What did you catch at the river? I caught two catfish and one eel, and the old people ate well.

Wanya yundu wawubajanga karrban? Ngayu julaji jambul kubarr nyubun karrban, mukul-mukul jani nukan.

wanya yundu wawubaja-nga karrba-ny? ngayu julaji jambul kubarr nyubun karrba-ny, mukul-mukul jani nuka-ny | what you river-LOC catch-PAST? I catfish two eel one catch-PAST, old-old well eat-PAST

wanya yundu wawubaja karrbal ngayu julaji jambul kubarr nyubun mukul jani nukal

julaji 'catfish', kubarr 'eel'; jani 'well'


The old man said: the scrub turkey builds a big mound with its feet, lays its eggs inside, and the warm earth cooks them — so never take all the eggs, leave some to become birds.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: diwan bubu jina-bu ngaran, diburr dukurrbu yijarrin, bubu wumbulbu wajun; kari diburr wubul mana, bada baja bawa dikal-manka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: diwan bubu jina-bu ngara-ny, diburr dukurr-bu yijarri-ny, bubu wumbul-bu waju-ny; kari diburr wubul mana, bada baja bawa dikal-ma-nka | old-man-ERG say-PAST: scrub.turkey earth foot-INST build-PAST, egg inside-LOC put-PAST, earth hot-INST cook-PAST; NEG egg all get.IMP, some leave.IMP bird-INCHO-PURP

mukul dingkar balkal diwan bubu jina ngaral diburr dukurr yijarril wumbul wajul kari wubul manil bawal dikal

diwan 'scrub turkey', diburr 'egg' (grammar 1716); dikal-ma-nka INCHO+PURP 'to become birds'; ngara-l 'build'


The hunter followed the wallaby tracks, waited by the tree, threw his spear, killed the wallaby, and then carried the meat home.

Balbi-bama kadar jina wukurrin, juku ngundu bundan, kalka yilban, kadar kunin, minya bayanka wundinda.

balbi-bama kadar jina wukurri-ny, juku ngundu bunda-ny, kalka yilba-ny, kadar kuni-ny, minya bayan-ka wundi-ny-da | hunter wallaby track follow-PAST, tree near sit-PAST, spear throw-PAST, wallaby kill-PAST, meat house-DAT bring-PAST-then

balbi bama kadar jina wukurril juku ngundu bunday kalka yilbal kunil minya bayan wundil

balbi-bama 'hunter' (balbi-l 'hunt'); successive -da; kuni-l 'kill/hit'


The flying foxes came at night and ate the ripe figs, so in the morning the tree had no fruit left.

Kambi wujurrbu kadan, binanji kulbul nukan, wunkun juku mayi-kari.

kambi wujurr-bu kada-ny, binanji kulbul nuka-ny, wunkun juku mayi-kari | flying.fox dark-LOC come-PAST, fig ripe eat-PAST, morning tree food-PRIV

kambi wujurr kaday binanji kulbul nukal wunkun juku mayi kari

kambi 'flying fox', binanji 'fig'; mayi-kari PRIV 'fruitless'


Bring the spear and the dilly bag, follow me to the river, and we will spear stingray and catch mud crabs!

Kalka wundi, balji wundi, nganya wukurri wawubajanga; ngali yawu damanka, ngalngal karrbanka!

kalka wundi, balji wundi, nganya wukurri wawubaja-nga; ngali yawu dama-nka, ngalngal karrba-nka | spear bring.IMP, dillybag bring.IMP, me follow.IMP river-LOC; we stingray spear-PURP, crab catch-PURP

kalka wundil balji nganya wukurril wawubaja ngali yawu damal ngalngal karrbal

yawu 'stingray', ngalngal 'sand crab', balji 'dillybag'; PURP -nka


The grandmother said: the echidna digs into the ground when it is startled, so leave it alone and look for other food.

Babingka balkan: ngangkin bubungu bakal, yundu nyulu bawa, minya yindu nyaji.

babi-ngka balka-ny: ngangkin bubu-ngu baka-l, yundu nyulu bawa, minya yindu nyaji | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: echidna ground-LOC dig-NONPAST, you it leave.IMP, meat other look.for.IMP

babi balkal ngangkin bubu bakal yundu bawal minya yindu nyajil


While the women were digging for mussels, the sand crabs ran sideways into their holes.

Jalbu mukirr baka-nya, ngalngal wurril bubungu dungan.

jalbu mukirr baka-nya, ngalngal wurril bubu-ngu dunga-ny | woman mussel dig-SUB, sand.crab sideways ground-LOC go-PAST

jalbu mukirr bakal ngalngal wurril bubu dungay

SUB baka-nya; mukirr 'mussel', wurril 'crossways'


I went down to the salt water to catch mullet, but a stingray lay in the shallows, so I speared it instead.

Ngayu jalunba dungan, ngalkun karrbanka, yambada yawu bana bada wunan, ngayu yawu daman.

ngayu jalun-ba dunga-ny, ngalkun karrba-nka, yambada yawu bana bada wuna-ny, ngayu yawu dama-ny | I sea-LOC go-PAST, mullet catch-PURP, but stingray water shallow lie-PAST, I stingray spear-PAST

ngayu jalun dungay ngalkun karrbal yambada yawu bana bada wunay damal

jalun-ba LOC (n-final a); ngalkun 'mullet'; PURP karrba-nka


The cassowary walked through the rainforest, ate the fallen fruit, and its big feet left tracks in the mud.

Kurranji madjaburr jilban, mayi bada nukan, jina yalbay jina-jina bawan.

kurranji madja-burr jilba-ny, mayi bada nuka-ny, jina yalbay jina-jina bawa-ny | cassowary rainforest-PERL walk-PAST, fruit down eat-PAST, foot big track leave-PAST

kurranji madja jilbay mayi bada nukal jina yalbay bawal

kurranji 'cassowary'; madja-burr PERL; jina-jina 'tracks'


Did the dingo take the meat? Yes — I should have hung it high in the tree, but I left it on the ground and the dingo found it in the night.

Murramungku minya manin? Yuwu — ngayu juku wangkara walngka-nyaku, yambada ngayu bubungu bawan, murramungku wujurrbu nyajin.

murramu-ngku minya mani-ny? yuwu — ngayu juku wangkar-a walngka-nyaku, yambada ngayu bubu-ngu bawa-ny, murramu-ngku wujurr-bu nyaji-ny | dingo-ERG meat get-PAST? yes — I tree up-LOC hang-IRR, but I ground-LOC leave-PAST, dingo-ERG dark-LOC see-PAST

murramu minya manil yuwu ngayu juku wangkar walngkal yambada bubu bawal wujurr nyajil

murramu-ngku ERG (u-final -ngku); IRR walngka-nyaku 'should have hung'


The old man taught the boys: the honey bees live in a hollow tree; watch which way they fly at sundown, follow them, and you will find the honey.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-warru binalbungan: dabu jukungu wunan, yundu nyaji wanjaburr jana dungay wungar bada-nya, jana wukurri, yundu wunba nyajinka.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru binal-bunga-ny: dabu juku-ngu wuna-ny, yundu nyaji wanjaburr jana dunga-y wungar bada-nya, jana wukurri, yundu wunba nyaji-nka | old-man-ERG young-young teach-PAST: bee tree-LOC live-PAST, you see.IMP which.way they go-NONPAST sun down-SUB, them follow.IMP, you honey find-PURP

mukul dingkar warru binal dabu juku wunay yundu nyajil wanjaburr jana dungay wungar bada wukurril wunba

dabu 'bee', wunba 'honey'; wanjaburr 'which way' (r.32); PURP nyaji-nka


If the tide goes out, we walk on the reef and gather oysters and mussels for the evening meal.

Kaki bana dungay, ngali kulji-nga jilbay, nikar mukirr munjanka.

kaki bana dunga-y, ngali kulji-nga jilba-y, nikar mukirr munja-nka | if water go-NONPAST, we rock-edge-LOC walk-NONPAST, oyster mussel gather-PURP

kaki bana dungay ngali kulji warral jilbay nikar mukirr munjal

nikar 'oyster'; kaki + NONPAST + PURP; warral 'edge'


A tree snake was hanging in the branches, but it was not a bad snake, so the children just looked and walked on.

Bubal jukungu walngkan, yambada nyulu kari buyun jarba, karrkay-karrkay nyajin, jilban baja.

bubal juku-ngu walngka-ny, yambada nyulu kari buyun jarba, karrkay-karrkay nyaji-ny, jilba-ny baja | tree.snake tree-LOC hang-PAST, but it NEG bad snake, child-child see-PAST, walk-PAST on

bubal juku walngkal yambada kari buyun jarba karrkay nyajil jilbay


I heard the kookaburra laugh at dawn, then the curlew cried in the dark, and I knew the camp was safe.

Ngayu kururrungka milkabu nyajin nyulu yajarr-nya, kuyir badin wujurrbu, ngayu binalman bayan jani.

ngayu kururrungka milka-bu nyaji-ny nyulu yajarr-nya, kuyir badi-ny wujurr-bu, ngayu binal-ma-ny bayan jani | I kookaburra ear-INST hear-PAST it laugh-SUB, curlew cry-PAST dark-LOC, I know-INCHO-PAST camp good

ngayu kururrungka milka nyajil yajarr kuyir badi wujurr binal bayan jani

milka-bu nyaji-l 'hear' (ear-INST perceive); kururrungka 'kookaburra', kuyir 'curlew'


The grandmother said: the possum sleeps in the tree all day and comes out only at night, so if you want possum meat you must hunt after dark.

Babingka balkan: yawa jukungu wunan wungar-wungar, wujurrbu nganga dungay; kaki yundu yawa minya wawu, yundu balbi wujurrbu.

babi-ngka balka-ny: yawa juku-ngu wuna-ny wungar-wungar, wujurr-bu nganga dunga-y; kaki yundu yawa minya wawu, yundu balbi wujurr-bu | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: possum tree-LOC lie-PAST day-day, dark-LOC only go-NONPAST; if you possum meat want, you hunt.IMP dark-LOC

babi balkal yawa juku wunay wungar wujurr nganga dungay kaki yundu minya wawu balbi

yawa 'possum'; nganga 'only' (correct); balbi-l 'hunt'; kaki conditional


The children found a grub in the rotten log, pulled it out, roasted it on the coals, and shared it.

Karrkay-karrkay jambun juku kabungu nyajin, manin, ngunjilba dindan, daji-wanda.

karrkay-karrkay jambun juku kabu-ngu nyaji-ny, mani-ny, ngunjil-ba dinda-ny, daji-wa-ny-da | child-child grub tree rotten-LOC see-PAST, get-PAST, coals-LOC roast-PAST, share-RECIP-PAST-then

karrkay jambun juku kabu nyajil manil ngunjil dindal dajil

jambun 'grub', kabu 'rotten'; RECIP+TEMP1 daji-wa-ny-da


Which bird is singing? That is the lorikeet in the tree; when the fruit is ripe, the lorikeets come.

Wanya dikal balkal? Yinya birrbirr jukungu; kaki mayi kulbul, birrbirr kada baja.

wanya dikal balka-l? yinya birrbirr juku-ngu; kaki mayi kulbul, birrbirr kada baja | what bird sing-NONPAST? that lorikeet tree-LOC; if food ripe, lorikeet come too

wanya dikal balkal yinya birrbirr juku kaki mayi kulbul kaday

dikal 'bird', birrbirr 'lorikeet'; balka-l 'sing/speak'


Cover the meat lest the march flies spoil it, and drive the mosquitoes away from the fire!

Minya nanda, waja-ngka buyun-manyji; kamu baya-muny yungka!

minya nanda, waja-ngka buyun-ma-nyji; kamu baya-muny yungka | meat cover.IMP, march.fly-ERG bad-INCHO-PRECAUT; mosquito fire-ABL send.IMP

minya nandal waja buyun kamu baya yungal

waja 'march fly', kamu 'mosquito'; waja-ngka ERG (a-final); PRECAUT on INCHO


As the sun rose, the scrub turkeys were scratching in the leaves, and the bandicoot ran back to its hole.

Wungar wangkara dunga-nya, diwan birranga bakan, ngumbi bubungu warri baja.

wungar wangkar-a dunga-nya, diwan birra-nga baka-ny, ngumbi bubu-ngu warri baja | sun up go-SUB, scrub.turkey leaf-LOC dig-PAST, bandicoot ground-LOC run back

wungar wangkar dungay diwan birra bakal ngumbi bubu warri

SUB dunga-nya; ngumbi 'bandicoot'; birra-nga LOC (a-final)


The old man said: the eagle sits high on the tree and watches the whole country; it sees the small animals far off, so it never goes hungry.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: yalngkurr juku wangkara bundan, bubu wubul nyajil; nyulu minya buban kala-kalbay nyajil, nyulu kariku dakwuy.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: yalngkurr juku wangkar-a bunda-ny, bubu wubul nyaji-l; nyulu minya buban kala-kalbay nyaji-l, nyulu kariku dakwuy | old-man-ERG say-PAST: eagle tree up-LOC sit-PAST, country all see-NONPAST; it animal small far see-NONPAST, it NEG hungry

mukul dingkar balkal yalngkurr juku wangkar bunday bubu wubul nyajil minya buban dakwuy

yalngkurr 'eagle', buban 'small', dakwuy 'hungry'; kala-kalbay 'far'


The freshwater turtle sat on a log, but when we came close it slid into the water.

Ngujay jukungu bundan, yambada ngali ngundu kada-nya, nyulu bananga dungan.

ngujay juku-ngu bunda-ny, yambada ngali ngundu kada-nya, nyulu bana-nga dunga-ny | freshwater.turtle log-LOC sit-PAST, but we near come-SUB, it water-LOC go-PAST

ngujay juku bunday yambada ngali ngundu kaday bana dungay

ngujay 'freshwater turtle'; SUB kada-nya; bana-nga LOC


If you see the sea turtle come up to breathe, stay very still, because if it hears you it will dive and not come back.

Kaki yundu ngawiya nyaji nyulu wangkara kada, yundu dandi bunda, kaki nyulu yundu milkabu nyaji, nyulu bada dungay, kariku kaday baja.

kaki yundu ngawiya nyaji nyulu wangkar-a kada, yundu dandi bunda, kaki nyulu yundu milka-bu nyaji, nyulu bada dunga-y, kariku kada-y baja | if you sea.turtle see it up come, you firm sit.IMP, if it you ear-INST hear, it down go-NONPAST, NEG come again

kaki yundu ngawiya nyajil wangkar kaday dandi bunday milka bada dungay kari

ngawiya 'sea turtle'; stacked kaki; milka-bu nyaji 'hear'


The two women waded into the mangroves, felt in the mud with their feet, and pulled out big mud crabs.

Jalbu jambul kajulbu walan, jina-bu bubungu nyajin, ngalngal yalbay manin.

jalbu jambul kajul-bu wala-ny, jina-bu bubu-ngu nyaji-ny, ngalngal yalbay mani-ny | woman two mangrove-LOC enter-PAST, foot-INST ground-LOC feel-PAST, crab big get-PAST

jalbu kajul walal jina bubu nyajil ngalngal yalbay manil

kajul-bu LOC (l-final u); wala-l 'enter'; jina-bu INST


I set the fish net in the creek, waited on the bank, and when the mullet came I pulled the net up full.

Ngayu makarr wawubajanga yijarrin, wawubaja-nga bundan, ngalkun kada-nya, ngayu makarr yajin maninda.

ngayu makarr wawubaja-nga yijarri-ny, wawubaja-nga bunda-ny, ngalkun kada-nya, ngayu makarr yajin mani-ny-da | I net river-LOC set-PAST, river-edge-LOC sit-PAST, mullet come-SUB, I net full get-PAST-then

ngayu makarr wawubaja yijarril warral bunday ngalkun kaday yajin manil

makarr 'fish net'; yajin 'full'; SUB + successive -da


The grandmother said: the mussels bury themselves in the sand where the fresh water meets the salt, so dig there with your hands and you will always find food.

Babingka balkan: mukirr jukara ngakiji bana jalun muru, yundu mara-bu bakal yinyabu, yundu mayi manil.

babi-ngka balka-ny: mukirr jukar-a ngaki-ji-y bana jalun muru, yundu mara-bu baka-l yinya-bu, yundu mayi mani-l | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: mussel sand-LOC hide-REFL water sea together, you hand-INST dig-NONPAST there-LOC, you food get-NONPAST

babi balkal mukirr jukar ngakil bana jalun muru yundu mara bakal yinya mayi manil

jukar-a LOC (single r); ngaki-ji-y REFL; jalun 'sea', muru 'together/meet'


The black cockatoos screamed in the tall trees, and the old people knew the storm was coming near.

Kadanji juku kalbaymba yirrkan, mukul-mukul binalman jarramali ngundu kada-nya.

kadanji juku kalbay-mba yirrka-ny, mukul-mukul binal-ma-ny jarramali ngundu kada-nya | black.cockatoo tree tall-LOC scream-PAST, old-old know-INCHO-PAST storm near come-SUB

kadanji juku kalbay yirrkay mukul binal jarramali ngundu kaday

kadanji 'black cockatoo'; kalbay-mba LOC (y-final -mba); SUB kada-nya


Did the goanna get the eggs? Yes — I should have covered the nest, but I went to get water and the goanna climbed up while I was gone.

Bajuy diburr manin? Yuwu — ngayu bayan nanda-nyaku, yambada ngayu bana maninka dungan, bajuy dakan ngayu dunga-nya.

bajuy diburr mani-ny? yuwu — ngayu bayan nanda-nyaku, yambada ngayu bana mani-nka dunga-ny, bajuy daka-ny ngayu dunga-nya | goanna egg get-PAST? yes — I nest cover-IRR, but I water get-PURP go-PAST, goanna climb-PAST I go-SUB

bajuy diburr manil yuwu ngayu bayan nandal yambada bana dungay dakal

bajuy 'goanna/lizard'; IRR nanda-nyaku; SUB dunga-nya


The old man said: the curlew cries at night for its lost young, and the old people say that when you hear it close to the camp, someone will soon pass away — so listen, and hold your family close.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kuyir wujurrbu badil nyungu karrkayka, mukul-mukul balkal kaki yundu milkabu nyaji bayan ngundu, bama nyubun wulay baja; yundu milkabu nyaji, yundu mula-mula karrba.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kuyir wujurr-bu badi-l nyungu karrkay-ka, mukul-mukul balka-l kaki yundu milka-bu nyaji bayan ngundu, bama nyubun wula-y baja; yundu milka-bu nyaji, yundu mula-mula karrba | old-man-ERG say-PAST: curlew dark-LOC cry-NONPAST its child-DAT, old-old say-NONPAST if you ear-INST hear house near, person one die too; you ear-INST hear.IMP, you kin-kin hold.IMP

mukul dingkar balkal kuyir wujurr badi nyungu karrkay kaki yundu milka nyajil bayan ngundu bama nyubun wulay mula karrbal

kuyir 'curlew'; wula-y 'die' (wulay 'dying'); milka-bu nyaji 'hear'; mula 'kin'


The bats hung upside down in the fig tree all day, and at dusk they flew off toward the river.

Mali binanjinga walngkan wungar-wungar, wungar bada-nya jana wubul dungan wawubaja-mundu.

mali binanji-nga walngka-ny wungar-wungar, wungar bada-nya jana wubul dunga-ny wawubaja-mundu | bat fig-LOC hang-PAST day-day, sun down-SUB they many go-PAST river-toward

mali binanji walngkal wungar bada jana wubul dungay wawubaja

mali 'bat'; binanji-nga LOC (i-final); -mundu 'toward'; SUB bada-nya


Watch for the stingray in the shallow water, keep an eye on its tail, and spear it in the head!

Yawu nyaji bana badanga, biji nyaji, dukulbu dama!

yawu nyaji bana bada-nga, biji nyaji, dukul-bu dama | stingray watch.IMP water shallow-LOC, tail watch.IMP, head-LOC spear.IMP

biji 'tail', dukul 'head'; bada-nga LOC; dama IMP 'spear'


While the man was cleaning the fish, the dog sat close by watching, wanting the heads.

Dingkar kuyu janji-nya, kaya ngundu bundan nyajil, nyulu dukul wawu.

dingkar kuyu janji-nya, kaya ngundu bunda-ny nyaji-l, nyulu dukul wawu | man fish wash-SUB, dog near sit-PAST watch-NONPAST, it head want

dingkar kuyu janjil kaya ngundu bunday nyajil dukul wawu

janji-l 'wash/clean'; dukul 'head'; SUB janji-nya


Where did the frogs go? When the water dried up, the frogs went quiet and buried themselves in the mud.

Wanja yuday dungan? Bana bada-nya, yuday kuku-kari, jana bubungu ngakiji.

wanja yuday dunga-ny? bana bada-nya, yuday kuku-kari, jana bubu-ngu ngaki-ji-y | where frog go-PAST? water down-SUB, frog word-PRIV, they ground-LOC hide-REFL

wanja yuday dungay bana bada kuku kari jana bubu ngakil

yuday 'frog'; kuku-kari 'silent' (PRIV); ngaki-ji-y REFL


The old man said: the dingo hunts alone, it is clever and patient, and it will wait a long time by the water for the wallabies to come and drink.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: murramu nyubun balbil, nyulu binal, nyulu bana ngundu bundan yalbay wungar, kadar kada-nya bana nukanka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: murramu nyubun balbi-l, nyulu binal, nyulu bana ngundu bunda-ny yalbay wungar, kadar kada-nya bana nuka-nka | old-man-ERG say-PAST: dingo one hunt-NONPAST, it clever, it water near sit-PAST big time, wallaby come-SUB water drink-PURP

mukul dingkar balkal murramu nyubun balbi binal bana ngundu bunday yalbay wungar kadar kaday nukal

murramu 'dingo'; balbi-l 'hunt'; SUB kada-nya + PURP nuka-nka


The echidna dug into the ground with its claws, and when the dog came it hid itself in the earth.

Ngangkin bubungu bakan jina-bu, kaya kada-nya, nyulu bubungu ngakiji.

ngangkin bubu-ngu baka-ny jina-bu, kaya kada-nya, nyulu bubu-ngu ngaki-ji-y | echidna ground-LOC dig-PAST foot-INST, dog come-SUB, it ground-LOC hide-REFL

ngangkin bubu bakal jina kaya kaday ngakil

jina-bu INST 'with claws/feet'; SUB kada-nya; REFL ngaki-ji-y


If I find a scrub hen mound, I dig for the eggs, take only a few, and leave the rest so the hen keeps laying.

Kaki ngayu jarruka bayan nyaji, ngayu diburr bakal, buban nganga mana, baja bawa, jarruka diburr yijarri baja-baja.

kaki ngayu jarruka bayan nyaji, ngayu diburr baka-l, buban nganga mana, baja bawa, jarruka diburr yijarri baja-baja | if I scrub.hen mound see, I egg dig-NONPAST, small only get.IMP, some leave.IMP, scrub.hen egg lay again-again

kaki ngayu jarruka bayan nyajil diburr bakal buban nganga manil bawal yijarril

jarruka 'scrub hen' (+ its eggs); nganga 'only'; kaki conditional


A big stingray lay still on the sandy bottom, and the children did not swim there.

Yawu yalbay jukara bada wunan, karrkay-karrkay kariku maraji yinyabu.

yawu yalbay jukar-a bada wuna-ny, karrkay-karrkay kariku maraji yinya-bu | stingray big sand-LOC below lie-PAST, child-child NEG swim there-LOC

yawu yalbay jukar bada wunay karrkay kari maraji yinya

maraji 'swim'; jukar-a LOC (single r); yinya-bu LOC 'there'


Why is the kestrel hanging in the sky? It is watching for a rat in the grass; when it sees one, it will drop down fast and catch it.

Wanyurrinku kalin-kalin jiringa walngkal? Nyulu kukur jikanba nyajil; nyulu nyubun nyaji-nya, nyulu bada warri dungay, karrbanka.

wanyurrinku kalin-kalin jiri-nga walngka-l? nyulu kukur jikan-ba nyaji-l; nyulu nyubun nyaji-nya, nyulu bada warri dunga-y, karrba-nka | why kestrel sky-LOC hang-NONPAST? it rat grass-LOC watch-NONPAST; it one see-SUB, it down fast go-NONPAST, catch-PURP

wanyurrinku kalin-kalin jiri walngkal kukur jikan nyajil nyubun bada warri dungay karrbal

kalin-kalin 'kestrel', kukur 'rat'; jiri-nga/jikan-ba LOC; SUB + PURP


The grandmother said: the pigeons come to the same waterhole every evening, so if you sit quietly in the grass before sunset, you can catch many with one throw of the net.

Babingka balkan: wabul bana nyubunbu kadan wungar-wungar, kaki yundu jikanba bundan wungar bada-nyjiku, yundu wubul karrbal nyubun makarr-bu.

babi-ngka balka-ny: wabul bana nyubun-bu kada-ny wungar-wungar, kaki yundu jikan-ba bunda-ny wungar bada-nyjiku, yundu wubul karrba-l nyubun makarr-bu | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: pigeon water one-DAT come-PAST evening-evening, if you grass-LOC sit-PAST sun down-SUCC, you many catch-NONPAST one net-INST

babi balkal wabul bana nyubun kaday wungar kaki yundu jikan bunday bada wubul karrbal makarr

wabul 'pigeon'; SUCC bada-nyjiku 'before sunset'; makarr-bu INST


The lorikeets fought loudly over the tree, and the big noise carried right across the country.

Birrbirr kuli-ma-nya juku-ngu, kuku yalbay bubu-burr dungan.

birrbirr kuli-ma-nya juku-ngu, kuku yalbay bubu-burr dunga-ny | lorikeet rage-INCHO-SUB tree-LOC, sound big country-PERL go-PAST

birrbirr kuli juku kuku yalbay bubu dungay

kuli-ma-nya 'fighting' (INCHO SUB); bubu-burr PERL 'across'; kuku 'sound'


The man speared a big fish, but it was strong, so he held the line firmly, waited, and at last brought it onto the sand.

Dingkarangka kuyu yalbay daman, yambada nyulu junkurrji, dingkar dandi karrban, bundan, jukara wundinda.

dingkar-angka kuyu yalbay dama-ny, yambada nyulu junkurrji, dingkar dandi karrba-ny, bunda-ny, jukar-a wundi-ny-da | man-ERG fish big spear-PAST, but it strong, man firm hold-PAST, wait-PAST, sand-LOC bring-PAST-then

dingkar kuyu yalbay damal yambada junkurrji dandi karrbal bunday jukar wundil

junkurrji 'strong'; successive -da (wundi-ny-da); jukar-a LOC


Have you seen the cassowary this season? Yes, one came to the fruiting tree near the camp, and it is dangerous, so keep the children close.

Yundu kurranji nyajin nyiku wungara? Yuwu, nyubun juku mayi-ji kadan bayan ngundu, nyulu buyun, karrkay-karrkay ngundu karrba.

yundu kurranji nyaji-ny nyiku wungar-a? yuwu, nyubun juku mayi-ji kada-ny bayan ngundu, nyulu buyun, karrkay-karrkay ngundu karrba | you cassowary see-PAST this season-in? yes, one tree fruit-COMIT come-PAST house near, it bad, child-child near hold.IMP

yundu kurranji nyajil nyiku wungar yuwu nyubun juku mayi kaday bayan ngundu buyun karrkay karrbal

mayi-ji COMIT (vowel -ji); nyiku 'this'; kurranji is dangerous


The old man said: never kill the small fish or the young turtles; take only the big ones, put the little ones back, so the water will always give food to your children's children.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kari kuyu buban kuni, ngujay warru-warru kari kuni; yalbay nganga mana, buban bananga bawa baja, bana mayi dayal yundu karrkay-karrkay-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kari kuyu buban kuni, ngujay warru-warru kari kuni; yalbay nganga mana, buban bana-nga bawa baja, bana mayi daya-l yundu karrkay-karrkay-nka | old-man-ERG say-PAST: NEG fish small kill.IMP, freshwater.turtle young-young NEG kill.IMP; big only get.IMP, small water-LOC leave.IMP again, water food give-NONPAST you child-child-DAT

mukul dingkar balkal kari kuyu buban kunil ngujay warru yalbay nganga manil bana bawal mayi daya karrkay

the conservation law (leave the small ones); nganga 'only'; bana-nga LOC


The grasshoppers went up from the dry grass as the children ran through it, and the birds followed to eat them.

Jimu jikan marralmuny wangkara dungan karrkay-karrkay jilba-nya, dikal wukurrin nukanka.

jimu jikan marral-muny wangkar-a dunga-ny karrkay-karrkay jilba-nya, dikal wukurri-ny nuka-nka | grasshopper grass dry-ABL up go-PAST child-child walk-SUB, bird follow-PAST eat-PURP

jimu jikan marral wangkar dungay karrkay jilbay dikal wukurril nukal

jimu 'grasshopper'; marral-muny ABL; SUB jilba-nya + PURP nuka-nka


I should have watched the net, but I fell asleep on the warm sand, and the birds took two of the mullet.

Ngayu makarr nyaji-nyaku, yambada ngayu jukara wumbulbu wunan, dikal ngalkun jambul manin.

ngayu makarr nyaji-nyaku, yambada ngayu jukar-a wumbul-bu wuna-ny, dikal ngalkun jambul mani-ny | I net watch-IRR, but I sand-LOC hot-LOC sleep-PAST, bird mullet two get-PAST

ngayu makarr nyajil yambada jukar wumbul wunay dikal ngalkun jambul manil

IRR nyaji-nyaku 'should have watched'; jukar-a/wumbul-bu LOC


While the tide was low, the women walked far out on the reef, and they came back with baskets full of oysters and mussels.

Bana bada-nya, jalbu kala-kalbay kulji-nga jilban, jana kada baja balji nikar mukirriji yajin.

bana bada-nya, jalbu kala-kalbay kulji-nga jilba-ny, jana kada baja balji nikar mukirr-iji yajin | water low-SUB, woman far reef-LOC walk-PAST, they come again basket oyster mussel-COMIT full

bana bada jalbu kala-kalbay kulji warral jilbay jana kaday balji nikar mukirr yajin

SUB bada-nya; mukirr-iji COMIT (rhotic -iji, r.31); yajin 'full'


Gather the mangrove worms for the fish, thread them on the line, throw it past the rocks, and wait for the bream to bite!

Nganjamu kajulmuny munja kuyu-nka, makarrbu yijarri, kuljimuny yilba, kuyu bayka-nya bunda!

nganjamu kajul-muny munja kuyu-nka, makarr-bu yijarri, kulji-muny yilba, kuyu bayka-nya bunda | worm mangrove-ABL gather.IMP fish-PURP.for, line-INST thread.IMP, rock-ABL throw.IMP, fish bite-SUB wait.IMP

nganjamu kajul munjal kuyu makarr yijarril kulji yilbal baykal bunday

nganjamu 'worm'; bayka-l 'bite'; kajul-muny/kulji-muny ABL


The night owl called from the dark tree, the flying foxes screeched overhead, and the whole camp was full of the sounds of the bush at night.

Kalkuy jukungu wujurrbu balkan, kambi wangkara yirrkan, bayan wubul kuku madjamuny wujurrbu yajin.

kalkuy juku-ngu wujurr-bu balka-ny, kambi wangkar-a yirrka-ny, bayan wubul kuku madja-muny wujurr-bu yajin | night.owl tree-LOC dark-LOC call-PAST, flying.fox up screech-PAST, camp much sound scrub-ABL dark-LOC full

kalkuy juku wujurr balkal kambi wangkar yirrkay bayan wubul kuku madja yajin

kalkuy 'night owl'; madja-muny ABL; yajin 'full'


The old man said: every living animal has its own time and its own place — the wallaby at dusk, the fish at the turning tide, the honey when the tree flowers — so learn the seasons of each, and the country will feed you always.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: minya juran wubul nyungu wungar nyungu bubu — kadar wungar bada-nya, kuyu bana kada-nya, wunba juku mayi-nya; yundu wungar wubul binal, bubu yundu daya mayi ngadiku-ngadiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: minya juran wubul nyungu wungar nyungu bubu — kadar wungar bada-nya, kuyu bana kada-nya, wunba juku mayi-nya; yundu wungar wubul binal, bubu yundu daya mayi ngadiku-ngadiku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: animal alive all its time its place — wallaby sun down-SUB, fish water come-SUB, honey tree fruit-SUB; you time all know.IMP, country you give food always

mukul dingkar balkal minya juran wubul nyungu wungar bubu kadar bada kuyu bana kaday wunba juku mayi yundu binal daya

juran 'alive'; nyungu 'its'; three SUB clauses (bada-nya/kada-nya/mayi-nya); the seasons law


The little boy grew up fast and became a strong hunter, and now he brings meat to the old people every day.

Warru buban warri yalbay-man, junkurr balbi-bama-man, nyulu minya mukul-mukulka wundil wungar-wungar.

warru buban warri yalbay-ma-ny, junkurr balbi-bama-ma-ny, nyulu minya mukul-mukul-ka wundi-l wungar-wungar | young.man small fast big-INCHO-PAST, strong hunter-INCHO-PAST, he meat old-old-DAT bring-NONPAST day-day

warru buban warri yalbay junkurr balbi bama minya mukul wundil wungar

INCHO -ma-l on adj (yalbay-ma-ny) & noun-compound (balbi-bama-ma-ny 'became a hunter')


When the sun went down it became cold, so the children moved close to the fire and warmed themselves.

Wungar bada dunga-nya, kiway-man, karrkay-karrkay kunjin ngundu kadan, jana wumbul-ma-jin.

wungar bada dunga-nya, kiway-ma-ny, karrkay-karrkay kunjin ngundu kada-ny, jana wumbul-ma-ji-ny | sun down go-SUB, cold-INCHO-PAST, child-child fire near come-PAST, they hot-INCHO-REFL-PAST

wungar bada dungay kiway karrkay kunjin ngundu kaday wumbul

kija-ma-ny INCHO 'became cold'; wumbul-ma-ji-ny INCHO+REFL 'warmed themselves'


The old man said: the grandmother teaches the girls the plant names, and when they know them well, they will teach their own children — that is how the knowledge stays alive.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: babingka jalbu-jalbu juku burri binal-bungal, jana ngulkurr binal-man, jana nyungu karrkay-karrkay binal-bungal, yinyabu binal juran-man.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: babi-ngka jalbu-jalbu juku burri binal-bunga-l, jana ngulkurr binal-ma-ny, jana nyungu karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-l, yinya-bu binal juran-ma-ny | old-man-ERG say-PAST: grandmother-ERG girl-girl tree name teach-NONPAST, they well know-INCHO-PAST, they their child-child teach-NONPAST, that-LOC knowledge alive-INCHO-PAST

mukul dingkar balkal babi jalbu juku burri binal ngulkurr nyungu karrkay yinya juran

binal-bunga-l CAUS 'teach' vs binal-ma-ny INCHO 'learn'; juran-ma-ny 'stays alive'; ERG dingkar-angka/babi-ngka


Why is the child crying? He cut himself on a stone, but the grandmother washed it, and now he is getting better.

Wanyurrinku karrkay badil? Nyulu kulji-bu yaka-jin, yambada babingka julurrin, nyulu ngulkurr-mal.

wanyurrinku karrkay badi-l? nyulu kulji-bu yaka-ji-ny, yambada babi-ngka julurri-ny, nyulu ngulkurr-ma-l | why child cry-NONPAST? he stone-INST cut-REFL-PAST, but grandmother-ERG wash-PAST, he good-INCHO-NONPAST

wanyurrinku karrkay badi kulji yakal babi julurril ngulkurr

yaka-ji-ny REFL 'cut himself'; ngulkurr-ma-l INCHO 'getting better'; kulji-bu INST


Harden the spear point in the fire, sharpen it on the stone, and make the shaft straight before you go hunting!

Kalka kunjinba dandi-bunga, kuljibu nyurrba, dara yaral-bunga yundu balbi-nyjiku!

kalka kunjin-ba dandi-bunga, kulji-bu nyurrba, dara yaral-bunga yundu balbi-nyjiku | spear fire-LOC hard-CAUS.IMP, stone-INST grind.IMP, spear.stick straight-CAUS.IMP you hunt-SUCC

kalka kunjin dandi kulji nyurrbal dara yaral yundu balbi

dandi-bunga / yaral-bunga CAUS IMP (zero suffix); nyurrba 'grind/sharpen'; SUCC balbi-nyjiku


The two brothers fought over the fish, but the old man spoke to them, and soon they made peace and shared the catch.

Yaba jambul kuyu-nka kuni-wan, yambada mukul-dingkarangka jananda balkan, jana ngulkurr-man, kuyu daji-wan.

yaba jambul kuyu-nka kuni-wa-ny, yambada mukul-dingkar-angka jana-nda balka-ny, jana ngulkurr-ma-ny, kuyu daji-wa-ny | brother two fish-DAT hit-RECIP-PAST, but old-man-ERG them-LOC speak-PAST, they good-INCHO-PAST, fish give-RECIP-PAST

yaba jambul kuyu kunil mukul dingkar balkal jana ngulkurr dajil

kuni-wa-ny / daji-wa-ny RECIP (subject yaba jambul ABS, r.26); ngulkurr-ma-ny 'made peace'


The young man was bitten by a shark in the salt water, but the old people made him well with bush medicine.

Warru jalunba yaburr-undu bayka-jin, yambada mukul-mukul-ungku nyulu mayi-bu kakawarri-bungan.

warru jalun-ba yaburr-undu bayka-ji-ny, yambada mukul-mukul-ungku nyulu mayi-bu kakawarri-bunga-ny | young.man sea-LOC shark-LOC bite-PASS-PAST, but old-old-ERG him plant-INST well-CAUS-PAST

warru jalun yaburr baykal mukul mayi kakawarri

PASSIVE bayka-ji-ny 'was bitten' + agent LOC (yaburr-undu); kakawarri-bunga-ny CAUS 'healed'; ERG mukul-mukul-ungku


The old man said: do not let anger grow between kin; if a quarrel starts, the old people talk to both sides until they see each other as brothers again.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kuli kari yalbay-mal mula-mula-nya; kaki kuku kuli-man, mukul-mukul jambulka balkal, jana yaba-yaba nyaji-way baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kuli kari yalbay-ma-l mula-mula-nya; kaki kuku kuli-ma-ny, mukul-mukul jambul-ka balka-l, jana yaba-yaba nyaji-way baja | old-man-ERG say-PAST: anger NEG big-INCHO-NONPAST kin-kin-among; if word rage-INCHO-PAST, old-old two-DAT speak-NONPAST, they brother-brother see-RECIP again

mukul dingkar balkal kuli kari yalbay mula kaki kuku jambul jana yaba nyajil

kuli-ma-ny INCHO 'became angry'; nyaji-way RECIP 'see each other'; kaki conditional


The woman heated the stones in the fire, dropped them into the water, boiled it, and cooked the fish.

Jalbungku kulji kunjinba wumbul-bungan, bananga daray-manin, bana nyaman, kuyu wajun.

jalbu-ngku kulji kunjin-ba wumbul-bunga-ny, bana-nga daray-mani-ny, bana nyama-ny, kuyu waju-ny | woman-ERG stone fire-LOC hot-CAUS-PAST, water-LOC drop-CAUS-PAST, water boil-PAST, fish cook-PAST

jalbu kulji kunjin wumbul bana daray nyamal kuyu wajul

wumbul-bunga-ny CAUS 'heated'; daray-mani-ny action-CAUS 'dropped (made fall)'; ERG jalbu-ngku


I washed myself in the cold creek at dawn, hid my food from the dogs, and then went out to hunt.

Ngayu wawubajanga kiway julurri-jin wungar wangkara, ngayku mayi kaya-muny ngakin, balbi dungan.

ngayu wawubaja-nga kiway julurri-ji-ny wungar wangkar-a, ngayku mayi kaya-muny ngaki-ny, balbi dunga-ny | I river-LOC cold wash-REFL-PAST sun up-LOC, my food dog-ABL hide-PAST, hunt go-PAST

ngayu wawubaja kiway julurril wungar wangkar ngayku mayi kaya ngakil balbi dungay

julurri-ji-ny REFL 'washed myself' vs ngaki-ny transitive 'hid'; kaya-muny ABL; wangkar-a LOC


The men called to each other across the valley, and when they met at the big tree they shared the news of the hunt.

Dingkar-dingkar bubu-burr kunja-wan, jana juku yalbaymba nyaji-way, kuku balbi-muny daji-wan.

dingkar-dingkar bubu-burr kunja-wa-ny, jana juku yalbay-mba nyaji-way, kuku balbi-muny daji-wa-ny | man-man country-PERL call-RECIP-PAST, they tree big-LOC see-RECIP, word hunt-ABL give-RECIP-PAST

dingkar bubu kunjal jana juku yalbay nyajil kuku balbi dajil

kunja-wa-ny/nyaji-way/daji-wa-ny RECIP (ABS subject); yalbay-mba LOC (y-final); bubu-burr PERL


Is the old woman getting better? Yes, she was very sick, but she drank the green-ant medicine and now she is becoming well again.

Mukul ngulkurr-mal? Yuwu, nyulu bambay bajaku, yambada nyulu yangka-mayi nukan, nyulu kakawarri-mal baja.

mukul ngulkurr-ma-l? yuwu, nyulu bambay bajaku, yambada nyulu yangka-mayi nuka-ny, nyulu kakawarri-ma-l baja | old.woman good-INCHO-NONPAST? yes, she sick very, but she green.ant-food eat-PAST, she well-INCHO-NONPAST again

mukul ngulkurr yuwu bambay yangka mayi nukal kakawarri

ngulkurr-ma-l / kakawarri-ma-l INCHO 'get well'; yangka 'green ant' (Patz 5217); bambay 'sick'


Wake the young men before the sun comes up, make the fire big, and heat the water so we can leave early!

Warru-warru wandi-mana wungar kada-nyjiku, baya yalbay-bunga, bana wumbul-bunga ngali ngadiku dunga!

warru-warru wandi-mana wungar kada-nyjiku, baya yalbay-bunga, bana wumbul-bunga ngali ngadiku dunga | young-young wake-CAUS.IMP sun come-SUCC, fire big-CAUS.IMP, water hot-CAUS.IMP we early go.IMP

warru wandil wungar kaday baya yalbay bana wumbul ngali ngadiku dungay

wandi-mana action-CAUS IMP 'wake'; yalbay-bunga/wumbul-bunga CAUS IMP; SUCC kada-nyjiku


The strong man overpowered the big fish, dragged it onto the sand, and killed it.

Dingkar junkurr kuyu yalbay junkurr-manin, jukara wundin, kunin.

dingkar junkurr kuyu yalbay junkurr-mani-ny, jukar-a wundi-ny, kuni-ny | man strong fish big strength-CAUS-PAST, sand-LOC bring-PAST, kill-PAST

dingkar junkurr kuyu yalbay wundil jukar kunil

junkurr-mani-ny action-CAUS 'overpowered'; jukar-a LOC (single r)


The old man said: when a man is frightened in the dark scrub, he must sit still and make himself calm, because fear makes the feet stumble.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: dingkar wujurr madjanga yinil-kanga-jin, nyulu dandi bundal, nyulu ngulkurr-ma-ji, yinil jina buyun-bungal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: dingkar wujurr madja-nga yinil-kanga-ji-ny, nyulu dandi bunda-l, nyulu ngulkurr-ma-ji, yinil jina buyun-bunga-l | old-man-ERG say-PAST: man dark scrub-LOC fear-CAUS-MID-PAST, he firm sit-NONPAST, he good-INCHO-REFL, fear foot bad-CAUS-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal wujurr madja yinil dandi bunday ngulkurr jina buyun

yinil-kanga-ji-ny MIDDLE 'got frightened'; ngulkurr-ma-ji REFL 'calm oneself'; buyun-bunga-l CAUS


The fire died down, the night became cold, the water came, and then it put out the last coals.

Baya bada dungan, wujurr kiway-man, bana kada-nda, ngunjil bada nandan.

baya bada dunga-ny, wujurr kiway-ma-ny, bana kada-ny-da, ngunjil bada nanda-ny | fire down go-PAST, dark cold-INCHO-PAST, water come-PAST-then, coals down close-PAST

baya bada dungay wujurr kiway bana kaday ngunjil nandal

kija-ma-ny INCHO in a narrative chain; kada-ny-da TEMP1 -da


Did you two make peace? Yes, we talked together a long time, we saw each other's side, and now we help each other again.

Yubal ngulkurr-man? Yuwu, ngali yalbay wungar balka-wan, ngali nyaji-wan, ngali mara-daji-way baja.

yubal ngulkurr-ma-ny? yuwu, ngali yalbay wungar balka-wa-ny, ngali nyaji-wa-ny, ngali mara-daji-way baja | you.two good-INCHO-PAST? yes, we big time talk-RECIP-PAST, we see-RECIP-PAST, we help-RECIP again

yubal ngulkurr yuwu ngali yalbay wungar balkal nyajil mara dajil

balka-wa-ny/nyaji-wa-ny/mara-daji-way RECIP (subject ngali ABS); yubal 2du


The women softened the leaves in water, wove them, and made dilly bags.

Jalbu jambul birra bananga kima-bal, wukurril, balji-bunga.

jalbu jambul birra bana-nga kima-bal, wukurri-l, balji-bunga | woman two leaf water-LOC soft-CAUS.NONPAST, weave-NONPAST, dillybag-CAUS.NONPAST

jalbu jambul birra bana kima wukurril balji

kima-bal reduced CAUS 'soften' (r.34); balji-bunga CAUS 'make into a bag'; wukurri-l 'weave' (Patz A283)


Wash your hands before you eat, cover yourself against the cold, and hide the meat well so the dogs cannot reach it!

Mara julurri-jika yundu nuka-nyjiku, kiway-muny nanda-jika, minya ngulkurr ngaka kaya kariku manil!

mara julurri-ji-ka yundu nuka-nyjiku, kiway-muny nanda-ji-ka, minya ngulkurr ngaka kaya kariku mani-l | hand wash-REFL-IMP you eat-SUCC, cold-ABL cover-REFL-IMP, meat well hide.IMP dog NEG get-NONPAST

mara julurril yundu nukal kiway nandal minya ngulkurr ngakil kaya kari manil

julurri-ji-ka / nanda-ji-ka REFL IMP (-ka); ngaka IMP of ngaki-l; kija-muny ABL


The green fruit slowly became ripe, fell to the ground, and the pigeons ate it there.

Mayi kulbul-kari kulbul-man, bubungu daran, wabul yinyabu nukan.

mayi kulbul-kari kulbul-ma-ny, bubu-ngu dara-ny, wabul yinya-bu nuka-ny | fruit ripe-PRIV ripe-INCHO-PAST, ground-LOC fall-PAST, pigeon there-LOC eat-PAST

mayi kulbul kari bubu daray wabul yinya nukal

kulbul-ma-ny INCHO 'became ripe'; kulbul-kari PRIV 'unripe'; dara-y 'fall'


The children swam in the water and laughed until the sun went down.

Karrkay-karrkay bananga maraji, jana yajarrin, wungar bada-nyjiku.

karrkay-karrkay bana-nga maraji, jana yajarri-ny, wungar bada-nyjiku | child-child water-LOC swim-NONPAST, they laugh-PAST, sun down-SUCC

karrkay bana maraji jana yajarr wungar bada

maraji 'swim'; SUCC bada-nyjiku 'until sundown'; bana-nga LOC


Who taught you to make fire? The old man taught me; he showed me how to twist the fire-stick until the dry grass caught alight.

Wanya yundu baya jakalamba binal-bungan? Mukul-dingkarangka nganya binal-bungan, nyulu nganya milbin jimal murnil jikan marral kunjin-man.

wanya yundu baya jakalamba binal-bunga-ny? mukul-dingkar-angka nganya binal-bunga-ny, nyulu nganya milbi-ny jimal murni-l jikan marral kunjin-ma-ny | who you fire start.IMP teach-CAUS-PAST? old-man-ERG me teach-CAUS-PAST, he me show-PAST fire.stick twist-NONPAST grass dry fire-INCHO-PAST

wanya yundu baya jakalambal binal mukul dingkar nganya milbil jimal murnil jikan marral kunjin

binal-bunga-ny CAUS 'taught'; kunjin-ma-ny INCHO 'became fire'; murni-l 'twist'


The boy fell ill after the long walk, his body grew hot, but after two days he became well and stood up strong again.

Buban bambay-man jilbay yalbay-muny, nyulu wumbul-man, yambada wungar jambul-muny nyulu kakawarri-man, junkurr wandin baja.

buban bambay-ma-ny jilbay yalbay-muny, nyulu wumbul-ma-ny, yambada wungar jambul-muny nyulu kakawarri-ma-ny, junkurr wandi-ny baja | boy sick-INCHO-PAST walk big-ABL, he hot-INCHO-PAST, but day two-ABL he well-INCHO-PAST, strong get.up-PAST again

buban bambay jilbay yalbay wumbul yambada wungar jambul kakawarri junkurr wandil

bambay-ma-ny/wumbul-ma-ny/kakawarri-ma-ny INCHO; yalbay-muny/jambul-muny ABL


The old man said: teach the children to make fire, to make spears, and to heal the sick, because the one who can make things is never poor.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga baya jakalamba, kalka bunga, bambay kakawarri-bunga, bama bunga-l-bama kariku mayi-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga baya jakalamba, kalka bunga, bambay kakawarri-bunga, bama bunga-l-bama kariku mayi-kari | old-man-ERG say-PAST: child-child teach-CAUS.IMP fire start.IMP, spear make.IMP, sick well-CAUS.IMP, person make-NMLZ-person NEG food-PRIV

mukul dingkar balkal karrkay binal baya jakalambal kalka bambay kakawarri bama mayi kari

binal-bunga/kakawarri-bunga CAUS IMP; bunga-l-bama 'maker' (NMLZ compound); mayi-kari PRIV 'poor'


The two old friends met again after many years, embraced, and sat down to share their stories.

Jawun jambul nyaji-way baja wungar wubul-muny, karrba-way, bundan kuku daji-way.

jawun jambul nyaji-way baja wungar wubul-muny, karrba-way, bunda-ny kuku daji-way | friend two see-RECIP again year many-ABL, embrace-RECIP, sit-PAST word give-RECIP

jawun jambul nyajil wungar wubul karrbal bunday kuku dajil

nyaji-way/karrba-way/daji-way RECIP (jawun jambul ABS); karrba-way 'embrace'


I grew up in this country, I learned its stories and its plant names, and now I am becoming an old man myself.

Ngayu nyiku bubungu yalbay-man, ngayu kuku juku burri binalman, ngayu mukul-dingkar-mal.

ngayu nyiku bubu-ngu yalbay-ma-ny, ngayu kuku juku burri binal-ma-ny, ngayu mukul-dingkar-ma-l | I this country-LOC big-INCHO-PAST, I word tree name know-INCHO-PAST, I old-man-INCHO-NONPAST

ngayu nyiku bubu yalbay kuku juku burri binal mukul dingkar

yalbay-ma-ny 'grew up'; mukul-dingkar-ma-l INCHO on noun 'becoming an old man'; bubu-nga LOC


The young man was frightened by the crocodile at the river, but he stayed still and was not harmed.

Warru wawubajanga bilngkumu-ndu yinil-kanga-jin, yambada nyulu dandi bundan, nyulu kariku buyun-man.

warru wawubaja-nga bilngkumu-ndu yinil-kanga-ji-ny, yambada nyulu dandi bunda-ny, nyulu kariku buyun-ma-ny | young.man river-LOC crocodile-LOC fear-CAUS-MID-PAST, but he firm sit-PAST, he NEG bad-INCHO-PAST

warru wawubaja bilngkumu yinil dandi bunday kari buyun

yinil-kanga-ji-ny MIDDLE + agent LOC (bilngkumu-ndu 'by crocodile', Patz 4847); buyun-ma-ny INCHO


The mother stood the child up on its feet, washed its face, sang a song, and it stopped crying.

Ngamungku karrkay jina-nga jana-y-manin, mil julurrin, burri balkan, nyulu badil bawan.

ngamu-ngku karrkay jina-nga jana-y-mani-ny, mil julurri-ny, burri balka-ny, nyulu badi-l bawa-ny | mother-ERG child foot-LOC stand-CAUS-PAST, face wash-PAST, song sing-PAST, it cry-NONPAST leave-PAST

ngamu karrkay jina julurril mil burri balkal badi bawal

jana-y-mani-ny action-CAUS 'stood up'; mil 'eye/face'; ERG ngamu-ngku


Has the water become cold enough to drink? Not yet — leave it in the shade a while, and when it is cool we will fill the coolamons.

Bana kiway-man nuka-nka? Kariku — wabarrba bawa nganga, bana kiway-ma-nya ngali dubal yajin-bunganka.

bana kiway-ma-ny nuka-nka? kariku — wabarr-ba bawa nganga, bana kiway-ma-nya ngali dubal yajin-bunga-nka | water cold-INCHO-PAST drink-PURP? not.yet — shade-LOC leave.IMP just, water cold-SUB we coolamon full-CAUS-PURP

bana kiway nukal kari wabarr bawal nganga ngali dubal yajin

kija-ma-ny INCHO; kija-nya SUB 'when cold'; yajin-bunga-nka CAUS+PURP 'to fill'; kariku 'not yet'


The old man said: when two families quarrel, do not let the anger grow; sit them down together, let them speak to each other, and they will become one people again.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: bama jambul kuli-ma-nya, kuli kari yalbay-mal; jana muru bunda-mana, jana balka-way, jana nyubun bama-man baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: bama jambul kuli-ma-nya, kuli kari yalbay-ma-l; jana muru bunda-mana, jana balka-way, jana nyubun bama-ma-ny baja | old-man-ERG say-PAST: people two rage-INCHO-SUB, anger NEG big-INCHO-NONPAST; them together sit-CAUS.IMP, they talk-RECIP, they one people-INCHO-PAST again

mukul dingkar balkal bama jambul kuli kari yalbay jana muru bunday nyubun

kuli-ma-nya INCHO SUB 'while quarrelling'; bunda-mana CAUS IMP 'make sit'; balka-way RECIP; bama-ma-ny INCHO


The man sharpened the knife on the stone, split the log with it, made a good fire, and it burned much of the night.

Dingkarangka naybu kuljibu nyurrban, juku murrngan, baya ngulkurr-bungan, nyulu wujurr wubul wajun.

dingkar-angka naybu kulji-bu nyurrba-ny, juku murrnga-ny, baya ngulkurr-bunga-ny, nyulu wujurr wubul waju-ny | man-ERG knife stone-INST grind-PAST, wood break-PAST, fire good-CAUS-PAST, it night much burn-PAST

dingkar naybu kulji nyurrbal juku murrngal baya ngulkurr wujurr wubul wajul

nyurrba-ny 'sharpened'; murrnga-ny 'broke off' (r.26 non-LOC verb); ngulkurr-bunga-ny CAUS; ERG dingkar-angka


Why are you hiding yourself in the grass? A big goanna frightened me, and I am waiting for it to go away.

Wanyurrinku yundu jikanba ngaki-ji? Bajuy yalbay-ngka nganya yinil-kangan, ngayu bundal nyulu dunga-nyjiku.

wanyurrinku yundu jikan-ba ngaki-ji? bajuy yalbay-ngka nganya yinil-kanga-ny, ngayu bunda-l nyulu dunga-nyjiku | why you grass-LOC hide-REFL? goanna big-ERG me fear-CAUS-PAST, I wait-NONPAST it go-SUCC

wanyurrinku yundu jikan ngakil bajuy yalbay nganya yinil ngayu bunday dungay

ngaki-ji REFL 'hide oneself' (surface -ji, r.21e); yalbay-ngka ERG (y-final, a-harmony); yinil-kanga-ny CAUS


The tide came in, the sand became wet, the crabs came out of their holes, and the children ran to catch them.

Bana kadan, jukar duna-man, ngalngal bubungu-muny dungan, karrkay-karrkay warri karrbanka.

bana kada-ny, jukar duna-ma-ny, ngalngal bubu-ngu-muny dunga-ny, karrkay-karrkay warri karrba-nka | water come-PAST, sand wet-INCHO-PAST, sand.crab hole-ABL go-PAST, child-child run catch-PURP

bana kaday jukar duna ngalngal bubu dungay karrkay warri karrbal

duna-ma-ny INCHO 'became wet'; bubu-ngu-muny ABL 'out of the hole'; karrba-nka PURP


Make the child warm by the fire, make the soup good with more roots, and heal his cough with the green-ant juice!

Karrkay kunjinba wumbul-bunga, wuynkurr ngulkurr-bunga bangkan-ji, nyungu ngiki yangka-bu kakawarri-bunga!

karrkay kunjin-ba wumbul-bunga, wuynkurr ngulkurr-bunga bangkan-ji, nyungu ngiki yangka-bu kakawarri-bunga | child fire-LOC hot-CAUS.IMP, broth good-CAUS.IMP root-COMIT, his cough green.ant-INST well-CAUS.IMP

karrkay kunjin wumbul wuynkurr ngulkurr bangkan nyungu yangka kakawarri

wumbul-bunga/ngulkurr-bunga/kakawarri-bunga CAUS IMP; bangkan-ji COMIT; ngiki 'cough' (Patz 6046)


The old woman said: a person must learn to look after themselves — to wash, to find food, to make fire, to heal small hurts — before they can look after others.

Mukulungku balkan: bama kuji-ji binal-mal — julurri-ji, mayi nubil, baya jakalamba, buyun buban kakawarri-ji — bama yindu kuji-nyjiku.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: bama kuji-ji binal-ma-l — julurri-ji, mayi nubi-l, baya jakalamba, buyun buban kakawarri-ji — bama yindu kuji-nyjiku | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: person look.after-REFL learn-INCHO-NONPAST — wash-REFL, food seek-NONPAST, fire start.IMP, hurt small heal-REFL — person other look.after-SUCC

mukul balkal bama kujil binal julurril mayi nubil baya jakalambal buyun buban kakawarri yindu

kuji-ji/julurri-ji/kakawarri-ji REFL; binal-ma-l INCHO; nubi-l 'seek'; kuji-nyjiku SUCC; ERG mukul-ungku


The two hunters tracked the wallaby together, speared it from both sides, and divided the meat between their families.

Balbi-bama jambul kadar muru wukurri-way, jambul-burr daman, minya nyungu bama-nka daji-wan.

balbi-bama jambul kadar muru wukurri-way, jambul-burr dama-ny, minya nyungu bama-nka daji-wa-ny | hunter two wallaby together track-RECIP, two-PERL spear-PAST, meat their people-DAT give-RECIP-PAST

balbi bama jambul kadar muru wukurril damal minya nyungu dajil

wukurri-way/daji-wa-ny RECIP; jambul-burr PERL 'from two sides'


Is the young man becoming a good hunter? Yes — he learned quickly, his aim became true, and now he never comes back empty-handed.

Warru ngulkurr balbi-bama-mal? Yuwu — nyulu warri binalman, nyungu mil yaral-man, nyulu kariku mara-kari kaday.

warru ngulkurr balbi-bama-ma-l? yuwu — nyulu warri binal-ma-ny, nyungu mil yaral-ma-ny, nyulu kariku mara-kari kada-y | young.man good hunter-INCHO-NONPAST? yes — he fast know-INCHO-PAST, his eye straight-INCHO-PAST, he NEG hand-PRIV come-NONPAST

warru ngulkurr balbi bama yuwu warri binal nyungu mil yaral kari mara kaday

balbi-bama-ma-l/binal-ma-ny/yaral-ma-ny INCHO; mara-kari PRIV 'empty-handed'


The old canoe was left on the beach for many years, the sun ruined the wood, and slowly it fell apart.

Marrakan jalun-ba bawan wungar wubul-muny, wungarangka juku buyun-bungan, murrnga-jin.

marrakan jalun-ba bawa-ny wungar wubul-muny, wungar-angka juku buyun-bunga-ny, murrnga-ji-ny | canoe beach-LOC leave-PAST year many-ABL, sun-ERG wood bad-CAUS-PAST, break-MID-PAST

marrakan jalun warral bawal wungar wubul juku buyun murrngal

wungar-angka ERG 'sun'; buyun-bunga-ny CAUS 'ruined'; murrnga-ji-ny MIDDLE 'fell apart'


Help each other carry the load, share the water between you, and do not leave anyone behind on the long walk!

Wubul mara-daji-way, bana daji-way, kari bama nyubun bawa jilbay yalbay-mba!

wubul mara-daji-way, bana daji-way, kari bama nyubun bawa jilbay yalbay-mba | load help-RECIP.IMP, water give-RECIP.IMP, NEG person one leave.IMP walk big-LOC

wubul mara dajil bana kari bama nyubun bawal jilbay yalbay

mara-daji-way/daji-way RECIP IMP; jilbay 'walk'(noun); yalbay-nga LOC


The old man said: fire can make a spear hard or burn a whole camp; the same hand that heals can also harm — so teach the young to know the difference.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: baya kalka dandi-bungal, baya bayan wubul wajul; mara kakawarri-bungal, mara buyun-bungal; karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga jana yindu binal-mal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: baya kalka dandi-bunga-l, baya bayan wubul waju-l; mara kakawarri-bunga-l, mara buyun-bunga-l; karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga jana yindu binal-ma-l | old-man-ERG say-PAST: fire spear hard-CAUS-NONPAST, fire house all burn-NONPAST; hand well-CAUS-NONPAST, hand bad-CAUS-NONPAST; child-child teach-CAUS.IMP they difference know-INCHO-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal baya kalka dandi bayan wubul wajul mara kakawarri buyun karrkay binal jana yindu

dandi-bunga-l/kakawarri-bunga-l/buyun-bunga-l CAUS contrast; binal-ma-l INCHO


After the big water the dry creek filled again, the grass grew fresh, and the whole country became alive with birds.

Bana yalbay-muny wawubaja bana-ji-man, jikan kulbul-man, bubu dikal-ji juran-man.

bana yalbay-muny wawubaja bana-ji-ma-ny, jikan kulbul-ma-ny, bubu dikal-ji juran-ma-ny | water big-ABL creek water-COMIT-INCHO-PAST, grass fresh-INCHO-PAST, country bird-COMIT alive-INCHO-PAST

bana yalbay wawubaja jikan kulbul bubu dikal juran

COMIT+INCHO (bana-ji-ma-ny 'became watered', dikal-ji juran-ma-ny 'became alive-with-birds', r.34)


Did the two groups make a trade? Yes — we gave them spears and dilly bags, they gave us shells and ochre, and both sides were satisfied.

Bama jambul daji-wan? Yuwu — ngali jananda kalka balji dayan, jana ngananda nikar bajar dayan, jambul ngulkurr-man.

bama jambul daji-wa-ny? yuwu — ngali jana-nda kalka balji daya-ny, jana ngana-nda nikar bajar daya-ny, jambul ngulkurr-ma-ny | people two give-RECIP-PAST? yes — we them-LOC spear dillybag give-PAST, they us-LOC oyster ochre give-PAST, two good-INCHO-PAST

bama jambul dajil yuwu ngali kalka balji daya jana ngana nikar bajar ngulkurr

daji-wa-ny RECIP 'traded'; daya-ny 'give-PAST'; jana-nda/ngana-nda LOC recipients


The grandmother made the sick child well again: she warmed him by the fire, made him drink the medicine, and sang until he slept.

Babingka karrkay bambay kakawarri-bungan: nyulu kunjinba wumbul-bungan, mayi nuka-manin, burri balkan nyulu wuna-nyjiku.

babi-ngka karrkay bambay kakawarri-bunga-ny: nyulu kunjin-ba wumbul-bunga-ny, mayi nuka-mani-ny, burri balka-ny nyulu wuna-nyjiku | grandmother-ERG child sick well-CAUS-PAST: she fire-LOC hot-CAUS-PAST, medicine eat-CAUS-PAST, song sing-PAST she sleep-SUCC

babi karrkay bambay kakawarri kunjin wumbul mayi nukal burri balkal wunay

kakawarri-bunga-ny/wumbul-bunga-ny CAUS; nuka-mani-ny action-CAUS 'made drink'; wuna-nyjiku SUCC; ERG babi-ngka


The old man said: a boy becomes a man not by growing tall, but by learning to give — the one who shares becomes rich in kin, and the one who hoards becomes poor and alone.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: buban dingkar-mal kari yalbay-muny, binal daya-l-muny; daji-way-bama mula-ji-mal, ngaki-bama mula-kari nyubun-man.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: buban dingkar-ma-l kari yalbay-muny, binal daya-l-muny; daji-way-bama mula-ji-ma-l, ngaki-bama mula-kari nyubun-ma-ny | old-man-ERG say-PAST: boy man-INCHO-NONPAST NEG tall-ABL, know give-NMLZ-ABL; share-RECIP-person kin-COMIT-INCHO-NONPAST, hide-person kin-PRIV one-INCHO-PAST

mukul dingkar balkal buban kari yalbay binal daya dajil bama mula ngakil nyubun

dingkar-ma-l/mula-ji-ma-l/nyubun-ma-ny INCHO; daji-way-bama 'sharer', ngaki-bama 'hoarder'; mula-ji COMIT vs mula-kari PRIV


The man cut himself while sharpening the spear, washed the cut in the creek, and bound it with soft bark.

Dingkar yaka-jin kalka nyurrba-nya, wawubajanga julurrin, dumbul kima-bu karrban.

dingkar yaka-ji-ny kalka nyurrba-nya, wawubaja-nga julurri-ny, dumbul kima-bu karrba-ny | man cut-REFL-PAST spear grind-SUB, creek-LOC wash-PAST, bark soft-INST bind-PAST

dingkar yakal kalka nyurrbal wawubaja julurril dumbul kima karrbal

yaka-ji-ny REFL 'cut himself'; nyurrba-nya SUB 'while sharpening'; kima 'soft'


I made the fire strong, heated the flat stones, and cooked the fish and the roots on them for the whole family.

Ngayu baya junkurr-bungan, kulji wumbul-bungan, kuyu bangkan yinyabu wajun bama wubulka.

ngayu baya junkurr-bunga-ny, kulji wumbul-bunga-ny, kuyu bangkan yinya-bu waju-ny bama wubul-ka | I fire strong-CAUS-PAST, stone hot-CAUS-PAST, fish root there-LOC cook-PAST people all-DAT

ngayu baya junkurr kulji wumbul kuyu bangkan yinya wajul bama wubul

junkurr-bunga-ny/wumbul-bunga-ny CAUS; bama wubul-ka DAT 'for all the people'


The old people sat in a circle, passed the food from hand to hand, told stories to one another, and laughed together late into the night.

Mukul-mukul muru bundan, mayi mara-burr daji-wan, kuku balka-wan, yajarr-wan wujurr yalbay-mba.

mukul-mukul muru bunda-ny, mayi mara-burr daji-wa-ny, kuku balka-wa-ny, yajarr-wa-ny wujurr yalbay-mba | old-old together sit-PAST, food hand-PERL give-RECIP-PAST, word talk-RECIP-PAST, laugh-RECIP-PAST night big-LOC

mukul muru bunday mayi mara dajil kuku balkal yajarr wujurr yalbay

daji-wa-ny/balka-wa-ny/yajarr-wa-ny RECIP (mukul-mukul ABS); mara-burr PERL 'hand to hand'


Grow strong, learn the old ways, make your children good, and keep the language alive!

Junkurr-maka, bubu ngadiku binal-maka, karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr-bunga, kuku juran-bunga!

junkurr-maka, bubu ngadiku binal-maka, karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr-bunga, kuku juran-bunga | strong-INCHO.IMP country old learn-INCHO.IMP, child-child good-CAUS.IMP, language alive-CAUS.IMP

junkurr bubu ngadiku binal karrkay ngulkurr kuku juran

junkurr-maka/binal-maka INCHO IMP (-maka); ngulkurr-bunga/juran-bunga CAUS IMP


Has the language died in this place? No — the children are learning it again, the old words are becoming strong, and the country is waking up.

Kuku nyiku bubungu wulan? Kariku — karrkay-karrkay binal-mal baja, kuku ngadiku junkurr-mal, bubu wandin baja.

kuku nyiku bubu-ngu wula-ny? kariku — karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-l baja, kuku ngadiku junkurr-ma-l, bubu wandi-ny baja | language this country-LOC die-PAST? not.yet — child-child learn-INCHO-NONPAST again, word old strong-INCHO-NONPAST, country wake-PAST again

kuku nyiku bubu wulay kari karrkay binal ngadiku junkurr wandil

wula-ny 'died'; binal-ma-l/junkurr-ma-l INCHO 'reviving'; bubu-nga LOC


The old man said: we make each other who we are — the elder makes the child wise, the child keeps the elder alive in memory, and so the people never truly die, but pass their knowing from hand to hand forever.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngali nyubun-nyubun-ji bama-bungal — mukulungku karrkay binal-bungal, karrkayangka mukul juran-bungal milka-nga, bama kariku wula, jana binal mara-burr daji-way ngadiku-ngadiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngali nyubun-nyubun-ji bama-bunga-l — mukul-ungku karrkay binal-bunga-l, karrkay-angka mukul juran-bunga-l milka-nga, bama kariku wula-y, jana binal mara-burr daji-way ngadiku-ngadiku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: we each.other people-CAUS-NONPAST — elder-ERG child know-CAUS-NONPAST, child-ERG elder alive-CAUS-NONPAST mind-LOC, people NEG die-NONPAST, they knowledge hand-PERL give-RECIP always

mukul dingkar balkal ngali nyubun bama karrkay binal juran milka kari wulay jana mara dajil ngadiku

bama-bunga-l/binal-bunga-l/juran-bunga-l CAUS; daji-way RECIP; ERG mukul-ungku & karrkay-angka (line 141)


My mother and my elder sister went to the river to dig for roots, but my younger brother stayed in the camp with grandmother.

Ngayku ngamu babarr wawubajanga dungan bangkan bakanka, yambada ngayku yabaju bayanba bundan babi-ji.

ngayku ngamu babarr wawubaja-nga dunga-ny bangkan baka-nka, yambada ngayku yabaju bayan-ba bunda-ny babi-ji | my mother elder.sister river-LOC go-PAST root dig-PURP, but my younger.brother house-LOC sit-PAST grandmother-COMIT

ngayku ngamu babarr wawubaja dungay bangkan bakal yabaju bayan bunday babi

kin lexicon: babarr 'elder sister', yabaju 'younger brother', babi 'grandmother'; babi-ji COMIT


The old man said: your mother's brother is your uncle; he gives you your first spear and teaches you to hunt — that is his duty to his sister's children.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: nyungu kalnga yundu kalka ngadiku dayal, balbi binal-bungal, yinya nyungu kuku babarr-amu karrkay-karrkayka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: nyungu kalnga yundu kalka ngadiku daya-l, balbi binal-bunga-l, yinya nyungu kuku babarr-amu karrkay-karrkay-ka | old-man-ERG say-PAST: your uncle you spear first give-NONPAST, hunt teach-CAUS-NONPAST, that his duty sister-POSS child-child-DAT

mukul dingkar balkal nyungu kalnga yundu kalka ngadiku daya balbi binal kuku babarr karrkay

kalnga 'mother's brother/uncle'; babarr-amu POSS (consonant -amu); binal-bunga-l CAUS 'teach'


My grandfather made me a small spear when I was a boy, and my grandmother wove me a dilly bag.

Ngayku kami nganya kalka buban bungan ngayu buban-nya, ngayku babi nganya balji wukurrin.

ngayku kami nganya kalka buban bunga-ny ngayu buban-nya, ngayku babi nganya balji wukurri-ny | my grandfather me spear small make-PAST I small-SUB, my grandmother me dillybag weave-PAST

ngayku kami nganya kalka buban bungal babi balji wukurril

kami 'grandfather (FF)'; buban-nya SUB 'while [I was] small'


Who is that young man? He is my elder sister's son, so he calls me uncle, and I must look after him.

Wanya yinya warru? Nyulu ngayku babarr-amu kangkal, nyulu nganya kalnga kunjal, ngayu nyulu kuji-l.

wanya yinya warru? nyulu ngayku babarr-amu kangkal, nyulu nganya kalnga kunja-l, ngayu nyulu kuji-l | who that young.man? he my sister-POSS child, he me uncle call-NONPAST, I him look.after-NONPAST

wanya yinya warru ngayku babarr kangkal nganya kalnga kunjal kujil

kangkal 'own child' (neutral kin); kunja-l 'call'; the MB↔ZS obligation


The old man said: a man and his mother-in-law must never speak or sit together; they pass their words through a third person, for that is the deepest respect in our law.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: dingkar nyungu biwul kari balka-way, kari muru bundal-way; jana kuku bama nyubun-ji jilbay, yinya ngali kuku yalbay.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: dingkar nyungu biwul kari balka-way, kari muru bunda-l-way; jana kuku bama nyubun-ji jilba-y, yinya ngali kuku yalbay | old-man-ERG say-PAST: man his mother.in.law NEG speak-RECIP, NEG together sit-RECIP; their word person one-COMIT walk-NONPAST, that our law big

mukul dingkar balkal biwul kari balkal muru bunday kuku bama nyubun jilbay ngali yalbay

biwul 'mother-in-law' avoidance (r.33); balka-way/bunda-l-way RECIP; kuku 'law/word'


My cross-cousin and I joke and laugh together, we share everything, and we hunt as one — that is the way of cousins.

Ngayku kambanmu ngali yajarr-wan, ngali wubul daji-way, ngali nyubun balbil — yinya bangunji-mu kuku.

ngayku kambanmu ngali yajarr-wa-ny, ngali wubul daji-way, ngali nyubun balbi-l — yinya bangunji-mu kuku | my cross.cousin we laugh-RECIP-PAST, we all share-RECIP, we one hunt-NONPAST — that cousin-POSS way

ngayku kambanmu ngali yajarr wubul dajil nyubun balbi bangunji kuku

kambanmu 'cross-cousin' (joking-kin); bangunji-mu POSS (vowel -mu); yajarr-wa-ny/daji-way RECIP


The young man married a woman of the other side, as the law says, and their children belong to their father's people.

Warru jalbu yindu-ngu manyarr-bungan, ngali kuku yala, nyungu karrkay-karrkay nganjan-amu bama.

warru jalbu yindu-ngu manyarr-bunga-ny, ngali kuku yala, nyungu karrkay-karrkay nganjan-amu bama | young.man woman other-side wife-CAUS-PAST, our law way, his child-child father-POSS people

warru jalbu yindu warral manyarr ngali kuku karrkay nganjan bama

manyarr-bunga-ny 'married' (CAUS); nganjan-amu POSS; children = father's moiety (r.33)


Where is your husband? He went with my father and my elder brother to hunt wallaby in the high country.

Wanja nyungu dunyu? Nyulu ngayku nganjan yaba-ji dungan kadar balbinka bubu wangkara.

wanja nyungu dunyu? nyulu ngayku nganjan yaba-ji dunga-ny kadar balbi-nka bubu wangkar-a | where your husband? he my father elder.brother-COMIT go-PAST wallaby hunt-PURP country up-LOC

wanja nyungu dunyu ngayku nganjan yaba dungay kadar balbi bubu wangkar

dunyu 'husband', yaba 'elder brother'; yaba-ji COMIT; balbi-nka PURP


The grandmother said: never say the name of one who has died; call them 'ngalba', so their spirit rests and the family is not saddened.

Babingka balkan: bama wula-ny-muny nyungu burri kari balka; jana ngalba balka, nyungu dubu ngulkurr-ma, mula-mula kari buyun-ma.

babi-ngka balka-ny: bama wula-ny-muny nyungu burri kari balka; jana ngalba balka, nyungu dubu ngulkurr-ma, mula-mula kari buyun-ma | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: person die-PAST-ABL his name NEG say.IMP; them ngalba say.IMP, his spirit good-INCHO.IMP, kin-kin NEG bad-INCHO.IMP

babi balkal bama wulay nyungu burri kari balkal dubu ngulkurr mula buyun

name-taboo of the deceased -> substitute ngalba (r.33); dubu 'spirit' (errata); wula-ny-muny ABL


My father's father is very old; he sits in the shade all day and tells the children the old stories of the country.

Ngayku kami mukul bajaku; nyulu wabarrba bundan wungar-wungar, karrkay-karrkayka kuku ngadiku bubu-mu balkal.

ngayku kami mukul bajaku; nyulu wabarr-ba bunda-ny wungar-wungar, karrkay-karrkay-ka kuku ngadiku bubu-mu balka-l | my grandfather old very; he shade-LOC sit-PAST day-day, child-child-DAT word old country-POSS tell-NONPAST

ngayku kami mukul wabarr bunday wungar karrkay kuku ngadiku bubu balkal

kami 'grandfather'; bubu-mu POSS (vowel -mu); karrkay-karrkay-ka DAT


The mother and child walked together to the water, while the father and son made spears by the fire.

Ngamu-manda wawubajanga muru jilban, nganjan-manda kalka kunjinba bungan.

ngamu-manda wawubaja-nga muru jilba-ny, nganjan-manda kalka kunjin-ba bunga-ny | mother-and-child river-LOC together walk-PAST, father-and-son spear fire-LOC make-PAST

ngamu wawubaja muru jilbay nganjan kalka kunjin bungal

DYAD -manda: ngamu-manda 'mother&child', nganjan-manda 'father&son' (r.25/33)


Are your brothers coming to the meeting? Yes, all the brothers and cousins are gathering, because the old man wants to divide the country.

Nyungu yaba-karra kada? Yuwu, yaba-karra bangunji-karra muru janan, mukul-dingkarangka bubu daji-way wawu.

nyungu yaba-karra kada? yuwu, yaba-karra bangunji-karra muru jana-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka bubu daji-way wawu | your brother-PL come? yes, brother-PL cousin-PL together stand-PAST, old-man-ERG country divide-RECIP want

nyungu yaba bangunji muru janay yuwu mukul dingkar bubu dajil wawu

PLURAL -karra: yaba-karra 'brothers', bangunji-karra 'cousins' (r.25); daji-way 'divide/share'


The old man said: a child belongs to many people — the mother feeds it, the uncle teaches it, the grandmother keeps its stories — so no child is ever without family.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kangkal bama wubul-amu — ngamungku mayi dayal, kalnga-ngka binal-bungal, babingka kuku kujil — kangkal kari mula-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kangkal bama wubul-amu — ngamu-ngku mayi daya-l, kalnga-ngka binal-bunga-l, babi-ngka kuku kuji-l — kangkal kari mula-kari | old-man-ERG say-PAST: child people many-POSS — mother-ERG food give-NONPAST, uncle-ERG teach-CAUS-NONPAST, grandmother-ERG word keep-NONPAST — child NEG kin-PRIV

mukul dingkar balkal kangkal bama wubul ngamu mayi daya kalnga binal babi kuku kujil kari mula

POTENT ERG (r.33): ngamu-ngku, kalnga-ngka (a-harmony), babi-ngka; mula-kari PRIV 'without family'


My younger sister married a man from the coast; now she lives far away, but she comes back each dry season to see our mother.

Ngayku jinkurr dingkar jalun-ba-amu dunyu manin; nyulu kala-kalbay wunan, yambada wungar-wungar kada baja ngali ngamu nyajinka.

ngayku jinkurr dingkar jalun-ba-amu dunyu mani-ny; nyulu kala-kalbay wuna-ny, yambada wungar-wungar kada baja ngali ngamu nyaji-nka | my younger.sister man coast-POSS husband get-PAST; she far live-PAST, but season-season come back our mother see-PURP

ngayku jinkurr dingkar jalun warral dunyu manil kala-kalbay wunay wungar kaday ngali ngamu nyajil

jinkurr 'younger sister' (neutral kin); dunyu 'husband'; nyaji-nka PURP


Is that old woman your grandmother? No, she is my mother's older sister; I call her by a different name, but she cares for me like a grandmother.

Yinya mukul nyungu babi? Kari, nyulu ngayku mukay; ngayu nyulu yindu-bu kunjal, yambada nyulu nganya kuji-l babi yala.

yinya mukul nyungu babi? kari, nyulu ngayku mukay; ngayu nyulu yindu-bu kunja-l, yambada nyulu nganya kuji-l babi yala | that old.woman your grandmother? no, she my mother's.elder.sister; I her other-INST call-NONPAST, but she me look.after-NONPAST grandmother like

yinya mukul nyungu babi kari ngayku mukay yindu kunjal nganya kujil yala

mukay 'mother's elder sister (MZ)'; yala 'like/way'


I asked my elder brother for meat, but he gave it to his own child, so I went to my uncle.

Ngayu yaba-nda minya babajin, nyulu nyungu kangkalka dayan, ngayu kalnga-nda dungan.

ngayu yaba-nda minya babaji-ny, nyulu nyungu kangkal-ka daya-ny, ngayu kalnga-nda dunga-ny | I elder.brother-LOC meat ask-PAST, he his child-DAT give-PAST, I uncle-LOC go-PAST

ngayu yaba minya babaji nyungu kangkal daya kalnga dungay

POTENT LOC yaba-nda / kalnga-nda (Patz 2279 'yaba-nda(*-nga)'); kangkal-ka DAT (neutral)


The husband and wife built their camp near the water; the wife wove the baskets, and the husband made the spears and the fish nets.

Dunyu biwar bayan bana ngundu ngaran, biwarangka balji wukurrin, dunyungku kalka makarr bungan.

dunyu biwar bayan bana ngundu ngara-ny, biwar-angka balji wukurri-ny, dunyu-ngku kalka makarr bunga-ny | husband wife house water near build-PAST, wife-ERG basket weave-PAST, husband-ERG spear net make-PAST

dunyu biwar bayan bana ngundu ngaral balji wukurril kalka makarr bungal

POTENT ERG: biwar-angka (consonant, a-harmony), dunyu-ngku (u-final); biwar 'wife'


Who is looking after the orphan children? Their grandmother and their uncle took them in; in our way, a child is never left alone.

Wanya karrkay-karrkay mula-kari kujil? Nyungu babi kalnga jana manin; ngali yala, kangkal kari nyubun bawal.

wanya karrkay-karrkay mula-kari kuji-l? nyungu babi kalnga jana mani-ny; ngali yala, kangkal kari nyubun bawa-l | who child-child kin-PRIV look.after-NONPAST? their grandmother uncle them take-PAST; our way, child NEG alone leave-NONPAST

wanya karrkay mula kari kujil nyungu babi kalnga jana manil ngali kangkal nyubun bawal

mula-kari PRIV 'orphan/kinless'; kangkal 'child'


My great-grandfather was a famous hunter; my grandfather learned from him, my father from grandfather, and now I learn from my father.

Ngayku juway balbi-bama yalbay; ngayku kami nyulu-muny binalman, ngayku nganjan kami-muny binalman, ngayu nganjan-muny binal-mal.

ngayku juway balbi-bama yalbay; ngayku kami nyulu-muny binal-ma-ny, ngayku nganjan kami-muny binal-ma-ny, ngayu nganjan-muny binal-ma-l | my great.grandfather hunter big; my grandfather him-ABL learn-INCHO-PAST, my father grandfather-ABL learn-INCHO-PAST, I father-ABL learn-INCHO-NONPAST

ngayku juway balbi bama yalbay kami binal nganjan ngayu

juway 'great-grandfather'; kami-muny/nganjan-muny ABL 'from'; binal-ma-ny INCHO 'learned'


The old man said: the grandchild carries the grandfather's name and country; when the old ones are gone, the grandchildren become the elders, and the law passes down unbroken.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: jija kami-mu burri kami-mu bubu karrbal; mukul-mukul dunga-nya, jija-karra mukul-mukul-mal, kuku bada dungay kari murrnga-ji.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: jija kami-mu burri kami-mu bubu karrba-l; mukul-mukul dunga-nya, jija-karra mukul-mukul-ma-l, kuku bada dunga-y kari murrnga-ji | old-man-ERG say-PAST: grandchild grandfather-POSS name grandfather-POSS country hold-NONPAST; old-old go-SUB, grandchild-PL old-old-INCHO-NONPAST, law down go-NONPAST NEG break-MID

mukul dingkar balkal jija kami burri bubu karrbal dungay mukul kuku bada murrngal

jija 'grandchild'; kami-mu POSS (vowel -mu); jija-karra PLURAL; murrnga-ji MIDDLE 'break'


My aunt taught my sister to weave baskets and find the yams, because that is women's knowledge passed from mother to daughter.

Ngayku mukul ngayku babarr binal-bungan balji wukurrinka, mayi nubinka, yinya jalbu-mu binal ngamu-muny kangkalka.

ngayku mukul ngayku babarr binal-bunga-ny balji wukurri-nka, mayi nubi-nka, yinya jalbu-mu binal ngamu-muny kangkal-ka | my aunt my elder.sister teach-CAUS-PAST basket weave-PURP, food seek-PURP, that woman-POSS knowledge mother-ABL child-DAT

ngayku mukul babarr binal balji wukurril mayi nubil jalbu ngamu kangkal

mukul 'aunt (FZ)' (polysemous w/ 'old woman'); jalbu-mu POSS; wukurri-nka/nubi-nka PURP; ngamu-muny ABL


Did your father come back from the hunt? Yes, he and my elder brother brought two wallabies, and my mother is cooking them.

Nyungu nganjan balbi-muny kada baja? Yuwu, nyulu yaba-ji kadar jambul wundin, ngayku ngamu yinya wajul.

nyungu nganjan balbi-muny kada baja? yuwu, nyulu yaba-ji kadar jambul wundi-ny, ngayku ngamu yinya waju-l | your father hunt-ABL come back? yes, he elder.brother-COMIT wallaby two bring-PAST, my mother that cook-NONPAST

nyungu nganjan balbi kaday yuwu yaba kadar jambul wundil ngayku ngamu wajul

balbi-muny ABL 'from the hunt'; yaba-ji COMIT


The two sisters and their mother sat together weaving, the little ones sat nearby, and the men returned at dusk with meat.

Babarr jambul ngamu-ji muru bundan wukurril, karrkay-karrkay ngundu bundan, dingkar-dingkar kada baja wungar bada-nya minya-ji.

babarr jambul ngamu-ji muru bunda-ny wukurri-l, karrkay-karrkay ngundu bunda-ny, dingkar-dingkar kada baja wungar bada-nya minya-ji | sister two mother-COMIT together sit-PAST weave-NONPAST, child-child near sit-PAST, man-man come back sun down-SUB meat-COMIT

babarr jambul ngamu muru bunday wukurril karrkay ngundu dingkar kaday wungar bada minya

ngamu-ji / minya-ji COMIT (vowel -ji); bada-nya SUB 'at dusk'


My cousin and I are the same age; we grew up together, we learned together, and now we hunt the same country.

Ngayku bangunji ngali nyubun wungar-amu; ngali muru yalbay-man, ngali muru binal-man, ngali nyubun bubu balbil.

ngayku bangunji ngali nyubun wungar-amu; ngali muru yalbay-ma-ny, ngali muru binal-ma-ny, ngali nyubun bubu balbi-l | my cousin we one time-POSS; we together big-INCHO-PAST, we together learn-INCHO-PAST, we one country hunt-NONPAST

ngayku bangunji ngali nyubun wungar muru yalbay binal bubu balbi

bangunji 'cousin'; wungar-amu POSS (consonant -amu); yalbay-ma-ny/binal-ma-ny INCHO


The old woman said: a mother-in-law and her son-in-law must keep apart, but a man and his cross-cousin may joke freely — these two rules hold the family in balance.

Mukulungku balkan: biwul ngalayin muru kari bundal, yambada dingkar kambanmu-ji yajarr-way; yinya jambul kuku mula-mula dandi karrbal.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: biwul ngalayin muru kari bunda-l, yambada dingkar kambanmu-ji yajarr-way; yinya jambul kuku mula-mula dandi karrba-l | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: mother.in.law son.in.law together NEG sit-NONPAST, but man cross.cousin-COMIT laugh-RECIP; that two law kin-kin firm hold-NONPAST

mukul balkal biwul ngalayin muru kari bunday dingkar kambanmu yajarr jambul kuku mula dandi karrbal

biwul/ngalayin avoidance pair vs kambanmu joking; kambanmu-ji COMIT; mukul-ungku ERG


My husband's brother is my brother-in-law; he helps me carry the heavy loads, and I cook for him when my husband is away hunting.

Ngayku dunyu-mu yaba ngayku banji; nyulu nganya mara-dajil wubul junkurr, ngayu nyulu wajul dunyu balbi dunga-nya.

ngayku dunyu-mu yaba ngayku banji; nyulu nganya mara-daji-l wubul junkurr, ngayu nyulu waju-l dunyu balbi dunga-nya | my husband-POSS elder.brother my brother.in.law; he me help-NONPAST load heavy, I him cook-NONPAST husband hunt go-SUB

ngayku dunyu yaba banji nganya mara dajil wubul junkurr wajul balbi dungay

banji 'brother-in-law'; dunyu-mu POSS (vowel -mu); mara-daji-l 'help'


When my daughter was born, my mother came to help, my aunt brought food, and the whole family gathered to give the child a name.

Ngayku kangkal jalbu jana-nya, ngayku ngamu kada mara-dajinka, ngayku mukul mayi wundin, mula-mula muru janan kangkalka burri dayanka.

ngayku kangkal jalbu jana-nya, ngayku ngamu kada mara-daji-nka, ngayku mukul mayi wundi-ny, mula-mula muru jana-ny kangkal-ka burri daya-nka | my child girl born-SUB, my mother come help-PURP, my aunt food bring-PAST, kin-kin together gather-PAST child-DAT name give-PURP

ngayku kangkal jalbu janay ngamu kaday mara dajil mukul mayi wundil mula muru burri daya

mara-daji-nka/daya-nka PURP; burri 'name'; the whole-kin naming


Is he your younger brother? No, he is my uncle's son — my cross-cousin — so we joke and hunt together, but I must respect his father.

Nyulu nyungu yabaju? Kari, nyulu ngayku kalnga-mu kangkal — ngayku kambanmu — ngali yajarr-way balbi-way, yambada ngayu nyungu nganjan dandi karrbal.

nyulu nyungu yabaju? kari, nyulu ngayku kalnga-mu kangkal — ngayku kambanmu — ngali yajarr-way balbi-way, yambada ngayu nyungu nganjan dandi karrba-l | he your younger.brother? no, he my uncle-POSS child — my cross.cousin — we laugh-RECIP hunt-RECIP, but I his father firm hold-NONPAST

nyulu nyungu yabaju kari ngayku kalnga kangkal kambanmu ngali yajarr balbi nganjan dandi karrbal

yabaju 'younger brother'; kalnga-mu POSS (vowel -mu); balbi-way RECIP


The grandmother divided the fish among all her grandchildren, gave the best part to the smallest, and kept the head for herself.

Babingka kuyu jija-karra-nka daji-way, bada ngulkurr buban-baja-nka dayan, dukul nyungu-nka ngakin.

babi-ngka kuyu jija-karra-nka daji-way, bada ngulkurr buban-baja-nka daya-ny, dukul nyungu-nka ngaki-ny | grandmother-ERG fish grandchild-PL-DAT share-RECIP, part good small-most-DAT give-PAST, head self-DAT keep-PAST

babi kuyu jija dajil bada ngulkurr buban daya dukul nyungu ngakil

jija-karra-nka DAT (grandchildren); dukul 'head'; babi-ngka ERG


The old man said: honour your mother's people and your father's people alike; from one you take your blood, from the other your country, and a person who forgets either is lost.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: nyungu ngamu-mu bama nganjan-amu bama muru dandi karrba; nyubun-muny yundu mula mani, yindu-muny bubu, bama nyubun kari binal nyulu bubu-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: nyungu ngamu-mu bama nganjan-amu bama muru dandi karrba; nyubun-muny yundu mula mani, yindu-muny bubu, bama nyubun kari binal nyulu bubu-kari | old-man-ERG say-PAST: your mother-POSS people father-POSS people together firm hold.IMP; one-ABL you blood get, other-ABL country, person one NEG know he country-PRIV

mukul dingkar balkal nyungu ngamu bama nganjan muru dandi karrbal nyubun mula manil yindu bubu kari binal

ngamu-mu vs nganjan-amu POSS (vowel/consonant); nyubun-muny/yindu-muny ABL; bubu-kari PRIV


My father and his brothers own the country by the river; they hunt there, they camp there, and when they die they are buried in that ground.

Ngayku nganjan yaba-karra-ji bubu wawubaja ngundu karrbal; jana yinyabu balbil, yinyabu bundal, jana wula-nya yinya bubungu ngakin.

ngayku nganjan yaba-karra-ji bubu wawubaja ngundu karrba-l; jana yinya-bu balbi-l, yinya-bu bunda-l, jana wula-nya yinya bubu-ngu ngaki-ny | my father brother-PL-COMIT country river near hold-NONPAST; they there-LOC hunt-NONPAST, there-LOC camp-NONPAST, they die-SUB that ground-LOC bury-PAST

ngayku nganjan yaba bubu wawubaja ngundu karrbal jana yinya balbi bunday wulay ngakil

yaba-karra-ji COMIT (PLURAL+COMIT); wula-nya SUB 'when they die'; ngaki-ny 'buried'


Why can you not sit with that woman? She is my mother-in-law; I must not look at her or speak to her, so I always leave when she comes.

Wanyurrinku yundu yinya jalbu-ji kari bundal? Nyulu ngayku biwul; ngayu nyulu kari nyajil, kari balkal, ngayu nganga dungay nyulu kada-nya.

wanyurrinku yundu yinya jalbu-ji kari bunda-l? nyulu ngayku biwul; ngayu nyulu kari nyaji-l, kari balka-l, ngayu nganga dunga-y nyulu kada-nya | why you that woman-COMIT NEG sit-NONPAST? she my mother.in.law; I her NEG look-NONPAST, NEG speak-NONPAST, I only go-NONPAST she come-SUB

wanyurrinku yundu jalbu kari bunday nyulu ngayku biwul nyajil balkal nganga dungay kaday

biwul avoidance; jalbu-ji COMIT; nganga 'only'; kada-nya SUB


The young man brought meat to his wife's kin, sat outside their camp, and left the meat at the edge without a word, as the custom requires.

Warru minya nyungu biwar-amu mula-mula-nka wundin, bayan-ba bundan, minya bayan-ba bawan kuku-kari, ngali yala.

warru minya nyungu biwar-amu mula-mula-nka wundi-ny, bayan-ba bunda-ny, minya bayan-ba bawa-ny kuku-kari, ngali yala | young.man meat his wife-POSS kin-kin-DAT bring-PAST, house-edge sit-PAST, meat house-edge-LOC leave-PAST word-PRIV, our way

warru minya nyungu biwar mula wundil bayan warral bunday bawal kuku kari ngali yala

biwar-amu POSS; mula-mula-nka DAT; kuku-kari PRIV 'wordless' (in-law respect)


My mother's sister raised me when my own mother died; I call her mother too, and her children are my brothers and sisters.

Ngayku mukay nganya yalbay-bungan ngayku ngamu wula-ny-muny; ngayu nyulu ngamu balkal baja, nyungu kangkal-karra ngayku yaba-karra babarr-karra.

ngayku mukay nganya yalbay-bunga-ny ngayku ngamu wula-ny-muny; ngayu nyulu ngamu balka-l baja, nyungu kangkal-karra ngayku yaba-karra babarr-karra | my mother's.sister me big-CAUS-PAST my mother die-PAST-ABL; I her mother call-NONPAST too, her child-PL my brother-PL sister-PL

ngayku mukay nganya yalbay ngamu wulay ngayu balkal nyungu kangkal yaba babarr

mukay 'MZ'; yalbay-bunga-ny CAUS 'raised'; wula-ny-muny ABL; -karra PLURAL (classificatory kin)


Are you going to your grandfather's country? Yes, my grandfather is teaching me the sacred places, the water sources, and the boundary of our land.

Yundu nyungu kami-mu bubu-mundu dungay? Yuwu, ngayku kami nganya binal-bungal bubu yirmbal, bana-mu bubu, ngali bubu-mu kunbayn.

yundu nyungu kami-mu bubu-mundu dunga-y? yuwu, ngayku kami nganya binal-bunga-l bubu yirmbal, bana-mu bubu, ngali bubu-mu kunbayn | you your grandfather-POSS country-toward go-NONPAST? yes, my grandfather me teach-CAUS-NONPAST country taboo, water-POSS place, our country-POSS edge

yundu nyungu kami bubu dungay yuwu ngayku nganya binal yirmbal bana ngali warral

kami-mu POSS; bubu-mundu 'toward'; yirmbal 'taboo/sacred' (dict)


The old man said: a man does not own his children — he holds them for the country; he feeds them, names them, teaches them, and gives them back to the people when they are grown.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: dingkar nyungu kangkal-karra kari karrbal nyungu-nka — nyulu bubu-nku karrbal; nyulu mayi dayal, burri dayal, binal-bungal, jana yalbay-man bama-nka daji baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: dingkar nyungu kangkal-karra kari karrba-l nyungu-nka — nyulu bubu-nku karrba-l; nyulu mayi daya-l, burri daya-l, binal-bunga-l, jana yalbay-ma-ny bama-nka daji baja | old-man-ERG say-PAST: man his child-PL NEG hold-NONPAST self-DAT — he country-DAT hold-NONPAST; he food give-NONPAST, name give-NONPAST, teach-CAUS-NONPAST, they big-INCHO-PAST people-DAT give again

mukul dingkar balkal dingkar nyungu kangkal kari karrbal bubu mayi daya burri binal jana yalbay bama dajil

bubu-nku DAT (u-harmony); yalbay-ma-ny INCHO 'grown'; the child-belongs-to-country teaching


My elder brother speared his first wallaby today; my father was proud, my mother cooked a feast, and the whole camp shared the meat.

Ngayku yaba kadar ngadiku daman nyiku-wungar; ngayku nganjan ngulkurr-man, ngayku ngamu mayi yalbay wajun, bayan wubul minya daji-way.

ngayku yaba kadar ngadiku dama-ny nyiku-wungar; ngayku nganjan ngulkurr-ma-ny, ngayku ngamu mayi yalbay waju-ny, bayan wubul minya daji-way | my elder.brother wallaby first spear-PAST this-day; my father good-INCHO-PAST, my mother food big cook-PAST, camp all meat share-RECIP

ngayku yaba kadar ngadiku damal nyiku wungar nganjan ngulkurr ngamu mayi yalbay wajul bayan wubul minya dajil

yaba 'elder brother'; ngulkurr-ma-ny INCHO 'was pleased'; daji-way RECIP


Who will look after grandmother? My aunt will take her in, my mother will bring food, and we grandchildren will gather firewood and water for her.

Wanya babi kujil? Ngayku mukul nyulu manil, ngayku ngamu mayi wundil, ngali jija-karra juku bana babi-nka manil.

wanya babi kuji-l? ngayku mukul nyulu mani-l, ngayku ngamu mayi wundi-l, ngali jija-karra juku bana babi-nka mani-l | who grandmother look.after-NONPAST? my aunt her take-NONPAST, my mother food bring-NONPAST, we grandchild-PL wood water grandmother-DAT get-NONPAST

wanya babi kujil ngayku mukul manil ngamu mayi wundil ngali jija juku bana

babi-nka DAT (grandmother); jija-karra PLURAL; kuji-l 'look after'


The husband hunted, the wife gathered, the children carried, and the grandmother tended the fire — in this way one family fed itself through the dry season.

Dunyungku balbin, biwarangka mayi munjan, karrkay-karrkay wundin, babingka baya kujin — yala nyubun mula-mula nyungu-nka mayi dayan wungar marral-ba.

dunyu-ngku balbi-ny, biwar-angka mayi munja-ny, karrkay-karrkay wundi-ny, babi-ngka baya kuji-ny — yala nyubun mula-mula nyungu-nka mayi daya-ny wungar marral-ba | husband-ERG hunt-PAST, wife-ERG food gather-PAST, child-child carry-PAST, grandmother-ERG fire tend-PAST — way one kin-kin self-DAT food give-PAST time dry-LOC

dunyu balbi biwar mayi munjal karrkay wundil babi baya kujil nyubun mula nyungu daya wungar marral

POTENT ERG dunyu-ngku, biwar-angka, babi-ngka; the family division of labour


The old woman said: when you marry you do not just take a wife — you take her mother, her brothers, her whole people, and you owe them meat and respect for the rest of your life.

Mukulungku balkan: yundu manyarr-bunga-nya, yundu kari manyarr nyubun mani — yundu nyungu ngamu, yaba-karra, bama wubul mani, yundu jananda minya dandi dayal yundu juran.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: yundu manyarr-bunga-nya, yundu kari manyarr nyubun mani — yundu nyungu ngamu, yaba-karra, bama wubul mani, yundu jana-nda minya dandi daya-l yundu juran | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: you wife-CAUS-SUB, you NEG wife one get — you her mother, brother-PL, people all get, you them-LOC meat respect give-NONPAST you alive

mukul balkal yundu manyarr kari nyubun manil nyungu ngamu yaba bama wubul jana minya dandi daya juran

manyarr-bunga-nya SUB 'when marrying'; jana-nda LOC (recipient); marriage = joining whole peoples


My grandchild is learning to walk; when she is grown, I will teach her the plant names, and she will carry my knowledge after I am gone.

Ngayku jija jilbay binal-mal; nyulu yalbay-man, ngayu nyulu binal-bungal juku burri, nyulu ngayku binal karrbal ngayu wula-ny-muny.

ngayku jija jilbay binal-ma-l; nyulu yalbay-ma-ny, ngayu nyulu binal-bunga-l juku burri, nyulu ngayku binal karrba-l ngayu wula-ny-muny | my grandchild walk learn-INCHO-NONPAST; she big-INCHO-PAST, I her teach-CAUS-NONPAST tree name, she my knowledge hold-NONPAST I die-PAST-ABL

ngayku jija jilbay binal nyulu yalbay ngayu juku burri karrbal wulay

jija 'grandchild'; binal-ma-l INCHO 'learning'; wula-ny-muny ABL 'after I die'


The old man said: the strongest rope is kinship — it holds the living to the dead, the child to the country, one person to all the others, and it never breaks if you honour it.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: mula-mula yala dandi bajaku — nyulu juran-bama wula-bama-ji karrbal, kangkal bubu-ji, nyubun-bama bama wubul-ji; nyulu kariku murrnga-ji yundu dandi karrba-nya.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: mula-mula yala dandi bajaku — nyulu juran-bama wula-bama-ji karrba-l, kangkal bubu-ji, nyubun-bama bama wubul-ji; nyulu kariku murrnga-ji yundu dandi karrba-nya | old-man-ERG say-PAST: kin-kin like firm most — it living-person dead-person-COMIT hold-NONPAST, child country-COMIT, one-person people all-COMIT; it NEG break-MID you firm hold-SUB

mukul dingkar balkal mula dandi juran bama wulay karrbal kangkal bubu nyubun wubul kari murrngal

juran-bama 'living', wula-bama 'dead'; -ji COMIT (vowel/l); murrnga-ji MIDDLE 'break'


My younger brother and I set out at dawn, tracked the wallaby to the ridge, speared it together, and carried it home to our mother and grandmother.

Ngayku yabaju ngali wungar wangkara dungan, kadar jina wukurrin bubu wangkara, muru daman, bayanka wundinda ngamu babi-nka.

ngayku yabaju ngali wungar wangkar-a dunga-ny, kadar jina wukurri-ny bubu wangkar-a, muru dama-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny-da ngamu babi-nka | my younger.brother we sun up-LOC go-PAST, wallaby track follow-PAST country up-LOC, together spear-PAST, house-DAT bring-PAST-then mother grandmother-DAT

ngayku yabaju ngali wungar wangkar dungay kadar jina wukurril bubu muru damal bayan wundil ngamu babi

yabaju 'younger brother'; babi-nka DAT; successive -da; wangkar-a LOC (single r)


Did the two families settle the quarrel? Yes — the elders sat together, the young men made peace, and a marriage between the cousins will bind the two groups forever.

Bama jambul kuku ngulkurr-man? Yuwu — mukul-mukul muru bundan, warru-warru ngulkurr-man, bangunji-mu manyarr-bunga jambul bama dandi karrbal ngadiku-ngadiku.

bama jambul kuku ngulkurr-ma-ny? yuwu — mukul-mukul muru bunda-ny, warru-warru ngulkurr-ma-ny, bangunji-mu manyarr-bunga jambul bama dandi karrba-l ngadiku-ngadiku | people two dispute good-INCHO-PAST? yes — old-old together sit-PAST, young-young good-INCHO-PAST, cousin-POSS marriage two group firm hold-NONPAST always

bama jambul kuku ngulkurr yuwu mukul muru bunday warru bangunji manyarr dandi karrbal ngadiku

ngulkurr-ma-ny INCHO 'made peace'; bangunji-mu POSS; marriage binds moieties


My mother's father taught me to read the sky, my father taught me to track, and my uncle taught me to make spears — each kinsman gives a different gift.

Ngayku ngaji nganya binal-bungan jiri nyajinka, ngayku nganjan jina wukurrinka, ngayku kalnga kalka bunganka — mula-mula wubul nyubun-nyubun binal dayal.

ngayku ngaji nganya binal-bunga-ny jiri nyaji-nka, ngayku nganjan jina wukurri-nka, ngayku kalnga kalka bunga-nka — mula-mula wubul nyubun-nyubun binal daya-l | my mother's.father me teach-CAUS-PAST sky see-PURP, my father track follow-PURP, my uncle spear make-PURP — kin-kin many each-each knowledge give-NONPAST

ngayku ngaji nganya binal jiri nyajil nganjan jina wukurril kalnga kalka bungal mula wubul nyubun daya

ngaji 'mother's father (MF)', kalnga 'uncle'; PURP nyaji-nka/wukurri-nka/bunga-nka


When my father died, my father's brother became a father to me; he took me hunting, gave me my first wife's people, and never let me go hungry.

Ngayku nganjan wulan, ngayku nganjan-amu yaba nganya-nka nganjan-man; nyulu nganya balbi wundin, ngayku manyarr-amu bama dayan, nyulu nganya kariku dakwuy-bungan.

ngayku nganjan wula-ny, ngayku nganjan-amu yaba nganya-nka nganjan-ma-ny; nyulu nganya balbi wundi-ny, ngayku manyarr-amu bama daya-ny, nyulu nganya kariku dakwuy-bunga-ny | my father die-PAST, my father-POSS elder.brother me-DAT father-INCHO-PAST; he me hunt bring-PAST, my wife-POSS people give-PAST, he me NEG hungry-CAUS-PAST

ngayku nganjan wulay yaba nganya manyarr bama daya kari dakwuy

nganjan-ma-ny INCHO 'became a father'; nganjan-amu/manyarr-amu POSS; dakwuy-bunga-ny CAUS


The grandmother sat with all her grandchildren around her, gave each one a name from the old people, and told them which country they belonged to.

Babingka jija-karra-ji muru bundan, nyubun-nyubun-ka burri mukul-mukul-amu dayan, jananda balkan wanja bubu jana-mu.

babi-ngka jija-karra-ji muru bunda-ny, nyubun-nyubun-ka burri mukul-mukul-amu daya-ny, jana-nda balka-ny wanja bubu jana-mu | grandmother-ERG grandchild-PL-COMIT together sit-PAST, each-each-DAT name old-old-POSS give-PAST, them-LOC tell-PAST which country their

babi jija muru bunday nyubun burri mukul daya jana balkal wanja bubu

jija-karra-ji COMIT; mukul-mukul-amu POSS (consonant); jana-mu POSS (vowel)


The old man said: call every older man 'father' or 'uncle', every older woman 'mother' or 'aunt', every child 'son' or 'daughter' — for in our way the whole people is one family.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: dingkar mukul wubul nganjan yala kalnga kunja, jalbu mukul wubul ngamu yala mukay kunja, kangkal wubul kangkal kunja — ngali yala, bama wubul nyubun mula-mula.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: dingkar mukul wubul nganjan yala kalnga kunja, jalbu mukul wubul ngamu yala mukay kunja, kangkal wubul kangkal kunja — ngali yala, bama wubul nyubun mula-mula | old-man-ERG say-PAST: man old all father or uncle call.IMP, woman old all mother or aunt call.IMP, child all child call.IMP — our way, people all one kin-kin

mukul dingkar balkal dingkar wubul nganjan kalnga kunjal jalbu ngamu mukay kangkal ngali bama nyubun mula

classificatory kinship: every person is addressed by a kin term; kunja 'call' (IMP)


My cross-cousin married into the family across the river; now when we meet, we are both kin and joking-partners, and the two countries are joined.

Ngayku kambanmu mula-mula wawubaja yindu-ngu manyarr-bungan; ngali muru nyaji-way, ngali mula-mula kambanmu baja, jambul bubu muru-man.

ngayku kambanmu mula-mula wawubaja yindu-ngu manyarr-bunga-ny; ngali muru nyaji-way, ngali mula-mula kambanmu baja, jambul bubu muru-ma-ny | my cross.cousin kin-kin river-across-toward wife-CAUS-PAST; we together see-RECIP, we kin-kin cross.cousin too, two country together-INCHO-PAST

ngayku kambanmu mula wawubaja warral manyarr ngali muru nyajil jambul bubu

kambanmu; manyarr-bunga-ny 'married'; muru-ma-ny INCHO 'became joined'; -mundu 'toward'


The old man said: a person alone is nothing — the mother carries you, the father names you, the grandparents know you, the children remember you; hold your kin close, for they are your country, your law, and your name.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: bama nyubun kari-kari — ngamungku yundu karrbal, nganjan-angka yundu burri dayal, kami babi yundu binal, karrkay-karrkay yundu milka-nga karrbal; nyungu mula-mula dandi karrba, jana yundu bubu, yundu kuku, yundu burri.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: bama nyubun kari-kari — ngamu-ngku yundu karrba-l, nganjan-angka yundu burri daya-l, kami babi yundu binal, karrkay-karrkay yundu milka-nga karrba-l; nyungu mula-mula dandi karrba, jana yundu bubu, yundu kuku, yundu burri | old-man-ERG say-PAST: person one nothing — mother-ERG you hold-NONPAST, father-ERG you name give-NONPAST, grandfather grandmother you know, child-child you mind-LOC hold-NONPAST; your kin-kin firm hold.IMP, they your country, your law, your name

mukul dingkar balkal bama nyubun kari ngamu yundu karrbal nganjan burri daya kami babi binal karrkay milka mula dandi bubu kuku

POTENT ERG ngamu-ngku, nganjan-angka; milka-nga LOC 'in mind'; kari-kari 'nothing'; closing kin-charter


I speared the fish; the old man saw me; he gave the meat to me; and I carried it back to my camp.

Ngayu kuyu daman; mukul-dingkarangka nganya nyajin; nyulu minya ngaykunku dayan; ngayu ngayku bayanka wundinda.

ngayu kuyu dama-ny; mukul-dingkar-angka nganya nyaji-ny; nyulu minya ngaykunku daya-ny; ngayu ngayku bayan-ka wundi-ny-da | I fish spear-PAST; old-man-ERG me see-PAST; he meat me.DAT give-PAST; I my house-DAT bring-PAST-then

ngayu kuyu damal mukul dingkar nganya nyajil minya bayan wundil

1sg paradigm: ngayu NOM, nganya ACC, ngaykunku DAT, ngayku POSS (Table 3.6)


You went to the river; I followed you; I gave the spear to you; and now your dilly bag is full of fish.

Yundu wawubajanga dungan; ngayu yununy wukurrin; ngayu kalka yununku dayan; yunu balji kuyu-bu yajin.

yundu wawubaja-nga dunga-ny; ngayu yununy wukurri-ny; ngayu kalka yununku daya-ny; yunu balji kuyu-bu yajin | you river-LOC go-PAST; I you follow-PAST; I spear you.DAT give-PAST; your dillybag fish-INST full

yundu wawubaja dungay ngayu wukurril kalka balji kuyu yajin

2sg paradigm: yundu NOM, yununy ACC, yununku DAT, yunu POSS


He hunted all day; the dog ran with him; the old woman was angry at him; and his spear was broken.

Nyulu wungar-wungar balbin; kaya nyungunji warrin; mukulungku nyungunku kuli-man; nyungu kalka murrnga-jin.

nyulu wungar-wungar balbi-ny; kaya nyungunji warri-ny; mukul-ungku nyungunku kuli-ma-ny; nyungu kalka murrnga-ji-ny | he day-day hunt-PAST; dog him.COMIT run-PAST; old.woman-ERG him.DAT rage-INCHO-PAST; his spear break-MID-PAST

nyulu wungar balbi kaya warri mukul kuli kalka murrngal

3sg paradigm: nyulu NOM, nyungunji COMIT, nyungunku DAT (emotion stimulus), nyungu POSS


My brother and I went hunting; we two speared a wallaby; the meat is ours; we two will share it between us.

Ngayku yaba ngali balbi dungan; ngali kadar daman; minya ngalinga; ngali muru daji-way.

ngayku yaba ngali balbi dunga-ny; ngali kadar dama-ny; minya ngalinga; ngali muru daji-way | my brother we.two.EXC hunt go-PAST; we.two wallaby spear-PAST; meat ours.EXC; we.two together share-RECIP

ngayku yaba ngali balbi dungay kadar damal minya muru dajil

1du EXCLUSIVE: ngali NOM ('we two, not you'), ngalinga POSS; RECIP daji-way


You and I will go to the water together; we two will catch fish; the old people will wait for us; and we will bring the food back.

Yundu ngayu, ngaliny wawubajanga muru dungay; ngaliny kuyu karrbanka; mukul-mukul ngalinyan bundal; ngaliny mayi wundil baja.

yundu ngayu, ngaliny wawubaja-nga muru dunga-y; ngaliny kuyu karrba-nka; mukul-mukul ngalinyan bunda-l; ngaliny mayi wundi-l baja | you I, we.two.INC river-LOC together go-NONPAST; we.two catch fish-PURP; old-old us.two.INC wait-NONPAST; we.two food bring-NONPAST again

yundu ngayu ngaliny wawubaja muru dungay kuyu karrbal mukul mayi wundil

1du INCLUSIVE: ngaliny NOM ('you and I'), ngalinyan ACC; contrast with exclusive ngali


You two came from the mountains; I saw you two at the river; I gave water to you two; and your camp is near mine.

Yubal bubu wangkara-muny kadan; ngayu yubalan wawubajanga nyajin; ngayu bana yubalanka dayan; yubalanga bayan ngayku ngundu.

yubal bubu wangkar-a-muny kada-ny; ngayu yubalan wawubaja-nga nyaji-ny; ngayu bana yubalanka daya-ny; yubalanga bayan ngayku ngundu | you.two mountain-ABL come-PAST; I you.two river-LOC see-PAST; I water you.two.DAT give-PAST; your.two house my near

yubal bubu wangkar kaday ngayu nyajil bana bayan ngayku ngundu

2du paradigm: yubal NOM, yubalan ACC, yubalanka DAT, yubalanga POSS


The two women dug for roots; their two dogs sat with them; I brought meat to the two of them; and they cooked it for the children.

Bula jalbu bangkan bakan; bulanga kaya jambul bulanji bundan; ngayu minya bulanka wundin; bula karrkay-karrkayka wajun.

bula jalbu bangkan baka-ny; bulanga kaya jambul bulanji bunda-ny; ngayu minya bulanka wundi-ny; bula karrkay-karrkay-ka waju-ny | they.two woman root dig-PAST; their.two dog two them.two.COMIT sit-PAST; I meat them.two.DAT bring-PAST; they.two child-child-DAT cook-PAST

bula jalbu bangkan bakal kaya jambul bunday ngayu minya wundil karrkay wajul

3du paradigm: bula NOM, bulanga POSS, bulanji COMIT, bulanka DAT


All of us belong to this country; the old ones taught us; the country feeds us; and we will keep it for our children.

Ngana wubul nyiku bubu-mu; mukul-mukulungku nganangan binal-bungan; bubu ngananka mayi dayal; ngana bubu ngananga karrkay-karrkayka karrbal.

ngana wubul nyiku bubu-mu; mukul-mukul-ungku nganangan binal-bunga-ny; bubu ngananka mayi daya-l; ngana bubu ngananga karrkay-karrkay-ka karrba-l | we.all.INC all this country-POSS; old-old-ERG us.all teach-CAUS-PAST; country us.all.DAT food give-NONPAST; we.all country our child-child-DAT hold-NONPAST

ngana wubul nyiku bubu mukul binal mayi daya karrkay karrbal

1pl INCLUSIVE: ngana NOM, nganangan ACC, ngananka DAT, ngananga POSS


Where did your people go? We (not you) went to the ceremony in the north; they did not invite you; but we brought back gifts for you all.

Wanja nyungu bama dungan? Nganjin kuwa bubu-mundu dungan; jana yurrangan kari kunjan; yambada nganjin yurranka mayi wundinda.

wanja nyungu bama dunga-ny? nganjin kuwa bubu-mundu dunga-ny; jana yurrangan kari kunja-ny; yambada nganjin yurranka mayi wundi-ny-da | where your people go-PAST? we.EXC NW country-toward go-PAST; they you.all NEG call-PAST; but we.EXC you.all.DAT gift bring-PAST-then

wanja nyungu bama dungay nganjin kuwa bubu jana yurra kari kunjal mayi wundil

1pl EXCLUSIVE nganjin (vs inclusive ngana); 2pl yurra/yurrangan ACC/yurranka DAT