If the moon is round and full, the old man taught the boy, then the low tide pulls right back and the whole reef is bare for gleaning.

Kaki kija murru-murru yalbay, mukul-dingkarangka karrkay balkan, ngajal bajaku dunga, dulngku narmba ngalkal bangka-nka.

kaki kija murru-murru yalbay, mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balka-ny, ngajal bajaku dunga, dulngku narmba ngalkal bangka-nka | if moon round big, old-man-ERG:pt child told, low.tide very go(out), reef whole bare gather-PURP

kaki kija murru-murru yalbay ngajal dunga dulngku ngalkal bangka

kaki 'if'; kija moon (b111); kija murru-murru 'full moon'; ngajal low tide (b115); bangka-nka PURP 'to glean' (b113)


If you are tired after the long walk, the old woman said, then lie down here in the shade and sleep until your strength returns.

Kaki yundu baja-burray marri jilba-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, yaluy ngungul-ba wuna warngku-wuna, junkurr kada-baja-nyjiku.

kaki yundu baja-burray marri jilba-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yaluy ngungul-ba wuna warngku-wuna, junkurr kada-baja-nyjiku | if you tired long.time walk-SUB-ABL, old-woman said, here shade-LOC lie sleep, strength come-again-before(until)

kaki baja-burray marri jilba mukul jalbu ngungul wunay junkurr

kaki 'if'; baja-burray tired; marri long-time (b111); ngungul shade/shadow (b103); warngku-wuna sleep; echoes ex.395


If a man is lazy and will not hunt or gather, the old man said, then he goes hungry, and his family goes hungry with him.

Kaki dingkar daki-daki, balbi kari bangka kari, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu dakuy wuna, nyungu bama dakuy nyulu-ndu.

kaki dingkar daki-daki, balbi kari bangka kari, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu dakuy wuna, nyungu bama dakuy nyulu-ndu | if man lazy(daki-daki), hunt not gather not, old-man said, 3sg hungry lie, his people hungry 3sg-with

kaki dingkar daki-daki balbi bangka dakuy wunay bama

kaki 'if'; daki-daki lazy; balbi kari...bangka kari 'neither hunts nor gathers' NEG (b110); bama 'his people'


Hold the digging-stick tight when you reach into the mud, the old woman warned, lest the big mudcrab grab your hand and cut it.

Juku junkurr karrba kambal-kambal-ba daka-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, kiju yalbay yundu mara mani bayka-nyji.

juku junkurr karrba kambal-kambal-ba daka-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kiju yalbay yundu mara mani bayka-nyji | stick tight hold mud-LOC reach-SUB, old-woman said, mudcrab big your hand grab bite-PRECAUT(lest)

juku junkurr karrbal kambal-kambal kiju mara manil bayka

⭐bayka-nyji 'lest it bite' PRECAUT (l.1143); kiju mudcrab (b115); kambal-kambal mud (b115); karrba-l hold (b113)


Carry a firestick with you when you travel far, the old man said, in case the cold night catches you a long way from the camp.

Buri-juku yundu-ndu jarra-kulba kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, wujurr ngiki yundu bayan-muny marri-ba mani kunka.

buri-juku yundu-ndu jarra-kulba kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, wujurr ngiki yundu bayan-muny marri-ba mani kunka | fire-stick you-with carry far-DAT go-SUB, old-man said, night cold you camp-ABL far-LOC catch might.be(in.case)

buri juku jarra-kulba kala-kalbay dunga wujurr ngiki bayan kunka

⭐kunka 'might be/in case' (l.3836); buri-juku firestick; jarra-kulba carry (b113); ngiki cold; provisioning-caution


Watch the water all the time while you glean on the reef, the old woman warned, lest the tide come back fast and catch you in the deep channel.

Bana nyaji-nyaji dulngku-ka bangka-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, yira bila kada-baja yundu bana dajali-ba mani-nyji.

bana nyaji-nyaji dulngku-ka bangka-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yira bila kaday-baja yundu bana dajali-ba mani-nyji | water keep-watching reef-DAT gather-SUB, old-woman said, tide fast come-again you water deep-LOC catch-PRECAUT(lest)

bana nyaji-nyaji dulngku bangka yira bila dajali manil

mani-nyji 'lest it catch you' PRECAUT; nyaji-nyaji keep-watching (b114); yira tide (b115); bila fast (b112)


Cook the meat right through on the coals, the old woman said, lest the half-cooked meat make you sick in the night.

Minya kubu-ba ngulkurr waju, mukul-jalbu balkan, minya waju-kari yundu bambay-mani-nyji wujurr-ba.

minya kubu-ba ngulkurr waju, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, minya waju-kari yundu bambay-mani-nyji wujurr-ba | meat coal-LOC well cook, old-woman said, meat cook-PRIV(uncooked) you sick-CAUS-PRECAUT(lest) night-LOC

bambay-mani-nyji 'lest it make you sick' PRECAUT; bambay sick; waju-kari 'uncooked' PRIV; kubu coal (b109)


Always take a good spear when you walk the long grass, the old man said, just in case a snake is lying hidden across the track.

Kalka ngulkurr mani jikan kalbay-mba jilba-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, jarba jina-ba wawan wuna nganganjirrka.

kalka ngulkurr mani jikan kalbay-mba jilba-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jarba jina-ba wawan wuna nganganjirrka | spear good take grass long-LOC walk-SUB, old-man said, snake track-LOC hide lie just.in.case

kalka ngulkurr manil jikan kalbay jilba jarba jina nganganjirrka

⭐nganganjirrka 'just in case' (l.3836); jarba SNAKE (b115 correction); jikan grass; jina track (b109); kalka spear (b107)


Do not step on the reef with a bare foot, the old woman warned, lest the black spine of the sea-urchin break off deep in your heel.

Balbal-kari jina dulngku-ka wandi kari, mukul-jalbu balkan, jalan-mu jarran ngumbu yundu jina-ba dumbarri-nyji.

balbal-kari jina dulngku-ka wandi kari, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jalan-mu jarran ngumbu yundu jina-ba dumbarri-nyji | bare foot reef-DAT put NEG, old-woman said, sea.urchin-POSS spine black your foot-LOC break-PRECAUT(lest)

balbal jina dulngku wandil jalan jarran ngumbu dumbarril

dumbarri-nyji 'lest it break off' PRECAUT; jalan sea-urchin (b115); jarran spine (b113); balbal-kari 'bare' (PRIV b110)


Build the fire up high before you sleep, the old man said, in case the rain comes in the black of the night and puts out the coals.

Buri yalbay bunga wuna-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balkan, kaba wujurr ngumbu-ba kaday kubu wula-mani kunka.

buri yalbay bunga wuna-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kaba wujurr ngumbu-ba kaday kubu wula-mani kunka | fire big make before-sleep, old-man said, rain night black-LOC come coal die-CAUS might.be(in.case)

buri yalbay bungal wunay kaba wujurr ngumbu kubu kunka

kunka 'in case' (l.3836); wuna-nyjiku 'before sleeping' SUCC; kaba rain; buri bunga 'build the fire' (bunga-l make)


Keep the children close by you in the dark, the old woman said, lest one of them wander down to the water alone and be lost.

Karrkay-karrkay yundu-ngka ngundu karrba wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyubun bana-ka nyubun-bu dunga wula-nyji.

karrkay-karrkay yundu-ngka ngundu karrba wujurr-ba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyubun bana-ka nyubun-bu dunga wula-nyji | child-REDUP you-LOC near hold(keep) night-LOC, old-woman said, one water-DAT alone go lose(die)-PRECAUT(lest)

karrkay ngundu karrbal wujurr mukul jalbu nyubun bana wulal

wula-nyji 'lest be lost' PRECAUT; ngundu near; nyubun-bu 'alone/one' (b112); karrba-l keep (b113)


Fill two dilly-bags with water before you cross the dry country, the old man said, just in case the far waterhole has gone dry.

Ngunyin jambul bana warmba bubu marral-burr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balkan, bana-mabi kala-kalbay marral-ma-n nganganjirrka.

ngunyin jambul bana warmba bubu marral-burr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bana-mabi kala-kalbay marral-ma-n nganganjirrka | dilly.bag two water fill country dry-PERL walk-before, old-man said, waterhole far dry-INCHO-PAST just.in.case

ngunyin jambul bana warmba marral jilba nganganjirrka

nganganjirrka 'just in case'; jilba-nyjiku 'before crossing' SUCC; marral dry (b111); bana-mabi waterhole (b115)


Watch the western sky always in the hot season, the old man warned, lest the great thunderstorm catch you far out on the open plain.

Jiri kaba-wungar-a nyaji-nyaji wungar-iji-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, jarramali yalbay yundu bubu ngalkal-ba marri-ba mani-nyji.

jiri kaba-wungar-a nyaji-nyaji wungar-iji-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jarramali yalbay yundu bubu ngalkal-ba marri-ba mani-nyji | sky west-LOC keep-watching hot.season-LOC, old-man said, thunderstorm big you ground open(ngalkal)-LOC far-LOC catch-PRECAUT(lest)

jiri nyaji-nyaji wungar-iji jarramali yalbay marri manil

mani-nyji 'lest it catch you' PRECAUT; jarramali storm (b111); wungar-iji hot season (b111); jiri sky (b111)


Do not go hunting alone in the deep scrub, the old woman said, in case you fall on the rocks and no one is near to hear you call.

Nyubun-bu madja junkurr-ba balbi-nka dunga kari, mukul-jalbu balkan, yundu kulji-ka daray bama kari ngundu yirrka nyaji-nka kunka.

nyubun-bu madja junkurr-ba balbi-nka dunga kari, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yundu kulji-ka daray bama kari ngundu yirrka nyaji-nka kunka | alone scrub thick-LOC hunt-PURP go NEG, old-woman said, you rock-DAT fall person NEG near call hear-PURP might.be(in.case)

nyubun madja junkurr balbi dunga kulji daral yirrkal kunka

kunka 'in case'; dara-l fall (b?); yirrka call (b114); nyaji-nka 'to hear' PURP; don't-hunt-alone caution


Tie the fishing-net well to the mangrove root, the old woman said, lest the strong tide pull it loose and carry it away out to sea.

Makarr ngulkurr kaja kajul ngara-ka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yira junkurr nyulu kulba jalun-ka jarra-kulba-nyji.

makarr ngulkurr kaja kajul ngara-ka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yira junkurr nyulu kulba jalun-ka jarra-kulba-nyji | net well tie mangrove root-DAT, old-woman said, tide strong 3sg loosen sea-DAT carry-PRECAUT(lest)

makarr kajal kajul ngara yira junkurr jalun jarra-kulba

jarra-kulba-nyji 'lest it carry away' PRECAUT; makarr net (b107); kajul mangrove (b115); ngara root (b113); yira tide (b115)


Teach the child the ways of the country while you are still strong, the old man said, lest he grow up not knowing them after you are gone.

Karrkay bubu-mu balka yundu junkurr niji-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu binal-kari yalbay-ma-nyji yundu wula-nya-muny.

karrkay bubu-mu balka yundu junkurr niji-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu binal-kari yalbay-ma-nyji yundu wula-nya-muny | child country-POSS tell you strong now-LOC, old-man said, 3sg know-PRIV grow-up-lest you die-SUB-ABL

karrkay bubu balka junkurr niji binal yalbay wulal

binal-kari 'not knowing' PRIV (b110); niji now (b111); yalbay-ma-nyji 'lest he grow up (knowledge-less)' PRECAUT+INCHO


I would have eaten that meat gladly, the old man said, but by the time I found it, it had already gone rotten.

Ngayu minya yinya nuka-nyaku jiba-ngulkurr, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba ngayu mani-nya-muny, minya kabu.

ngayu minya yinya nuka-nyaku jiba-ngulkurr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba ngayu mani-nya-muny buburr julbi-ba wawan, minya kabu | 1sg meat that eat-IRR gladly, old-man said, but 1sg get-SUB-ABL, meat rotten

minya nukal jiba-ngulkurr manil kabu yamba

⭐nuka-nyaku 'would have eaten (but didn't)' IRREALIS; kabu rotten; yamba 'but' (b110); the canonical -nyaku frame


We would have gone hunting for wallaby at dawn, the old man said, but the heavy rain came down all day and did not stop until dark.

Ngana kadar-ka balbi-nka dunga-nyaku wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba kaba yalbay wungar wubulku daray, kari kunbayn wujurr-muny.

ngana kadar-ka balbi-nka dunga-nyaku wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba kaba yalbay wungar wubul-ku daray, kari kunbayn wujurr-muny | 1pl wallaby(kadar)-DAT hunt-PURP go-IRR dawn-LOC, old-man said, but rain big day all fall, NEG finish night-ABL

kadar balbi dunga wunkuwingku kaba yalbay daray kunbayn

dunga-nyaku 'would have gone' IRR; kadar wallaby (b105); kaba dara 'rain falls'; kunbayn finish (b114)


He would have speared the big kingfish easily, the old man said, but just as he threw, the spear-shaft snapped on the sharp coral.

Nyulu danbal yalbay dama-nyaku kadar, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba nyulu dama-nya-ba, kalka karrirrangkal jarran-ba dumbarri.

nyulu danbal yalbay dama-nyaku kadar, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba nyulu dama-nya-ba, kalka karrirrangkal jarran-ba dumbarri | 3sg kingfish big spear-IRR easily, old-man said, but 3sg throw-SUB-LOC, spear coral sharp-LOC break

danbal yalbay dama mukul kalka karrirrangkal jarran dumbarril

dama-nyaku 'would have speared' IRR; danbal kingfish (b115); karrirrangkal coral (b115); dumbarri break (b113)


She would have carried all the water back to the camp, the old woman said, but she was too tired after the long day of digging yams.

Nyulu bana narmba bayan-ka jarra-kulba-nyaku, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba nyulu baja-burray bajaku bambayal baka-nya marri-muny.

nyulu bana narmba bayan-ka jarra-kulba-nyaku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba nyulu baja-burray bajaku bambayal baka-nya marri-muny | 3sg water all camp-DAT carry-IRR, old-woman said, but 3sg tired very yam dig-SUB long.time-ABL

bana jarra-kulba baja-burray bambayal baka marri yamba

jarra-kulba-nyaku 'would have carried' IRR; baja-burray tired; bambayal yam (b113); baka-l dig (b113)


The old man would have taught the boy the whole song of the country, but the boy would not sit still and listen, and ran off to play.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay bubu-mu wulngku narmba balka-nyaku, yamba karrkay janka bunda milka-janay kari, wanarri wawu-ma-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay bubu-mu wulngku narmba balka-nyaku, yamba karrkay janka bunda milka-janay kari, wanarri wawu-ma-nka | old-man-ERG:pt child country-POSS song whole tell-IRR, but child quietly sit listen NEG, keep-running play-INCHO-PURP

mukul karrkay bubu wulngku balka janka milka-janay wanarri

balka-nyaku 'would have taught' IRR; wulngku SONG (NOT mulngku wave! b115 guard); milka-janay listen (b109)


I would have caught many fish in the creek that morning, the old man said, but I had left the good net hanging back at the camp.

Ngayu kuyu wubul bana-jandu-ba mani-nyaku wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba ngayu makarr ngulkurr bayan-ka wandi-nya wuna.

ngayu kuyu wubul bana-jandu-ba mani-nyaku wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba ngayu makarr ngulkurr bayan-ka wandi-nya wuna | 1sg fish many creek-LOC get-IRR morning-LOC, old-man said, but 1sg net good camp-DAT hang-SUB lie

kuyu wubul manil wunkuwingku makarr ngulkurr bayan wandil

mani-nyaku 'would have caught' IRR; kuyu fish (b115); makarr net (b107); wunkuwingku morning (b111)


They would have reached the far camp by nightfall, the old man said, but the flooded creek was too big to cross, and they slept on the near bank.

Jana bayan kala-kalbay-ka kada-nyaku wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba bana-jandu jalungkarr yalbay bajaku, jana ngundu-ba wuna.

jana bayan kala-kalbay-ka kaday-nyaku wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba bana-jandu jalungkarr yalbay bajaku, jana ngundu-ba wuna | 3pl camp far-DAT come-IRR dusk, old-man said, but creek flood big very, 3pl near-LOC lie(sleep)

bayan kala-kalbay kaday wujurr jalungkarr yalbay ngundu wunay

kaday-nyaku 'would have reached' IRR; jalungkarr flood (b116); too-big-to-cross; wujurr-ma-nya dusk (b111)


The tired child would have slept right through the night, the old woman said, but the camp dogs barked and barked at something out in the dark.

Karrkay baja-burray wujurr narmba wuna-nyaku, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba kaya bayan-mu yirrka-yirrka ngumbu-ba yamba-nka.

karrkay baja-burray wujurr narmba wuna-nyaku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba kaya bayan-mu yirrka-yirrka ngumbu-ba yamba-nka | child tired night whole sleep-IRR, old-woman said, but dog camp-POSS keep-calling dark-LOC something-DAT

karrkay baja-burray wujurr wunay kaya ngumbu yirrkal

wuna-nyaku 'would have slept' IRR; baja-burray tired; kaya dog; yirrka-yirrka keep-calling (b114 redup); ngumbu dark (b109)


We would have found the sweet honey in the hollow tree, the old man said, but the trunk was too tall and smooth and no one could climb it.

Ngana ngamurr jiba-wulay juku bubu-mabi-ba nyaji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba juku kalbay bajaku dirka-dirka, bama kari daka.

ngana ngamurr jiba-wulay juku bubu-mabi-ba nyaji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba juku kalbay bajaku dirka-dirka, bama kari daka | 1pl honey sweet tree hollow-LOC find-IRR, old-man said, but tree tall very smooth(dirka-dirka), person NEG climb(daka)

ngamurr jiba-wulay juku nyajil kalbay dirka-dirka dakal

nyaji-nyaku 'would have found' IRR; ngamurr honey (b114); jiba-wulay sweet (b?); daka-l climb; dirka-dirka smooth; kari daka 'couldn't climb' NEG


I would have given you a good share of the turtle meat, the old man said, but you had gone back to your own country far away.

Ngayu yundu-nka ngawiya minya ngulkurr daji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba yundu bubu nyungu-mu-ka dunga-baja kala-kalbay-ka.

ngayu yundu-nka ngawiya minya ngulkurr daji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba yundu bubu nyungu-mu-ka dunga-baja kala-kalbay-ka | 1sg you-DAT sea.turtle meat good give-IRR, old-man said, but you country your-POSS-DAT go-again far-DAT

ngawiya minya ngulkurr dajil dunga bubu yamba

daji-nyaku 'would have given' IRR; ngawiya turtle (b115); dunga-baja 'went back'; daji-l give; the missed-sharing


The old woman would have dug a big basket of yams that day, the old man said, but the ground was baked too hard by the long dry.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku bambayal ngunyin yalbay baka-nyaku yinya wungar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba bubu marral-muny junkurr bajaku dandi-ma-n.

mukul-jalbu-ngku bambayal ngunyin yalbay baka-nyaku yinya wungar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba bubu marral-muny junkurr bajaku dandi-ma-n | old-woman-ERG:pt yam basket big dig-IRR that day-LOC, old-man said, but ground dry-ABL hard very stiff-INCHO-PAST

bambayal yalbay baka wungar marral junkurr dandi

baka-nyaku 'would have dug' IRR; bambayal yam (b113); baka-l dig (b113); dandi-ma-ny 'went hard' (dandi hard b114)


Perhaps the men will come back tonight with a big turtle, the old woman said, so keep the fire burning and the ground-oven ready.

Nguba dingkar-dingkar wujurr niji-ba ngawiya yalbay-jirr kada-baja, mukul-jalbu balkan, buri jarra karrba, bubu-kubu ngulkurr wandi.

nguba dingkar-dingkar wujurr niji-ba ngawiya yalbay-jirr kaday-baja, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, buri jarra karrba, bubu-kubu ngulkurr wandi | perhaps man-REDUP night now-LOC sea.turtle big-COMIT come-again, old-woman said, fire burning keep, ground-oven good ready(put)

nguba dingkar wujurr niji ngawiya yalbay buri karrbal

⭐nguba 'perhaps' (l.5767, the preferred possibility marker); ngawiya turtle (b115); keep-the-fire-ready


Perhaps it will rain tomorrow, the old man said, for the clouds are piling up black and heavy in the west over the far ranges.

Nguba kaba wunkun daray, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngurrban ngumbu junkurr kaba-wungar-a manjal kala-kalbay-mu wangkar-a muru-ma-l.

nguba kaba wunkun daray, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngurrban ngumbu junkurr kaba-wungar-a manjal kala-kalbay-mu wangkar-a muru-ma-l | perhaps rain tomorrow fall(daray), old-man said, cloud black heavy west-LOC mountain far-POSS above-LOC together-INCHO

nguba kaba wunkun daray ngurrban ngumbu junkurr manjal

nguba 'perhaps'; kaba rain; wunkun tomorrow (b111); ngurrban cloud (b111); reading-the-weather


Perhaps the old woman knows where the water is in this dry country, the young man said, for she walked all this land when she was a girl.

Nguba mukul-jalbu binal wanja bana bubu marral yaluy-mba, warru balkan, nyulu bubu narmba jilba jalbu buban-nya.

nguba mukul-jalbu binal wanja bana bubu marral yaluy-mba, warru balka-ny, nyulu bubu narmba jilba jalbu buban-nya | perhaps old-woman know where water country dry here-LOC, young.man said, 3sg country whole walk woman small-SUB(when)

nguba mukul jalbu binal wanja bana marral jilba warru

nguba 'perhaps'; binal know (b108); wanja where (b108); marral dry (b111); jalbu buban-nya 'when a girl' SUB


The hunter got water from the waterhole and filled his dilly-bag before he set out on the long walk at first light.

Balbi-bama bana-mabi-muny bana mani, ngunyin warmba, kala-kalbay-ka jilba-nyjiku wunkuwingku-ba.

balbi-bama bana-mabi-muny bana mani, ngunyin warmba, kala-kalbay-ka jilba-nyjiku wunkuwingku-ba | hunt-person waterhole-ABL water get, dilly.bag fill, far-DAT walk-before morning-LOC

balbi bama bana manil ngunyin warmba jilba wunkuwingku

⭐jilba-nyjiku 'before walking' SUCCESSIVE; bana mani 'get water'; ngunyin dilly-bag (b107); bana-mabi waterhole (b115)


Cook the fish and share it out to everyone before the night comes down, the old woman said, for no one eats alone in this camp.

Kuyu waju, bama wubulku-nka daji wujurr kada-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balkan, kari bama nyubun-bu nuka bayan yaluy-mba.

kuyu waju, bama wubul-ku-nka daji wujurr kaday-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kari bama nyubun-bu nuka bayan yaluy-mba | fish cook, person all-DAT give(share) night come-before, old-woman said, NEG person alone eat camp here-LOC

kuyu wajul wubulku dajil wujurr kaday nyubun bayan

kaday-nyjiku 'before night comes' SUCC; kuyu fish (b115); daji-l share; no-one-eats-alone law


The children ate their fill and lay down to sleep before the old people came back from the meeting in the dark.

Karrkay-karrkay narmba nuka, wuna warngku-wuna, mukul-bama balka-muny kada-nyjiku wujurr-ba.

karrkay-karrkay narmba nuka, wuna warngku-wuna, mukul-bama balka-muny kaday-nyjiku wujurr-ba | child-REDUP full eat, lie sleep, old-person talk-ABL come-before night-LOC

karrkay narmba nukal wunay mukul bama balka kaday

kaday-nyjiku 'before they came' SUCC; narmba full/whole; warngku-wuna sleep; balka-muny 'from the talking'


Gather all the oysters and crabs you can before the tide turns and comes back fast over the flat reef, the old woman said.

Julul kiju-jirr wubulku bangka yira nyunba-nyjiku, yira bila dulngku ngalkal-burr kaday, mukul-jalbu balkan.

julul kiju-jirr wubul-ku bangka yira nyunba kaday-baja-nyjiku, yira bila dulngku ngalkal-burr kaday, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | oyster crab-COMIT all gather tide turn.back-before, tide fast reef flat-PERL come, old-woman said

julul kiju wubulku bangka yira nyunbay dulngku bila

nyunba-nyjiku 'before the tide turns' SUCC; julul oyster (b115); kiju crab (b115); yira tide (b115); bangka gather (b113)


Perhaps the child is only tired from the long day, not sick, the old woman said, so let her sleep now and we will see in the morning.

Nguba karrkay baja-burray nyubun-bu marri-muny, kari bambay, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu niji wuna, ngana wunkuwingku-ba nyaji.

nguba karrkay baja-burray nyubun-bu marri-muny, kari bambay, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu niji wuna, ngana wunkuwingku-ba nyaji | perhaps child tired only long.time-ABL, NEG sick, old-woman said, 3sg now sleep, 1pl morning-LOC see

nguba karrkay baja-burray bambay mukul niji wunay wunkuwingku

nguba 'perhaps'; baja-burray tired vs bambay sick; kari bambay 'not sick' NEG (b110); wait-and-see


If it had not rained that long-ago dry year, the old woman said, we would all have gone hungry, but the country always looked after us.

Kaba yinya wungar marral kalbay-muny daray kari-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngana narmba dakuy wuna-nyaku, yamba bubu ngana nyaji-nyaji marri.

kaba yinya wungar marral kalbay-muny daray kari-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngana narmba dakuy wuna-nyaku, yamba bubu ngana nyaji-nyaji marri | rain that year dry long.ago-ABL fall(daray) NEG-SUB, old-woman said, 1pl all hungry lie-IRR, but country us keep-watching long.time

kaba wungar marral kalbay-muny daray dakuy wunay yamba

PAST conditional = juxtaposition + IRR (l.5111): 'kaba...dara kari-nya... wuna-nyaku'; kalbay-muny long-ago; kaba rain


When the big fire finally went out in the cold before dawn, the old man said, the whole camp felt the sharp cold and built it up again quickly.

Buri yalbay ngiki-ba wunkuwingku kariku wula-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, bayan narmba yararri ngiki junkurr-mu, buri-baja bila bunga.

buri yalbay ngiki-ba wunkuwingku kariku wula-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bayan narmba yararri ngiki junkurr-mu, buri-baja bila bunga | fire big cold-LOC dawn before die-SUB(when), old-man said, camp all shiver(yararri) cold strong-ABL, fire-again fast make

buri yalbay ngiki wunkuwingku wulal bayan yararri bila

PAST temporal juxtaposition (wula-nya 'when it went out' SUB); ngiki cold; yararri shiver; buri-baja 'the fire again' (-baja b114)


Perhaps the fish are lying deep down in the cold of the big pool now, the old man said, for they hide from the sun in the heat of the day.

Nguba kuyu bana dajali janka-ba ngiki-ba wuna niji, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana wungar-muny wawan wungar wangkar-wangkar-a.

nguba kuyu bana dajali janka-ba ngiki-ba wuna niji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana wungar-muny wawan wungar wangkar-wangkar-a | perhaps fish water deep still-LOC cold-LOC lie now, old-man said, 3pl sun-ABL hide sun midday-LOC

nguba kuyu bana dajali ngiki wunay wungar wawan

nguba 'perhaps'; kuyu fish (b115); dajali deep (b112); wungar wangkar-wangkar midday (b111); reading-the-fish


So the old man gave the boy the whole shape of thinking: if you do this, that follows; do this lest that happen; perhaps it will, perhaps not — but always leave enough behind.

Yala mukul-dingkarangka karrkay-nka milka narmba daji: kaki yundu yala-ku, yinya kaday; yala-ku, yinya kada-nyji; nguba, nguba kari — yamba kanbal wuna-baja wubulku.

yala mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-nka milka narmba daji: kaki yundu yala-ku, yinya kaday; yala-ku, yinya kada-nyji; nguba, nguba kari — yamba kanbal wuna-baja wubul-ku | thus old-man-ERG:pt child-DAT thinking whole give: if you like-this, that come; like-this, that come-lest; perhaps, perhaps not — but some leave-again always

yala mukul karrkay milka dajil kaki nguba kari kanbal

⭐ties it together: kaki 'if' + -nyji 'lest' + nguba 'perhaps'/nguba kari 'perhaps not' + kanbal wuna 'leave enough'; milka mind/thinking (b109)


The bush curlew cries out in the black of the night, the old woman said, a long sad wailing call, and the children pull the blankets over their heads.

Kuyir wujurr ngumbu-ba yirrka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yirrka marri jiba-badi, karrkay-karrkay bilangkurr walu-ba wandi.

kuyir wujurr ngumbu-ba yirrka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yirrka marri jiba-badi, karrkay-karrkay bilangkurr walu-ba wandi | bush.curlew night black-LOC cry, old-woman said, cry long sad, child-REDUP blanket face-LOC pull(put)

kuyir wujurr ngumbu yirrkal marri jiba-badi karrkay walu wandil

⭐kuyir 'bush curlew'; yirrka cry/call (b114); jiba-badi sad (b109 emotion); the curlew's night-wail


The kookaburra laughs its loud laugh at first light, the old man said, waking the whole camp, and the people say the day has come.

Kururrungka wunkuwingku-ba yajarri junkurr, mukul-dingkar balkan, bayan narmba kulbul-mani, bama balka wungar kada-nya.

kururrungka wunkuwingku-ba yajarri junkurr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bayan narmba kulbul-mani, bama balka wungar kaday-nya | kookaburra dawn-LOC laugh loud, old-man said, camp all wake-CAUS, person say day come-SUB

kururrungka wunkuwingku yajarril junkurr bayan bama balkal wungar

⭐kururrungka 'kookaburra'; yajarri laugh (b112); wunkuwingku dawn (b111); the kookaburra as the dawn-clock


The scrub hen scratches up a great mound of leaves and earth, the old man said, and lays her young deep inside where the rotting leaves keep them warm.

Jarruka birra bubu-jirr yalbay bubu-mabi baka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyungu karrkay julbi dajali-ba wandi, birra kabu wumbul karrba.

jarruka birra bubu-jirr yalbay bubu-mabi baka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyungu karrkay julbi dajali-ba wandi, birra kabu wumbul karrba | scrub.hen leaf earth-COMIT big mound scratch(dig), old-man said, her young inside deep-LOC put(lay), leaf rotten warm keep

jarruka birra bubu yalbay karrkay julbi dajali kabu wumbul karrbal

jarruka 'scrub hen' (b113); birra leaf (b113); julbi inside (b109); kabu rotten (b116); the megapode mound


The scrub turkey rakes the forest floor all day looking for seeds and insects, the old woman said, and it is fat and good to eat in the wet season.

Diwan madja bada wungar wubulku birra jurrki-jurrki diburr minya-jirr nyaji, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka kaba-wungar-a.

diwan madja bada wungar wubul-ku birra jurrki-jurrki diburr minya-jirr nyaji, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka kaba-wungar-a | scrub.turkey scrub floor day all leaf turn-REDUP seed insect-COMIT look, old-woman said, 3sg fat good eat-PURP wet.season-LOC

diwan madja birra jurrki diburr minya wandul nukal kaba

diwan 'scrub turkey' (b115); jurrki-jurrki keep-turning (b114); diburr seed (b113); wandul fat (b109); kaba-wungar wet season


The magpie sings a beautiful song in the morning, the old woman said, and it is a bold bird that will chase even the dog away from its nest-tree.

Dawa-dawa wunkuwingku-ba wulngku ngulkurr yirrka, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu buyi junkurr, kaya juku nyungu-mu-muny kanga.

dawa-dawa wunkuwingku-ba wulngku ngulkurr yirrka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu buyi junkurr, kaya juku nyungu-mu-muny kanga | magpie dawn-LOC song good sing(cry), old-woman said, 3sg bird bold(strong), dog tree its-POSS-ABL chase

dawadawa wunkuwingku wulngku ngulkurr yirrkal buyi junkurr kaya kanga

⭐dawadawa 'magpie'; wulngku song (b115); buyi bird; kanga-l chase (b116 sweep); kaya dog (b116)


The black crow is a clever bird, the old man said, and it will steal the meat right off the drying-rack if the people turn their backs.

Kalbu buyi binal-binal, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu minya juku-ba wandi-nya-muny mani, kaki bama muku yindu-mal.

kalbu buyi binal-binal, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu minya juku-ba wandi-nya-muny mani, kaki bama muku yindu-mal | crow bird clever, old-man said, 3sg meat rack-LOC hang-SUB-ABL take(steal), if person back turn(become-other)

kalbu buyi binal minya manil kaki muku yindu

⭐kalbu 'black crow'; binal-binal 'clever' (binal know b108); clever-crow-steals; kaki 'if' (b116); muku back (b109); crow-the-thief


The frogmouth sits so still on a broken branch all day, the old man said, that it looks just like a dead tree, and no one sees it at all.

Bulnja dakil dumbarri-nya-ba wungar wubulku janka bajaku bunda, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu yala juku wula-nya, bama kari nyaji.

bulnja dakil dumbarri-nya-ba wungar wubul-ku janka bajaku bunda, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu yala juku wula-nya, bama kari nyaji | frogmouth branch break-SUB-LOC day all still very sit, old-man said, 3sg like tree die-SUB, person NEG see

bulnja dakil dumbarril janka bundal yala juku wulal nyajil

⭐bulnja 'frogmouth'; dakil branch (b113); yala 'like a dead stump' (b112); the frogmouth's camouflage


The plain turkey walks slowly across the open grassland with its head held high, the old woman said, but it runs very fast when a hunter comes near.

Kurrbal bubu ngalkal jikan-ba janka jilba, walu jarra-jarra-ba karrba, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba bila bajaku wanarri balbi-bama ngundu kada-nya.

kurrbal bubu ngalkal jikan-ba janka jilba, walu jarra-jarra-ba karrba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba bila bajaku wanarri balbi-bama ngundu kaday-nya | plain.turkey ground open grass-LOC quietly walk, head high-LOC hold, old-woman said, but fast very run hunt-person near come-SUB

kurrbal bubu ngalkal jikan janka jilba walu bila wanarri balbi

kurrbal 'plain turkey'; janka quietly; walu head/face (b109); wanarri run (b114); bila fast (b112)


The old man taught the boy every bird's call, so that even in the thick scrub with his eyes shut he could name each one by its voice alone.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay buyi wubulku-mu yirrka balkan, madja junkurr-ba miyil nandal-nya-ba nyulu buyi nyubun-nyubun yirrka-bu nyubun-bu burri.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay buyi wubul-ku-mu yirrka balka-ny, madja junkurr-ba miyil nandal-nya-ba nyulu buyi nyubun-nyubun yirrka-bu nyubun-bu burri | old-man-ERG:pt child bird all-POSS call teach, scrub thick-LOC eye close(nandal)-SUB-LOC 3sg bird each call-INST alone name

mukul karrkay buyi yirrkal balkal madja miyil nyubun burri

buyi bird + yirrka call; madja scrub (b113); miyil eye (b109); burri name (b109); naming-birds-by-voice


The owl hunts silently through the black night on soft wide wings, the old man said, and the little bush creatures never hear it coming at all.

Kalkuy wujurr ngumbu-ba janka bajaku balbi nangki yalbay kima-bu, mukul-dingkar balkan, minya buban madja-mu kari milka-janay nyulu kada-nya.

kalkuy wujurr ngumbu-ba janka bajaku balbi nangki yalbay kima-bu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, minya buban madja-mu kari milka-janay nyulu kaday-nya | owl night black-LOC quietly very hunt wing big soft-INST, old-man said, game small scrub-POSS NEG hear 3sg come-SUB

kalkuy wujurr ngumbu janka balbi nangki kima minya milka-janay

⭐kalkuy 'owl/night owl'; nangki wing; kima soft (b114); milka-janay hear/listen (b109); silent-flight


The swift birds wheel and dart high in the evening sky in a great turning cloud, the old woman said, catching the small insects on the wing.

Jangkan jiri-ba wujurr-ma-nya karrkan-ba jurrki wanarri wubul muru-ma-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, minya buban marra-warri-nya-ba mani.

jangkan jiri-ba wujurr-ma-nya karrkan-ba jurrki wanarri wubul muru-ma-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, minya buban marra-warri-nya-ba mani | swift sky-LOC dusk high-LOC wheel dart many together-SUB, old-woman said, insect small fly-SUB-LOC catch

jangkan jiri wujurr jurrki wanarri muru minya marra-warri manil

jangkan 'swift'; jiri sky (b111); marra-warri fly (b116); jurrki wheel (b103); catching-insects-on-the-wing


The frogmouth and the owl and the curlew are all birds of the night, the old man said, and to hear all three calling at once is a bad and frightening sign.

Bulnja kalkuy kuyir-jirr wubulku buyi wujurr-mu, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana jambulu-nyubun yirrka nyaji-nya buyun bajaku yararri-jirr.

bulnja kalkuy kuyir-jirr wubul-ku buyi wujurr-mu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana jambulu-nyubun yirrka nyaji-nya buyun bajaku yararri-jirr | frogmouth owl curlew-COMIT all bird night-POSS, old-man said, 3pl three-together cry hear-SUB bad very fear-COMIT

bulnja kalkuy kuyir buyi wujurr yirrkal buyun yararri

the three night-birds together (a bad/frightening thing); buyun bad (b?); yararri fear/shiver (b116); wanka 'sign/omen'; night-bird omen


The children love to watch the kookaburra dive down from its branch and snatch a small snake, the old woman said, and carry it off in its strong beak.

Karrkay-karrkay kururrungka nyaji-nyaji dakil-muny bada daray jarba buban mani, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngandal junkurr-bu jarra-kulba.

karrkay-karrkay kururrungka nyaji-nyaji dakil-muny bada daray jarba buban mani, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngandal junkurr-bu jarra-kulba | child-REDUP kookaburra keep-watching branch-ABL down fall snake small catch, old-woman said, mouth(beak) strong-INST carry

karrkay kururrungka nyaji-nyaji dakil daray jarba manil ngandal jarra-kulba

kururrungka kookaburra; daray fall/dive (b116); jarba snake (b115); ngandal mouth/beak (b109); jarra-kulba carry (b113)


The cassowary is the great bird of the rainforest, the old man said, taller than a man, and it must be feared, for one kick of its foot can kill.

Kurranji buyi yalbay madja-mu, mukul-dingkar balkan, kalka bama-muny, yararri-jirr, nyungu jina nyubun-bu bama kuni.

kurranji buyi yalbay madja-mu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kalka bama-muny, yararri-jirr, nyungu jina nyubun-bu bama kuni | cassowary bird big rainforest-POSS, old-man said, tall person-ABL(than), fear-COMIT, its foot one-INST person kill

kurranji buyi yalbay madja kalka bama yararri jina kunil

⭐kurranji 'cassowary'; kalka bama-muny 'taller than a man' (comparison b112); yararri fear (b116); jina foot (b109)


The cassowary eats the fallen rainforest fruit and carries the big seeds far through the scrub, the old man said, so it plants the forest as it walks.

Kurranji mayi madja-mu bubu-ba dara-nya nuka, diburr yalbay madja junkurr-burr jarra-kulba, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu juku madja jilba-nya-ba wandi.

kurranji mayi madja-mu bubu-ba dara-nya nuka, diburr yalbay madja junkurr-burr jarra-kulba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu juku madja jilba-nya-ba wandi | cassowary fruit rainforest-POSS ground-LOC fall-SUB eat, seed big scrub thick-PERL carry, old-man said, 3sg tree scrub walk-SUB-LOC plant(put)

kurranji mayi madja daray nukal diburr jarra-kulba juku wandil

kurranji cassowary; diburr seed (b113); the cassowary as forest-planter; jarra-kulba carry (b113)


The black cockatoos fly over in a screeching flock in the late afternoon, the old woman said, and the old people say that means rain is coming soon.

Kadanji wubul jiri-ba wungar wujurr-ma-nya-ka marra-warri yirrka junkurr, mukul-jalbu balkan, mukul-bama balka kaba nyiku-nyiku kada-nya.

kadanji wubul jiri-ba wungar wujurr-ma-nya-ka marra-warri yirrka junkurr, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, mukul-bama balka kaba nyiku-nyiku kaday-nya | black.cockatoo many sky-LOC sun dusk-DAT fly cry loud, old-woman said, old-person say rain soon come-SUB

kadanji wubul jiri marra-warri yirrkal junkurr mukul kaba nyiku-nyiku

⭐kadanji 'black cockatoo'; marra-warri fly (b116); cockatoos-mean-rain omen; nyiku-nyiku soon (b111)


The king parrot is a bird of bright red, the old man said, and it moves quietly through the canopy eating the small figs and berries.

Karrambil buyi ngala-ngala balbal-jirr, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu juku wangkar-a janka jilba binanji junda buban nuka.

karrambil buyi ngala-ngala balbal-jirr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu juku wangkar-a janka jilba binanji junda buban nuka | king.parrot bird red bright-COMIT, old-man said, 3sg tree top-LOC quietly move(walk) fig plum small eat

karrambil buyi ngala-ngala juku wangkar janka binanji junda nukal

⭐karrambil 'king parrot'; ngala-ngala red; binanji fig (b113); junda plum (b113); canopy-feeding


The rainbow lorikeets come in a noisy screaming crowd to the flowering tree, the old woman said, and they drink the sweet nectar until they are full.

Birrbirr wubul juku nganka-jirr-ka yirrka junkurr muru kaday, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana ngamurr jiba-wulay nganka-mu nuka narmba.

birrbirr wubul juku nganka-jirr-ka yirrka junkurr muru kaday, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana ngamurr jiba-wulay nganka-mu nuka narmba | lorikeet many tree flower-COMIT-DAT cry loud together come, old-woman said, 3pl nectar sweet flower-POSS eat full

birrbirr wubul juku nganka yirrkal muru ngamurr jiba-wulay narmba

⭐birrbirr 'lorikeet/parrot'; nganka flower (b116); ngamurr nectar/honey (b114); the drunk-on-nectar lorikeets


The bower bird builds a little playground of sticks and lays out shining things to please its mate, the old man said, bright feathers and berries and white bones.

Jurriyan juku buban-jirr yanyul-bubu bunga, kulji junda balbal-jirr wandi jalbu-nka ngulkurr-mani, mukul-dingkar balkan, nangki balbal-jirr junda bajibay balbal-jirr.

jurriyan juku buban-jirr yanyul-bubu bunga, kulji junda balbal-jirr wandi jalbu-nka ngulkurr-mani, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nangki balbal-jirr junda bajibay balbal-jirr | bower.bird stick small-COMIT play-place make, stone berry bright-COMIT put woman(mate)-DAT good-CAUS, old-man said, feather(wing) bright-COMIT berry bone white-COMIT

jurriyam juku buban bunga kulji balbal jalbu nangki junda bajibay

⭐jurriyam 'bower bird'; yanyul-bubu 'play-place' (bower); the bower-display


The kingfisher sits very still on a low branch over the still creek, the old man said, then dives like a fast spear and comes up with a small fish.

Dabuy dakil bada-ba bana-jandu janka wangkar-a janka bajaku bunda, mukul-dingkar balkan, yinyamun yala kalka bila bada daray, kuyu buban-jirr wandi.

dabuy dakil bada-ba bana-jandu janka wangkar-a janka bajaku bunda, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yinyamun yala kalka bila bada daray, kuyu buban-jirr wandi | kingfisher branch low-LOC creek still above-LOC still very sit, old-man said, then like spear fast down dive(fall), fish small-COMIT rise

dabuy dakil bana-jandu janka bundal yala kalka daray kuyu

⭐dabuy 'kingfisher'; yala kalka bila 'like a fast spear' (b112); daray dive/fall (b116); the kingfisher's dive


The green pigeon is hard to see among the leaves, the old woman said, for it is the very colour of the canopy, but its low soft cooing gives it away.

Bakamu birra-ba nyaji buyun, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu yala birra, yamba nyungu yirrka bada kima nyulu balka.

bakamu birra-ba nyaji buyun, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu yala birra, yamba nyungu yirrka bada kima nyulu balka | green.pigeon leaf-LOC see hard, old-woman said, 3sg like leaf, but its call low soft 3sg tell(give.away)

bakamu birra nyajil yala yirrkal bada kima balkal

bakamu 'green pigeon'; yala birra 'like the leaves' (b112); kima soft (b114)


The bronzewing dove comes down to the waterhole to drink at dusk, the old man said, and the hunter waits quiet and still nearby with his throwing-stick.

Juku-juku bana-mabi-ka bana-nka kaday wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, balbi-bama ngundu janka bunda karrba, nyungu kalka-bu.

juku-juku bana-mabi-ka bana-nka kaday wujurr-ma-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, balbi-bama ngundu janka bunda karrba, nyungu kalka-bu | bronzewing.dove waterhole-DAT water-PURP come dusk, old-man said, hunt-person near quietly sit hold, his spear-INST

juku-juku bana-mabi wujurr balbi bama ngundu janka bundal kalka

juku-juku 'bronzewing dove'; bana-mabi waterhole (b115); kalka spear (b107); the dove-hunt


The kingfisher and the dove both nest in a hole high in a dead tree, the old woman said, and they line the hollow with soft grass for their young.

Dabuy kuludu-jirr jambulu juku wula-nya bubu-mabi karrkan-ba wuna, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana jikan kima julbi-ba wandi karrkay-nka.

dabuy kuludu-jirr jambulu juku wula-nya bubu-mabi karrkan-ba wuna, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana jikan kima julbi-ba wandi karrkay-nka | kingfisher dove-COMIT both tree die-SUB hole high-LOC lie(nest), old-woman said, 3pl grass soft inside-LOC put young-DAT

dabuy kuludu juku bubu-mabi karrkan jikan kima julbi karrkay

dabuy kingfisher + kuludu dove; bubu-mabi 'hole' (b115); jikan grass; julbi inside (b109); tree-hollow nest


The old woman knows the season by the birds, the old man said: when the black cockatoo calls the wet is coming, and when the bower bird displays the cold time is near.

Mukul-jalbu wungar-jarra buyi-bu binal, mukul-dingkar balkan: kadanji yirrka-nya kaba kada-nya, jurriyan yanyul-nya bulur-iji ngundu-nya.

mukul-jalbu wungar-jarra buyi-bu binal, mukul-dingkar balka-ny: kadanji yirrka-nya kaba kaday-nya, jurriyan yanyul-nya bulur-iji ngundu-nya | old-woman season bird-INST know, old-man said: black.cockatoo cry-SUB rain come-SUB, bower.bird display-SUB cold.season near-SUB

mukul jalbu buyi binal kadanji yirrkal kaba jurriyam bulur

reading-the-season-by-birds; kadanji cockatoo; jurriyam bower bird; bulur-iji cold season (b111); bird-calendar


The little swallows build their mud nests up under the rock overhang, the old woman said, and they come back to the very same place every wet season.

Mabal buban kambal-kambal-mu buyi-bubu kulji bada-ba wandi, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana bubu nyubun-ka kada-baja kaba-wungar nyubun-nyubun.

mabal buban kambal-kambal-mu buyi-bubu kulji bada-ba wandi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana bubu nyubun-ka kaday-baja kaba-wungar nyubun-nyubun | swallow small mud-POSS bird-place rock below-LOC put(build), old-woman said, 3pl place one-DAT come-again wet.season each

mabal kambal-kambal kulji bada wandil bubu kaba nyubun

⭐mabal 'swallow'; buyi-bubu 'nest' (bird-place); kambal-kambal mud (b115); the swallows' return each wet


The satin bower bird's feathers shine deep glossy black like still deep water, the old man said, and it loves everything dark and steals it for its bower.

Jurriyan-mu nangki balbal ngumbu yala bana dajali janka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu ngumbu wubulku kuru-jirr, yanyul-bubu-nka mani.

jurriyan-mu nangki balbal ngumbu yala bana dajali janka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu ngumbu wubul-ku kuru-jirr, yanyul-bubu-nka mani | satin.bower.bird-POSS feather shine black like water deep still, old-man said, 3sg dark all love-COMIT, play-place-DAT take(steal)

jurriyan nangki balbal ngumbu yala bana dajali kuru

jurriyan 'satin bower bird'; nangki feather/wing; ngumbu 'glossy black'; kuru-jirr 'with love' (b109/b116)


The children found the bower bird's little avenue of sticks in the scrub, the old woman said, all decorated with shining stones and berries it had gathered.

Karrkay-karrkay jurriyan-mu juku-jandu buban madja-ba nyajin, mukul-jalbu balkan, kulji junda balbal-jirr wubulku nyulu bangka-nya-ba.

karrkay-karrkay jurriyan-mu juku-jandu buban madja-ba nyaji-ny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kulji junda balbal-jirr wubul-ku nyulu bangka-nya-ba | child-REDUP bower.bird-POSS stick-avenue small scrub-LOC see-PAST, old-woman said, stone berry bright-COMIT all 3sg gather-SUB-LOC

karrkay jurriyam juku madja nyajil kulji junda balbal bangka

jurriyam bower bird; juku-jandu 'stick-avenue' (bower); bangka-l gather (b113); the decorated bower


The brolgas dance together on the open floodplain at the end of the wet season, the old woman said, rising and bowing and spreading their great wings.

Kulbal muru jurbu bubu ngalkal jalungkarr-mu-ba kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana wandi bada-ma-l, nangki yalbay ngalkal-ma-l.

kulbal muru jurbu bubu ngalkal jalungkarr-mu-ba kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana wandi bada-ma-l, nangki yalbay ngalkal-ma-l | brolga together dance ground open floodplain-POSS-LOC wet.season finish-SUB, old-woman said, 3pl rise bow(go.down), wing big spread(open)

kulbal muru jurbu bubu ngalkal jalungkarr kunbayn nangki yalbay

⭐kulbal 'brolga'; jurbu dance (b116); jalungkarr floodplain (b116); nangki wing; kunbayn finish (b114); the brolga dance


The wild geese fly over in a great long line honking in the morning, the old man said, going from the drying swamp to the big lagoon in the north.

Jamarbina wubul jiri-ba karra marri-ba marra-warri yirrka wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, daburr marral-ma-nya-muny bana yalbay-ka jarba-warra dunga.

jamarbina wubul jiri-ba karra marri-ba marra-warri yirrka wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, daburr marral-ma-nya-muny bana yalbay-ka jarba-warra dunga | goose many sky-LOC line long-LOC fly cry morning-LOC, old-man said, swamp dry-INCHO-SUB-ABL water big-DAT north-DIR go

jamarbina wubul jiri karra marra-warri wunkuwingku daburr marral dunga

⭐jamarbina 'goose'; karra line/string; daburr swamp (b?); the goose migration; marral-ma-nya 'drying'


The straw-necked ibis walks through the wet grass probing the mud with its long beak, the old woman said, eating the grasshoppers and small creatures.

Birmba jikan duna-ba jilba kambal-kambal ngandal marri-bu baka, mukul-jalbu balkan, jimu minya buban-jirr nuka.

birmba jikan duna-ba jilba kambal-kambal ngandal marri-bu baka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jimu minya buban-jirr nuka | ibis grass wet-LOC walk mud beak long-INST probe(dig), old-woman said, grasshopper creature small-COMIT eat

birmba jikan duna jilba kambal-kambal ngandal marri bakal jimu

⭐birmba 'straw-necked ibis'; duna wet (b115); ngandal beak (b109); baka-l probe (b113); jimu grasshopper; kambal-kambal mud (b115)


The seashore plover runs along the wet sand at the edge of the waves, the old man said, quick little steps chasing the small crabs the tide leaves behind.

Juril-juril jukar duna-ba mulngku ngandal-ba wanarri, mukul-dingkar balkan, jina buban bila-bu kiju buban yira wuna-nya-ba kanga.

juril-juril jukar duna-ba mulngku ngandal-ba wanarri, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jina buban bila-bu kiju buban yira wuna-nya-ba kanga | plover sand wet-LOC wave edge(mouth)-LOC run, old-man said, foot small fast-INST crab small tide leave-SUB-LOC chase

juril-juril jukar duna mulngku wanarri jina bila kiju kanga

juril-juril 'seashore plover' (b115); mulngku wave (b115); kiju crab (b115); kanga chase (b116); the shore-running plover


The old man said the brolga stands on one leg in the shallow water for a long time, so still, watching for the small fish and the water insects.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: kulbal jina nyubun-bu bana buban-ba bunda marri, janka bajaku, kuyu buban minya bana-mu-jirr nyaji-nyaji.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: kulbal jina nyubun-bu bana buban-ba bunda marri, janka bajaku, kuyu buban minya bana-mu-jirr nyaji-nyaji | old-man said: brolga leg one-INST water shallow-LOC stand(sit) long, still very, fish small insect water-POSS-COMIT keep-watching

kulbal jina nyubun bana bundal marri janka kuyu nyaji-nyaji

kulbal brolga; jina nyubun-bu 'on one leg'; nyaji-nyaji keep-watching (b114); the still-standing brolga


The old woman said the geese know the wet season is ending before the people do, and they gather in great noisy crowds on the shrinking waterholes.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: jamarbina binal kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya bama-muny nyiku, jana muru wubul yirrka junkurr bana-mabi buban-ma-nya-ba.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: jamarbina binal kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya bama-muny nyiku, jana muru wubul yirrka junkurr bana-mabi buban-ma-nya-ba | old-woman said: goose know wet.season finish-SUB person-ABL(before) early, 3pl together many cry loud waterhole small-INCHO-SUB-LOC

jamarbina binal kaba kunbayn bama muru yirrkal bana-mabi

jamarbina goose; binal know (b108); kunbayn finish (b114); the geese-know-the-season; bana-mabi waterhole (b115)


The kingfisher of the mangroves is bigger than the creek kingfisher, the old man said, and it eats the little crabs and mudskippers on the tidal flats.

Dabuy kajul-mu yalbay dabuy bana-jandu-mu-muny, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu kiju buban minya jukar-mu-jirr ngajal-ba nuka.

dabuy kajul-mu yalbay dabuy bana-jandu-mu-muny, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu kiju buban minya jukar-mu-jirr ngajal-ba nuka | kingfisher mangrove-POSS big kingfisher creek-POSS-ABL(than), old-man said, 3sg crab small creature sand-POSS-COMIT low.tide-LOC eat

dabuy kajul yalbay bana-jandu kiju minya jukar ngajal nukal

dabuy kingfisher; kajul mangrove (b115); comparison 'bigger than' (b112); ngajal low tide (b115)


The children watched the ibis flock rise all at once from the swamp when the hawk came over, the old woman said, a great white cloud of beating wings.

Karrkay-karrkay birmba wubul daburr-muny nyubun-bu wandi jinabiju kada-nya-ba nyajin, mukul-jalbu balkan, nangki balbal wubul jiri-ba yala ngurrban.

karrkay-karrkay birmba wubul daburr-muny nyubun-bu wandi jinabiju kaday-nya-ba nyaji-ny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nangki balbal wubul jiri-ba yala ngurrban | child-REDUP ibis many swamp-ABL together rise goshawk come-SUB-LOC see-PAST, old-woman said, wing white many sky-LOC like cloud

karrkay birmba daburr wandil jinabiju nangki balbal jiri ngurrban

birmba ibis; jinabiju goshawk (b117); nangki wing; yala ngurrban 'like a cloud' (b112); the flock rising


The swallow flies low and fast over the water just before the rain, the old man said, and the old people read the coming weather in the way it flies.

Mabal bana wangkar-a bada bila marra-warri kaba kada-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balkan, mukul-bama wungar kada-nya nyaji nyulu marra-warri-nya-ba.

mabal bana wangkar-a bada bila marra-warri kaba kaday-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, mukul-bama wungar kaday-nya nyaji nyulu marra-warri-nya-ba | swallow water above-LOC low fast fly rain come-before, old-man said, old-person weather come-SUB read 3sg fly-SUB-LOC

mabal bana bila marra-warri kaba mukul bama nyajil

mabal swallow; marra-warri fly (b116); kaba kaday-nyjiku 'before the rain comes' SUCC (b116); reading-weather-by-swallows


The old man said the brolga pairs stay together all their lives, and when one dies the other calls and calls across the empty swamp for many days.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: kulbal jambul muru bunda wuna narmba, nyubun wula-nya, yindu yirrka-yirrka daburr yamba-kari-ba wungar wubul.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: kulbal jambul muru bunda wuna narmba, nyubun wula-nya, yindu yirrka-yirrka daburr yamba-kari-ba wungar wubul | old-man said: brolga two together stay live whole, one die-SUB, other keep-crying swamp nothing-LOC day many

kulbal jambul muru bundal wulal yindu yirrka-yirrka daburr wungar

kulbal brolga; brolgas-mate-for-life; yamba-kari 'nothing/empty' (b110); yirrka-yirrka keep-calling (b114)


The children learned every water bird by name, the old woman said, the brolga and the goose and the ibis and the plover, and where each one feeds and nests.

Karrkay-karrkay bana-buyi wubulku burri binal, mukul-jalbu balkan, kulbal jamarbina birmba juril-juril-jirr, wanja nyubun-nyubun nuka buyi-bubu bunga-nya.

karrkay-karrkay bana-buyi wubul-ku burri binal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kulbal jamarbina birmba juril-juril-jirr, wanja nyubun-nyubun nuka buyi-bubu bunga-nya | child-REDUP water-bird all name know, old-woman said, brolga goose ibis plover-COMIT, where each eat bird-place make-SUB

karrkay bana buyi burri binal kulbal jamarbina birmba juril-juril

bana-buyi 'water-bird'; full shore inventory; burri name (b109); buyi-bubu 'nest'


The chicken hawk hangs high and still in the wind, the old man said, then drops like a stone on the little bird in the grass.

Jinabiju karrkan-ba janka bunda muyar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan, yinyamun nangki mudu-ma-l, kulji yala bada daray buyi buban jikan-ba.

jinabiju karrkan-ba janka bunda muyar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yinyamun kulji yala bada daray buyi buban jikan-ba | chicken.hawk high-LOC still hang(sit) wind-LOC, old-man said, then stone like down drop(fall) bird small grass-LOC

jinabiju karrkan janka bundal muyar kulji yala daray buyi

⭐jinabiju 'chicken hawk/goshawk'; muyar wind; kulji yala 'like a stone' (b112); daray drop (b116); the hawk's stoop


The kestrel hovers in one place beating its wings fast, the old woman said, its sharp eyes fixed on the ground, watching for a grasshopper or a small lizard.

Kalin-kalin bubu nyubun-ka nangki bila-bu jurrki-jurrki, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyungu miyil jarran bubu-ba wandi, jimu bajuy buban-jirr nyaji-nyaji.

kalin-kalin bubu nyubun-ka nangki bila-bu jurrki-jurrki, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyungu miyil jarran bubu-ba wandi, jimu bajuy buban-jirr nyaji-nyaji | kestrel place one-DAT wing fast-INST beat(turn-REDUP), old-woman said, its eye sharp ground-LOC put(fix), grasshopper lizard small-COMIT keep-watching

kalin-kalin bubu nangki bila miyil jarran jimu bajuy nyaji-nyaji

⭐kalin-kalin 'hawk/kestrel'; miyil jarran 'sharp eye' (b109/b113); jimu grasshopper (b?); bajuy lizard (b?); the hovering kestrel


The old man showed the boy how to take the feathers from the black cockatoo for the dance headband, the bright red tail feathers most prized of all.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay balkan kadanji-mu nangki mani-nka jurbu-walu-nka, banda nangki ngala-ngala balbal wubulku-muny ngulkurr bajaku.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balka-ny kadanji-mu nangki mani-nka jurbu-walu-nka, banda nangki ngala-ngala balbal wubul-ku-muny ngulkurr bajaku | old-man-ERG:pt child show cockatoo-POSS feather take-PURP dance-head-DAT, tail feather red bright all-ABL good very

mukul karrkay kadanji nangki jurbu walu banda ngala-ngala balbal

kadanji black cockatoo; nangki feather; banda tail (b117); jurbu-walu 'dance-headband'; ngala-ngala red (b?); the prized tail-feathers


The old woman said the crow watches everything and remembers, and if you are cruel to one crow, the whole mob will know your face and scold you for years.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: kalbu wubulku nyaji-nyaji milka-karrba, kaki yundu kalbu nyubun-ka buyun-mal, kalbu narmba yundu walu binal, yirrka-yirrka wungar wubul.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: kalbu wubul-ku nyaji-nyaji milka-karrba, kaki yundu kalbu nyubun-ka buyun-mal, kalbu narmba yundu walu binal, yirrka-yirrka wungar wubul | old-woman said: crow all keep-watching remember, if you crow one-DAT cruel(bad-do), crow all your face know, keep-scolding day many

kalbu nyaji-nyaji milka kaki buyun walu binal yirrka-yirrka

kalbu crow; milka-karrba 'remember' (ear-hold, b109); kaki 'if' (b116); crows-remember-faces; walu binal 'know the face'


The old man taught that the wing bones of the big birds make the best whistles, the cassowary and the brolga and the black cockatoo.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan buyi yalbay-mu nangki bajibay ngulkurr bajaku kuwimbur-nka, kurranji kulbal kadanji-jirr.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny buyi yalbay-mu nangki bajibay ngulkurr bajaku kuwimbur-nka, kurranji kulbal kadanji-jirr | old-man-ERG:pt teach bird big-POSS wing bone good very whistle-DAT, cassowary brolga cockatoo-COMIT

mukul buyi yalbay nangki bajibay kurranji kulbal kadanji

nangki bajibay 'wing-bone'; bajibay bone (b116); kuwimbur whistle; wing-bone whistles; the three big birds


The bird that calls its own name in the scrub at midday is the one the old people listen for, the old woman said, for it tells where the wild honey is.

Buyi nyungu burri madja-ba wungar wangkar-wangkar-a yirrka-nya, mukul-bama milka-janay, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu balka wanja ngamurr wuna-nya.

buyi nyungu burri madja-ba wungar wangkar-wangkar-a yirrka-nya, mukul-bama milka-janay, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu balka wanja ngamurr wuna-nya | bird its name scrub-LOC midday-LOC cry-SUB, old-person listen, old-woman said, 3sg tell where honey lie-SUB

buyi burri madja wangkar-wangkar yirrkal mukul milka-janay ngamurr wanja

the honey-guide bird; burri name (b109); milka-janay listen (b109); wangkar-wangkar midday (b111); ngamurr honey (b114)


The old man said a small plain bird in the scrub can throw the calls of many other birds, so that you think a whole flock is there when it is only one.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: buyi buban madja-ba buyi yindu-yindu-mu yirrka wubul balka, yundu milka-ma-l buyi wubul yaluy, nyubun-bu.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: buyi buban madja-ba buyi yindu-yindu-mu yirrka wubul balka, yundu milka-ma-l buyi wubul yaluy, nyubun-bu | old-man said: bird small scrub-LOC bird other-REDUP-POSS call many make(throw), you think bird many here, one-INST(only)

buyi buban madja yindu yirrkal wubul milka yaluy nyubun

the mimic bird (spotted catbird/scrubwren); yindu-yindu 'many others' (b112); milka-ma-l 'think' (b109); throwing-others'-calls


The old woman said never rob a bird of all its young, but take only one or two and leave the rest, so there will be birds again next season.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: buyi-mu karrkay narmba baluda mani, nyubun jambul-bu mani kanbal wuna, buyi kada-baja wungar-jarra yindu-ngu.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: buyi-mu karrkay narmba baluda mani, nyubun jambul-bu mani kanbal wuna, buyi kaday-baja wungar-jarra yindu-ngu | old-woman said: bird-POSS young whole don't take, one two-INST take some leave, bird come-again season other-LOC

buyi karrkay baluda manil nyubun jambul kanbal kaday

buyi bird; baluda 'don't' PROHIB (b110); kanbal wuna 'leave some' (b112); take-only-a-few law (echoes sea-law b115)


The frogmouth's wide flat mouth opens like a great trap in the night, the old man said, and it takes the beetles and flying insects right out of the air.

Bulnja-mu ngandal yalbay balbal wujurr-ba ngalkal-ma-l, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu ngirran minya buban-jirr jiri-muny mani.

bulnja-mu ngandal yalbay balbal wujurr-ba ngalkal-ma-l, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu ngirran minya buban-jirr jiri-muny mani | frogmouth-POSS mouth big flat night-LOC open-INCHO, old-man said, 3sg beetle creature small-COMIT air(sky)-ABL take

bulnja ngandal yalbay wujurr ngalkal ngirran minya jiri

bulnja frogmouth; ngandal mouth (b109); ngirran beetle; the frogmouth's gape


The old man said the little birds all fall silent at once when the goshawk comes, and that sudden silence is how you know the hawk is near.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: buyi buban wubulku nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn jinabiju kada-nya-ba, yinya balka-kari yundu binal jinabiju ngundu-nya.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: buyi buban wubul-ku nyubun-bu yirrka kunbayn jinabiju kaday-nya-ba, yinya balka-kari yundu binal jinabiju ngundu-nya | old-man said: bird small all together cry finish goshawk come-SUB-LOC, that talk-PRIV you know goshawk near-SUB

buyi buban yirrkal kunbayn jinabiju balka binal ngundu

jinabiju goshawk; yirrka kunbayn 'fall silent' (kunbayn finish b114); balka-kari 'silence' PRIV (b110); the silence-warns-of-the-hawk


The old woman knew the cassowary was near when she found its huge three-toed track and the piles of dark seed it leaves behind on the forest floor.

Mukul-jalbu binalman kurranji ngundu-nya, nyulu jina yalbay kulur-jina-jirr nyajin madja bada-ba, diburr ngumbu nyulu wuna-nya-ba.

mukul-jalbu binal-ma-ny kurranji ngundu-nya, nyulu jina yalbay kulur-jina-jirr nyaji-ny madja bada-ba, diburr ngumbu nyulu wuna-nya-ba | old-woman know-INCHO-PAST cassowary near-SUB, 3sg foot big three-toe-COMIT see-PAST scrub floor-LOC, seed dark 3sg leave-SUB-LOC

mukul binal kurranji ngundu jina kulur nyajil madja diburr ngala-ngala

kurranji cassowary; kulur-jina 'three-toe' (kulur three b116); tracking-the-cassowary; diburr seed (b113); binal-ma-ny 'realised'


So the old man named the whole bird world for the boy — cassowary and cockatoo, kingfisher and dove, brolga and hawk and the little night-crying curlew — every one a teacher of the country.

Yala mukul-dingkarangka buyi bubu narmba karrkay-nka burri — kurranji kadanji-jirr, dabuy kuludu-jirr, kulbal jinabiju kuyir buban wujurr-banbadi-jirr — nyubun-nyubun bubu-mu binal-bama.

yala mukul-dingkar-angka buyi bubu narmba karrkay-nka burri — kurranji kadanji-jirr, dabuy kuludu-jirr, kulbal jinabiju kuyir buban wujurr-banbadi-jirr — nyubun-nyubun bubu-mu binal-bama | thus old-man-ERG:pt bird country whole child-DAT name — cassowary cockatoo, kingfisher dove, brolga goshawk curlew small night-crying-COMIT — each country-POSS knowledge-person(teacher)

yala mukul buyi bubu karrkay burri kurranji kadanji dabuy kulbal

⭐full bird inventory: kurranji/kadanji/dabuy/kuludu/kulbal/jinabiju/kuyir; burri name (b109); each-bird-a-teacher


The boy wants to learn to hunt, the old man said, so every morning he takes him into the scrub to look for the wallaby.

Karrkay wawu balbi-nka binal-ma-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, wunkuwingku nyubun-nyubun nyulu karrkay madja-ka wundi kadar nyaji-nka.

karrkay wawu balbi-nka binal-ma-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, wunkuwingku nyubun-nyubun nyulu karrkay madja-ka wundi kadar nyaji-nka | child want hunt-PURP know-INCHO-PURP, old-man said, morning each 3sg child scrub-DAT take wallaby look.for-PURP

karrkay wawu balbi binal mukul wunkuwingku madja wundil kadar jina

⭐wawu 'want' + PURP (§4.9.1); balbi-nka 'to hunt'; binal-ma-nka 'to learn'; kadar wallaby (b117); nyaji-nka 'to look for'


The child wants food and is crying with hunger, the old woman said, so cook the little fish quickly before it grows dark.

Karrkay wawu mayi-nka, dakuy-bu banbadi, mukul-jalbu balkan, kuyu buban bila waju wujurr kada-nyjiku.

karrkay wawu mayi-nka, dakuy-bu banbadi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kuyu buban bila waju wujurr kaday-nyjiku | child want food-PURP, hunger-INST keep-crying, old-woman said, fish small fast cook night come-before

karrkay wawu mayi dakuy banbadi kuyu bila wajul wujurr

wawu + mayi-nka 'want food' (DAT complement); dakuy hungry (b114); banbadi keep-crying (b114); waju-l cook


The old man knows how to make a strong, well-made spear from the black palm, the old woman said, and he can throw it further than any young man.

Mukul-dingkar binal kalka junkurr ngulkurr bunga-nka duwar-mu, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu dama kala-kalbay-ka warru wubulku-muny.

mukul-dingkar binal kalka junkurr ngulkurr bunga-nka duwar-mu, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu dama kala-kalbay-ka warru wubul-ku-muny | old-man know spear strong good make-PURP black.palm-POSS, old-woman said, 3sg throw far-DAT young.man all-ABL(than)

mukul binal kalka junkurr dungkarr bunga duwar damal kala-kalbay warru

⭐binal + bunga-nka 'know how to make' (ability + PURP); duwar black-palm (b?); dama throw further than (comparison b112)


The little child tried and tried to make fire, the old man said, but the wood was too wet and no smoke would come.

Karrkay buban babal-babal buri bunga-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba juku duna bajaku, kubu kari ngalkal-ma-l.

karrkay buban babal-babal buri bunga-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba juku duna bajaku, kubu kari ngalkal-ma-l | child small try-REDUP fire fire.stick-INST make-PURP, old-man said, but wood wet very, smoke NEG out-INCHO

karrkay babal buri kindu bunga juku duna kubu ngalkal

⭐babal 'try' + bunga-nka; babal-babal 'try and try' (redup b114); duna wet (b115); kubu smoke (b109)


The young man wants the woman from the coast for his wife, the old man said, so he has brought fish and turtle meat to her people.

Warru wawu jalbu jalun-mu-nka nyungu biwar-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu kuyu ngawiya minya-jirr nyungu bama-nka kadan.

warru wawu jalbu jalun-mu-nka nyungu biwar-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu kuyu ngawiya minya-jirr nyungu bama-nka kada-ny | young.man want woman coast-POSS-DAT his wife-DAT, old-man said, 3sg fish sea.turtle meat-COMIT her people-DAT bring(come)-PAST

warru wawu jalbu jalun daya kuyu ngawiya minya bama

wawu 'want' (DAT complement 'the woman'); biwar 'wife'; jalun sea/coast (b102); bride-gift


Do you know how to weave a good dilly-bag from the vine yet, the old woman asked the girl, or must I teach you the whole way of it?

Yundu binal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka wangay-mu niji, mukul-jalbu jalbu nyajin, ngayu yununy binal-bungal narmba-nka?

yundu binal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka wangay-mu niji, mukul-jalbu jalbu nyaji-ny, ngayu yundu binal-bungal narmba-nka? | you know dilly.bag good weave-PURP vine-POSS now, old-woman girl(ABS) ask, I you teach whole-PURP?

binal ngunyin jaba wangay niji mukul jalbu binal-bungal narmba

binal + jaba-nka 'know how to weave'; ngunyin dilly-bag (b107); wangay vine (b113); binal-bungal 'teach' (make-know)


The boy tried to spear the fast fish in the clear pool, the old man said, but he threw too soon and the fish darted away under the rock.

Karrkay babal kuyu bila dama-nka bana balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba nyulu nyiku-nyiku-bu dama, kuyu wanarri kulji bada-ba.

karrkay babal kuyu bila dama-nka bana balbal-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba nyulu nyiku-nyiku-bu dama, kuyu wanarri kulji bada-ba | child try fish fast spear-PURP water clear-LOC, old-man said, but 3sg soon-INST throw, fish dart rock below-LOC

karrkay babal kuyu bila dama bana balbal wanarri kulji

babal + dama-nka 'try to spear'; bila fast (b112); wanarri dart (b114); the boy's missed throw


The old people want the children to learn all the old ways, the old woman said, before the last of them who remember are gone into the ground.

Mukul-bama wawu karrkay-karrkay bubu-mu yalaku wubulku binal-ma-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, mukul binalku-bama kunbayn bubu-ngu wuna-nyjiku.

mukul-bama wawu karrkay-karrkay bubu-mu yalaku wubul-ku binal-ma-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, mukul binalku-bama kunbayn bubu-ngu wuna-nyjiku | old-person want child-REDUP country-POSS way all learn-INCHO-PURP, old-woman said, elder remember-person finish ground-LOC lie-before

mukul wawu karrkay bubu binal binalku kunbayn bubu wunay

wawu + [children] binal-ma-nka 'want the children to learn'; binalku-bama 'the rememberers'; before-they-die


The little boy does not know how to swim yet, the old woman warned, so keep him in the shallow water where he can stand on the sand.

Karrkay buban binal-kari maraji-nka niji, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu bana buban-ba karrba, wanja nyulu jukar-a janjanay.

karrkay buban binal-kari maraji-nka niji, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu bana buban-ba karrba, wanja nyulu jukar-a janjanay | child small know-PRIV swim-PURP now, old-woman said, 3sg water shallow-LOC keep, where 3sg sand-LOC keep-standing

karrkay binal maraji niji mukul bana karrbal jukar janjanay

binal-kari 'not know how' (PRIV of ability b110); maraji swim (b115); janjanay keep-standing (b114); jukar sand (b107)


The girl wants to go with her mother to dig the yams in the soft ground by the river, the old woman said.

Jalbu buban wawu ngamu-jirr dunga-nka bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-ba bana-jandu-ngka, mukul-jalbu balkan.

jalbu buban wawu ngamu-jirr dunga-nka bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-ba bana-jandu-ngka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | girl small want mother-COMIT go-PURP yam dig-PURP ground soft-LOC creek-LOC, old-woman said

jalbu wawu ngamu dunga bambayal baka bubu kima bana-jandu

wawu + dunga-nka 'want to go' + baka-nka 'to dig' (stacked purposives); bambayal yam (b113); baka-l dig (b113); kima soft (b114)


Try to walk very quietly on the soft sand, the hunter whispered to the boy, or the sharp-eared wallaby will hear us and be gone.

Babal janka bajaku jilba-nka jukar kima-ba, balbi-bama karrkay-nka janka balkan, kadar milka-junkurr ngana milka-janay wanarri-nyji.

babal janka bajaku jilba-nka jukar kima-ba, balbi-bama karrkay-nka janka balka-ny, kadar milka-junkurr ngana milka-janay wanarri-nyji | try quietly very walk-PURP sand soft-LOC, hunt-person child-DAT quietly say, wallaby ear-strong us hear run-lest

babal janka jilba jukar balbi kadar milka milka-janay wanarri

babal + jilba-nka 'try to walk'; milka-junkurr 'sharp-eared' (ear-strong); milka-janay hear (b109); wanarri-nyji 'lest it run' (b116)


The old woman knows how to find water even in the driest country, the old man said, by the green trees and the tracks of the birds and the bees.

Mukul-jalbu binal bana mani-nka bubu marral bajaku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, juku biral-bu buyi dabu-mu jina-bu.

mukul-jalbu binal bana mani-nka bubu marral bajaku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, juku biral-bu buyi dabu-mu jina-bu | old-woman know water find-PURP country dry very-LOC, old-man said, tree green-INST bird bee-POSS track-INST

mukul binal bana manil marral juku buyi ngamurr jina

binal + mani-nka 'know how to find'; marral dry (b111); dabu 'bee'; jina track (b109)


I want to eat now, said the hungry child, but the old man said you must wait, for the meat is not yet cooked right through.

Ngayu wawu niji nuka-nka, karrkay dakuy balkan, yamba mukul-dingkar balkan yundu bunda, minya kari-rrku waju-n narmba.

ngayu wawu niji nuka-nka, karrkay dakuy balka-ny, yamba mukul-dingkar balka-ny yundu bunda, minya kari-rrku waju-n narmba | 1sg want now eat-PURP, child hungry said, but old-man said you wait(sit), meat not-really cook-PAST whole

wawu niji nukal karrkay dakuy mukul bundal minya wajul

wawu + nuka-nka 'want to eat'; niji now (b111); dakuy hungry (b114); kari-rrku 'not really' (b110); wait-for-the-meat


The young man tried to carry the whole turtle up the beach by himself, the old man said, but it was far too heavy, so his brother came to help him.

Warru babal ngawiya narmba jukar-a jarra-kulba-nka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba kulngkul bajaku, nyungu yaba kaday mara-dajil-nka.

warru babal ngawiya narmba jukar-a jarra-kulba-nka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba kulngkul bajaku, nyungu yaba kaday mara-dajil-nka | young.man try sea.turtle whole beach-LOC carry-PURP alone, old-man said, but heavy very, his elder.brother come help-PURP

warru babal ngawiya jukar jarra-kulba nyubun kulngkul yaba mara-dajil

babal + jarra-kulba-nka 'try to carry'; kulngkul heavy (b?); yaba elder brother (b?); mara-dajil-nka 'to help' (help b118)


The old man teaches the boy how to read the tracks in the sand, the old woman said, whose track it is and and which way it went.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar-mu nyaji-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, wanyu-mu jina, wanja-warra dunga-n.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar-mu nyaji-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wanyu-mu jina, wanja-warra dunga-n | old-man-ERG:pt child teach track sand-POSS read-PURP, old-woman said, who-POSS track, where-DIR go-PAST

mukul karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar nyajil wanyu wanja

⭐binal-bungal 'teach' (make-know) + nyaji-nka complement; jina track (b109); wanyu who (b108); reading-tracks


The old woman told the children to gather plenty of firewood before dark, the old man said, for the night would be cold and long.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka balkan juku-buri wubul bangka-nka wujurr kada-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balkan, wujurr ngiki marri-bu.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay balka-ny juku-buri wubul bangka-nka wujurr kaday-nyjiku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, wujurr ngiki marri-bu | old-woman-ERG:pt child-REDUP(DAT) tell firewood many gather-PURP night come-before, old-man said, night cold long-INST

mukul jalbu karrkay balkal buri wubul bangka wujurr ngiki

⭐balka 'tell (to)' + bangka-nka complement (addressee = children); juku-buri firewood; bangka-l gather (b113)


The mother sent the cooked food to the old people at the far camp with the two girls, the old woman said, so no elder would go hungry that night.

Ngamu-ngku mayi waju-n mukul-bama-nka bayan kala-kalbay-ka yunga jalbu jambul-anda, mukul-jalbu balkan, kari mukul dakuy wuna wujurr yinya.

ngamu-ngku mayi waju-n mukul-bama-nka bayan kala-kalbay-ka yunga jalbu jambul-anda, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kari mukul dakuy wuna wujurr yinya | mother-ERG:pt food cook-PAST old-person-DAT camp far-DAT send girl two-LOC:pt, old-woman said, NEG elder hungry lie night that

ngamu mayi wajul mukul bayan yungal jalbu jambul dakuy

⭐yungal 'send' (thing + carrier-LOC, ex.273); mukul-bama-nka 'to the old people' (DAT goal); jambul-anda 'with the two' (LOC:pt)


Teach me how to make fire, the boy said to the old man, and I will never be cold in the night again.

Nganya binal-bungal buri bunga-nka, karrkay mukul-dingkar-nka balkan, ngayu kari ngiki wujurr-ba yindu-baja.

ngayu binal-bungal buri bunga-nka, karrkay mukul-dingkar-nka balka-ny, ngayu kari ngiki wujurr-ba yindu-baja | me(ACC) teach fire fire.stick-INST make-PURP, child old-man-DAT said, 1sg NEG cold night-LOC other-again

binal-bungal buri kindu bunga karrkay mukul ngiki wujurr

binal-bungal 'teach me' + bunga-nka complement; kindu fire-stick; teach-me-to-make-fire; yindu-baja 'again'


The old man told the young men to go out beyond the reef and hunt the big turtle, the old woman said, but to come back before the tide turned.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-warru-nka balkan dulngku-muny kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nka ngawiya yalbay balbi-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba yira nyunba-nyjiku kada-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru balka-ny dulngku-muny kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nka ngawiya yalbay balbi-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba yira nyunba-nyjiku kada-nka | old-man-ERG:pt young.man-REDUP tell reef-ABL far-DAT go-PURP sea.turtle big hunt-PURP, old-woman said, but tide turn-before come-PURP

mukul warru balkal dulngku dunga ngawiya balbi yira nyunbay

balka 'tell to' + dunga-nka + balbi-nka (stacked purposive commands); nyunba-nyjiku 'before the tide turns' (b116)


The old man sent a message to the other camp with the fast young runner, the old woman said, to call the people to the big meeting at the full moon.

Mukul-dingkarangka kuku yunga-n bayan yindu-nka warru bila-anda, mukul-jalbu balkan, bama muru yalbay-ka burri-nka kija murru-murru-ba.

mukul-dingkar-angka kuku yunga-n bayan yindu-nka warru bila-anda, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bama muru yalbay-ka burri-nka kija murru-murru-ba | old-man-ERG:pt word send-PAST camp other-DAT young.man fast-LOC:pt, old-woman said, person gathering big-DAT call-PURP moon round-LOC

mukul kuku yungal bayan yindu warru bila burri kija

⭐yungal 'send a message' (kuku 'word' + carrier bila-anda, ex.274); burri-nka 'to call'; kija murru-murru full moon (b111)


The grandmother teaches the girls how to weave the fine dilly-bags, the old woman said, the work of the hands that the old women hold.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku jalbu-jalbu binal-bungal ngunyin jaba-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, mara-mu wawu mukul-jalbu-mu karrba-nya.

mukul-jalbu-ngku jalbu-jalbu binal-bungal ngunyin jaba-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, mara-mu wawu mukul-jalbu-mu karrba-nya | old-woman-ERG:pt girl-REDUP teach dilly.bag weave-PURP, old-woman said, hand-POSS work old-woman-POSS hold-SUB

mukul jalbu binal-bungal ngunyin jimba jaba mara karrbal

binal-bungal + jaba-nka 'teach to weave'; mara-mu wawu 'work of the hands'; women's craft


The old woman told the child not to go near the deep water alone, the old man said, and the child remembered and stayed up on the safe bank.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-nka balkan bana dajali-ka nyubun-bu baluda dunga, mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay binalku bundanday bubu junkurr-ba.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay balka-ny bana dajali-ka nyubun-bu baluda dunga, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay binalku bundanday bubu junkurr-ba | old-woman-ERG:pt child tell water deep-DAT alone don't go, old-man said, child remember stay ground safe(strong)-LOC

mukul jalbu karrkay bana dajali baluda dunga binalku bundanday

balka 'tell' + baluda 'don't' (prohibitive command b110); binalku 'remember' (b118); bundanday stay (b114)


The old man taught the boy every star in the night sky, the old woman said, and how to hold his path by them when he walks in the dark.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay dawar wubulku jiri wujurr-mu binal-bungal, mukul-jalbu balkan, jina nyungu karrba-nka dawar-bu nyulu wujurr-ba jilba-nya.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay dawar wubul-ku jiri wujurr-mu binal-bungal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jina nyungu karrba-nka dawar-bu nyulu wujurr-ba jilba-nya | old-man-ERG:pt child star all sky night-POSS teach, old-woman said, path his hold-PURP star-INST 3sg night-LOC walk-SUB

mukul karrkay dawar jiri binal-bungal jina karrbal wujurr jilba

binal-bungal 'teach the stars' + karrba-nka complement; dawar star (b111); jina 'path' (foot/track); star-navigation


Send the boy down to the creek to fetch water in the big dilly-bag, the old woman said, and tell him to come straight back and not to play.

Karrkay yunga bana-jandu-ka bana mani-nka ngunyin yalbay-bu, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyungunku balka nyiku-nyiku kada-nka, baluda wawu-ma-l.

karrkay yunga bana-jandu-ka bana mani-nka ngunyin yalbay-bu, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyungu balka nyiku-nyiku kada-nka, baluda wawu-ma-l | child send creek-DAT water get-PURP dilly.bag big-INST, old-woman said, him(DAT) tell soon come-PURP, don't play-INCHO

karrkay yungal bana-jandu bana manil ngunyin balkal baluda wawu

yungal 'send' + mani-nka 'to fetch'; balka 'tell' + kada-nka + baluda 'don't'; send-the-boy-for-water


The father teaches his son the man's law and the way of the spear, the old man said, and the mother teaches the daughter the woman's law and the way of the dilly-bag.

Nganjan-ngku warru-karrkay binal-bungal dingkar-mu yalaku kalka-mu-jirr, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngamu-ngku jalbu-karrkay binal-bungal jalbu-mu yalaku ngunyin-mu-jirr.

nganjan-ngku warru-karrkay binal-bungal dingkar-mu yalaku kalka-mu-jirr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngamu-ngku jalbu-karrkay binal-bungal jalbu-mu yalaku ngunyin-mu-jirr | father-ERG:pt son teach man-POSS way spear-POSS-COMIT, old-man said, mother-ERG:pt daughter teach woman-POSS way dilly.bag-POSS-COMIT

nganjan warru binal-bungal dingkar jangan kalka ngamu jalbu ngunyin

binal-bungal 'teach' (parallel father/mother); jangan 'way/manner'; dingkar-mu/jalbu-mu yalaku 'the man's/woman's law'


Tell the children to sit down quietly and listen, the old woman said, while the old people talk the old talk by the evening fire.

Karrkay-karrkay-nka balka janka bunda-nka milka-janay-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, mukul-bama balka-balka wujurr-ma-nya buri-ngka.

karrkay-karrkay balka janka bunda-nka milka-janay-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, mukul-bama balka-balka wujurr-ma-nya buri-ngka | child-REDUP tell quietly sit-PURP listen-PURP, old-woman said, old-person keep-talking evening fire-LOC

karrkay balkal janka bundal milka-janay mukul wujurr buri

balka 'tell' + bunda-nka + milka-janay-nka (sit and listen); balka-balka keep-talking (b114); evening-fire teaching


The old man was sent as a young boy far to the south, the old woman said, to learn the deep songs from the great old singers of that country.

Mukul-dingkar warru buban-nya kala-kalbay jarba-warra yunga-n, mukul-jalbu balkan, wulngku dajali binal-ma-nka mukul-bama yalbay bubu yinya-mu-muny.

mukul-dingkar warru buban-nya kala-kalbay jarba-warra yunga-n, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wulngku dajali binal-ma-nka mukul-bama yalbay bubu yinya-mu-muny | old-man young.man small-SUB(when) far south yunga-PAST, old-woman said, song deep learn-INCHO-PURP elder big country that-POSS-ABL

mukul warru kala-kalbay yungal wulngku dajali binal bubu

yungal 'send' (passive: was sent) + binal-ma-nka 'to learn'; wulngku song (b115); dajali deep (b112); sent-to-learn-songs


The two brothers helped each other carry the heavy turtle up the steep sand to the camp, the old man said, for neither could lift it alone.

Yaba-jarra jambul mara-dajil-wari ngawiya kulngkul jukar jarra-jarra-ka jarra-kulba-nka bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyubun-bu kari wandi.

yaba-jarra jambul mara-dajil-wari ngawiya kulngkul jukar jarra-jarra-ka jarra-kulba-nka bayan-ka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyubun-bu kari wandi | brother-pair two help-RECIP sea.turtle heavy sand high-DAT carry-PURP camp-DAT, old-man said, alone NEG lift

yaba jambul mara-dajil ngawiya kulngkul jarra-kulba bayan nyubun

⭐mara-dajil 'help' (hand-give) + RECIP -wari 'help each other' (b74); kulngkul heavy; carrying-together


The long hot dry season makes the ground hard as stone, the old woman said, and the yams go deep and are very hard to dig.

Marral-wungar marri wungar-iji-ngku bubu junkurr kulji yala dandi-bungal, mukul-jalbu balkan, bambayal dajali dunga, baka buyun bajaku.

marral-wungar marri wungar-iji-ngku bubu junkurr kulji yala dandi-bungal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bambayal dajali dunga, baka buyun bajaku | dry.season long hot-ERG:pt ground hard stone like make-hard(CAUS), old-woman said, yam deep go, dig hard very

marral wungar bubu junkurr kulji dandi bambayal dajali bakal

⭐CAUS dandi-bungal 'makes hard' (dandi hard b114 + CAUS); marral-wungar dry season (b111); baka-l dig (b113)


Let the tired child sleep by the fire, the old woman said, do not wake him for the food, he can eat when he wakes in the morning.

Balu karrkay baja-burray buri-ngka wuna, mukul-jalbu balkan, baluda mayi-nka kulbul-mani, nyulu nuka wunkuwingku-ba wandi-nya-muny.

balu karrkay baja-burray buri-ngka wuna, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, baluda mayi-nka kulbul-mani, nyulu nuka wunkuwingku-ba wandi-nya-muny | let child tired fire-LOC sleep, old-woman said, don't food-PURP wake-CAUS, 3sg eat morning-LOC rise-SUB-ABL

balu karrkay baja-burray buri wunay baluda mayi nukal wunkuwingku

⭐balu 'let (be)' (ex.570 Balu dungay!); balu wuna 'let him sleep'; baja-burray tired (b116); wandi 'rise/wake'


The old women help the young mother look after the new baby, the old man said, so that she can rest and gather her strength again.

Mukul-jalbu-jalbu-ngku jalbu warru-ngamu mara-dajil karrkay jirakal nyaji-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu bundanday junkurr kada-baja-nka.

mukul-jalbu-jalbu-ngku jalbu warru-ngamu mara-dajil karrkay jirakal nyaji-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu bundanday junkurr kada-baja-nka | old-woman-REDUP-ERG:pt woman young-mother help child new watch-PURP, old-man said, 3sg rest strong come-again-PURP

mukul jalbu warru ngamu mara-dajil karrkay jibarr nyajil bundanday

mara-dajil 'help' + nyaji-nka 'to watch'; warru-ngamu 'young mother'; jirakal new; helping-the-new-mother


The fire makes the green sappy wood dry out, the old man said, so lay it close by the coals in the evening and it will burn well by morning.

Buri-ngku juku biral bana-jirr marral-bungal, mukul-dingkar balkan, kubu ngundu-ba wandi wujurr-ma-nya, wunkuwingku-ba ngulkurr waju-l-ma-l.

buri-ngku juku biral bana-jirr marral-bungal, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kubu ngundu-ba wandi wujurr-ma-nya, wunkuwingku-ba ngulkurr waju-l-ma-l | fire-ERG:pt wood green water-COMIT make-dry(CAUS), old-man said, coal near-LOC put evening, morning-LOC good burn-INCHO

buri juku bana marral kubu ngundu wandil wujurr wunkuwingku

CAUS marral-bungal 'makes dry' (marral dry b111 + CAUS); drying-the-green-wood; kubu coal (b109)


Let the dog go now, the old man said, it will follow the blood and find the speared wallaby for us in the thick scrub.

Balu kaya niji dunga, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu mula jina-bu kadar dama-nya ngana-nka mani madja junkurr-ba.

balu kaya niji dunga, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu mula jina-bu kadar dama-nya ngana-nka mani madja junkurr-ba | let dog now go, old-man said, 3sg blood follow(track)-INST wallaby spear-SUB us-DAT find scrub thick-LOC

balu kaya dunga mula jina kadar bujal madja

balu 'let the dog go' (balu dunga, ex.570); kaya dog (b116); mula blood (b109); the tracking-dog


Everyone in the camp helped to build the new shelter before the first heavy rains of the wet season came, the old woman said.

Bama bayan-mu wubulku mara-dajil wurun jirakal bunga-nka kaba yalbay kaba-wungar-mu kada-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balkan.

bama bayan-mu wubul-ku mara-dajil wurun jirakal bunga-nka kaba yalbay kaba-wungar-mu kaday-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny | person camp-POSS all help shelter new make-PURP rain big wet.season-POSS come-before, old-woman said

bama bayan mara-dajil ngudan jibarr bunga kaba kaba-wungar

mara-dajil + bunga-nka 'help to build'; wurun humpy; jirakal new; before-the-wet-came


Do not chase the frightened bird about, the old woman told the children, let it be and sit quiet, and soon it will settle and come down close.

Buyi yararri baluda kanga, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay-nka balkan, balu bunda, janka bunda, nyiku-nyiku nyulu bunda-baja ngundu kaday.

buyi yararri baluda kanga, mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-karrkay balka-ny, balu bunda, janka bunda, nyiku-nyiku nyulu bunda-baja ngundu kada | bird frightened don't chase, old-woman-ERG:pt child-REDUP tell, let sit(be), quietly sit, soon 3sg settle near come

buyi yararri baluda kanga balu bundal janka nyiku-nyiku ngundu

baluda 'don't chase' + balu 'let it be' (both b110/b118 negation-let); yararri frightened (b116); kanga chase (b116)


The bitter cold of the night before dawn made the little children shiver in their sleep, the old man said, so the mother built the fire up big.

Wujurr ngiki junkurr wunkuwingku kariku karrkay-karrkay buban yararri-bungal wuna-nya-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, ngamu-ngku buri yalbay bunga.

wujurr ngiki junkurr wunkuwingku kariku karrkay-karrkay buban yararri-bungal wuna-nya-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, ngamu-ngku buri yalbay bunga | night cold strong dawn before child-REDUP small make-shiver(CAUS) sleep-SUB-LOC, old-man said, mother-ERG:pt fire big make

wujurr ngiki junkurr wunkuwingku karrkay yararri ngamu buri bunga

CAUS yararri-bungal 'made them shiver' (yararri shiver b116 + CAUS); ngiki cold; built-up-the-fire


The old man helped the boy string his very first spear and showed him how to hold it and throw it strong and true.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay mara-dajil kalka nyubun-nya kaja-nka, nyunguny binal-bungal dama-nka junkurr-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay mara-dajil kalka nyubun-nya kaja-nka, nyulu binal-bungal dama-nka junkurr-bu | old-man-ERG:pt child help spear first tie(bind)-PURP, him(ACC) teach throw-PURP strong-INST

mukul karrkay mara-dajil kalka kajal binal-bungal dungkarr dama

mara-dajil + kaja-nka 'help to bind' + binal-bungal + dama-nka 'teach to throw'; the first-spear teaching


Let the turtle meat cook slowly right through in the ground oven, the old woman said, do not hurry it off the hot stones too soon.

Balu ngawiya minya bubu-ba waju narmba, mukul-jalbu balkan, baluda nyiku-nyiku-bu kulji wumbul-muny mani.

balu ngawiya minya bubu-ba waju narmba, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, baluda nyiku-nyiku-bu kulji wumbul-muny mani | let sea.turtle meat ground-LOC cook whole, old-woman said, don't soon-INST stone hot-ABL take

balu ngawiya minya bubu wajul baluda kulji wumbul manil

balu 'let it cook' (balu waju) + baluda 'don't take too soon'; ground-oven (bubu + kulji wumbul); patience


The old woman began to grind the hard seeds on the flat stone at first light, the old man said, and finished the whole heap only at midday.

Mukul-jalbu diburr junkurr kulji balbal-ba murni-nka yudal wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, narmba kunbayn wungar wangkar-wangkar-a nyubun-bu.

mukul-jalbu diburr junkurr kulji balbal-ba murni-nka yudal wunkuwingku-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, narmba kunbayn wungar wangkar-wangkar-a nyubun-bu | old-woman seed hard stone flat-LOC grind-PURP begin dawn-LOC, old-man said, whole finish sun midday-LOC one-INST(only)

mukul diburr junkurr kulji murni yudal kunbayn wungar wangkar-wangkar

⭐yudal 'begin' + murni-nka + kunbayn 'finish' (phasal bracketing b114); murni-l grind (b113); midday (b111)


Do not forget to leave enough behind for the country when you gather, the old man warned, or there will be nothing at all next season.

Baluda milka-wula bubu-nka kanbal wuna-nka bangka-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba-kari yamba wungar-jarra yindu-ngu.

baluda milka-wula bubu-nka kanbal wuna-nka bangka-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba-kari yamba wungar-jarra yindu-ngu | don't forget country-DAT some leave-PURP gather-SUB, old-man said, nothing but season other-LOC

baluda milka-wula bubu kanbal wunay bangka yamba-kari wungar

⭐milka-wulay 'forget' (ear-die) + wuna-nka complement; baluda 'don't forget'; yamba-kari 'nothing' (b110); leave-enough


Remember to fill the big water-bag right up before you cross the dry stony country, the old woman told the young man, or you will go thirsty.

Binalku bana-ngunyin yalbay narmba warmba-nka bubu marral kulji-jirr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu-ngku warru-nka balkan, yundu wawu-wulay-ma-l-nyji.

binalku bana-ngunyin yalbay narmba warmba-nka bubu marral kulji-jirr jilba-nyjiku, mukul-jalbu-ngku warru balka-ny, yundu wawu-wulay-ma-l-nyji | remember water.bag big whole fill-PURP country dry stone-COMIT walk-before, old-woman-ERG:pt young.man(DAT) tell, you thirsty-INCHO-lest

binalku bana ngunyin warmba marral kulji jilba wawu-wulay

⭐binalku 'remember' + warmba-nka complement; wawu-wulay 'thirsty' (b116); jilba-nyjiku 'before crossing' (b116)


The heavy rain began again in the afternoon, the old man said, and it did not finish falling until the sun came up the next morning.

Kaba yalbay yudal-baja wungar wujurr-ma-nya-ka, mukul-dingkar balkan, kari kunbayn daray wungar wandi-nya-muny wunkuwingku yindu-ngu.

kaba yalbay yudal-baja wungar wujurr-ma-nya-ka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, kari kunbayn daray wungar wandi-nya-muny wunkuwingku yindu-ngu | rain big begin-again sun dusk-DAT, old-man said, NEG finish fall sun rise-SUB-ABL morning other-LOC

kaba yudal wungar wujurr kunbayn daray wandil wunkuwingku

yudal-baja 'began again' + kari kunbayn 'did not finish'; kaba rain (b116); daray fall (b116); rain-all-night


The boy forgot to tie the fishing-net tight to the mangrove root, the old woman said, and the strong tide pulled it loose and carried it out to sea.

Karrkay milka-wula makarr junkurr kajul ngara-ka kaja-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yira junkurr-bu kulba jalun-ka jarra-kulba.

karrkay milka-wula makarr junkurr kajul ngara-ka kaja-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yira junkurr-bu kulba jalun-ka jarra-kulba | child forget net tight mangrove root-DAT tie-PURP, old-woman said, tide strong-INST loosen sea-DAT carry

karrkay milka-wula makarr kajul ngara kajal yira jalun jarra-kulba

milka-wula 'forgot' + kaja-nka 'to tie'; makarr net (b107); kajul mangrove (b115); forgot-to-tie-the-net


Always remember the names of the old people and the name of your own country, the old man said, for a person who forgets those is lost.

Binalku marri mukul-bama-mu burri bubu yunu burri-jirr, mukul-dingkar balkan, bama yinya milka-wula-nya nyulu wula-nya yala.

binalku marri mukul-bama-mu burri bubu yunu burri-jirr, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bama yinya milka-wula-nya nyulu wula-nya yala | remember always old-person-POSS name country your name-COMIT, old-man said, person that forget-SUB 3sg lost(die)-SUB like

binalku marri ngaji ngamu burri bubu milka-wula wulal

binalku 'remember always' vs milka-wula 'forget'; ngaji grandfather (b111); burri name (b109); remember-your-kin-and-country


The old man began to teach the boy the deep law of the country, the old woman said, but the boy was still too young to hold all of it in his mind.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay bubu-mu yalaku dajali binal-bungal yudal, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba karrkay buban-baja, narmba milka-ba karrba-nka kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay bubu-mu yalaku dajali binal-bungal yudal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba karrkay buban-baja, narmba milka-ba karrba-nka kari | old-man-ERG:pt child country-POSS law deep teach begin, old-woman said, but child small-still, whole mind-LOC hold-PURP NEG

mukul karrkay bubu jangan binal-bungal yudal buban milka karrbal

yudal 'begin to teach' (binal-bungal); milka-ba karrba-nka 'to hold in the mind'; too-young-to-hold-it-all


When she had finished weaving the dilly-bag, the old woman said, she began at once to fill it with the ripe yams and the sweet figs.

Ngunyin jaba kunbayn-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu yudal niji-bu warmba-nka bambayal kulbul junda jiba-wulay-jirr.

ngunyin jaba kunbayn-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu yudal niji-bu warmba-nka bambayal kulbul junda jiba-wulay-jirr | dilly.bag weave finish-SUB-ABL, old-woman said, 3sg begin now-INST fill-PURP yam ripe fig sweet-COMIT

ngunyin jaba kunbayn yudal warmba bambayal kulbul junda jiba-wulay

kunbayn 'finish weaving' then yudal 'begin to fill' (phasal sequence); ngunyin dilly-bag (b107); junda fig/plum (b113)


Do not forget the old people back at the camp when you make a good catch, the old woman said, always send them the first and best of the meat.

Baluda milka-wula mukul-bama bayan-ba yundu minya ngulkurr mani-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, marri jana-nka minya nyubun ngulkurr bajaku yunga.

baluda milka-wula mukul-bama bayan-ba yundu minya ngulkurr mani-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, marri jana-nka minya nyubun ngulkurr bajaku yunga | don't forget old-person camp-LOC you meat good get-SUB, old-woman said, always 3pl-DAT meat first good very send

baluda milka-wula mukul bayan minya manil yungal nyubun

milka-wula 'don't forget the elders' + yungal 'send them' (the first-and-best law); mani-nya 'when you catch'


Remember to watch the water all the time while you glean on the reef, the old man warned the children, or the fast tide will catch you far out.

Binalku bana nyaji-nyaji-nka dulngku-ka bangka-nya, mukul-dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay-nka balkan, yira bila yundu kala-kalbay-ka mani-nyji.

binalku bana nyaji-nyaji-nka dulngku-ka bangka-nya, mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay balka-ny, yira bila yundu kala-kalbay-ka mani-nyji | remember water keep-watching-PURP reef-DAT gather-SUB, old-man-ERG:pt child-REDUP tell, tide fast you far-DAT catch-lest

binalku bana nyaji-nyaji dulngku bangka yira bila manil

binalku 'remember to watch' + nyaji-nyaji-nka; dulngku reef (b115); mani-nyji 'lest it catch you' (b116); the reef-safety rule


Little by little the children began to understand, the old woman said, that everything in the country is tied to everything else, and nothing stands alone.

Buban-buban karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-l yudal, mukul-jalbu balkan, wubulku bubu-ba nyubun yindu-nka kaja-nya, yamba-kari nyubun-bu janjanay.

buban-buban karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-l yudal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wubul-ku bubu-ba nyubun yindu-nka kaja-nya, yamba-kari nyubun-bu janjanay | little.by.little child-REDUP understand(know-INCHO) begin, old-woman said, all country-LOC one other-DAT tie-SUB, nothing alone stand

buban karrkay binal yudal bubu nyubun yindu kajal janjanay

yudal 'begin to understand' (binal-ma-l); everything-tied-together; kaja-nya 'tied' (kaja-l tie); janjanay stand (b114)


So the old man taught the boy the whole shape of learning, the old woman said: want to know, try with your hands, ask the old people, remember it all, and never forget where you come from.

Yala mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-ma-l narmba binal-bungal, mukul-jalbu balkan: wawu binal-ma-nka, mara-bu babal, mukul-bama nyaji, narmba binalku, baluda milka-wula wanja-muny yundu kada-n.

yala mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-ma-l narmba binal-bungal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny: wawu binal-ma-nka, mara-bu babal, mukul-bama nyaji, narmba binalku, baluda milka-wula wanja-muny yundu kada-ny | thus old-man-ERG:pt child learning whole teach, old-woman said: want know-PURP, hand-INST try, old-person ask, whole remember, don't forget where-ABL you come-PAST

yala mukul karrkay binal-bungal wawu babal binalku milka-wula wanja

⭐ties the batch: wawu 'want' + babal 'try' + nyaji 'ask' + binalku 'remember' + milka-wula 'never forget'; the shape-of-learning


The black snake lies still in the long grass by the water, the old man warned, so always beat the ground with a stick before you walk through.

Bindimu jarba janka wuna jikan kalbay-mba bana ngundu-ba, mukul-dingkar balkan, bubu marri juku-bu balka nyubun-bu jilba-nyjiku.

bindimu jarba janka wuna jikan kalbay-mba bana ngundu-ba, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bubu marri juku-bu balka nyubun-bu jilba-nyjiku | black.snake snake still lie grass long-LOC water near-LOC, old-man said, ground always stick-INST hit one-INST(first) walk-before

bindimu jarba janka wunay jikan kalbay bana juku balkal jilba

⭐bindimu 'black snake'; jarba snake (b115); balka-l 'beat/hit' (also talk); beat-the-ground-warning; jilba-nyjiku 'before walking' (b116)


If a brown snake bites you on the leg, the old woman said, tie the leg tight above the bite at once and sit very still and do not run.

Kaki jinkalmu yundu jina baykal, mukul-jalbu balkan, jina junkurr kaja baykal-nya wangkar-a nyiku-nyiku, janka bajaku bunda, baluda wanarri.

kaki jinkalmu yundu jina baykal, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jina junkurr kaja baykal-nya wangkar-a nyiku-nyiku, janka bajaku bunda, baluda wanarri | if brown.snake you leg bite, old-woman said, leg tight tie bite-SUB above-LOC soon, still very sit, don't run

jinkalmu jina baykal kaja junkurr janka bundal baluda wanarri

⭐jinkalmu 'brown snake'; baykal 'bite'; kaki 'if' (b116); snakebite first-aid; baluda wanarri 'don't run' (b110/b116)


The green tree snake is thin and quick and harmless, the old man said, and it slides through the branches hunting the little frogs and lizards.

Kalkamuku jarba dumbi bila buyun-kari, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyulu dakil-burr mara-warri yirku-yirku bajuy buban-jirr balbi.

kalkamuku jarba dumbi bila buyun-kari, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyulu dakil-burr mara-warri yirku-yirku bajuy buban-jirr balbi | green.tree.snake snake thin fast harm-PRIV, old-man said, 3sg branch-PERL crawl frog lizard small-COMIT hunt

kalkamuku jarba dumbi bila buyun dakil mara-warri yirku-yirku bajuy balbi

⭐kalkamuku 'green tree snake'; mara-warri CRAWL (single-r ≠ marra-warri fly); dumbi thin (b?); buyun-kari 'harmless' (bad-PRIV b110)


The big rock python is not poisonous, the old man said, but it is very strong and wraps around the wallaby and squeezes it until it cannot breathe.

Kabul yalbay kari baykal-buyun, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba junkurr bajaku, kadar-ka murru-murru kaja, junkurr karrba wawu kunbayn-nya.

kabul yalbay kari baykal-buyun, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba junkurr bajaku, kadar-ka murru-murru kaja, junkurr karrba wawu kunbayn-nya | rock.python big NEG bite-bad(venomous), old-man said, but strong very, wallaby-DAT around wrap(tie), strong hold breath finish-SUB

kabul yalbay baykal junkurr kadar kaja karrbal wawu kunbayn

kabul 'rock python' (b115); non-venomous but crushing; kadar wallaby (b117); wawu 'breath' (b110); murru-murru 'around'