good hunt-PURP, old-man said, 3sg fat ground open-LOC, dog-REDUP run get log hole-LOC hold

jadi balbi wandul bubu ngalkal kaya warri walmba janku karrbal

⭐jadi 'sand goanna'; balbi-nka 'to hunt'; wandul fat (b109); kaya dog (b116); the goanna-hunt with dogs


The old woman cooked the goanna whole in the hot ashes, the old man said, turning it once, and its white flesh is sweeter than any bird or fish.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku jadi narmba kubu wumbul-ba waju, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyubun-bu jurrki, nyungu minya balbal jiba-wulay buyi kuyu wubulku-muny.

mukul-jalbu-ngku jadi narmba kubu wumbul-ba waju, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyubun-bu jurrki, nyungu minya balbal jiba-wulay buyi kuyu wubul-ku-muny | old-woman-ERG:pt sand.goanna whole coal hot-LOC cook, old-man said, one-INST turn, its meat white sweet bird fish all-ABL(than)

jadi kubu wumbul wajul jurrki minya balbal jiba-wulay buyi kuyu

jadi goanna; kubu coal/ash (b109); jurrki turn (b103); jiba-wulay sweet (b?); goanna-meat prized


The blue-tongue lizard is slow and gentle and no danger at all, the old woman said, and it shows its bright blue tongue only to frighten away the birds.

Bajabaja ngulkurr buyun-kari bajaku, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu nyabil ngumbu-jarra balbal nyaji-mani buyi yararri-bungal-nka nyubun-bu.

bajabaja ngulkurr buyun-kari bajaku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu nyabil ngumbu-jarra balbal nyaji-mani buyi yararri-bungal-nka nyubun-bu | blue.tongue gentle harm-PRIV very, old-woman said, 3sg tongue(nyabil) dark-DEG1 bright show bird make-fear-PURP only

bajabaja kudamundu ngulkurr buyun jalany ngumbu balbal nyajil buyi yararri

⭐bajabaja 'blue-tongue lizard'; jalany tongue (b109); buyun-kari 'harmless'; shows-tongue-to-scare-birds


The frill-necked lizard runs upright on its two back legs when it is frightened, the old man said, and spreads the great frill around its neck like an angry face.

Binanjal jina jambul muku-mu-bu janjanay warri yararri-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, walu-ngarr yalbay ngamban murru-murru ngalkal-ma-l yala walu kuli.

binanjal jina jambul muku-mu-bu janjanay warri yararri-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, walu-ngarr yalbay ngamban murru-murru ngalkal-ma-l yala walu kuli | frill.neck foot two back-POSS-INST upright(stand) run fear-SUB, old-man said, neck-frill big neck around spread like face angry

binanjal jina jambul muku janjanay warri yararri ngamban yala kuli

binanjal 'frill-neck lizard'; janjanay upright/stand (b114); ngamban neck (b109); yala walu kuli 'like an angry face' (b112)


The little gecko lives in the roof of the bark shelter and comes out at night, the old woman said, and it clicks and calls softly and eats the mosquitoes.

Bilbil-bilbil wurun dumbul-mu wangkar-a wuna ngalkal wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu yirrka bada kima kamu nuka.

bilbil-bilbil wurun dumbul-mu wangkar-a wuna ngalkal wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu yirrka bada kima kamu nuka | gecko humpy bark-POSS top-LOC lie out night-LOC, old-woman said, 3sg call low soft mosquito eat

bilbil-bilbil wurun bukul wangkar ngalkal wujurr yirrkal kima kamu

⭐bilbil-bilbil 'gecko'; wurun humpy (b118); bukul bark (b113); kamu mosquito (b119); the roof-gecko eats mosquitoes


The crocodile is the one creature the old people feared above all, the old man said, and no one swims or fishes at the muddy river-mouth where it waits.

Bilngkumu minya nyubun mukul-bama yararri wubulku-muny, mukul-dingkar balkan, kari bama maraji kuyu mani-nka ngandal kambal-kambal-ba wanja nyulu wuna.

bilngkumu minya nyubun mukul-bama yararri wubul-ku-muny, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kari bama maraji kuyu mani-nka ngandal kambal-kambal-ba wanja nyulu wuna | crocodile creature one old-person fear all-ABL(most), old-man said, NEG person swim fish get-PURP river.mouth mud-LOC where 3sg lie

bilngkumu minya mukul yararri maraji kuyu ngandal kambal-kambal wanja

⭐bilngkumu 'crocodile' (b116); most-feared; ngandal river-mouth (b109); kambal-kambal mud (b115); no-swimming-there


The old man said the crocodile lies as still as a floating log for a long time, then takes the wallaby or the dog at the water's edge in one great rush.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: bilngkumu janka wuna yala walmba bana-ba warri-nya marri, yinyamun kadar kaya-jirr bana ngandal-ba nyubun-bu bila mani.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: bilngkumu janka wuna yala walmba bana-ba warri-nya marri, yinyamun kadar kaya-jirr bana ngandal-ba nyubun-bu bila mani | old-man said: crocodile still lie like log water-LOC drift-SUB long, then wallaby dog-COMIT water edge-LOC one-INST fast take

bilngkumu janka wunay yala walmba bana kadar kaya bila manil

bilngkumu crocodile; yala walmba 'like a log' (b112); walmba log; the ambush at the water's edge; bila fast (b112)


The scrub goanna climbs the tall trees to raid the birds' nests, the old man said, and when a dog chases it, it runs up the nearest trunk out of reach.

Kalajarr juku kalbay daka buyi-bubu mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, kaya kanga-nya, nyulu juku ngundu-ka daka wangkar-a.

kalajarr juku kalbay daka buyi-bubu mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kaya kanga-nya, nyulu juku ngundu-ka daka wangkar-a | scrub.goanna tree tall climb bird-nest get-PURP, old-man said, dog chase-SUB, 3sg tree near-DAT climb up-LOC

kalajarr juku kalbay dakal buyi manil kaya kanga ngundu wangkar

⭐kalajarr 'scrub goanna'; daka-l climb (b116); buyi-bubu nest (b117); kanga chase (b116); climbs-out-of-reach


The children caught the little scrub lizards on the warm rocks in the middle of the day, the old woman said, but the old people said to let them go.

Karrkay-karrkay jabil buban kulji wumbul-ba wungar wangkar-wangkar-a mani, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba mukul-bama balkan jana balu dunga.

karrkay-karrkay jabil buban kulji wumbul-ba wungar wangkar-wangkar-a mani, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba mukul-bama balka-ny jana balu dunga | child-REDUP scrub.lizard small rock warm-LOC midday-LOC catch, old-woman said, but old-person said 3pl let go

karrkay jabil kulji wumbul wungar wangkar-wangkar manil mukul balu

jabil 'scrub lizard'; kulji rock (b107); wangkar-wangkar midday (b111); balu dunga 'let them go' (ex.570, b118)


The old man said the goanna's fat was rubbed on the sore joints of the old people, and nothing else made them warm and easy again so well.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: jadi-mu wandul mukul-bama-mu bunku-ka murni, yindu-yindu kari jana wumbul ngulkurr-bungal yala.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: jadi-mu wandul mukul-bama-mu bunku-ka murni, yindu-yindu kari jana wumbul ngulkurr-bungal yala | old-man said: sand.goanna-POSS fat old-person-POSS joint-DAT rub, other-REDUP NEG 3pl warm good-make like

jadi wandul mukul ganggal bunku murni yindu wumbul ngulkurr

jadi goanna; wandul fat (b109); ganggal skin (b109); bunku knee/joint (b109); murni-l rub (b113); goanna-fat medicine


The gecko is a good friend to have in the shelter, the old woman said, for it eats the mosquitoes and the moths all night and asks for nothing in return.

Bilbil-bilbil jawun ngulkurr wurun-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu kamu ngirran-jirr wujurr narmba nuka, yamba-kari wawu-ma-l.

bilbil-bilbil jawun ngulkurr wurun-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu kamu ngirran-jirr wujurr narmba nuka, yamba-kari wawu-ma-l | gecko friend good humpy-LOC, old-woman said, 3sg mosquito beetle-COMIT night whole eat, nothing want

bilbil-bilbil jawun ngulkurr wurun kamu ngirran wujurr yamba-kari wawu

bilbil-bilbil gecko; jawun friend (b118); kamu mosquito; ngirran beetle (b117); yamba-kari 'nothing' (b110); the helpful gecko


The old man said the goanna and the snake are cousins from long ago, and cast off the old and come out new and shining underneath.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: jadi jarba-jirr jawun-jawun kalbay-muny-mu, jambulu narmba nyunba, jirakal balbal julbi-ba ngalkal-ma-l.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: jadi jarba-jirr jawun-jawun kalbay-muny-mu, jambulu narmba nyunba, jirakal balbal julbi-ba ngalkal-ma-l | old-man said: sand.goanna snake-COMIT cousin-REDUP long.ago-POSS, both whole shed(renew), new bright inside-LOC out-INCHO

jadi jarba jawun kalbay-muny ganggal nyunbay jirakal balbal julbi

jadi goanna + jarba snake; ganggal skin (b109); nyunba 'shed/turn' (b116); jirakal new (b118); skin-shedding lore


When the crocodile makes its low roaring call in the night at the start of the wet, the old woman said, everyone knows the big rains are truly coming now.

Bilngkumu yirrka bada junkurr wujurr-ba kaba-wungar yudal-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, bama wubulku binal kaba yalbay niji kada-nya nyawa.

bilngkumu yirrka bada junkurr wujurr-ba kaba-wungar yudal-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bama wubulku binal kaba yalbay niji kaday-nya nyawa | crocodile call low strong night-LOC wet.season begin-SUB, old-woman said, person all know rain big now come-SUB truly

bilngkumu yirrkal junkurr wujurr kaba yudal bama binal niji

bilngkumu crocodile; yirrka call (b114); kaba-wungar yudal 'the wet begins' (yudal b114); crocodile-roar = the rains


When the first big rains fall, the old man said, a thousand frogs begin to call all at once from the flooded ground, and the whole night is loud with them.

Kaba yalbay yudal daray-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, yirku-yirku wubul bajaku yirrka yudal bubu jalungkarr-muny nyubun-bu, wujurr narmba junkurr jana-bu.

kaba yalbay yudal daray-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yirku-yirku wubul bajaku yirrka yudal bubu jalungkarr-muny nyubun-bu, wujurr narmba junkurr jana-bu | rain big first fall-SUB, old-man said, frog many very call begin ground flood-ABL together, night whole loud 3pl-INST

kaba yudal daray yirku-yirku wubul yirrkal bubu jalungkarr wujurr junkurr

⭐yirku-yirku 'frog'; daray fall (b116); yirrka yudal 'begin to call' (b118); jalungkarr flood (b116); the frog-chorus


The big green frog sits fat and still on the broad leaf by the waterhole, the old woman said, and the children love to watch it swell up and call.

Karrkurr yalbay wandul janka birra kalbay-mba bana-mabi ngundu-ba bunda, mukul-jalbu balkan, karrkay-karrkay nyaji-nyaji yajarri nyulu yalbay-ma-l yirrka-nya.

karrkurr yalbay wandul janka birra kalbay-mba bana-mabi ngundu-ba bunda, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay nyaji-nyaji yajarri nyulu yalbay-ma-l yirrka-nya | green.frog big fat still leaf broad(long)-LOC waterhole near-LOC sit, old-woman said, child-REDUP keep-watching laugh 3sg big-INCHO call-SUB

karrkurr yalbay wandul birra bana-mabi bundal karrkay nyaji-nyaji yajarril

⭐karrkurr 'green frog'; birra leaf (b113); bana-mabi waterhole (b115); yalbay-ma-l 'swells up' (no 'swell' word); the watched frog


The old man said the frog buries itself deep in the cracked mud all through the long dry, and lies as if dead until the first rain wakes it again.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: yirku-yirku kambal-kambal dumbarri-nya-ba dajali janku baka marral-wungar narmba, wuna yala wula-nya kaba yudal-nya-muny.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: yirku-yirku kambal-kambal dumbarri-nya-ba dajali janku baka marral-wungar narmba, wuna yala wula-nya kaba yudal-nya-muny | old-man said: frog mud crack-SUB-LOC deep hole dig dry.season whole, lie like die-SUB rain begin-SUB-ABL

yirku-yirku kambal-kambal dumbarril dajali janku bakal marral wunay kaba

yirku-yirku frog; kambal-kambal mud (b115); baka-l dig (b113); marral-wungar dry season (b111); the aestivating frog


The children caught the little frogs at the edge of the swamp, the old woman said, but the old people told them to put every one back, for the frogs feed the snakes and the birds.

Karrkay-karrkay yirku-yirku buban daburr ngandal-ba mani, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba mukul-bama-ngku jana-nka balkan nyubun-nyubun wandi-baja, yirku-yirku jarba buyi-jirr mayi daji.

karrkay-karrkay yirku-yirku buban daburr ngandal-ba mani, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba mukul-bama-ngku jana-nka balka-ny nyubun-nyubun wandi-baja, yirku-yirku jarba buyi-jirr mayi daji | child-REDUP frog small swamp edge-LOC catch, old-woman said, but old-person-ERG:pt 3pl(DAT) tell each put-again, frog snake bird-COMIT food give

karrkay yirku-yirku daburr ngandal manil mukul balkal jarba buyi dajil

yirku-yirku frog; daburr swamp (b?); put-them-back law; frogs-feed-the-food-chain; daji-l give (b118)


The green frog is cool and wet to the touch even in the hottest sun, the old man said, and the old people knew it as a sign of clean water close underground.

Karrkurr ngiki duna wungar-iji junkurr-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, mukul-bama binalman yala bana ngulkurr bubu bada ngundu.

karrkurr ngiki duna wungar-iji junkurr-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, mukul-bama binal-ma-ny yala bana ngulkurr bubu bada ngundu | green.frog cool wet hot.season strong-LOC, old-man said, old-person know like water good ground below near

karrkurr ganggal ngiki duna wungar-iji mukul binal bana bubu

karrkurr green frog; ganggal skin (b109); ngiki cool (b115); duna wet (b115); wungar-iji hot season (b111); frog=water-sign


The old woman said the frogs call in three different voices before the rain, and the old people could tell where the storm was by which voice sang loudest.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: yirku-yirku yirrka kulur yindu-yindu kaba kada-nyjiku, mukul-bama binal jarramali wanja wanyu yirrka junkurr bajaku.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: yirku-yirku yirrka kulur yindu-yindu kaba kaday-nyjiku, mukul-bama binal jarramali wanja wanyu yirrka junkurr bajaku | old-woman said: frog call three other-REDUP rain come-before, old-person know thunderstorm where who call loud very

yirku-yirku yirrkal kulur yindu kaba mukul binal jarramali wanyu

yirku-yirku frog; kulur three (b116); yindu-yindu 'different' (b112); jarramali storm (b111); reading-the-storm-by-frog-voices


The old man said the frog is a patient teacher: it waits in the ground through the whole long dry without complaint, and sings the moment the rain comes.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: yirku-yirku binal-bungal-bama kangarr, nyulu bubu-ba bundanday marral-wungar narmba balka-kari, yirrka kaba kada-nya-ba nyubun-bu.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: yirku-yirku binal-bungal-bama kangarr, nyulu bubu-ba bundanday marral-wungar narmba balka-kari, yirrka kaba kaday-nya-ba nyubun-bu | old-man said: frog teacher patient, 3sg ground-LOC stay dry.season whole talk-PRIV, call rain come-SUB-LOC one-INST(the.moment)

yirku-yirku binal-bungal bama bundanday marral balka yirrkal kaba

yirku-yirku frog; binal-bungal-bama 'teacher' (b118); bundanday stay (b114); balka-kari 'without complaint' (PRIV b110)


When the frogs suddenly all fall silent in the night, the old woman warned, then a snake is moving among them in the dark, and you must build the fire up.

Yirku-yirku wubulku nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, jarba jana-nga mara-warri ngumbu-ba, yundu buri yalbay bunga.

yirku-yirku wubul-ku nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jarba jana-nga mara-warri ngumbu-ba, yundu buri yalbay bunga | frog all together call finish night-LOC, old-woman said, snake 3pl-LOC crawl dark-LOC, you fire big make

yirku-yirku yirrkal kunbayn wujurr jarba mara-warri ngumbu buri bunga

the frog-silence = a snake; yirrka kunbayn 'fall silent' (kunbayn b114); mara-warri CRAWL (single-r); build-up-the-fire


At dusk in the wet season the mosquitoes come up in clouds from the swamp, the old man said, so the people burn green leaves to make a smoke and keep them off.

Wujurr-ma-nya kaba-wungar-a kamu wubul daburr-muny ngurrban yala kaday, mukul-dingkar balkan, bama birra biral waju kubu bunga-nka, kamu ngalka-nka.

wujurr-ma-nya kaba-wungar-a kamu wubul daburr-muny ngurrban yala kaday, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bama birra biral waju kubu bunga-nka, kamu ngalka-nka | dusk wet.season-LOC mosquito many swamp-ABL cloud like come, old-man said, person leaf green burn smoke make-PURP, mosquito drive.off-PURP

wujurr kaba kamu wubul daburr ngurrban birra waju kubu

⭐kamu 'mosquito'; yala ngurrban 'like a cloud' (b112); the smoke-fire against mosquitoes; kubu smoke (b109)


The tiny sandflies are worse than the mosquitoes, the old woman said, for you cannot see them or hear them, and their bite itches for days afterward.

Diri-diri buban kamu-muny buyun-baja, mukul-jalbu balkan, yundu jana nyaji kari milka-janay kari, nyungu baykal jalngkay wungar wubul kada-baja.

diri-diri buban kamu-muny buyun-baja, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yundu jana nyaji kari milka-janay kari, nyungu baykal jalngkay wungar wubul kada-baja | sandfly small mosquito-ABL(than) worse, old-woman said, you 3pl see NEG hear NEG, its bite itch day many after

diri-diri buban kamu buyun nyajil milka-janay baykal jalngkay wungar

⭐diri-diri 'sandfly'; worse-than-mosquitoes (comparison b112); baykal bite; jalngkay 'itch'; the unseen biter


The old people gathered the green ants by the handful and crushed them into water for a sharp sour drink, the old man said, and it made a sick person well.

Mukul-bama munjurr mara-bu mujal, bana-ka murni ngunyanji-mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu bama bambay ngulkurr-bungal.

mukul-bama munjurr mara-bu mujal, bana-ka murni ngunyanji-mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu bama bambay ngulkurr-bungal | old-person green.ant hand-INST gather, water-DAT crush(rub) sharp-make-PURP, old-man said, 3sg person sick good-make(heal)

mukul munjurr mara mujal bana murni bambay ngulkurr

⭐munjurr 'green ant'; mujal gather (b113); murni-l crush/rub (b113); bambay sick (b116); green-ant medicine-drink (no 'medicine' word)


The big fat witchetty grubs live in the roots of the certain tree, the old woman said, and the children dig them out and eat them raw or roast them in the coals.

Mujurr yalbay wandul juku yindu-mu ngara-ba wuna, mukul-jalbu balkan, karrkay-karrkay baka ngalkal, waju-kari nuka kubu-ba waju-jirr.

mujurr yalbay wandul juku yindu-mu ngara-ba wuna, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay baka ngalkal, waju-kari nuka kubu-ba waju-jirr | witchetty.grub big fat tree certain-POSS root-LOC lie, old-woman said, child-REDUP dig out, uncooked eat coal-LOC cook-COMIT

mujurr yalbay wandul juku ngara bakal waju-kari nukal kubu

⭐mujurr 'witchetty grub' (≠ munjurr green-ant); ngara root (b113); baka-l dig out (b113); waju-kari 'raw/uncooked' (b118); grub-food


To find the wild honey, the old man said, catch one small sugarbag bee at the flower and follow it, slow and patient, all the way home to its nest in the tree.

Ngamurr mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, kuja buban nyubun nganka-ba mani jina-bu dunga, janka bundanday, juku nyungu janku-ka narmba.

ngamurr mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kuja buban nyubun nganka-ba mani jina-bu dunga, janka bundanday, juku nyungu janku-ka narmba | honey get-PURP, old-man said, sugarbag.bee small one flower-LOC catch track-INST go, quietly patient(stay), tree its hole-DAT whole

ngamurr kuja nyubun nganka manil jina dunga bundanday juku janku

⭐kuja 'sugarbag/stingless bee'; ngamurr honey (b114); nganka flower (b116); follow-the-bee-home; janku hole (b119)


The old man cut into the tree and pulled out the dark sweet sugarbag honey, the old woman said, comb and wax and grubs together, and shared it among all the children.

Mukul-dingkarangka juku baka, ngamurr ngumbu jiba-wulay ngalkal mani, kuja-mu bayan wandul karrkay-jirr muru, mukul-jalbu balkan, karrkay-karrkay wubulku-nka daji.

mukul-dingkar-angka juku baka, ngamurr ngumbu jiba-wulay ngalkal mani, kuja-mu bayan wandul karrkay-jirr muru, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay wubul-ku-nka daji | old-man-ERG:pt tree dig, honey dark sweet out take, bee-POSS comb(camp) wax grub-COMIT together, old-woman said, child-REDUP all-DAT share

mukul juku bakal ngamurr ngumbu jiba-wulay kuja wandul muru dajil

kuja sugarbag; ngamurr honey; baka-l cut/dig (b113); kuja-mu bayan 'the bees' comb'; daji-l share (b118); sharing-the-honey


The red jumper ants have a bite like fire, the old woman warned, so watch where you sit and never put your dilly-bag down on their track.

Karrkil-mu baykal yala buri, mukul-jalbu balkan, wanja yundu bunda nyaji, ngunyin baluda wandi jana-mu jina-ba.

karrkil-mu baykal yala buri, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wanja yundu bunda nyaji, ngunyin baluda wandi jana-mu jina-ba | red.jumper.ant-POSS bite like fire, old-woman said, where you sit look, dilly.bag don't put 3pl-POSS track-LOC

karrkil baykal yala buri wanja bundal ngunyin baluda jina

⭐karrkil 'red jumper ant'; baykal yala buri 'bite like fire' (b112); ngunyin dilly-bag (b107); baluda wandi 'don't put' (b110)


The spider hangs its wide strong web across the narrow path in the early morning, the old man said, and the first person through the scrub walks right into it.

Malal nyungu jinbal yalbay junkurr jina buban-ba wandi wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, bama nyubun madja-burr jilba jinbal-ka daka.

malal nyungu jinbal yalbay junkurr jina buban-ba wandi wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bama nyubun madja-burr jilba jinbal-ka daka | spider its web big strong path narrow-LOC put morning-LOC, old-man said, person one scrub-PERL walk web-DAT enter(climb)

malal jinbal yalbay junkurr jina wandil wunkuwingku bama madja

⭐malal 'spider'; jinbal 'web/string' (b?); jina 'path' (foot/track); the web-across-the-path; wunkuwingku morning (b111)


The loud cicadas sing in the trees all through the hottest part of the day, the old woman said, and when they suddenly stop, the whole scrub goes strangely quiet.

Kurrmbal wubul juku-ba yirrka wungar-iji wangkar-wangkar-a, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn-nya, madja narmba janka yindu-mal.

kurrmbal wubul juku-ba yirrka wungar-iji wangkar-wangkar-a, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn-nya, madja narmba janka yindu-mal | cicada many tree-LOC call hot.season midday-LOC, old-woman said, 3pl together call finish-SUB, scrub whole quiet other-become

kurrmbal wubul juku yirrkal wungar-iji wangkar-wangkar kunbayn madja janka

⭐kurrmbal 'cicada'; wungar-iji hot season (b111); yirrka kunbayn 'stop singing'; the sudden cicada-silence


The black ants march in a long line carrying seeds and dead insects back to their nest, the old man said, and the old people watched them to learn where the food was.

Jabarrangkul karra marri-ba diburr minya wula-nya-jirr jana-mu janku-ka jarra-kulba, mukul-dingkar balkan, mukul-bama nyaji-nyaji binal wanja mayi wuna-nya.

jabarrangkul karra marri-ba diburr minya wula-nya-jirr jana-mu janku-ka jarra-kulba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, mukul-bama nyaji-nyaji binal wanja mayi wuna-nya | black.ant line long-LOC seed insect die-SUB-COMIT 3pl-POSS hole-DAT carry, old-man said, old-person keep-watching know where food lie-SUB

jabarrangkul karra diburr minya janku jarra-kulba mukul nyaji-nyaji mayi

⭐jabarrangkul 'black ant'; karra line/string; diburr seed (b113); janku hole (b119); watching-ants-to-find-food


The old woman said the caterpillar eats and eats the leaves and grows fat, then wraps itself away and comes out changed into a moth on new wings.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: durra birra nukalkal yalbay-ma-l, yinyamun nyunba-yi wuna, yindu-mal ngalkal-ma-l buyi nangki jirakal-jirr.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: durra birra nuka-l-nuka-l yalbay-ma-l, yinyamun nyunba-yi wuna, yindu-ma-l ngalkal-ma-l buyi nangki jirakal-jirr | old-woman said: caterpillar leaf keep-eating big-INCHO, then wrap-REFL lie, other-become out-INCHO insect wing new-COMIT

durra birra nukalkal yalbay nyunbay yindu ngalkal nangki jirakal

⭐durra 'caterpillar'; nukalkal 'keeps eating' (b114); yindu-mal 'transforms' (become-other); nangki wing (b117); metamorphosis


Do not leave the fish or the meat out uncovered in the day, the old woman warned, or the flies will lay their eggs and the maggots will spoil all of it by night.

Kuyu minya baluda ngalkal-ba wungar-a wandi, mukul-jalbu balkan, marra-warri karrkay wandi, kandal wubulku kabu-bungal wujurr kada-nyjiku.

kuyu minya baluda ngalkal-ba wungar-a wandi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, marra-warri karrkay wandi, kandal wubulku kabu-bungal wujurr kaday-nyjiku | fish meat don't open-LOC day-LOC leave, old-woman said, fly young lay(put), maggot all rotten-make night come-before

kuyu minya baluda ngalkal wungar marra-warri karrkay kandal kabu

⭐kandal 'maggot'; marra-warri FLY (double-r ≠ mara-warri crawl); kabu-bungal 'makes rotten' (kabu b116 + CAUS); cover-the-food


The old man said the green ants build their whole nest by pulling living leaves together with a silk the little ones make, all working as one.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: munjurr jana-mu janku narmba bunga birra kaya-nya murru-murru kulba jinbal karrkay-mu bunga-nya-bu, wubulku nyubun-bu jana.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: munjurr jana-mu janku narmba bunga birra kaya-nya murru-murru kulba jinbal karrkay-mu bunga-nya-bu, wubulku nyubun-bu jana | old-man said: green.ant 3pl-POSS nest whole make leaf living around pull silk young-POSS make-SUB-INST, all one-INST 3pl

munjurr janku bunga birra murru-murru kulba jinbal karrkay nyubun

munjurr green ant; janku nest/hole; jinbal 'silk/web' (b?); the green-ants' leaf-nest; all-as-one


The centipede and the scorpion both hide under the bark and the stones in the day, the old woman said, so shake out your blanket and your bedding before you lie down.

Birinjil biringal-jirr jambulu dumbul kulji-jirr bada-ba wungar-a wuna, mukul-jalbu balkan, bilangkurr kararr-jirr balka wuna-nyjiku.

birinjil biringal-jirr jambulu dumbul kulji-jirr bada-ba wungar-a wuna, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bilangkurr kararr-jirr balka wuna-nyjiku | centipede scorpion-COMIT both bark(dumbul) stone-COMIT below-LOC day-LOC lie, old-woman said, blanket bedding-COMIT shake sleep-before

birinjil biringal bukul kulji bada wungar bilangkurr balkal wunay

⭐birinjil 'centipede' + biringal 'scorpion'; bukul bark (b113); bilangkurr blanket (b117); kararr bedding; shake-your-bedding caution


The old man said the little stingless sugarbag bee does not hurt you at all, but the big hornet has a sting that will drop a grown man to his knees.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: kuja buban baykal-kari, yundu kari yinbay-mani, yamba mulma yalbay-mu baykal bama yalbay bunku-ka bada-bungal.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: kuja buban baykal-kari, yundu kari yinbay-mani, yamba mulma yalbay-mu baykal bama yalbay bunku-ka bada-bungal | old-man said: sugarbag.bee small bite-PRIV, you NEG hurt-CAUS, but hornet big-POSS sting(bite) person big knee-DAT down-make

kuja baykal yinbay mulma yalbay bama bunku bada

⭐mulma 'hornet'; kuja sugarbag bee; baykal-kari 'stingless' (bite-PRIV b110); bunku knee (b109); bada-bungal 'drops down'


So the old man named the whole crawling world for the boy — snake and goanna and frog, ant and grub and sugarbag bee, spider and cicada and the biting fly — every one with its own place in the country.

Yala mukul-dingkarangka minya mara-warri-mu narmba karrkay-nka burri — jarba jadi yirku-yirku-jirr, munjurr mujurr kuja-jirr, malal kurrmbal marra-warri baykal-jirr — nyubun-nyubun nyungu bubu-ba nyubun.

yala mukul-dingkar-angka minya mara-warri-mu narmba karrkay-nka burri — jarba jadi yirku-yirku-jirr, munjurr mujurr kuja-jirr, malal kurrmbal marra-warri baykal-jirr — nyubun-nyubun nyungu bubu-ba nyubun | thus old-man-ERG:pt creature crawl-POSS whole child-DAT name — snake goanna frog, green.ant grub sugarbag.bee, spider cicada fly biting-COMIT — each its country-LOC one(place)

yala mukul minya mara-warri karrkay burri jarba jadi yirku-yirku malal

⭐full crawling-world inventory: jarba/jadi/yirku-yirku/munjurr/mujurr/kuja/malal/kurrmbal; burri name (b109); each-in-its-place


The old man watched the boy digging for the yams all morning, the old woman said, and he saw the child had learned the work well.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, bambayal baka-l-baka-nya wunkuwingku narmba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu nyaji karrkay kirraji ngulkurr binalman.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, bambayal baka-l-baka-nya wunkuwingku narmba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu nyaji karrkay kirraji ngulkurr binal-ma-ny | old-man-ERG:pt child watch-l-REDUP-PAST, yam dig-l-REDUP-SUB morning whole, old-woman said, 3sg see child work(kirraji) good learn-PAST

mukul karrkay nyajil bambayal bakal wunkuwingku kirraji binal

⭐SIMULTANEOUS: baka-l-baka-nya 'digging' (redup + SUB, ex.458); perception main verb nyaji-l-nyaji-n; bambayal yam (b113)


The girl watched the old women grinding the seeds on the flat stones, the old man said, learning the whole way of it with her eyes.

Jalbu-ngku mukul-jalbu-jalbu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, diburr murni-l-murni-nya kulji balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, narmba yalaku miyil-bu binalman.

jalbu-ngku mukul-jalbu-jalbu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, diburr murni-l-murni-nya kulji balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, narmba yalaku miyil-bu binal-ma-ny | girl-ERG:pt old-woman-REDUP watch-l-REDUP-PAST, seed grind-l-REDUP-SUB stone flat-LOC, old-man said, whole way eye-INST learn-PAST

jalbu mukul nyajil diburr murni kulji balbal yalaku miyil binal

murni-l-murni-nya 'grinding' (simultaneous); yalaku way/custom (b118); learning-by-watching


I saw the young man spearing the fish in the clear pool, the old man said, standing so still and quiet on the flat rock.

Ngayu warru nyaji-n, kuyu dama-l-dama-nya bana balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, janka bajaku janjanay kulji balbal-ba.

ngayu warru nyaji-n, kuyu dama-l-dama-nya bana balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, janka bajaku janjanay kulji balbal-ba | 1sg young.man see-PAST, fish spear-l-REDUP-SUB water clear-LOC, old-man said, still very stand rock flat-LOC

warru nyajil kuyu dama bana balbal janka janjanay kulji

dama-l-dama-nya 'spearing' (redup + SUB, ex.459); janjanay stand still (b114); the still fisherman


The mother watched her little child bathing at the edge of the shallow water, the old woman said, never once taking her eyes away from him.

Ngamu-ngku karrkay buban nyaji-l-nyaji-n, janji-janji-nya bana buban-ba ngandal-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, miyil kari nyubun-bu nyungu-muny mani.

ngamu-ngku karrkay buban nyaji-l-nyaji-n, janji-janji-nya bana buban-ba ngandal-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, miyil kari nyubun-bu nyungu-muny mani | mother-ERG:pt child small watch-l-REDUP-PAST, bathe-REDUP-SUB water shallow-LOC edge-LOC, old-woman said, eye NEG one-INST him-ABL take

ngamu karrkay nyajil janji bana ngandal miyil nyubun manil

janji-janji-nya 'bathing' (simultaneous); janji bathe (janji-l/janji-manil); never-looking-away


The old people sat and watched the young men dancing the corroboree by the great fire, the old man said, all through the long warm night.

Mukul-bama bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, warru-warru jurbu-jurbu-nya buri yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balkan, wujurr marri wumbul narmba.

mukul-bama bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, warru-warru jurbu-jurbu-nya buri yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, wujurr marri wumbul narmba | old-person sit watch-l-REDUP-PAST, young.man-REDUP dance-REDUP-SUB fire big-LOC, old-man said, night long warm whole

mukul bundal nyajil warru jurbu buri yalbay wujurr wumbul

jurbu-jurbu-nya 'dancing' (simultaneous, cf. ex.464 wuri-n-wuri-nya); jurbu dance (b116); the corroboree-watching


The dog stood watching the wallaby feeding on the grass at the edge of the scrub, the old man said, and it did not move a single step.

Kaya janjanay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, kadar nuka-nuka-nya jikan-ba madja ngandal-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu kari nyubun-bu jina wandi.

kaya janjanay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, kadar nuka-nuka-nya jikan-ba madja ngandal-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu kari nyubun-bu jina wandi | dog stand watch-l-REDUP-PAST, wallaby eat-REDUP-SUB grass-LOC scrub edge-LOC, old-man said, 3sg NEG one-INST foot move

kaya janjanay nyajil kadar nukal jikan madja jina wandil

nuka-nuka-nya 'feeding' (simultaneous, ex.461); kaya dog (b116); kadar wallaby (b117); the motionless dog


I heard you calling out in the dark, the old woman said, and I came quickly with a hot firestick to find you.

Ngayu yununy milka-janay, yundu yirrka-yirrka-nya ngumbu-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngayu bila kaday buri wumbul-jirr yundu mani-nka.

ngayu yununy milka-janay, yundu yirrka-yirrka-nya ngumbu-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngayu bila kaday buri wumbul-jirr yundu mani-nka | 1sg you(ACC) hear, you call-REDUP-SUB dark-LOC, old-woman said, 1sg fast come fire hot-COMIT you find-PURP

yununy milka-janay yirrkal ngumbu bila kaday buri wumbul manil

yirrka-yirrka-nya 'calling' (simultaneous, ex.457 yurmbi-l-yurmbi-nya); yununy 2sg ACC (b118); milka-janay hear (b109)


The old man watched the woman weaving the dilly-bag from the vine, the old woman said, and he saw that her fingers were quick and sure.

Mukul-dingkarangka jalbu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, ngunyin jaba-l-jaba-nya wangay-mu, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu nyaji nyungu mara bila junkurr.

mukul-dingkar-angka jalbu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, ngunyin jaba-l-jaba-nya wangay-mu, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu nyaji nyungu mara bila junkurr | old-man-ERG:pt woman watch-l-REDUP-PAST, dilly.bag weave-l-REDUP-SUB vine-POSS, old-woman said, 3sg see her hand fast strong

mukul jalbu nyajil ngunyin jaba wangay mara bila junkurr

jaba-l-jaba-nya 'weaving' (simultaneous); ngunyin dilly-bag (b107); wangay vine (b113); the sure hands


The children stood watching the old man cooking the goanna in the hot ashes, the old woman said, waiting hungrily for the sweet meat.

Karrkay-karrkay janjanay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, mukul-dingkarangka jadi waju-l-waju-nya kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, dakuy-bu bunda minya jiba-wulay-nka.

karrkay-karrkay janjanay nyaji-l-nyaji-n, mukul-dingkar-angka jadi waju-l-waju-nya kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, dakuy-bu bunda minya jiba-wulay-nka | child-REDUP stand watch-l-REDUP-PAST, old-man-ERG:pt sand.goanna cook-l-REDUP-SUB coal hot-LOC, old-woman said, hunger-INST wait meat sweet-DAT

karrkay nyajil jadi waju kubu wumbul dakuy bundal jiba-wulay

waju-l-waju-nya 'cooking' (simultaneous); jadi goanna (b119); kubu coal (b109); dakuy hungry (b114); the hungry watchers


The hunter watched the two brothers carrying the heavy turtle up the beach, the old man said, and he went down at once to help them lift it.

Balbi-bama-ngku yaba-jarra jambul nyaji-l-nyaji-n, ngawiya kulngkul jarra-kulba-nya jukar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu bada kaday mara-dajil-nka.

balbi-bama-ngku yaba-jarra jambul nyaji-l-nyaji-n, ngawiya kulngkul jarra-kulba-nya jukar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu bada kaday mara-dajil-nka | hunt-person-ERG:pt brother-pair two watch-l-REDUP-PAST, sea.turtle heavy carry-REDUP-SUB beach-LOC, old-man said, 3sg down come help-PURP

balbi yaba jambul nyajil ngawiya kulngkul jarra-kulba jukar mara-dajil

jarra-kulba-nya 'carrying' (simultaneous); yaba-jarra 'two brothers'; mara-dajil-nka 'to help' (b118)


The old woman saw the snake crawling through the long grass toward the camp, the old man said, and she called out a warning to the children at once.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku jarba nyaji-n, mara-warri-nya jikan kalbay-mba bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu karrkay-karrkay-nka yirrka nyiku-nyiku.

mukul-jalbu-ngku jarba nyaji-n, mara-warri-nya jikan kalbay-mba bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu karrkay-karrkay-nka yirrka nyiku-nyiku | old-woman-ERG:pt snake see-PAST, crawl-SUB grass long-LOC camp-DAT, old-man said, 3sg child-REDUP-DAT call soon

mukul jarba nyajil mara-warri jikan kalbay bayan yirrkal nyiku-nyiku

mara-warri-nya 'crawling' (simultaneous, non-redup at a moment); jarba snake (b115); mara-warri crawl (b119)


I watched the old man making the spear, the old man said, and by watching I learned how to bind the sharp point to the spear.

Ngayu mukul-dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-n, kalka bunga-l-bunga-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyaji-nya-bu ngayu binalman jalbu junkurr kaja-nka kalka-ka.

ngayu mukul-dingkar nyaji-l-nyaji-n, kalka bunga-l-bunga-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyaji-nya-bu ngayu binal-ma-ny jalbu junkurr kaja-nka kalka-ka | 1sg old-man watch-l-REDUP-PAST, spear make-l-REDUP-SUB, old-man said, watch-SUB-INST 1sg learn-PAST point sharp tie-PURP spear-DAT

mukul nyajil kalka bunga binal junkurr kajal

bunga-l-bunga-nya 'making' (simultaneous); learned-by-watching (nyaji-nya-bu); kalka spear


The girl watched her mother gathering the ripe figs from the tree, the old woman said, holding the dilly-bag open wide beneath the heavy branch.

Jalbu-ngku ngamu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, junda kulbul muja-l-muja-nya juku-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngunyin ngamban karrba dakil kulngkul bada-ba.

jalbu-ngku ngamu nyaji-l-nyaji-n, junda kulbul muja-l-muja-nya juku-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngunyin ngamban karrba dakil kulngkul bada-ba | girl-ERG:pt mother watch-l-REDUP-PAST, fig ripe gather-l-REDUP-SUB tree-ABL, old-woman said, dilly.bag open hold branch heavy below-LOC

jalbu ngamu nyajil junda kulbul muja juku ngunyin dakil

muja-l-muja-nya 'gathering' (simultaneous, ex.483); junda fig (b113); kulbul ripe (b116); dakil branch (b116)


The old people sat watching the children swimming in the deep waterhole, the old man said, laughing and calling to each other in the warm afternoon sun.

Mukul-bama bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, karrkay-karrkay maraji-maraji-nya bana-mabi dajali-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, yajarri yirrka-nya nyubun yindu-nka wungar wumbul-ba.

mukul-bama bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, karrkay-karrkay maraji-maraji-nya bana-mabi dajali-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yajarri yirrka-nya nyubun yindu-nka wungar wumbul-ba | old-person sit watch-l-REDUP-PAST, child-REDUP swim-REDUP-SUB waterhole deep-LOC, old-man said, laugh call-SUB one other-DAT sun warm-LOC

mukul nyajil karrkay maraji bana-mabi dajali yajarril yirrkal wungar

maraji-maraji-nya 'swimming' (simultaneous); bana-mabi waterhole (b115); dajali deep (b112); yajarri laugh (b?)


The boy sat and watched the old man tracking the wallaby through the scrub, the old woman said, reading every mark and every broken twig in the sand.

Karrkay bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, mukul-dingkarangka kadar jina nyaji-l-nyaji-nya madja-burr, mukul-jalbu balkan, jina nyubun-nyubun juku wuba-nya-jirr jukar-a nyaji.

karrkay bunda nyaji-l-nyaji-n, mukul-dingkar-angka kadar jina nyaji-l-nyaji-nya madja-burr, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jina nyubun-nyubun juku wuba-nya-jirr jukar-a nyaji | child sit watch-l-REDUP-PAST, old-man-ERG:pt wallaby track look-l-REDUP-SUB scrub-PERL, old-woman said, track each stick break-SUB-COMIT sand-LOC look

karrkay nyajil mukul kadar jina madja juku jukar

nyaji-l-nyaji-nya 'reading tracks' (simultaneous); jina track (b109); madja-burr 'through the scrub' (PERL b109)


I saw the old woman crying quietly by the evening fire, the old man said, and I went and sat down beside her and said nothing at all.

Ngayu mukul-jalbu nyaji-n, janka badi-badi-nya buri-ngka wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngayu dunga bunda nyungu ngundu-ba, kari nyubun-bu balka.

ngayu mukul-jalbu nyaji-n, janka badi-badi-nya buri-ngka wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngayu dunga bunda nyungu ngundu-ba, kari nyubun-bu balka | 1sg old-woman see-PAST, quietly cry-REDUP-SUB fire-LOC evening, old-man said, 1sg go sit her near-LOC, NEG one-INST talk

mukul nyajil janka badil buri wujurr dunga bundal ngundu

badi-badi-nya 'crying' (simultaneous); badi-l cry (b?); sitting-in-silence; ngundu near (b109)


The old man was very tired from walking all day through the rough stony scrub, the old woman said, so he lay down to rest by the fire.

Mukul-dingkar baja-burray bajaku, jilba-jilba-nya wungar narmba madja kulji-jirr, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu wuna bundanday buri-ngka.

mukul-dingkar baja-burray bajaku, jilba-jilba-nya wungar narmba madja kulji-jirr, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu wuna bundanday buri-ngka | old-man tired very, walk-REDUP-SUB day whole scrub stone-COMIT, old-woman said, 3sg lie rest fire-LOC

mukul baja-burray jilba wungar madja kulji wunay bundanday buri

⭐CAUSAL: jilba-jilba-nya 'from walking' (verb+SUB, NO case, ex.485); baja-burray tired (b116); cause-completed


My back is sore from digging the deep yams in the hard dry ground all morning, the old woman said, and I must rest now.

Ngayu muku kaka, bambayal dajali baka-l-baka-nya bubu junkurr marral-ba wunkuwingku, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngayu niji bundanday.

ngayu muku kaka, bambayal dajali baka-l-baka-nya bubu junkurr marral-ba wunkuwingku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngayu niji bundanday | 1sg back pain, yam deep dig-l-REDUP-SUB ground hard dry-LOC morning, old-woman said, 1sg now rest

muku kaka bambayal dajali bakal bubu junkurr marral bundanday

baka-l-baka-nya 'from digging' (causal, cf. ex.483 muku kaka baya muja-l-muja-nya); muku back (b109); kaka pain (b?)


The little child's throat was sore from gobbling the food down too fast, the old man said, so the old woman told him to sit and eat slowly.

Karrkay buban manu kaka, mayi bila-bu nuka-nuka-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, mukul-jalbu-ngku nyunguny balkan bunda janka nuka-nka.

karrkay buban manu kaka, mayi bila-bu nuka-nuka-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, mukul-jalbu-ngku nyunguny balka-ny bunda janka nuka-nka | child small throat sore, food fast-INST eat-REDUP-SUB, old-man said, old-woman-ERG:pt him(ACC) tell sit quietly eat-PURP

karrkay manu kaka mayi bila nukal mukul nyunguny bundal

nuka-nuka-nya 'from gobbling' (causal, ex.486 mayi durrba-nya manu jayba-ny); manu throat (b109); kaka sore (b120); nyunguny 3sg ACC (b118)


The old man's eyes were sore from watching the bright glaring water all day long, the old woman said, so he sat down in the deep shade.

Mukul-dingkar-mu miyil kaka, bana balbal nyaji-l-nyaji-nya wungar narmba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu bunda ngumbu-ngumbu dajali-ba.

mukul-dingkar-mu miyil kaka, bana balbal nyaji-l-nyaji-nya wungar narmba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu bunda ngumbu-ngumbu dajali-ba | old-man-POSS eye pain, water bright watch-l-REDUP-SUB day whole, old-woman said, 3sg sit shade deep-LOC

mukul miyil kaka bana balbal nyajil wungar ngumbu dajali

nyaji-l-nyaji-nya 'from watching' (causal); miyil eye (b109); balbal bright (b117); ngumbu-ngumbu shade (dark-REDUP)


The young man was weak with hunger from hunting so long without making any catch, the old woman said, and he came home with empty hands.

Warru dakuy-bu bambay, balbi-balbi-nya wumbul kari minya mani-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu bayan-ka kaday mara ngamba-jirr.

warru dakuy-bu bambay, balbi-balbi-nya wumbul kari minya mani-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu bayan-ka kaday mara ngamba-jirr | young.man hunger-INST weak(sick), hunt-REDUP-SUB long NEG game get-SUB, old-woman said, 3sg camp-DAT come hand empty-COMIT

warru dakuy bambay balbi wumbul minya manil bayan mara

balbi-balbi-nya 'from hunting' (causal); dakuy hunger (b114); bambay sick/weak (b116); empty-handed return


The policeman did not see me at all, the old man said, because he was fast asleep in the heavy heat of the middle of the day.

Buliman-angka nganya kari nyaji-n, nyulu warngku-wuna-nya wungar-iji junkurr wangkar-wangkar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan.

buliman-angka nganya kari nyaji-n, nyulu warngku-wuna-nya wungar-iji junkurr wangkar-wangkar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | policeman-ERG:pt me(ACC) NEG see-PAST, 3sg sleep-lie-SUB hot.season strong midday-LOC, old-man said

buliman nganya nyajil warngku wungar-iji junkurr wangkar-wangkar

⭐warngku-wuna-nya 'because [he] was asleep' (causal, ex.487); nganya 1sg ACC (b118); warngku sleep (b120); loanword buliman


The children were cold and shivering from swimming far too long in the deep water, the old woman said, so the mother built the fire up big and warm.

Karrkay-karrkay ngiki yararri, maraji-maraji-nya wumbul bajaku bana dajali-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngamu-ngku buri yalbay wumbul bunga.

karrkay-karrkay ngiki yararri, maraji-maraji-nya wumbul bajaku bana dajali-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngamu-ngku buri yalbay wumbul bunga | child-REDUP cold shiver, swim-REDUP-SUB long very water deep-LOC, old-woman said, mother-ERG:pt fire big warm make

karrkay ngiki yararri maraji wumbul bana dajali ngamu buri

maraji-maraji-nya 'from swimming' (causal); ngiki cold (b115); yararri shiver (b116); built-up-the-fire


The father scolded his own little child, the old man said, because it had kicked the sleeping camp dog hard and made it cry out in pain.

Nganjan-angka kangkal buban murru-kanga-l, karrkay-angka kaya warngku-nya jabi-nya junkurr badi-bungal, mukul-dingkar balkan.

nganjan-angka kangkal buban murru-kanga-l, karrkay-angka kaya warngku-nya jabi-nya junkurr badi-bungal, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | father-ERG:pt own.child small scold-NONPAST, child-ERG:pt dog sleep-SUB kick-SUB strong cry-CAUS(make-cry), old-man said

nganjan kangkal murru-kanga karrkay kaya warngku jabil badil

⭐jabi-nya 'because [it] kicked' (causal, ex.490); murru-kanga-l scold (b120); kangkal own-child (b?); jabi-l kick (b120)


The old woman was full of joy from seeing her grandchildren again after so many long seasons apart, the old man said, and she wept for happiness.

Mukul-jalbu wawu-mini, kangkal-kangkal nyaji-l-nyaji-nya wungar-jarra wubul-muny yindu-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu wawu-mini-bu badi.

mukul-jalbu wawu-mini, kangkal-kangkal nyaji-l-nyaji-nya wungar-jarra wubul-muny yindu-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu wawu-mini-bu badi | old-woman happy, grandchild-REDUP see-l-REDUP-SUB season many-ABL other-LOC, old-man said, 3sg happy-INST cry

mukul wawu-mini kangkal nyajil wungar wubul badil

nyaji-l-nyaji-nya 'from seeing' (causal, happy-cause); wawu-mini happy; badi cry (b120)


The camp dog was limping badly from running over the sharp hot stones all through the long hunt, the old man said, so the boy carried it home.

Kaya bunku bambay, kulji jalbu wumbul-ba warri-warri-nya balbi wumbul narmba, mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay-angka bayan-ka jarra-kulba.

kaya bunku bambay, kulji jalbu wumbul-ba warri-warri-nya balbi wumbul narmba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay-angka bayan-ka jarra-kulba | dog knee sore(sick), stone sharp hot-LOC run-REDUP-SUB hunt long whole, old-man said, child-ERG:pt camp-DAT carry

kaya bunku bambay kulji wumbul warri balbi jarra-kulba

warri-warri-nya 'from running' (causal); kaya dog (b116); bunku knee (b109); the limping dog carried home


My hands are sore and stiff from grinding the hard seeds on the stone since the first light of day, the old woman said, and I have not yet finished.

Ngayu mara kaka dandi, diburr junkurr murni-l-murni-nya kulji-ba wunkuwingku-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngayu kari-rrku kunbayn.

ngayu mara kaka dandi, diburr junkurr murni-l-murni-nya kulji-ba wunkuwingku-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngayu kari-rrku kunbayn | 1sg hand pain stiff, seed hard grind-l-REDUP-SUB stone-LOC morning-ABL, old-woman said, 1sg not-yet finish

mara kaka dandi diburr murni kulji wunkuwingku kunbayn

murni-l-murni-nya 'from grinding' (causal); mara hand (b109); dandi stiff/hard (b114); kari-rrku 'not yet' (b110)


The two young men were worn out from carrying the great heavy turtle so far up the steep sand to the camp, the old man said, and they rested a long while.

Warru jambul baja-burray, ngawiya yalbay kulngkul jarra-kulba-nya kala-kalbay jukar jarra-jarra-ka bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana wuna wumbul marri.

warru jambul baja-burray, ngawiya yalbay kulngkul jarra-kulba-nya kala-kalbay jukar jarra-jarra-ka bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana wuna wumbul marri | young.man two tired, sea.turtle big heavy carry-REDUP-SUB far sand high-DAT camp-DAT, old-man said, 3pl lie rest long

warru jambul baja-burray ngawiya kulngkul jarra-kulba jukar bayan

jarra-kulba-nya 'from carrying' (causal); kulngkul heavy (b118); jukar sand (b107); the exhausted carriers


The old man's chest was tight and aching from calling out across the wide water for so long in the cold morning wind, the old woman said.

Mukul-dingkar-mu ngamban kaka dandi, bana kala-kalbay-muny yirrka-yirrka-nya wumbul ngiki-bu bulkiji wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan.

mukul-dingkar-mu ngamban kaka dandi, bana kala-kalbay-muny yirrka-yirrka-nya wumbul ngiki-bu bulkiji wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | old-man-POSS chest pain stiff, water far-ABL call-REDUP-SUB long cold-INST wind morning-LOC, old-woman said

mukul ngamban kaka bana yirrkal wumbul ngiki bulkiji wunkuwingku

yirrka-yirrka-nya 'from calling' (causal); ngamban chest/neck (b109); bulkiji wind (b111); ngiki cold (b115)


The girl was struck with fear from seeing the great crocodile lying still as a log at the muddy mouth of the river, the old man said, and she ran back fast.

Jalbu yararri, bilngkumu yalbay janka wuna-nya yala walmba ngandal kambal-kambal-ba nyaji-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu bila nyunba-yi wanarri.

jalbu yararri, bilngkumu yalbay janka wuna-nya yala walmba ngandal kambal-kambal-ba nyaji-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu bila nyunba-yi wanarri | girl fear, crocodile big still lie-SUB like log river.mouth mud-LOC see-SUB, old-man said, 3sg fast turn-REFL run

jalbu yararri bilngkumu janka walmba ngandal kambal-kambal nyajil wanarri

nyaji-nya 'from seeing' (causal); bilngkumu crocodile (b116); walmba log (b119); yararri fear (b116)


After bathing in the cool running creek, the old people lay down to rest in the deep shade of the big fig tree, the old man said.

Wawu-janji-nya-muny bana-jandu ngiki-ba, mukul-bama wuna bundanday ngumbu-ngumbu dajali-ba juku dukal yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balkan.

wawu-janji-nya-muny bana-jandu ngiki-ba, mukul-bama wuna bundanday ngumbu-ngumbu dajali-ba juku dukal yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | after-bathe-SUB-ABL creek cool-LOC, old-person lie rest shade deep-LOC tree fig big-LOC, old-man said

wawu janji bana-jandu ngiki mukul wunay bundanday dukal

⭐PRIOR EVENT: wawu-janji-nya-muny 'after bathing' (ex.491); wawu- TEMP4 'after' + ABL (≠ wawu 'want'); dukal fig-tree (b?)


We saw the woman only after she had come in from the garden with the yams, the old man said, and we did not know she had been away.

Nganjin jalbu nyaji-n, wawu-wala-nya-muny mayi-bubu-muny bambayal-jirr, mukul-dingkar balkan, nganjin kari binal nyulu dunga-n.

nganjin jalbu nyaji-n, wawu-wala-nya-muny mayi-bubu-muny bambayal-jirr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nganjin kari binal nyulu dunga-n | 1pl.exc woman see-PAST, after-enter-SUB-ABL garden-ABL yam-COMIT, old-man said, 1pl.exc NEG know 3sg go-PAST

nganjin jalbu nyajil wawu wala mayi-bubu bambayal binal

wawu-wala-nya-muny 'after [she] came in' (ex.492); wala-l enter (b?); mayi-bubu garden (food-ground); bambayal yam (b113)


The man killed the brown snake with his club after it had bitten him hard on the leg in the long grass, the old woman said.

Dingkar-angka jinkalmu kuni juku-bu, wawu-bayka-nya-muny jina junkurr jikan kalbay-mba, mukul-jalbu balkan.

dingkar-angka jinkalmu kuni juku-bu, wawu-bayka-nya-muny jina junkurr jikan kalbay-mba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | man-ERG:pt brown.snake kill stick-INST, after-bite-SUB-ABL leg strong grass long-LOC, old-woman said

dingkar jinkalmu kunil juku wawu baykal jina jikan kalbay

⭐wawu-bayka-nya-muny 'after [it] bit [him]' (ex.493, O=A' crossing); jinkalmu brown snake (b119); baykal bite (b119)


After the big evening meal, the children ran down to the edge of the water in the last warm light of the day, the old woman said.

Wawu-mayi-muny wujurr-ma-nya, karrkay-karrkay bada warri bana ngandal-ba wungar wumbul kalbay-muny-a, mukul-jalbu balkan.

wawu-mayi-muny wujurr-ma-nya, karrkay-karrkay bada warri bana ngandal-ba wungar wumbul kalbay-muny-a, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | after-food-ABL evening, child-REDUP down run water edge-LOC sun warm last-LOC, old-woman said

wawu mayi wujurr karrkay warri bana ngandal wungar

⭐wawu-mayi-muny 'after the meal' (NOUN + ABL, l.3887); the after-dinner play


The old man walked slowly along the beach after he had fed the dogs and banked the fire up for the long night, the old woman said.

Mukul-dingkar jilba jukar-a, wawu-kaya-muny mayi daji-n buri wandi-n wujurr marri-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan.

mukul-dingkar jilba-dunga jukar-a, wawu-kaya-muny mayi daji-n buri wandi-n wujurr marri-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | old-man walk beach-LOC, after-dog-ABL food give-PAST fire bank-PAST night long-DAT, old-woman said

mukul jilba jukar wawu kaya mayi dajil buri

wawu-kaya-muny 'after [feeding] the dogs' (noun+ABL, cf. ex.495); daji-l give/feed (b118)


After grinding the seeds all the long morning, the old woman began at once to bake the good bread in the hot coals, the old man said.

Wawu-murni-nya-muny diburr wunkuwingku narmba, mukul-jalbu-ngku yudal niji-bu mayi ngulkurr waju-nka kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan.

wawu-murni-nya-muny diburr wunkuwingku narmba, mukul-jalbu-ngku yudal niji-bu mayi ngulkurr waju-nka kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | after-grind-SUB-ABL seed morning whole, old-woman-ERG:pt begin now-INST food good cook-PURP coal hot-LOC, old-man said

wawu murni diburr wunkuwingku yudal mayi waju kubu

wawu-murni-nya-muny 'after grinding'; murni-l grind (b113); yudal 'begin' (b114); the bread-baking


After hunting the goanna and the scrub-turkey all day through the deep scrub, the young men came back to the camp tired and very hungry, the old man said.

Wawu-balbi-nya-muny jadi diwan-jirr wungar narmba madja dajali-burr, warru-warru bayan-ka kaday baja-burray dakuy bajaku, mukul-dingkar balkan.

wawu-balbi-nya-muny jadi diwan-jirr wungar narmba madja dajali-burr, warru-warru bayan-ka kaday baja-burray dakuy bajaku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | after-hunt-SUB-ABL sand.goanna scrub.turkey-COMIT day whole scrub deep-PERL, young.man-REDUP camp-DAT come tired hungry very, old-man said

wawu balbi jadi diwan wungar madja warru baja-burray dakuy

wawu-balbi-nya-muny 'after hunting'; jadi goanna (b119); diwan scrub-turkey (b117); baja-burray tired (b116)


The old people told the deep old stories by the fire only after all the children had gone to sleep, the old woman said, for those stories are not for young ears.

Mukul-bama balka-balka dajali kalbay-muny-mu buri-ngka, wawu-warngku-nya-muny karrkay-karrkay wubulku, mukul-jalbu balkan, kuku yinya kari karrkay milka-nka.

mukul-bama balka-balka dajali kalbay-muny-mu buri-ngka, wawu-warngku-nya-muny karrkay-karrkay wubulku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kuku yinya kari karrkay milka-nka | old-person talk-REDUP deep long.ago-POSS fire-LOC, after-sleep-SUB-ABL child-REDUP all, old-woman said, word that NEG child ear-DAT

mukul balka dajali buri wawu warngku karrkay kuku milka

wawu-warngku-nya-muny 'after [they] had slept'; warngku sleep (b120); the grown-up stories after the children sleep


After cooking the big fish slowly right through in the hot ashes, the old woman shared it out among all the little children first, the old man said.

Wawu-waju-nya-muny kuyu yalbay narmba kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay buban wubulku-nka nyubun daji, mukul-dingkar balkan.

wawu-waju-nya-muny kuyu yalbay narmba kubu wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay buban wubulku-nka nyubun daji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | after-cook-SUB-ABL fish big whole coal hot-LOC, old-woman-ERG:pt child-REDUP small all-DAT first share, old-man said

wawu waju kuyu kubu wumbul karrkay wubulku dajil

wawu-waju-nya-muny 'after cooking'; waju-l cook; daji-l share (b118); children-fed-first law


After that great flood, the old man said, the country was never quite the same again for the old people, and the river ran in a new course to the sea.

Wawu-yinya-muny jalungkarr yalbay, mukul-dingkar balkan, bubu kari yindu-baja mukul-bama-nka, bana-jandu jina jirakal-ba dunga jalun-ka.

wawu-yinya-muny jalungkarr yalbay, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bubu kari yindu-baja mukul-bama-nka, bana-jandu jina jirakal-ba dunga jalun-ka | after-that-ABL flood big, old-man said, country NEG same(other)-again old-person-DAT, creek path new-LOC go sea-DAT

wawu jalungkarr yalbay bubu mukul bana-jandu jirakal jalun

⭐wawu-yinya-muny 'after that' (the canonical noun+ABL form, l.3887); jalungkarr flood (b116); jirakal new (b118)


After swimming right across the wide deep river, the boy climbed out and lay a long while in the warm sand to dry himself, the old woman said.

Wawu-maraji-nya-muny bana-jandu yalbay dajali murru-murru, karrkay ngalkal-ma-l wuna wumbul marri jukar wumbul-ba marral-ma-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan.

wawu-maraji-nya-muny bana-jandu yalbay dajali murru-murru, karrkay ngalkal-ma-l wuna wumbul marri jukar wumbul-ba marral-ma-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | after-swim-SUB-ABL creek big deep across, child out-INCHO lie long jukar warm-LOC dry-INCHO-PURP, old-woman said

wawu maraji bana-jandu dajali karrkay wunay jukar marral

wawu-maraji-nya-muny 'after swimming'; maraji swim (b115); jukar sand (b107); marral dry (b111); drying-in-the-sand


The girl began to weave the fine dilly-bag only after she had gathered enough of the strong vine from the deep scrub, the old man said.

Jalbu yudal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka, wawu-muja-nya-muny wangay junkurr kanbal madja dajali-muny, mukul-dingkar balkan.

jalbu yudal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka, wawu-muja-nya-muny wangay junkurr kanbal madja dajali-muny, mukul-dingkar balka-ny | girl begin dilly.bag good weave-PURP, after-gather-SUB-ABL vine strong enough scrub deep-ABL, old-man said

jalbu yudal ngunyin jaba wawu muja wangay kanbal madja

wawu-muja-nya-muny 'after gathering'; muja-l gather; yudal begin (b114); kanbal 'enough/some' (b110)


Take a good strong stick when you walk through the long grass, the old man told the boy, in case a snake is lying hidden there in the shade.

Juku junkurr mani jikan kalbay-mba jilba-nya, mukul-dingkarangka karrkay-nka balkan, kunka jarba yinya-ba wuna-nya ngumbu-ngumbu-ba.

juku junkurr mani jikan kalbay-mba jilba-nya, mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-nka balka-ny, kunka jarba yinya-ba wuna-nya ngumbu-ngumbu-ba | stick strong get grass long-LOC walk-SUB, old-man-ERG:pt child-DAT tell, in.case snake that-LOC lie-SUB shade-LOC

juku junkurr manil jikan kalbay jilba kunka jarba wunay

⭐HYPOTHETICAL: kunka 'in case' (specified, l.3837) + wuna-nya SUB; jarba snake (b115); take-a-stick-in-case


Build the fire up high before you sleep, the old woman told the children, just in case the hard cold comes down on us in the middle of the night.

Buri yalbay bunga warngku-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka balkan, nganganjirrka ngiki junkurr ngana-nga kada-nya wujurr jarra-ka.

buri yalbay bunga warngku-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka balka-ny, nganganjirrka ngiki junkurr ngana-nga kaday-nya wujurr jarra-ka | fire big make sleep-before, old-woman-ERG:pt child-REDUP-DAT tell, just.in.case cold strong us-LOC come-SUB night middle-DAT

buri yalbay bunga warngku mukul nganganjirrka ngiki junkurr

⭐nganganjirrka 'just in case' (unspecified, l.3838) + kada-nya SUB; warngku-nyjiku 'before sleeping' (b116)


Fill the big water-bag right up before you cross the dry stony country, the old man said, in case you find no clean water at all along the whole way.

Bana-ngunyin yalbay narmba warmba bubu marral kulji-jirr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balkan, kunka yundu bana ngulkurr kari mani-nya yalaku narmba-ba.

bana-ngunyin yalbay narmba warmba bubu marral kulji-jirr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kunka yundu bana ngulkurr kari mani-nya yalaku narmba-ba | water.bag big whole fill country dry stone-COMIT walk-before, old-man said, in.case you water good NEG find-SUB way whole-LOC

bana ngunyin warmba bubu marral jilba kunka yalaku

kunka 'in case' + mani-nya SUB; warmba fill (b116); marral dry (b111); yalaku way (b118); fill-in-case-no-water


Watch the sky closely in the afternoon, the old man told them, in case the great black storm comes up quickly and suddenly from the sea.

Jiri manubu-dama wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkarangka jana-nka balkan, kunka jarramali yalbay ngumbu bila nyubun-bu jalun-muny ngalkal-ma-nya.

jiri manubu-dama wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar-angka jana-nka balka-ny, kunka jarramali yalbay ngumbu bila nyubun-bu jalun-muny ngalkal-ma-nya | sky watch dusk-LOC, old-man-ERG:pt 3pl-DAT tell, in.case thunderstorm big dark fast one-INST sea-ABL out-INCHO-SUB

jiri manubu-dama wujurr mukul kunka jarramali ngumbu jalun

kunka + ngalkal-ma-nya SUB; manubu-dama-l watch (b120); jarramali storm (b111); jiri sky (b?); watch-in-case-of-storm


Keep the little children close by the camp, the old woman told the mothers, just in case the crocodile is moving quietly in the muddy creek nearby.

Karrkay-karrkay buban bayan ngundu-ba karrba, mukul-jalbu-ngku ngamu-ngamu-nka balkan, nganganjirrka bilngkumu bana-jandu kambal-kambal-ba janka mara-warri-nya.

karrkay-karrkay buban bayan ngundu-ba karrba, mukul-jalbu-ngku ngamu-ngamu-nka balka-ny, nganganjirrka bilngkumu bana-jandu kambal-kambal-ba janka mara-warri-nya | child-REDUP small camp near-LOC keep, old-woman-ERG:pt mother-REDUP-DAT tell, just.in.case crocodile creek mud-LOC quietly crawl-SUB

karrkay bayan ngundu karrbal mukul nganganjirrka bilngkumu mara-warri

nganganjirrka + mara-warri-nya SUB; bilngkumu crocodile (b116); keep-children-close-in-case


Carry some cooked meat with you on the long walk over the range, the old man said, in case you cannot make any catch at all before the dark comes down.

Minya waju-n kanbal wundi jilba wumbul manjal-burr, mukul-dingkar balkan, kunka yundu minya kari mani-nya wujurr kada-nyjiku.

minya waju-n kanbal wundi jilba wumbul manjal-burr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kunka yundu minya kari mani-nya wujurr kaday-nyjiku | meat cook-PAST some carry walk long range-PERL, old-man said, in.case you game NEG get-SUB night come-before

minya waju kanbal wundil jilba manjal kunka manil

kunka + mani-nya SUB; manjal mountain/range (b116); kanbal some (b110); carry-meat-in-case


Cover the fire over well with sand before you leave the camp, the old woman said, in case the hot wind carries a live spark to the dry grass and burns the country.

Buri jukar-bu ngulkurr baya-l bayan-muny dunga-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balkan, kunka bulkiji wumbul-bu buri karrkay wundi-nya jikan marral-ka bubu waju-nka.

buri jukar-bu ngulkurr baya-l bayan-muny dunga-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kunka bulkiji wumbul-bu buri karrkay wundi-nya jikan marral-ka bubu waju-nka | fire sand-INST good cover camp-ABL go-before, old-woman said, in.case wind hot-INST fire young(spark) carry-SUB grass dry-DAT country burn-PURP

buri jukar bayal bayan kunka bulkiji jikan marral

kunka + wundi-nya SUB; cover-the-fire-in-case; bulkiji wind (b111); marral dry (b111); fire-safety law


So the old man taught the boy the way of all things, the old woman said — to watch while it is done, to understand what happens, to remember the things of long ago, and to guard against what might come.

Yala mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-bungal wubulku-mu yalaku, mukul-jalbu balkan — manubu-dama bunga-nya, binal minya kada-nya, binalku kalbay-muny-mu, kunka minya kada-nka.

yala mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-bungal wubulku-mu yalaku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny — manubu-dama bunga-nya, binal minya kaday-nya, binalku kalbay-muny-mu, kunka minya kaday-nka | thus old-man-ERG:pt child teach all-POSS way, old-woman said — watch make/do-SUB, know thing come-SUB, remember long.ago-POSS, in.case thing come-PURP

yala mukul karrkay binal-bungal manubu-dama binal binalku kunka

⭐ties the four -nya functions: simultaneous (bunga-nya), causal/general (minya kada-nya), prior (kalbay-muny-mu of-long-ago), hypothetical (kunka)


The mother carries her baby on her hip all the long day, the old woman said, and never sets it down far away from her.

Ngamu-ngku karrkay buban karrba muku-ba wungar narmba, mukul-jalbu balkan, kari nyubun-bu bubu-ba wandi kala-kalbay nyungu-muny.

ngamu-ngku karrkay buban karrba muku-ba wungar narmba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kari nyubun-bu bubu-ba wandi kala-kalbay nyungu-muny | mother-ERG:pt child small carry back-LOC day whole, old-woman said, NEG one-INST ground-LOC put far her-ABL

ngamu karrkay karrbal muku wungar bubu wandil kala-kalbay

⭐ngamu 'mother'; karrkay child (b117); muku back (b109); the baby-carrying mother


The father teaches his son to hunt and to make the spear, the old man said, while the mother teaches the daughter to weave the dilly-bag and to dig the yams.

Nganjan-ngku warru-kangkal binal-bungal balbi-nka kalka bunga-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngamu-ngku jalbu-kangkal binal-bungal ngunyin jaba-nka bambayal baka-nka.

nganjan-ngku warru-kangkal binal-bungal balbi-nka kalka bunga-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngamu-ngku jalbu-kangkal binal-bungal ngunyin jaba-nka bambayal baka-nka | father-ERG:pt son teach hunt-PURP spear make-PURP, old-man said, mother-ERG:pt daughter teach dilly.bag weave-PURP yam dig-PURP

nganjan kangkal binal-bungal balbi kalka ngamu ngunyin bambayal

⭐nganjan 'father'; kangkal own-child; warru-kangkal 'son' / jalbu-kangkal 'daughter'; binal-bungal teach (b118)


A child's mother's brother is a man of special weight, the old man said — he is the one who teaches the boy the hard law and speaks to him sternly.

Karrkay-mu kalnga dingkar junkurr, mukul-dingkar balkan — nyulu karrkay binal-bungal yalaku dandi, nyunguny balka kuli-bu.

karrkay-mu kalnga dingkar junkurr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny — nyulu karrkay binal-bungal yalaku dandi, nyunguny balka kuli-bu | child-POSS mother's.brother man strong, old-man said — 3sg child teach law hard, him(ACC) speak anger-INST

kalnga dingkar junkurr karrkay binal-bungal yalaku dandi kuli

⭐kalnga 'mother's brother' (MB, the special disciplinarian-teacher); yalaku law/way (b118); nyunguny 3sg ACC (b118)


The father's sister loves her brother's children as if they were her own, the old woman said, and she is the one who paints them for the big dance.

Bimakay-ngku nyungu yaba-mu karrkay-karrkay kuru yala nyungu-mu, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu jana murbuy-bu bungal jurbu yalbay-nka.

bimakay-ngku nyungu yaba-mu karrkay-karrkay kuru yala nyungu-mu, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu jana murbuy-bu bungal jurbu yalbay-nka | father's.sister-ERG:pt her brother-POSS child-REDUP love like her-POSS, old-woman said, 3sg 3pl ochre-INST paint dance big-DAT

bimakay yaba karrkay kuru murbuy bungal jurbu

⭐bimakay 'father's sister' (FZ, aunt); kuru affection/love (b121); murbuy red-ochre (b115); painting-for-the-dance


It is the mother's brother, not the father, who gives the boy his very first spear, the old man said, and who watches over the whole of his growing up.

Kalnga-ngku, kari nganjan-ngku, karrkay kalka nyubun-nya daji, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu nyungu yalbay-ma-nya narmba nyaji-nyaji.

kalnga-ngku, kari nganjan-ngku, karrkay kalka nyubun-nya daji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu nyungu yalbay-ma-nya narmba nyaji-nyaji | mother's.brother-ERG:pt, NEG father-ERG:pt, child spear first give, old-man said, 3sg his grow-SUB whole watch

kalnga nganjan karrkay kalka dajil yalbay nyaji-nyaji

kalnga MB gives the first spear (not the father); daji-l give (b118); yalbay-ma-nya 'growing up' (become-big SUB)


The little child cried for its mother all through the long night, the old woman said, and would not be quieted by anyone else at all.

Karrkay buban ngamu-nka badi wujurr narmba, mukul-jalbu balkan, yindu-yindu-ngku kari nyunguny janka-bungal.

karrkay buban ngamu-nka badi wujurr narmba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yindu-yindu-ngku kari nyunguny janka-bungal | child small mother-DAT cry night whole, old-woman said, other-REDUP-ERG:pt NEG him(ACC) quiet-make

karrkay ngamu badil wujurr yindu nyunguny janka

ngamu-nka 'for [its] mother' (DAT); badi cry (b120); janka-bungal 'quieten' (quiet-make CAUS); the inconsolable child


The father went out to hunt the wallaby before the first light, the old man said, and the mother stayed close by the camp with the small children.

Nganjan balbi-nka dunga kadar-nka wunkuwingku kariku, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngamu bayan ngundu-ba bundanday karrkay-karrkay buban-jirr.

nganjan balbi-nka dunga kadar-nka wunkuwingku kariku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngamu bayan ngundu-ba bundanday karrkay-karrkay buban-jirr | father hunt-PURP go wallaby-DAT dawn before, old-man said, mother camp near-LOC stay child-REDUP small-COMIT

nganjan balbi dunga kadar wunkuwingku ngamu bayan bundanday

nganjan father / ngamu mother roles; kadar wallaby (b117); bundanday stay (b114); the divided day


When the mother's brother speaks, the boy must listen well and be silent, the old man said, for that is the oldest law of the people.

Kalnga balka-nya, karrkay milka-janay ngulkurr balka-kari, mukul-dingkar balkan, yinya yalaku kalbay-muny bama-mu.

kalnga balka-nya, karrkay milka-janay ngulkurr balka-kari, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yinya yalaku kalbay-muny bama-mu | mother's.brother speak-SUB, child listen good talk-PRIV, old-man said, that law long.ago-ABL person-POSS

kalnga balka milka-janay ngulkurr yalaku kalbay bama

kalnga MB authority; milka-janay listen/hear (b109); balka-kari 'without a word' (talk-PRIV b110); yalama 'do/obey'


The father's sister came from the far camp carrying gifts of food for her brother's newborn baby, the old woman said, in the old way of kin.

Bimakay bayan kala-kalbay-muny kaday mayi daji-nka nyungu yaba-mu karrkay jirakal-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yalaku kalbay-muny-mu.

bimakay bayan kala-kalbay-muny kaday mayi daji-nka nyungu yaba-mu karrkay jirakal-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yalaku kalbay-muny-mu | father's.sister camp far-ABL come food give-PURP her brother-POSS child new-DAT, old-woman said, way long.ago-POSS

bimakay bayan kala-kalbay mayi dajil yaba karrkay jirakal

bimakay FZ brings gifts to her brother's baby; jirakal new (b118); daji-nka 'to give'; the kin-obligation


The mother always fed the little children first, the old woman said, and ate only what was left over when everyone else had already eaten.

Ngamu-ngku marri karrkay-karrkay buban nyubun mayi daji, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu nuka kanbal-jinbaji wubulku wawu-nuka-nya-muny.

ngamu-ngku marri karrkay-karrkay buban nyubun mayi daji, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu nuka kanbal-jinbaji wubulku wawu-nuka-nya-muny | mother-ERG:pt always child-REDUP small first food give, old-woman said, 3sg eat left-over all after-eat-SUB-ABL

ngamu karrkay mayi dajil nukal kanbal wubulku

ngamu mother feeds children first; wawu-nuka-nya-muny 'after [all] had eaten' (prior-event b120); kanbal some/leftover (b110)


The mother's brother took the boy out hunting, the old man said, and taught him the names of all the country and its waters as they walked together.

Kalnga-ngku karrkay balbi-nka wundi, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu binal-bungal bubu bana-jirr wubulku-mu burri jilba-jilba-nya jana.

kalnga-ngku karrkay balbi-nka wundi, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu binal-bungal bubu bana-jirr wubulku-mu burri jilba-jilba-nya jana | mother's.brother-ERG:pt child hunt-PURP take, old-man said, 3sg teach country water-COMIT all-POSS name walk-REDUP-SUB 3pl

kalnga karrkay balbi wundil binal-bungal bubu bana burri

kalnga MB teaches country-names; jilba-jilba-nya 'as they walked' (simultaneous b120); burri name (b109)


A mother grieves the longest of all for a lost child, the old woman said, and carries the deep sorrow quietly within her for many seasons.

Ngamu-ngku wumbul bajaku badi karrkay wula-nya-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu jiba-badi dajali janka karrba wungar-jarra wubul.

ngamu-ngku wumbul bajaku badi karrkay wula-nya-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu jiba-badi dajali janka karrba wungar-jarra wubul | mother-ERG:pt long very cry child die-SUB-DAT, old-woman said, 3sg sorrow deep quietly hold season many

ngamu wumbul badil karrkay wulal dajali janka wungar

ngamu's grief; badi cry (b120); jiba-badi 'sorrow' (established compound); wula-nya-nka 'for the dead [child]'


The father made a small light spear for his little son, the old man said, so that the boy could practise throwing it at the soft bark of the tree.

Nganjan-angka warru-kangkal buban kalka buban bunga, mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay dama-nka dumbul kima-ba juku-mu.

nganjan-angka warru-kangkal buban kalka buban bunga, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay dama-nka dumbul kima-ba juku-mu | father-ERG:pt son small spear small make, old-man said, child throw-PURP bark soft-LOC tree-POSS

nganjan kangkal kalka bunga karrkay dama dumbul kima

nganjan makes his son a small spear; dumbul bark (b119, swept); kima soft (b114); dama-nka 'to throw/practise'


The elder brother walks ahead on the path and the younger brother follows after, the old man said, and the elder must always look after the younger.

Yaba jina-ba wunan-ba jilba, yabaju wundi, mukul-dingkar balkan, yaba-ngku marri yabaju nyaji-nyaji.

yaba jina-ba wunan-ba jilba, yabaju wundi, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yaba-ngku marri yabaju nyaji-nyaji | elder.brother path-LOC front-LOC walk, younger.brother follow, old-man said, elder.brother-ERG:pt always younger.brother watch

yaba jina jilba yabaju wundil nyaji-nyaji

⭐yaba 'elder brother' / yabaju 'younger brother'; elder-looks-after-younger


The two brothers hunted together every single day, the old man said — the brothers were never once apart from one another in all their lives.

Yaba-jarra jambul balbi nyubun-nyubun wungar, mukul-dingkar balkan — yaba-karra muru bundanday wula-nya narmba.

yaba-jarra jambul balbi nyubun-nyubun wungar, mukul-dingkar balka-ny — yaba-karra muru bundanday wula-nya narmba | brother-pair two hunt each day, old-man said — brother-KPL together stay die-SUB whole

⭐yaba-karra 'brothers' (KINSHIP PLURAL -karra, l.1985, NOT redup); the inseparable brothers


The elder sister carried her tired little sister on her back when the small one could walk no further on the long journey, the old woman said.

Babarr-angka jinkurr buban baja-burray muku-ba jarra-kulba, karrkay buban jilba-nka kari-rrku jilba wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan.

babarr-angka jinkurr buban baja-burray muku-ba jarra-kulba, karrkay buban jilba-nka kari-rrku jilba wumbul-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | elder.sister-ERG:pt younger.sister small tired back-LOC carry, child small walk-PURP not-yet walk long-LOC, old-woman said

babarr jinkurr baja-burray muku jarra-kulba karrkay jilba

⭐babarr 'elder sister' / jinkurr 'younger sister'; baja-burray tired (b116); the carried little sister


The younger brother must respect the elder brother in all things, the old man said, and the elder brother must always share the catch out fairly among them.

Yabaju-ngku yaba junkurr-ma-l wubulku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, yaba-ngku marri minya ngulkurr-bu jana-nka muru daji.

yabaju-ngku yaba junkurr-ma-l wubulku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yaba-ngku marri minya ngulkurr-bu jana-nka muru daji | younger.brother-ERG:pt elder.brother respect(strong-make) all-LOC, old-man said, elder.brother-ERG:pt always game good-INST 3pl-DAT together give

yabaju respects yaba; junkurr-ma-l 'respect/honour' (make-strong); muru 'together'; the sharing-law


The sisters sat together weaving the dilly-bags and singing the old songs by the fire, the old woman said, all through the long warm afternoon.

Babarr-karra bunda muru ngunyin jaba-l-jaba-nya wulngku kalbay-muny-mu yirrka-yirrka-nya buri-ngka, mukul-jalbu balkan, wungar wumbul narmba.

babarr-karra bunda muru ngunyin jaba-l-jaba-nya wulngku kalbay-muny-mu yirrka-yirrka-nya buri-ngka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wungar wumbul narmba | sister-KPL sit together dilly.bag weave-l-REDUP-SUB song long.ago-POSS sing-REDUP-SUB fire-LOC, old-woman said, day warm whole

babarr ngunyin jaba wulngku yirrkal buri wungar

⭐babarr-karra 'sisters' (KPL); jaba-l-jaba-nya weaving (simultaneous b120); wulngku song (b115); the weaving-sisters


My own elder brother taught me to swim and to spear the fish in the river, the old man said, when I was still a very small child myself.

Ngayku yaba-ngku nganya binal-bungal maraji-nka kuyu dama-nka bana-jandu-ngka, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngayu karrkay buban-baja-nya.

ngayku yaba-ngku nganya binal-bungal maraji-nka kuyu dama-nka bana-jandu-ngka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngayu karrkay buban-baja-nya | my elder.brother-ERG:pt me(ACC) teach swim-PURP fish spear-PURP creek-LOC, old-man said, 1sg child small-still-SUB

yaba nganya binal-bungal maraji kuyu dama bana-jandu

ngayku yaba 'my elder brother'; nganya 1sg ACC (b118); maraji swim (b115); elder-brother-as-teacher


The younger sister followed her elder sister everywhere she went, the old woman said, learning the whole way of the women by watching her closely.

Jinkurr-angka babarr wanja-warra dunga, yinya-ka wundi, mukul-jalbu balkan, jalbu-mu yalaku narmba binalman nyaji-l-nyaji-nya.

jinkurr-angka babarr wanja-warra dunga, yinya-ka wundi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jalbu-mu yalaku narmba binal-ma-ny nyaji-l-nyaji-nya | younger.sister-ERG:pt elder.sister where-DIR go, that-DAT follow, old-woman said, woman-POSS way whole learn-PAST watch-l-REDUP-SUB

jinkurr babarr dunga wundil jalbu yalaku binal nyajil

jinkurr follows babarr; nyaji-l-nyaji-nya 'by watching' (simultaneous b120); learning-the-women's-way


The brothers shared everything they ever caught, the old man said — the younger brothers never once went hungry while the eldest still had any food.

Yaba-karra minya wubulku mani-nya muru daji, mukul-dingkar balkan — yabaju-karra kari nyubun-bu dakuy wuna yaba yalbay mayi-jirr-nya.

yaba-karra minya wubulku mani-nya muru daji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny — yabaju-karra kari nyubun-bu dakuy wuna yaba yalbay mayi-jirr-nya | brother-KPL game all get-SUB together give, old-man said — younger.brother-KPL NEG one-INST hungry lie elder.brother big food-COMIT-SUB

yaba minya dajil yabaju dakuy wunay mayi

⭐yaba-karra / yabaju-karra (KPL); the brothers' sharing; dakuy hungry (b114); no-one-goes-hungry


When the father died, the eldest brother took care of all the younger children, the old man said, and raised them as if he were their own father.

Nganjan wula-nya-muny, yaba yalbay-angka karrkay-karrkay buban wubulku nyaji-nyaji, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana yalbay-bungal yala nyulu nganjan.

nganjan wula-nya-muny, yaba yalbay-angka karrkay-karrkay buban wubulku nyaji-nyaji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana yalbay-bungal yala nyulu nganjan | father die-SUB-ABL, elder.brother big-ERG:pt child-REDUP small all watch, old-man said, 3pl big-make(raise) like 3sg father

nganjan wulal yaba yalbay karrkay nyaji-nyaji

the eldest yaba becomes father; wula-nya-muny 'after [the father] died' (prior-event b120); yalbay-bungal 'raise'


The two sisters married two brothers from the other camp across the river, the old woman said, so that the two families were joined together twice over.

Babarr-jarra jambul yaba-jarra jambul bayan yindu-mu bana-jandu-muny dunyu-mani, mukul-jalbu balkan, bama-jarra jambul muru-ma-l jambulu.

babarr-jarra jambul yaba-jarra jambul bayan yindu-mu bana-jandu-muny dunyu-mani, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bama-jarra jambul muru-ma-l jambulu | sister-pair two brother-pair two camp other-POSS creek-ABL marry(husband-make), old-woman said, family-pair two together-make both

babarr yaba bayan bana-jandu dunyu muru jambul

babarr-jarra 'two sisters' marry yaba-jarra 'two brothers'; dunyu-mani 'marry' (husband-make); families joined


The eldest brother spoke for the whole family at the great meeting, the old man said, for he was the eldest of them and knew all the old law.

Yaba yalbay-angka bama-mu wubulku-nka balka burri yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu yaba wubulku-muny binal yalaku kalbay-muny narmba.

yaba yalbay-angka bama-mu wubulku-nka balka burri yalbay-mba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu yaba wubulku-muny binal yalaku kalbay-muny narmba | elder.brother big-ERG:pt family all-DAT talk gathering big-LOC(-mba), old-man said, 3sg elder.brother all-ABL know law long.ago whole

yaba bama balka burri binal yalaku kalbay

the eldest yaba speaks for the family; burri 'gathering' (b111); binal knows the law; eldest-authority


The little sister ran crying to her elder brother when she was frightened, the old woman said, and he picked her up at once and carried her all the way home.

Jinkurr buban badi-badi-nya yaba-nka warri yararri-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu nyiku-nyiku mani jarra-kulba bayan-ka narmba.

jinkurr buban badi-badi-nya yaba-nka warri yararri-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu nyiku-nyiku mani jarra-kulba bayan-ka narmba | younger.sister small cry-REDUP-SUB elder.brother-DAT run fear-SUB, old-woman said, 3sg soon take carry camp-DAT whole

jinkurr badil yaba warri yararri jarra-kulba bayan

jinkurr runs to yaba; badi-badi-nya 'crying' (simultaneous b120); yararri fear (b116); the protective brother


Brothers and sisters do not marry one another, the old man said, nor do cousins of the same moiety — that is the very first law of all the people.

Yaba babarr-jirr kari dunyu-mani, mukul-dingkar balkan, bangunji mandi nyubun-mu kari-baja — yinya yalaku nyubun-nya bama-mu wubulku.

yaba babarr-jirr kari dunyu-mani, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bangunji mandi nyubun-mu kari-baja — yinya yalaku nyubun-nya bama-mu wubulku | brother sister-COMIT NEG marry, old-man said, cousin moiety one-POSS NEG-too — that law first person-POSS all

yaba babarr dunyu bangunji mandi yalaku bama

⭐bangunji cousin + mandi MOIETY; the incest/moiety marriage law; yalaku nyubun 'the first law'


The grandmother is the one who keeps all the old stories, the old woman said, and tells them to the grandchildren one by one by the evening fire.

Babi-ngku kuku kalbay-muny-mu wubulku karrba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu jija-karra-nka balka nyubun-nyubun buri-ngka wujurr-ma-nya.

babi-ngku kuku kalbay-muny-mu wubulku karrba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu jija-karra-nka balka nyubun-nyubun buri-ngka wujurr-ma-nya | grandmother-ERG:pt story long.ago-POSS all hold, old-woman said, 3sg grandchild-KPL-DAT tell each fire-LOC evening

babi kuku kalbay karrbal jija balka buri

⭐babi 'grandmother'; jija 'grandchild' (jija-karra KPL); kuku 'story/word' (b109); the story-keeping grandmother


The grandfather taught the grandchild every star in the night sky and every track in the sand, the old man said, and the name of every place in the country.

Kami-ngku kaminjarr binal-bungal dawar wubulku jiri wujurr-mu jina wubulku jukar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan, bubu wubulku-mu burri.

kami-ngku kaminjarr binal-bungal dawar wubulku jiri wujurr-mu jina wubulku jukar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bubu wubulku-mu burri | grandfather-ERG:pt grandchild teach star all sky night-POSS track all sand-LOC, old-man said, country all-POSS name

kami kaminjarr binal-bungal dawar jiri jina jukar burri

⭐kami 'grandfather' (FF); kaminjarr 'grandchild'; dawar star (b111); jiri sky (b120); grandfather-as-teacher


The children love their grandmother the best of all, the old woman said, for she is gentle and kind and always has both food and a good story ready.

Karrkay-karrkay babi kuru wubulku-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu ngulkurr janka, marri mayi kuku ngulkurr-jirr karrba.

karrkay-karrkay babi kuru wubulku-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu ngulkurr janka, marri mayi kuku ngulkurr-jirr karrba | child-REDUP grandmother love all-ABL(most), old-woman said, 3sg good gentle(quiet), always food story good-COMIT hold

karrkay babi kuru ngulkurr janka mayi kuku

babi most-loved; kuru love (b121); always-food-and-a-story


The mother's father made a small digging-stick for his little grandchild, the old man said, and showed the little one exactly where the sweet yams grow.

Ngaji-ngku kaminjarr buban baka-juku buban bunga, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu karrkay binal-bungal wanja bambayal jiba-wulay ngalkal-ma-nya.

ngaji-ngku kaminjarr buban baka-juku buban bunga, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu karrkay binal-bungal wanja bambayal jiba-wulay ngalkal-ma-nya | mother's.father-ERG:pt grandchild small dig-stick small make, old-man said, 3sg child teach where yam sweet grow-SUB

ngaji kaminjarr baka juku bunga bambayal jiba-wulay

⭐ngaji 'mother's father' (MF, distinct from kami FF); baka-juku 'digging-stick'; bambayal yam (b113)


The grandmother carried her small grandchild everywhere on her back, the old woman said, singing softly all the while to keep the little one quiet and content.

Babi-ngku jija buban wanja-warra muku-ba jarra-kulba, mukul-jalbu balkan, wulngku janka yirrka-yirrka-nya karrkay janka-nka bundanday-nka.

babi-ngku jija buban wanja-warra muku-ba jarra-kulba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wulngku janka yirrka-yirrka-nya karrkay janka-nka bundanday-nka | grandmother-ERG:pt grandchild small where-DIR back-LOC carry, old-woman said, song quietly sing-REDUP-SUB child quiet-DAT stay-PURP

babi jija muku jarra-kulba wulngku yirrkal karrkay

babi carries jija; wulngku song (b115); yirrka-yirrka-nya 'singing' (simultaneous b120); the singing grandmother


The grandfather is very old now and can no longer hunt, the old man said, but he sits by the fire and teaches the young ones the deep law all day long.

Kami mukul bajaku niji, kari-baja balbi, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu buri-ngka bunda warru-warru binal-bungal yalaku dajali wungar narmba.

kami mukul bajaku niji, kari-baja balbi, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu buri-ngka bunda warru-warru binal-bungal yalaku dajali wungar narmba | grandfather old very now, NEG-anymore hunt, old-man said, 3sg fire-LOC sit young.man-REDUP teach law deep day whole

kami mukul balbi buri bundal warru binal-bungal yalaku

kami too old to hunt now teaches; mukul old (b?); the fireside teacher; yalaku dajali 'deep law'


The grandchild brought fresh water and dry firewood to the old grandmother every morning, the old woman said, and sat down to listen to her talk.

Kaminjarr-angka bana jirakal juku-buri marral babi mukul-nka wunkuwingku nyubun-nyubun wundi, mukul-jalbu balkan, bunda nyungu balka milka-janay-nka.

kaminjarr-angka bana jirakal juku-buri marral babi mukul-nka wunkuwingku nyubun-nyubun wundi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bunda nyungu balka milka-janay-nka | grandchild-ERG:pt water fresh firewood dry grandmother old-DAT morning each bring, old-woman said, sit her talk listen-PURP

kaminjarr bana juku-buri marral babi wunkuwingku milka-janay

kaminjarr serves babi; juku-buri firewood; marral dry (b111); grandchild-cares-for-grandmother


The grandparents keep the deepest knowledge of the people, the old man said, and it passes straight down to the grandchildren, not to the busy parents.

Kami babi-jirr binal dajali bama-mu karrba, mukul-dingkar balkan, jija-karra-nka bada dunga, kari nganjan ngamu-nka.

kami babi-jirr binal dajali bama-mu karrba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jija-karra-nka bada dunga, kari nganjan ngamu-nka | grandfather grandmother-COMIT knowledge deep person-POSS hold, old-man said, grandchild-KPL-DAT down go, NEG father mother-DAT

kami babi binal dajali bama jija nganjan ngamu

kami+babi hold deep knowledge → jija-karra (KPL); knowledge skips the busy parent-years


When the old grandmother died, the whole camp mourned for many days, the old woman said, for she had held all the old knowledge of the women within her.

Babi mukul wula-nya-muny, bayan narmba badi wungar wubul, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu jalbu-mu binal kalbay-muny wubulku karrba-nya.

babi mukul wula-nya-muny, bayan narmba badi wungar wubul, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu jalbu-mu binal kalbay-muny wubulku karrba-nya | grandmother old die-SUB-ABL, camp whole cry day many, old-woman said, 3sg woman-POSS knowledge long.ago all hold-SUB

babi wulal bayan badil wungar jalbu binal karrbal

the whole camp mourns babi; wula-nya-muny 'after [she] died' (prior-event b120); she-held-the-women's-knowledge


The grandfather named the new grandchild after his own long-dead father, the old man said, in the old way of the people, so the name would live on.

Kami-ngku kaminjarr jirakal nyungu nganjan wula-nya kalbay-muny-mu burri-mani, mukul-dingkar balkan, yalaku kalbay-muny-mu, burri wuna-nka.

kami-ngku kaminjarr jirakal nyungu nganjan wula-nya kalbay-muny-mu burri-mani, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yalaku kalbay-muny-mu, burri wuna-nka | grandfather-ERG:pt grandchild new his father die-SUB long.ago-POSS name(give), old-man said, way long.ago-POSS, name live-PURP

kami kaminjarr jirakal nganjan wulal burri yalaku

kami names jija after the dead nganjan; burri-mani 'name' (name-make); naming-for-the-ancestor


The old grandmother's hands were bent and slow with age now, the old woman said, but she could still weave the very finest dilly-bag of anyone in the whole camp.

Babi mukul-mu mara duku niji, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba nyulu ngunyin ngulkurr bajaku jaba bama wubulku-muny bayan-ba.

babi mukul-mu mara duku niji, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba nyulu ngunyin ngulkurr bajaku jaba bama wubulku-muny bayan-ba | grandmother old-POSS hand bent(duku) now, old-woman said, but 3sg dilly.bag good very weave person all-ABL(than) camp-LOC

babi's aged hands still weave best; mara hand (b109); the finest weaver in camp; comparison -muny (b112)


The grandchild sat quietly at the grandfather's feet every single night, the old man said, learning the long songs of the country one line at a time.

Kaminjarr janka bunda kami-mu jina-ba wujurr nyubun-nyubun, mukul-dingkar balkan, bubu-mu wulngku marri binalman nyubun-nyubun kuku-bu.

kaminjarr janka bunda kami-mu jina-ba wujurr nyubun-nyubun, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bubu-mu wulngku marri binal-ma-ny nyubun-nyubun kuku-bu | grandchild quietly sit grandfather-POSS foot-LOC night each, old-man said, country-POSS song long learn-PAST each word-INST

kaminjarr kami jina wujurr wulngku binal kuku

kaminjarr learns at kami's feet; jina foot (b109); wulngku song (b115); learning-the-songs-line-by-line


A man must marry a woman of the opposite moiety, the old man said, and the children always belong to the same moiety as their own father.

Dingkar-angka jalbu mandi yindu-mu dunyu-mani, mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay-karrkay marri nganjan-mu mandi nyubun-ba wuna.

dingkar-angka jalbu mandi yindu-mu dunyu-mani, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay marri nganjan-mu mandi nyubun-ba wuna | man-ERG:pt woman moiety other-POSS marry, old-man said, child-REDUP always father-POSS moiety one-LOC lie(belong)

dingkar jalbu mandi dunyu karrkay nganjan

⭐mandi MOIETY marriage law: marry the OTHER moiety, children follow the father's moiety (grammar l.653)


The husband and his wife built their humpy a little apart from all the others, the old woman said, at the quiet far edge of the big camp.

Dunyu biwar-jirr nyungu wurun bunga kanbal yindu-yindu-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, bayan yalbay-mu ngandal janka kala-kalbay-mba.

dunyu biwar-jirr nyungu wurun bunga kanbal yindu-yindu-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bayan yalbay-mu ngandal janka kala-kalbay-mba | husband wife-COMIT their humpy make apart other-REDUP-ABL, old-woman said, camp big-POSS edge quiet far-LOC(-mba)

dunyu biwar wurun bunga bayan ngandal kala-kalbay

⭐dunyu 'husband' + biwar 'wife' (b118); wurun humpy (b118); the married couple's own humpy


A man must never look at or speak directly to his mother-in-law, the old man said — that is the very strongest law of avoidance among all the people.

Dingkar-angka biwul kari nyaji kari nyunguny balka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balkan — yinya yalaku junkurr bajaku bama-mu wubulku.

dingkar-angka biwul kari nyaji kari nyunguny balka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny — yinya yalaku junkurr bajaku bama-mu wubulku | man-ERG:pt mother-in-law NEG look NEG her(ACC) speak directly, old-man said — that law strong very person-POSS all

biwul nyajil nyunguny balka yalaku junkurr bama

⭐biwul 'mother-in-law'; the avoidance law (never look at or speak to her); yalaku junkurr 'strongest law'


The wives went down together to gather the shellfish along the reef while the husbands hunted the turtle beyond it, the old woman said.

Manyarr-karra bada muru dunga wurrul mani-nka dulngku-ba, dunyu-karra ngawiya balbi-balbi-nya dulngku-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan.

manyarr-karra bada muru dunga wurrul mani-nka dulngku-ba, dunyu-karra ngawiya balbi-balbi-nya dulngku-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | wife-KPL down together go shellfish(wurrul) get-PURP reef-LOC, husband-KPL sea.turtle hunt-REDUP-SUB reef-ABL, old-woman said

manyarr dunyu wurrul dulngku ngawiya balbi

⭐manyarr-karra 'wives' + dunyu-karra 'husbands' (KPL, grammar ex.63); dulngku reef (b115); the gendered gathering


Cousins of the opposite moiety may marry one another, the old man said, but cousins of the same one moiety are as brother and sister to each other.

Bangunji mandi yindu-mu dunyu-mani- nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba bangunji mandi nyubun-mu yala yaba babarr-jirr.

bangunji mandi yindu-mu dunyu-mani-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba bangunji mandi nyubun-mu yala yaba babarr-jirr | cousin moiety other-POSS marry-PURP, old-man said, but cousin moiety one-POSS like brother sister-COMIT

bangunji cousin + mandi moiety rule: cross-moiety cousins may marry, same-moiety are as siblings