The hunter followed the wallaby's tracks through the scrub, waited downwind behind a bush until it came close, threw his spear and hit it in the side, followed the blood a little way, found it fallen, and then carried it home on his shoulders.

Balbi-bama darrba jina wukurrin makarra dukurr-bu, muyar-mundu jina bawal juku ngundu bundan dukul nyulu ngundu kadanya, kalka yilban janka daman, mula wukurrin buban, nyajin nyulu badanmu, yalada nyulu jibi wangkar jarrakulbanda bayan-mundu.

balbi-bama darrba jina wukurri-ny makarra dukurr-bu, muyar-mundu jina bawa-l juku ngundu bunda-ny dukul nyulu ngundu kada-nya, kalka yilba-ny janka dama-ny, mula wukurri-ny buban, nyaji-ny nyulu bada-ny-mu, yala-da nyulu jibi wangkar jarrakulba-ny-da bayan-mundu | hunter wallaby tracks followed scrub inside, downwind foot behind bush near waited at.last it near comes-SUB, spear threw side speared, blood followed little, saw it fallen-POSS, then it shoulder on carried-TEMP1 home-toward

balbi kangkur jina wukurril majaji kalka daman mula

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; muyar 'wind'; a-hunt-from-track-to-carry-home


The two women walked out to the sandy ground where the long yams grow, dug all morning with their digging sticks, filled two dilly bags with the biggest yams, covered the holes again, and then walked slowly home in the heat of the middle of the day.

Jalbu jambul jukar bubu-mundu jilban wanja juwal kalbay jarray, muduwajungu wubulku jaba baja bakan, balji jambul juwal yalbaybu buwan, bubu-jandu baja kajan, yalada buban-buban bayan-mundu jilbanda wumbul wungar dukurr-bu.

jalbu jambul jukar bubu-mundu jilba-ny wanja juwal kalbay jarra-y, muduwaju-ngu wubul-ku jaba baja baka-ny, balji jambul juwal yalbay-bu buwa-ny, bubu-jandu baja kaja-ny, yala-da buban-buban bayan-mundu jilba-ny-da wumbul wungar dukurr-bu | women two sand ground-toward walked where yams long grow, morning all digging.stick(jaba) too dug, dilly.bag two yams big-with filled, holes too closed, then slowly home-toward walked-TEMP1 heat day middle-LOC

jalbu janyul juwal jilbay bakal balji buwal wumbul

TEMP1 jilbanda; dukurr-bu LOC; a-yam-gathering-expedition


I went down to the sea at low tide, walked out onto the wet reef, filled my bag with the small shellfish clinging to the rocks, watched for the octopus in the pools, caught two, and then came back up the beach before the tide turned and covered the reef again.

Ngayu jalun-mundu badan bana bada, jalun-ba duna-mundu jilban, ngayku balji wurrul buban kulji karrbanmunybu buwan, milkul kuyu bana-dukurr-bu nyajin, jambul manin, yalada jalun-ba bana nyunba naka-naka baja ngadiku ngayu bayan-mundu kadanda.

ngayu jalun-mundu bada-ny bana bada, jalun-ba duna-mundu jilba-ny, ngayku balji wurrul buban kulji karrba-ny-muny-bu buwa-ny, milkul kuyu bana-dukurr-bu nyaji-ny, jambul mani-ny, yala-da jalun-ba bana nyunba naka-naka baja ngadiku ngayu bayan-mundu kada-ny-da | I sea-toward went.down water low, reef wet-toward walked, my bag shellfish small stone clinging-INST filled, octopus pool-inside watched, two got, then reef water returns across again before I home-toward came-TEMP1

jalun bana jilbay balji wurrul kulji buwal nyajil

TEMP1 kadanda; 1st-person; low-tide-shellfishing-before-tide-turns


We came to a good camping place by the creek in the late afternoon, cleared the ground, cut poles and set up a bark shelter, gathered firewood and lit a fire, cooked the fish we had caught on the way, ate well, and then lay down and slept.

Ngana bubu ngulkurr bana ngunduku kadan kunarangkal ngadiku, bubu karra, juku dakan bayan-wawun jajirrin, juku-baya bangkan baya wandiman, kuyu ngana baralba maninmu wajun, ngulkurr nukan, yalada wunan-da.

ngana bubu ngulkurr bana ngundu-ku kada-ny kunarangkal ngadiku, bubu karra, juku daka-ny bayan-wawun jajirri-ny, juku-baya bangka-ny baya wandi-ma-ny, kuyu ngana baral-ba mani-ny-mu waju-ny, ngulkurr nuka-ny, yala-da wuna-ny-da | we place good creek near-DAT came afternoon, ground cleared, poles cut bark-shelter set.up, firewood gathered fire lit, fish we road-LOC caught-POSS cooked, well ate, then lay.down-TEMP1

bubu bana kadal juku dakal bayan baya nukal

TEMP1 wunanda (echoes ex.385); baral-ba LOC(l); making-camp-for-the-night


The old man cut a straight length of wood for a spear, scraped it smooth with a shell, straightened it over the coals, hardened the point in the fire, bound a stone tip to it with sinew and wax, tested its balance, and then set it aside to be finished the next day.

Mukulungku dingkarangka juku murni kalkanka dakan, kunbir-bu jinbal-manin, ngunjil wangkar murni-manin, wula miyil kajan, kulji-murru jila-bu kajan, nyulu murni-nyajin, yalada bawan yindu wungara dumba-mandanka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka juku murni kalka-nka daka-ny, kunbir-bu jinbal-ma-ni-ny, ngunjil wangkar murni-ma-ni-ny, wula miyil kaja-ny, kulji-murru jila-bu kaja-ny, nyulu murni-nyaji-ny, yala-da bawa-ny yindu wungar-a dumba-ma-nda-nka | old man wood straight spear-for cut, shell-INST smoothed, coals over straightened, fire point hardened, stone-tip wax-INST bound, it balance-checked, then set.aside next day-LOC finish-become-for

juku kalka dakal ngunjil wula kulji wunba janyjil

TEMP1 (bawan...); wungar-a LOC(r); making-a-spear-step-by-step


At dawn I checked the fish traps I had set the evening before, found three good fish in the first and none in the second, reset both traps, cleaned the fish at the water's edge, wrapped them in leaves, and then carried them home for the morning meal.

Muduwajungu ngayu kuyu-jina nyajin ngayu kunarangkal ngadiku yijarrinmu, kuyu ngulkurr kulur nyubunba nyajin nyubun jambulba yamba-kari, jambulku baja yijarrin, kuyu bana-nga karra, birra-nga buwan, yalada bayan-mundu jarrakulbanda mayi muduwajumu.

muduwaju-ngu ngayu kuyu-jina nyaji-ny ngayu kunarangkal ngadiku yijarri-ny-mu, kuyu ngulkurr kulur nyubun-ba nyaji-ny nyubun jambul-ba yamba-kari, jambul-ku baja yijarri-ny, kuyu bana-nga karra, birra-nga buwa-ny, yala-da bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny-da mayi muduwaju-mu | dawn-LOC I fish-traps checked I evening before set-POSS, fish good three one-LOC found other two-LOC nothing, both too reset, fish water-edge-LOC cleaned, leaves-LOC wrapped, then home-toward carried-TEMP1 food morning-POSS

muduwaju kuyu jina nyajil kunarangkal yijarril bina jarrakulbal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; nyubun-ba/jambul-ba LOC(n); checking-the-fish-traps


The children ran down to the waterhole in the heat of the day, splashed and swam and chased each other in the cool water, dived for the flat stones on the bottom, dried themselves on the warm sand, and then walked back up to the camp with the little fish they had caught by hand.

Karrkay-karrkay bana-mundu warrin wumbul wungar dukurr-bu, bana-kaka marijin nyubun-nyubun warri-wan bana janka, kulji jirakal badanga dakan, jukar wumbulba marral-manda-ji, yalada bayan-mundu wangkar jilbanda kuyu buban jana marabu maninmu.

karrkay-karrkay bana-mundu warri-ny wumbul wungar dukurr-bu, bana-kaka mariji-ny nyubun-nyubun warri-wa-ny bana janka, kulji jirakal bada-nga daka-ny, jukar wumbul-ba marral-ma-nda-ji, yala-da bayan-mundu wangkar jilba-ny-da kuyu buban jana mara-bu mani-ny-mu | children water-toward ran heat day middle-LOC, splashing swam each.other chased.each.other water cool, stone flat below-LOC dived, sand warm-LOC dried.themselves, then home-toward up walked-TEMP1 fish small they hand-INST caught-POSS

karrkay bana warri marijiy nyubun-nyubun kulji janka jilbay

TEMP1 jilbanda; warri-wan RECIP 'chased each other'; wumbul-nga LOC(l)->wumbulba FIX; children-at-the-waterhole


The woman lit a small fire, let it burn down to good coals, mixed the ground seed-flour with water into a firm dough, shaped it into a flat round loaf, raked a clean hollow in the hot ash, laid the damper in and covered it, turned it once, and then lifted it out golden and fed the whole family.

Jalbu baya buban wandiman, wula bada dungan ngunjil yukilku, jarra-nyurrban bananji murni-manin jarray-manda, damba jirakal-manda buban-buban, bajar wumbulba birra karra, damba daya wangkar-manin, murni-manin nyubun, yalada wangkar-manin jani jawun-karra wubulku dayanda.

jalbu baya buban wandi-ma-ny, wula bada dunga-ny ngunjil yukil-ku, jarra-nyurrba-ny bana-nji murni-ma-ni-ny jarray-ma-nda, damba jirakal-ma-nda buban-buban, bajar wumbul-ba birra karra, damba daya wangkar-ma-ni-ny, murni-ma-ni-ny nyubun, yala-da wangkar-ma-ni-ny jani jawun-karra wubul-ku daya-ny-da | woman fire small lit, flame down went coals good-DAT, ground-flour water-with dough-made firm, damper flat-became carefully, ash hot-LOC bed cleared, damper gave covered, turned once, then lifted well-cooked family all fed-TEMP1

jalbu baya wula ngunjil jarra damba bajar dayal

TEMP1 dayanda; wumbul-nga->wumbulba FIX; making-damper-start-to-finish


We loaded the canoe with our gear at first light, pushed off from the bank, paddled across the wide river against the current, landed on the far side, hid the canoe in the reeds, walked inland to the good hunting country, and then made our camp there for several days.

Ngana marrakan ngayku yamba-bu buwan muduwajungu, jalkar-muny jurrnga, wawubaja yalbay naka-naka bana-mundu jarrakulban, ngubara badan, marrakan jikan-ba buyan, bubu balbil ngulkurr-mundu jilban, yalada yinya ngana bayan bungan wungar wubulku.

ngana marrakan ngayku yamba-bu buwa-ny muduwaju-ngu, jalkar-muny jurrnga, wawubaja yalbay naka-naka bana-mundu jarrakulba-ny, ngubar-a bada-ny, marrakan jikan-ba buya-ny, bubu balbi-l ngulkurr-mundu jilba-ny, yala-da yinya ngana bayan bunga-ny wungar wubul-ku | we canoe my gear-INST loaded dawn-LOC, bank-ABL pushed, river big across current-toward paddled, other.side went, canoe reeds-LOC hid, country hunting good-toward walked, then there we camp made days many

marrakan buwal jurrnga wawubaja ngubar balbil jilbay bayan

TEMP1 (bungan); ngubar-a LOC(rr,single-r->-a); a-canoe-crossing-and-inland-camp


The old woman took the children out to gather, showed them which plants were ripe and which to leave, let each child fill their own small bag, checked what they had picked and named everything, praised the careful ones, and then led them all home singing along the track.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-karrkay bangkanka wangan, jananka milbin mayi wanyu kulbul wanyu bawanka, karrkay wubulku nyungu balji buban buwan, jana maninmu nyajin yamba wubulku burri balkan, jana binal-yukil ngulkurr-bunga, yalada bayan-mundu jilbaman wubulku balka-balka baralba.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-karrkay bangka-nka wanga-ny, jana-nka milbi-ny mayi wanyu kulbul wanyu bawa-nka, karrkay wubul-ku nyungu balji buban buwa-ny, jana mani-ny-mu nyaji-ny yamba wubul-ku burri balka-ny, jana binal-yukil ngulkurr-bunga, yala-da bayan-mundu jilba-ma-ny wubul-ku balka-balka baral-ba | old.woman children gather-DAT took, them showed plants which ripe which leave-DAT, child all his bag small filled, they picked-POSS checked thing all name said, they careful praised, then home-toward led all singing road-LOC

karrkay bangkal milbil mayi kulbul balji buwal baral

TEMP1 (jilbaman); baral-ba LOC(l); a-teaching-gathering-trip


The man speared a big turtle out on the reef, dragged it up onto the sand, turned it on its back, carried it to the camp on a bark sheet, dug the earth oven and heated the stones, cooked the turtle whole in the ground, and then shared the rich meat with everyone in the camp that evening.

Dingkar ngawuya yalbay jalun-ba daman, jukarmundu wangkar jarrakulban, muku-mundu murni-manin, wawun-birra-nga bayan-mundu jarrakulban, kurrma bakan kulji wumbul-manin, ngawuya wubulku bubungu wajun, yalada minya jiba-wulay bama bayanba wubulku daji-wanda kunarangkal.

dingkar ngawuya yalbay jalun-ba dama-ny, jukar-mundu wangkar jarrakulba-ny, muku-mundu murni-ma-ni-ny, wawun-birra-nga bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny, kurrma baka-ny kulji wumbul-ma-ni-ny, ngawuya wubul-ku bubu-ngu waju-ny, yala-da minya jiba-wulay bama bayan-ba wubul-ku daji-wa-ny-da kunarangkal | man turtle big reef-LOC speared, sand-toward up dragged, back-toward turned, bark-sheet-LOC camp-toward carried, earth.oven dug stones heated, turtle whole ground-LOC cooked, then meat rich people camp-LOC all shared.each.other-TEMP1 evening

ngawuya jalun daman janyul jarrakulbal kurrma waju daji-way

TEMP1 daji-wanda RECIP; jalun-warral-ba/bayan-ba LOC; catching-and-sharing-a-turtle


I sat quietly on the rock above the pool with my line ready, watched the shadow of the big fish move below, waited until it came under me, dropped the baited hook right in front of its mouth, felt the strong pull, brought it up onto the rock, and then carried it straight home to my old grandmother.

Ngayu janka kulji wangkara bana dukurr-bu bundan ngayku wukurr yukil, kuyu yalbay wujurr bada murninya nyajin, bundan dukul nyulu ngayku badanga kadanya, minya-diburr nyungu ngandal ngadiku bada yijarrin, junkurr janka-manin nganjin, kulji-mundu wangkar-manin, yalada murni ngayku babi mukulnka jarrakulbanda.

ngayu janka kulji wangkar-a bana dukurr-bu bunda-ny ngayku wukurr yukil, kuyu yalbay wujurr bada murni-nya nyaji-ny, bunda-ny dukul nyulu ngayku bada-nga kada-nya, minya-diburr nyungu ngandal ngadiku bada yijarri-ny, junkurr janka-ma-ni-ny nganji-ny, kulji-mundu wangkar-ma-ni-ny, yala-da murni ngayku babi mukul-nka jarrakulba-ny-da | I quietly stone above water inside sat my line ready, fish big shadow below moves-SUB watched, waited at.last it my below-LOC comes-SUB, bait-hook its mouth front down dropped, strong pull-INST felt, stone-toward up-brought, then straight my grandmother old-for carried-TEMP1

janka kulji bana bunday kuyu wujurr daga jarrakulbal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; wangkar-a LOC(r); dukurr-bu LOC; patient-line-fishing-from-the-rock


The young men built a big smoke-fire on the sea-point at dusk, sent up two tall columns as the danger signal, watched the far camp answer with one column of their own, packed their weapons, ran through the night along the ridge, reached the neighbour camp by dawn, and then stood the watch together until the trouble passed.

Warru-warru kubu-baya yalbay jalun-ngandal-ba bungan kunarangkal, kubu jambul kalbay wangkar yunga dukul-kuku yala, bayan kala-kalbay nyubun kubu nyungubu janjilnya nyajin, nyungu kalka buwan, wujurr baralba warrin, bayan ngundu muduwajungu kadan, yalada nyubun-nyubunji janji dukul-yamba dunganyjiku.

warru-warru kubu-baya yalbay jalun-ngandal-ba bunga-ny kunarangkal, kubu jambul kalbay wangkar yunga dukul-kuku yala, bayan kala-kalbay nyubun kubu nyungu-bu kaja-nya nyaji-ny, nyungu kalka buwa-ny, wujurr baral-ba warri-ny, bayan ngundu muduwaju-ngu kada-ny, yala-da nyubun-nyubun-ji karra dukul-yamba dunga-nyjiku | young.men smoke-fire big sea-point-LOC made dusk, smoke two tall up sent danger-word as, camp far one smoke its-with answers-SUB watched, their weapons packed, night road-LOC ran, camp near dawn-LOC came, then each.other-with stood trouble passes-SUCC | ...

warru jibul baya buburr yunga kalka warri baral

TEMP1(...); SUCC dunganyjiku 'until it passed'; yunga 'send'; buburr-ba/baral-ba LOC; answering-the-smoke-signal


The girl watched her mother weave a dilly bag all one morning, copied each movement with her own strips of fibre, made her stitches too loose at first and had to pull them out, tried again more carefully, finished her first small bag by evening, showed it proudly, and then carried her own gathered fruit in it the very next day.

Karrkay-jalbu nyungu ngamu balji wukurrinya nyajin muduwajungu nyubunku, mara-daji wubulku nyungu karra-bu murni-manin, nyungu murni jimirr ngadiku kajan bawanka, murni-nyajin buban-buban baja, nyungu balji buban ngadiku dumban kunarangkalba, wawu-minibu milbin, yalada nyungu mayi bangkanmu yinyanga jarrakulbanda wungar yindungu.

karrkay-jalbu nyungu ngamu balji wukurri-nya nyaji-ny muduwaju-ngu nyubun-ku, mara-daji wubul-ku nyungu karra-bu murni-ma-ni-ny, nyungu murni jimirr ngadiku kaja-ny bawa-nka, murni-nyaji-ny buban-buban baja, nyungu balji buban ngadiku dumba-ny kunarangkal-ba, wawu-mini-bu milbi-ny, yala-da nyungu mayi bangka-ny-mu yinya-nga jarrakulba-ny-da wungar yindu-ngu | girl her mother bag weaving-SUB watched morning one, movement all her fibre-INST copied, her stitch loose first pulled.out, tried little too, her bag small first finished evening-LOC, proudly showed, then her food gathered-POSS it-LOC carried-TEMP1 day other-LOC

jalbu ngamu balji wukurril murni jinji dumbal jarrakulbal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; kunarangkal-ba LOC(l); yindu-ngu LOC(u); learning-to-weave-a-bag


The men tracked the honey by following a single bee back and forth until it led them to a hollow tree, marked the tree, made a smoky torch to quiet the bees, climbed up and cut into the hollow, took out the dark comb dripping with honey, left some for the nest, and then came down and shared it around, still warm from the sun.

Dingkar-dingkar wunba wukurrin minya-buban nyubun walanya wukurrin dukul juku dimbirr-mundu jilbamanin, juku burri-manin, kubu-jimal bungan dandi janka-bungalka, wangkar dakan dimbirr-bu dakan, mandi-mandi wujurr wunba-bu jinbal-manda manin, buban bawan juku-bayanka, yalada bada kadan daji-wan, wumbul wungara baja.

dingkar-dingkar wunba wukurri-ny minya-buban nyubun wala-nya wukurri-ny dukul juku dimbirr-mundu jilba-ma-ni-ny, juku burri-ma-ni-ny, kubu-jimal bunga-ny dandi janka-bunga-nka, wangkar daka-ny dimbirr-bu daka-ny, mandi-mandi wujurr wunba-bu buwa-l-manda mani-ny, buban bawa-ny juku-bayan-ka, yala-da bada kada-ny daji-wa-ny, wumbul wungar-a baja | men honey followed bee one in.and.out follows-SUB led at.last tree hollow-toward, tree marked, smoke-torch made bees quiet-make-DAT, up climbed hollow-into cut, honeycomb dark honey-INST dripping took, little left nest-for, then down came shared.each.other, warm sun-LOC too | ...

wunba wukurril dimbirr jibul jimal dakal mandi-mandi daji-way

TEMP1(...) daji-wan RECIP; wungar-a LOC(r); dimbirr-bu LOC; following-the-bee-to-the-honey


Before the wet season came the family began to move to the higher ground: they took down the old shelters, packed the tools and the stored food, put out the fire and carried a coal, walked two days up into the ranges, chose a dry place above the flood line, and then built the wet-season camp that would hold them for months.

Bana-wungar ngadiku jawun-karra murni-mandanka wangkar bubu-mundu wandin: bayan mukul bada-manin, kalka mayi-karrban baja buwan, baya wulan ngunjil jarrakulban, jambul wungar yumal-mundu wangkar jilban, bubu kiway-kiway bana-yalbay wangkara nyubun manin, yalada bana-wungar bayan bungan nyulu jana karrbal wungar wubulku.

bana-wungar ngadiku jawun-karra murni-ma-nda-nka wangkar bubu-mundu wandi-ny: bayan mukul bada-ma-ni-ny, kalka mayi-karrba-ny baja buwa-ny, baya wula-ny ngunjil jarrakulba-ny, jambul wungar yumal-mundu wangkar jilba-ny, bubu kiway-kiway bana-yalbay wangkar-a nyubun mani-ny, yala-da bana-wungar bayan bunga-ny nyulu jana karrba-l wungar wubul-ku | wet.season before family move-for high country-toward began: shelters old took.down, tools stored-food too packed, fire put.out coal carried, two day ranges-toward up walked, place dry flood above chose, then wet-season camp made it them holds months

bana-wungar jawun bayan kalka baya ngunjil yumal jilbay

TEMP1(...); wangkar-a LOC(r); moving-camp-before-the-wet


As night fell the old man raked the coals into a tight heap and banked the fire under ash, the family gathered close in the warm circle, the children begged for a story and he told the old one about the two brothers and the moon, the little ones fell asleep against their mothers, and then one by one the grown ones lay down until only the old man sat watching the coals.

Wujurr kadanya mukulungku dingkarangka ngunjil buban-mandaku bangkan bajar bada baya karrban, jawun-karra dukurr-bu wumbul ngunduka bangkan, karrkay-karrkay jangkarnka babajin nyulu ngadiku balkan yaba jambulmu kambimu baja, buban-buban jana ngamungu wunan, yalada nyubun nyubun mukul-warru wunan dukul mukul nyubun bundan ngunjil nyajil.

wujurr kada-nya mukul-ungku dingkar-angka ngunjil buban-manda-ku bangka-ny bajar bada baya karrba-ny, jawun-karra dukurr-bu wumbul ngundu-ka bangka-ny, karrkay-karrkay jangkar-nka babaji-ny nyulu ngadiku balka-ny yaba jambul-mu kambi-mu baja, buban-buban jana ngamu-ngu wuna-ny, yala-da nyubun nyubun mukul-warru wuna-ny dukul mukul nyubun bunda-ny ngunjil nyaji-l | night comes-SUB old man coals heap-DAT raked ash under fire banked, family center warm near gathered, children story-for begged he old told brothers two-POSS moon-POSS too, little.ones they mother-LOC slept, then one one grown.ones lay at.last old one sat coals watches | ...

kunya ngunjil bajar baya dukurr jangkar ngamu wunay

TEMP1(...); dukurr-bu LOC; ngamu-nga LOC(a); nightfall-at-the-fireside


The two men found the goanna's burrow at the base of the tree, one dug down carefully following the tunnel while the other watched the back exit, the goanna bolted out the hidden hole, they chased it, the first man caught it by the tail, they killed it quickly and cleanly, and then divided it fairly and carried the halves to two hungry families.

Dingkar jambul jadi-bubu juku badanga nyajin, nyubun buban-buban bakan juku-bubu wukurrin yindu dumbay-jina nyajil, jadi dumbay-bubu warrin wandin, jana wukurrin, dingkar ngadiku junkan-bu manin, jana warri ngulkurr-bu kunin, yalada yukil buban-manin daji-wan jawun-karra jambul dakwuynka.

dingkar jambul jadi-y-bubu juku bada-nga nyaji-ny, nyubun buban-buban baka-ny juku-bubu wukurri-ny yindu dumbay-jina nyaji-l, jadi dumbay-bubu warri-ny wandi-ny, jana wukurri-ny, dingkar ngadiku junkan-bu mani-ny, jana warri ngulkurr-bu kuni-ny, yala-da yukil buban-ma-ni-ny daji-wa-ny jawun-karra jambul dakwuy-nka | men two goanna-burrow tree base-LOC found, one carefully dug burrow followed other back-exit watches, goanna back-hole ran rose, they chased, man first tail-INST caught, they fast well killed, then fairly halved shared.each.other families two hungry-for | ...

jarukay juku bakal wukurril warri junkan kunil daji-way

TEMP1(...) daji-wan RECIP; bada-nga LOC(a); ngulkurr-bu LOC(rr,u); digging-out-a-goanna-together


I woke before the others, slipped down to the still morning water, washed the sleep from my face, watched the mist lift off the river and the first birds come down to drink, sat a while in the quiet with no thought at all, and then climbed back up to the camp just as the smoke of the cooking fires began to rise.

Ngayu wandin bama yindu ngadiku, bana janka muduwajumu badan, ngayku ngala warngku bananji julurrin, kubu wawubajamuny wandinya jujubala ngadiku bada kadan janganka nyajin, janka bundan kalbay kari milka nyubun, yalada bayan-mundu wangkar dakan baya-waju kubu wandin ngadiku.

ngayu wandi-ny bama yindu ngadiku, bana janka muduwaju-mu bada-ny, ngayku ngala warngku bana-nji julurri-ny, kubu wawubaja-muny wandi-nya jujubala ngadiku bada kada-ny janga-nka nyaji-ny, janka bunda-ny kalbay kari milka nyubun, yala-da bayan-mundu wangkar daka-ny baya-waju kubu wandi-ny ngadiku | I woke people other before, water still morning-POSS went.down, my face sleep water-with washed, mist river-ABL rises-SUB birds first down came drink-for watched, quietly sat long NEG thought one, then home-toward up climbed cooking-fire smoke rose just | ...

wandil bana julurril kubu wawubaja jujubala bunday baya


The women dug up the poisonous yams that keep well, sliced them thin, wove a loose basket, packed the slices in it, sank the basket in the running creek and weighted it with a stone, left it a day and a night for the water to carry the poison away, lifted it out and tasted a piece, roasted the rest, and then stored the safe food for the lean season.

Jalbu juwal ngambuy nyulu ngulkurr karrbal bakan, buban-buban dakan, balji jimirr wukurrin, buban-buban dukurr-bu buwan, balji bana warri kuljinga bundan kulji-bu wangkar-manin, wungar wujurr baja bawan bana ngambuy kala-kalbay jarrakulbanka, wangkar-manin nyubun nganja-kangal, yindu wubulku dindan, yalada mayi yukil karrban dakwuy wungarka.

jalbu juwal ngambuy nyulu ngulkurr karrba-l baka-ny, buban-buban daka-ny, balji jimirr wukurri-ny, buban-buban dukurr-bu buwa-ny, balji bana warri kulji-nga bunda-ny kulji-bu wangkar-ma-ni-ny, wungar wujurr baja bawa-ny bana ngambuy kala-kalbay jarrakulba-nka, wangkar-ma-ni-ny nyubun nganja-kangal, yindu wubul-ku dinda-ny, yala-da mayi yukil karrba-ny dakwuy wungar-ka | women yam bitter which well keeps dug, thinly sliced, basket loose wove, slices inside packed, basket water running creek-LOC sank stone-INST weighted, day night too left water poison far.away carry-PURP, lifted one tasted, rest all roasted, then food safe stored hunger season-for | ...

juwal ngambuy bakal balji dukurr kulji dindal dakwuy

TEMP1(...); dukurr-bu/kulji-nga LOC; leaching-and-storing-the-bitter-yam


The boy set out alone for the first time to check his own small fish trap, walked the creek carefully reading the tracks, found the trap sprung and a fish inside, took it out proudly, reset the trap the way his father had shown him, cleaned the fish at the water, and then carried his very first solo catch home to be cooked for everyone.

Buban nyulu-nyulu ngadiku badan nyungu kuyu-jina buban nyajinka, bana buban-buban jilban jina nyajil, kuyu-jina kajanmanda kuyu dukurr-bu nyajin, wawu-minibu wangkar-manin, kuyu-jina yijarrin nyungu nganjan yala nyulu milbinmu, kuyu bananga karra, yalada nyungu kuyu ngadiku nyulu-nyulu maninmu bayan-mundu jarrakulbanda wubulkunka wajunka.

buban nyulu-nyulu ngadiku bada-ny nyungu kuyu-jina buban nyaji-nka, bana buban-buban jilba-ny jina nyaji-l, kuyu-jina kaja-n-da kuyu dukurr-bu nyaji-ny, wawu-mini-bu wangkar-ma-ni-ny, kuyu-jina yijarri-ny nyungu nganjan yala nyulu milbi-ny-mu, kuyu bana-nga karra, yala-da nyungu kuyu ngadiku nyulu-nyulu mani-ny-mu bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny-da wubul-ku-nka waju-nka | boy himself first went his fish-trap small check-DAT, creek carefully walked tracks reads, fish-trap sprung fish inside found, proudly up-took, fish-trap reset his father as he showed-POSS, fish water-LOC cleaned, then his fish first himself caught-POSS home-toward carried-TEMP1 all-for cook-for | ...

buban kuyu jina nyajil dukurr yijarril nganjan jarrakulbal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; bana-nga LOC(a); dukurr-bu LOC; the-boy's-first-solo-catch


We spread out across the grassland in a wide line at first light, walked slowly toward the swamp beating the grass, drove the wallabies ahead of us toward the waiting spearmen, closed the line as the ground narrowed, took four wallabies between us, gutted and cleaned them at the water, and then walked home together carrying the meat and talking of the hunt.

Ngana jikan-bubu naka-naka kanbal muduwajungu, bana-yaral-mundu buban-buban jilban jikan kunin, darrba ngana ngadiku daman-bama-mundu wandiman, kanbal karra bubu buban-mandanya, darrba jambul-jambul ngana dukurr-bu manin, bana ngundu karra jubulin, yalada nyubun-nyubunji bayan-mundu jilban minya jarrakulbal balka-balka balbilmu.

ngana jikan-bubu naka-naka kanbal muduwaju-ngu, bana-yaral-mundu buban-buban jilba-ny jikan kuni-ny, darrba ngana ngadiku dama-ny-bama-mundu wandi-ma-ny, kanbal karra bubu buban-ma-nda-nya, darrba jambul-jambul ngana dukurr-bu mani-ny, bana ngundu karra jubuli-ny, yala-da nyubun-nyubun-ji bayan-mundu jilba-ny minya jarrakulba-l balka-balka balbi-l-mu | we grassland across spread.line dawn-LOC, swamp-toward slowly walked grass beat, wallabies us ahead spearmen-toward drove, line closed ground narrows-SUB, wallabies four us between took, water near cleaned gutted, then each.other-with home-toward walked meat carrying talking hunt-POSS | ...

jikan naka-naka jilbay kangkur daman dukurr minya balbil

TEMP1(...); dukurr-bu LOC; a-cooperative-wallaby-drive


The old man showed the boy how to make a good throwing-stick: he chose a curved branch of hard wood, cut it and stripped the bark, worked it down with a stone scraper to the right thickness, warmed it over the coals and bent the curve true, rubbed it with fat until it shone, tested the throw, and then gave it to the boy as his very first proper weapon.

Mukulungku dingkarangka buban milbin yala kali yukil bunganka: nyulu juku-murru junkurr manin, dakan wawun kudamundu, kulji-kunbir-bu murni-manin dandi yukilku, ngunjil wangkar wumbul-manin murru murni kajan, wandul-bu murni-manin dukul yukil, yilbal murni-nyajin, yalada buban dayan nyungu kalka ngadiku yukilku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban milbi-ny yala kali yukil bunga-nka: nyulu juku-murru junkurr mani-ny, daka-ny wawun kudamundu, kulji-kunbir-bu murni-ma-ni-ny dandi yukil-ku, ngunjil wangkar wumbul-ma-ni-ny murru murni kaja-ny, wandul-bu murni-ma-ni-ny dukul yukil, yilba-l murni-nyaji-ny, yala-da buban daya-ny nyungu kalka ngadiku yukil-ku | old man boy showed how throwing.stick good make-DAT: he branch round hard took, cut bark off, stone-scraper-INST worked thickness right-DAT, coals over warmed round bent true, fat-INST worked at.last good, throw tested, then boy gave his weapon first proper-DAT

juku junkurr dakal kulji ngunjil wumbul wandul dayal


The girl and her grandmother went to the paperbark swamp, stripped long clean sheets of the soft bark, rolled them carefully, carried them home, cut them to size for a baby-carrier, sewed the edges with fibre, lined it with the softest inner bark, and then laid the new baby in it for the first time while the whole family watched and smiled.

Karrkay-jalbu nyungu babi kambi-juku bana-yaralmundu jilban, kambi jinbal kalbay ngulkurr bakan, buban-buban murnin, bayan-mundu jarrakulban, ngawa-jarrakay bunganka dakan, karra-bu miyil kajan, kambi dukurr jinbal bajaku birra-manin, yalada ngawa jirakal dukurr-bu wunaman ngadiku jawun-karra wubulku nyajil yajarrilnya.

karrkay-jalbu nyungu babi kambi-juku bana-yaral-mundu jilba-ny, kambi jinbal kalbay ngulkurr baka-ny, buban-buban murni-ny, bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny, ngawa-jarrakay bunga-nka daka-ny, karra-bu miyil kaja-ny, kambi dukurr jinbal bajaku bina-ma-ni-ny, yala-da ngawa jirakal dukurr-bu wuna-ma-ny ngadiku jawun-karra wubul-ku nyaji-l yajarri-l-nya | girl her grandmother paperbark swamp-toward walked, bark soft long good stripped, carefully rolled, home carried, baby-carrier make-DAT cut, fibre-INST edge sewed, bark inner soft most lined, then baby new inside laid first family all watching smiling-SUB | ...

kambi juku bana bakal jarrakulbal dakal dukurr ngawa

TEMP1(wunaman); dukurr-bu LOC; making-a-baby-carrier


The man mended his fishing net all through the wet afternoon: he spread it out and found the holes, cut away the rotten sections, twisted new cord from the fibre, wove the cord back through row by row, tested each mend with a strong pull, rolled the net up dry, and then hung it under the shelter ready for the first clear morning.

Dingkar nyungu makarr murni-manin bana wungar dukurr-bu: nyulu naka-naka bawan miyil nyajin, kilba-manda dakan kudamundu, karra jirakal murni-manin, karra nganja-mundu wukurrin nyubun nyubun, murni wubulku junkurr-bu yilbal, makarr yaru murnin, yalada bayan-wawun bada walngkan-manin muduwaju jirakal ngadikunka.

dingkar nyungu makarr murni-ma-ni-ny bana wungar dukurr-bu: nyulu naka-naka bawa-ny miyil nyaji-ny, kilba-ma-nda daka-ny kudamundu, karra jirakal murni-ma-ni-ny, karra nganja-mundu wukurri-ny nyubun nyubun, murni wubul-ku junkurr-bu yilba-l, makarr yaru murni-ny, yala-da bayan-wawun bada walngka-ny-ma-ni-ny muduwaju jirakal ngadiku-nka | man his net mended rain day inside: he spread.out holes found, rotten cut off, cord new twisted, cord row-toward wove one one, mend all strong-INST test, net dry rolled, then shelter under hung dawn clear first-for | ...

makarr murni bawal miyil dakal jaji wukurril yilbal

TEMP1(walngkan...); dukurr-bu/junkurr-bu LOC; mending-the-net-on-a-wet-day


At the first sign of the cold season the family moved down to the coast: they gathered at the old shore camp, the men set the big nets in the channel and the women worked the reef, they smoked and dried the great catch for days, packed the dried fish into bark bundles, and then carried the winter food back up to the ranges before the first frost came.

kiway-kiway wungar ngadikungu jawun-karra jalun-mundu badan: bama jalun-bayan mukulba bangkan, dingkar makarr yalbay bana-dukurr-bu yijarrin jalbu jalun-ba kirrajin, kuyu yalbay kubu-manin kiway-manin wungar wubulku, kuyu kiway-kiway kambi-bundu-bu buwan, yalada kiway-mayi yumal-mundu wangkar jarrakulbanda jina-kiway ngadiku kadanya.

kiway-kiway wungar ngadiku-ngu jawun-karra jalun-mundu bada-ny: bama jalun-bayan mukul-ba bangka-ny, dingkar makarr yalbay bana-dukurr-bu yijarri-ny jalbu jalun-ba kirraji-ny, kuyu yalbay kubu-ma-ni-ny kiway-ma-ni-ny wungar wubul-ku, kuyu kiway-kiway kambi-bundu-bu buwa-ny, yala-da kiway-mayi yumal-mundu wangkar jarrakulba-ny-da jina-kiway ngadiku kada-nya | cold season first-LOC family coast-toward went.down: people shore-camp old-LOC gathered, men net big channel-inside set women reef worked, fish big smoked dried days all, fish dry bark-bundle-INST packed, then cold-food ranges-toward up carried-TEMP1 frost first comes-SUB | ...

kija jalun bama makarr dukurr kuyu kubu yumal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; ngadiku-nga LOC(a); dukurr-bu LOC; the-coastal-fishing-season


The old woman prepared the medicine for the child's fever: she went out at dawn and gathered the right leaves while the dew was still on them, crushed them between two stones, warmed the pulp gently by the fire, laid it on the child's hot forehead and chest, sang the quiet healing over it, and then sat by the child all night until the fever broke near morning.

Wulbumanangka kalbal karrkaynka wumbul-buyunka bungan: nyulu muduwajungu badan birra yukil bangkan jangkarr jananga janay-mba, kulji jambulba dudan, wula ngunduku buban-buban wumbul-manin, karrkay nyungu ngunju wumbul jiba baja daya, kuku-yukil janka nyunga balkan, yalada karrkay ngundu bundan wujurr wubulku dukul wumbul-buyun kakan muduwaju ngundu.

wulbuman-angka kalbal karrkay-nka wumbul-buyun-ka bunga-ny: nyulu muduwaju-ngu bada-ny birra yukil bangka-ny jangkarr jana-nga jana-y-mba, kulji jambul-ba duda-ny, wula ngundu-ku buban-buban wumbul-ma-ni-ny, karrkay nyungu ngunju wumbul jiba baja daya, kuku-yukil janka nyunga balka-ny, yala-da karrkay ngundu bunda-ny wujurr wubul-ku dukul wumbul-buyun kaka-ny muduwaju ngundu | old.woman medicine child-for fever-for made: she dawn went leaves right gathered dew them-on was-LOC, stones two-LOC crushed, fire near-DAT gently warmed, child his forehead hot chest too gave, healing quietly over.it sang, then child near sat night all at.last fever broke dawn near | ...

kalbal karrkay wumbul buyun bina kulji jiba kunya

TEMP1(bundan...); jambul-ba LOC(l); preparing-fever-medicine-and-sitting-up-all-night


The young men raced to be first up the tall nut tree: one reached the lowest branch first, climbed steadily to the top, knocked down the ripe cones to the ones waiting below, they gathered them into bags, carried them to the grinding stones, roasted and pounded them into meal, and then made a great feast that fed the whole camp that night.

Warru-warru yilba-wan juku-mayi kalbay wangkar-mundu ngadiku: nyubun juku-mara badanga ngadiku kadan, wangkar-mundu murni dakan, mayi-kulbul bada yilban bama jana bada bundanmu, jana balji-bu bangkan, kulji-nyurrba-mundu jarrakulban, dindan nyurrban mayi-manda, yalada nukal-yalbay bungan bayan wubulku dayan yinya wujurr.

warru-warru yilba-wa-ny juku-mayi kalbay wangkar-mundu ngadiku: nyubun juku-mara bada-nga ngadiku kada-ny, wangkar-mundu murni daka-ny, mayi-kulbul bada yilba-ny bama jana bada bunda-ny-mu, jana balji-bu bangka-ny, kulji-nyurrba-mundu jarrakulba-ny, dinda-ny nyurrba-ny mayi-manda, yala-da nuka-l-yalbay bunga-ny bayan wubul-ku daya-ny yinya wujurr | young.men raced.each.other nut.tree tall up-toward first: one branch base-LOC first came, up-toward steady climbed, ripe.nuts down knocked people who below waited-POSS, they bag-INST gathered, grinding.stones-toward carried, roasted pounded meal-became, then feast made camp all fed that night | ...

warru juku dakal kulbul yilbal balji nyurrbal dindal

TEMP1 dayan; yilba-wan RECIP 'raced each other'; bada-nga LOC(a); harvesting-and-grinding-nuts


I followed the fresh tracks along the sandbank at dawn, saw where the big goanna had gone into the driftwood pile, circled quietly to cut off its escape, flushed it out into the open, ran it down before it reached the next cover, killed it cleanly, and then gutted it at the water and carried it home for my family's morning meal.

Ngayu jina jirakal jukar-a wukurrin muduwajungu, nyajin wanja jadi yalbay juku-bundu-mundu dunganmu, janka murni jilban nyungu dumbay-jina kajanka, yaral-mundu wandiman, warrin nyulu juku yindu-mundu kadanya ngadiku, ngulkurr-bu kunin, yalada bana ngundu jubulin bayan-mundu jarrakulbanda jawun-karramu mayi muduwajumu.

ngayu jina jirakal jukar-a wukurri-ny muduwaju-ngu, nyaji-ny wanja jadi yalbay juku-bundu-mundu dunga-ny-mu, janka murni jilba-ny nyungu dumbay-jina kaja-nka, yaral-mundu wandi-ma-ny, warri-ny nyulu juku yindu-mundu kada-nya ngadiku, ngulkurr-bu kuni-ny, yala-da bana ngundu jubuli-ny bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny-da jawun-karra-mu mayi muduwaju-mu | I tracks fresh sandbank-LOC followed dawn-LOC, saw where goanna big driftwood-toward went-POSS, quietly circled walked its escape cut.off-DAT, open-toward flushed, ran it wood other-toward reaches-SUB before, cleanly killed, then water near gutted home-toward carried-TEMP1 family-POSS food morning-POSS | ...

jina jirakal janyul wukurril jaruka warri kunil jarrakulbal

TEMP1 jarrakulbanda; janyul-warral-ba LOC(l); ngulkurr-bu LOC; a-dawn-goanna-hunt


The women gathered the reeds at the lagoon, split them and laid them out to dry in the sun for two days, soaked them again to make them supple, wove them into sleeping mats over several evenings by the fire, trimmed the edges neatly, rolled the finished mats, and then gave one to each family that had a new baby coming.

Jalbu jikan bana-yalbay-mba bangkan, kakan wungara wunanka jambul wungar bawan, bana baja wunan jinbal-mandanka, kunarangkal wubulku baya ngunduku wuna-mundu wukurrin, miyil ngulkurr dakan, wuna dumban murnin, yalada jawun-karra wubulku ngawa jirakal kadalmu nyubun nyubun dayanda.

jalbu jikan bana-yalbay-mba bangka-ny, kaka-ny wungar-a wuna-nka jambul wungar bawa-ny, bana baja wuna-ny jinbal-ma-nda-nka, kunarangkal wubul-ku baya ngundu-ku wuna-mundu wukurri-ny, miyil ngulkurr daka-ny, wuna dumba-ny murni-ny, yala-da jawun-karra wubul-ku ngawa jirakal kada-l-mu nyubun nyubun daya-ny-da | women reeds lagoon edge-LOC gathered, split sun-LOC dry-for two day left, water again soaked supple-become-for, evenings all fire near-DAT mat-toward wove, edge neatly cut, mat finished rolled, then families all baby new coming-POSS one one gave-TEMP1 | ...

jalbu jiwuny bana bangkal wungar kunarangkal baya dayal

TEMP1 dayanda; wungar-a LOC(r); warral-ba LOC(l); weaving-sleeping-mats


The boy watched the old man fish with a spear from the rocks, then tried it himself: he stood too noisily and the fish scattered, he learned to freeze and wait, he misjudged the water's bending of the light and missed three times, the old man showed him to aim low, he speared his first fish on the fourth try, and then grinned so wide that the old man laughed out loud.

Buban mukulungku dingkar kalkabu kuyu daman kuljimuny nyajin, yalada nyulu-nyulu murni-nyajin: nyulu kaya-kayabu janan kuyu kala-kalbay warrin, nyulu binalman karra bundanka, nyulu bana miyil murninya kari binal kulur bawan, mukulungku dingkarangka milbin bada damanka, nyulu kuyu ngadiku jambul-jambul yilba-manin daman, yalada yajarrin yalbay-baja mukul yajarrin junkurr-bu.

buban mukul-ungku dingkar kalka-bu kuyu dama-ny kulji-muny nyaji-ny, yala-da nyulu-nyulu murni-nyaji-ny: nyulu kaya-kaya-bu jana-ny kuyu kala-kalbay warri-ny, nyulu binal-ma-ny karra bunda-nka, nyulu bana miyil murni-nya kari binal kulur bawa-ny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka milbi-ny bada dama-nka, nyulu kuyu ngadiku jambul-jambul yilba-ma-ni-ny dama-ny, yala-da yajarri-ny yalbay-baja mukul yajarri-ny junkurr-bu | boy old man spear-INST fish speared rock-ABL watched, then himself tried: he noisily stood fish scattered ran, he learned still wait-for, he water light bends-SUB NEG knew three missed, old man showed low aim-DAT, he fish first fourth tried speared, then grinned wide old laughed loud-INST | ...

buban kuyu daman kulji binal kalkal bana yajarril

TEMP1(yajarrin); junkurr-bu 'loudly' INST? kuyu-spearing-learned-by-trying


We prepared for the big gathering for many days: we hunted and smoked extra meat, the women ground great quantities of seed-meal, we cleared and levelled the meeting ground, we built extra shelters for the visitors, we sent the messengers out to the far camps, we lit the welcoming fires as they arrived, and then we feasted and danced and told the old stories for three whole nights.

Ngana bangkarr-yalbaynka murni-manda wungar wubulku: ngana balbin minya kubu-manin baja, jalbu jarra-mayi wubulku nyurrban, ngana bubu-bangkarr karra yaral-manin, ngana bayan yindu bama-yindunka bungan, ngana kuku-jarrakay bayan kala-kalbay-mundu yunga, ngana yulmbarril-baya wandiman jana kadanya, yalada ngana nukan janjin jangkar ngadiku balkan kulur wujurr wubulku.

ngana bangkarr-yalbay-nka murni-ma-nda wungar wubul-ku: ngana balbi-ny minya kubu-ma-ni-ny baja, jalbu jarra-mayi wubul-ku nyurrba-ny, ngana bubu-bangkarr karra yaral-ma-ni-ny, ngana bayan yindu bama-yindu-nka bunga-ny, ngana kuku-jarrakay bayan kala-kalbay-mundu yunga, ngana yulmbarril-baya wandi-ma-ny jana kada-nya, yala-da ngana nuka-ny kaja-ny jangkar ngadiku balka-ny kulur wujurr wubul-ku | we gathering-big-for prepared days many: we hunted meat smoked too, women seed-meal much ground, we meeting.ground cleared levelled, we shelters extra visitors-for made, we messengers camps far-toward sent, we welcome-fires lit they come-SUB, then we feasted danced stories old told three night all | ...

bangkarr balbil minya kubu jalbu nyurrbal bayan yunga

TEMP1(...); yunga 'send'; preparing-for-a-big-gathering


The old man took the grandson to learn the boundary of the country: they walked the whole boundary over four days, stopped at each named place, he told the story that fixed the boundary there, they refreshed the old marks on the rocks and trees, they met the neighbours at the shared corners and greeted them, they camped at the water each night, and then returned home with the boy now carrying the map in his memory.

Mukulungku dingkarangka jija bubu-jina binalka wangan: jana bubu-kunbayn wubulku jilban jambul-jambul wungar, kanban bubu burri-ji wubulku, nyulu jangkar balkan nyulu bubu-jina yinya kajanmu, jana burri mukul kuljinga jukungu jirakal-manin, jana ngundu-bama nyaji-wan bubu-dukurr daji-way-mba yulmbarril, jana bana ngunduku wunan wujurr wubulku, yalada bayan-mundu nyunban buban nyiku bubu-jina milkanga jarrakulban.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jija bubu-jina binal-ka wanga-ny: jana bubu-kunbayn wubul-ku jilba-ny jambul-jambul wungar, kanba-ny bubu burri-ji wubul-ku, nyulu jangkar balka-ny nyulu bubu-jina yinya kaja-ny-mu, jana burri mukul kulji-nga juku-ngu jirakal-ma-ni-ny, jana ngundu-bama nyaji-wa-ny bubu-dukurr daji-way-mba yulmbarril, jana bana ngundu-ku wuna-ny wujurr wubul-ku, yala-da bayan-mundu nyunba-ny buban nyiku bubu-jina milka-nga jarrakulba-ny | old man grandson boundary learn-DAT took: they edge all walked four days, stopped place named all, he story told he boundary that fixed-POSS, they marks old stone-LOC tree-LOC refreshed, they neighbours met.each.other shared-corner share-LOC greeted, they water near slept night all, then home-toward returned boy now boundary memory-LOC carried | ...

jija bubu jina jilbay jangkar kulji nyaji-way nyunbay

TEMP1(...); nyaji-wan RECIP; kulji-nga/milka-nga LOC(a); walking-the-boundary-with-the-grandson


The two families met at the trading ground as they did each year: they laid out their goods facing each other, the coast people showed shells and dried fish and the inland people stone and ochre and honey, they bargained slowly and fairly all afternoon, they exchanged until both sides were satisfied, they shared a big meal to seal the trade, and then they camped together one night and parted as friends at dawn.

Jawun-karra jambul daji-way-bubu nyaji-wan yala jana wungar wubulku: jana nyungu yamba nyubun-nyubun yaral daya, jalun-bama kuyu-kiway jindi baja milbin bubu-bama kulji murbuy wunba baja, jana buban-buban ngulkurr-bu daji-way kunarangkal wubulku, jana daji-wan jambulku wawu-mini-manyjiku, jana mayi yalbay daji-way daji-way kajanka, yalada jana nyubunji wunan nyubun wujurr jawun yala bawa-wan muduwajungu.

jawun-karra jambul daji-way-bubu nyaji-wa-ny yala jana wungar wubul-ku: jana nyungu yamba nyubun-nyubun yaral daya, jalun-bama kuyu-kiway jindi baja milbi-ny bubu-bama kulji murbuy wunba baja, jana buban-buban ngulkurr-bu daji-way kunarangkal wubul-ku, jana daji-wa-ny jambul-ku wawu-mini-ma-nyjiku, jana mayi yalbay daji-way daji-way kaja-nka, yala-da jana nyubun-ji wuna-ny nyubun wujurr jawun yala bawa-wa-ny muduwaju-ngu | families two trade-ground met.each.other as they year all: they their goods each.other faced laid, coast-people fish-dry shells too showed inland-people stone ochre honey too, they slowly fairly traded afternoon all, they exchanged both satisfied-SUCC, they meal big shared trade seal-DAT, then they together slept one night friends as parted.each.other dawn-LOC | ...

jawun daji-way nyaji-way jalun kuyu kulji wunba bawal

TEMP1(...); nyaji-wan/daji-wan/bawa-wan RECIP; the-annual-trade-meeting


The boy learned to make cord the whole rainy afternoon: he stripped the long fibres from the inner bark, chewed the ends soft, split them into even threads, rolled two threads together against his thigh into a tight cord, joined new fibre in as each length ran out, wound the finished cord into a ball, and then proudly showed the old man three whole arm-lengths of good strong string.

Buban karra bunganka binalman bana wungar dukurr-bu: nyulu karra kalbay kambi-dukurrmuny bakan, dumbay jinbal nunkan, kakan karra nyubun-nyubun yala, karra jambul nyungu jadinga murni-manin junkurr-bu, karra jirakal karra nyubun dumbay dunganya, karra dumban buban-bunga murnin, yalada wawu-minibu mukul milbin mara-jina kulur karra junkurr yukil.

buban karra bunga-nka binal-ma-ny bana wungar dukurr-bu: nyulu karra kalbay kambi-dukurr-muny baka-ny, dumbay jinbal nunka-ny, kaka-ny karra nyubun-nyubun yala, karra jambul nyungu jadi-y-mba murni-ma-ni-ny junkurr-bu, karra jirakal karra nyubun dumbay dunga-nya, karra dumba-ny buban-bunga murni-ny, yala-da wawu-mini-bu mukul milbi-ny mara-jina kulur karra junkurr yukil | boy cord make-DAT learned rain day inside: he fibre long inner.bark-ABL stripped, ends soft chewed, split cord even like, threads two his thigh-LOC rolled tight-INST, fibre new joined one end runs.out-SUB, cord finished ball wound, then proudly old showed arm-length three cord strong good | ...

jaji binal bana bakal jinji junkurr dumbal milbil

TEMP1(milbin); dukurr-bu LOC; jaruka-y-nga LOC(a); learning-to-make-cord


We set out before dawn to reach the good fishing ground at the change of tide: we paddled downriver in the dark by the sound of the water, reached the mouth as the sky lightened, spread the nets across the channel, took a great haul as the tide ran out, filled the canoe until it sat low, paddled home heavy and slow, and then divided the whole catch on the beach among every family in the camp.

Ngana muduwaju ngadiku badan kuyu-bubu ngulkurr bana-murninga kadanka: ngana wawubaja bada jarrakulban wujurr-bu bana kuku-bu, julay-mundu kadan jiri jirakal-mandanya, makarr bana-dukurr-bu naka-naka bawan, kuyu wubulku manin bana naka-naka dunganya, marrakan buwan dukul bada bundan, bayan-mundu jarrakulban dandi buban-buban, yalada kuyu wubulku jukara buban-manin jawun-karra bayanba wubulku.

ngana muduwaju ngadiku bada-ny kuyu-bubu ngulkurr bana-murni-nga kada-nka, ngana wawubaja bada jarrakulba-ny wujurr-bu bana kuku-bu, julay-mundu kada-ny jiri jirakal-ma-nda-nya, makarr bana-dukurr-bu naka-naka bawa-ny, kuyu wubul-ku mani-ny bana naka-naka dunga-nya, marrakan buwa-ny dukul bada bunda-ny, bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny dandi buban-buban, yala-da kuyu wubul-ku jukar-a buban-ma-ni-ny jawun-karra bayan-ba wubul-ku | we dawn before went fishing-ground good tide-change-LOC reach-for, we river down paddled dark-LOC water sound-INST, mouth-toward came sky lightens-SUB, net channel-inside across spread, fish all took tide out runs-SUB, canoe filled at.last low sat, home-toward paddled heavy slowly, then fish all beach-LOC divided families camp-LOC all | ...

muduwaju kuyu bana jarrakulbal wujurr makarr marrakan janyul

TEMP1(buban-manin); wujurr-bu LOC(rr,u); janyul-nga/bayan-ba LOC; dawn-fishing-on-the-changing-tide


The old woman taught the girl to read the signs of the coming weather: they watched the ants move their eggs to high ground, they saw the sky redden strangely at evening, they felt the wind swing round to the north, they noticed the birds fly low and restless, the old woman named each sign and what it meant, they moved the camp gear up under cover, and then the great rain came in the night just as she had said it would.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-jalbu milbin bana-wungar kadalmu burri nyajinka: jana minya-buban diburr wangkar-mundu murninya nyajin, jana jiri mula-mula murni kunarangkalba nyajin, jana muyar kungkarr-mundu murninya milkabu nyajin, jana jujubala bada janka-kari wandinya nyajin, wulbumanangka burri wubulku wanya yala balkan, jana bayan-yamba wangkar birra bada murni-manin, yalada bana yalbay wujurr kadan nyulu balkanmu yala.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-jalbu milbi-ny bana-wungar kada-l-mu burri nyaji-nka: jana minya-buban diburr wangkar-mundu murni-nya nyaji-ny, jana jiri mula-mula murni kunarangkal-ba nyaji-ny, jana muyar kungkarr-mundu murni-nya milka-bu nyaji-ny, jana jujubala bada janka-kari wandi-nya nyaji-ny, wulbuman-angka burri wubul-ku wanya yala balka-ny, jana bayan-yamba wangkar birra bada murni-ma-ni-ny, yala-da bana yalbay wujurr kada-ny nyulu balka-ny-mu yala | old.woman girl taught weather coming-POSS signs read-DAT: they ants eggs high-toward move-SUB watched, they sky red strangely evening-LOC saw, they wind north-toward swings-SUB felt, they birds low restless fly-SUB noticed, old.woman signs all what means said, they camp-gear up cover under moved, then rain big night came she said-POSS as | ...

bana-wungar milbil diburr jiri muyar kungkarr jujubala bayan

TEMP1(...); kunarangkal-ba LOC(l); reading-the-weather-signs


The men repaired the old canoe together before the fishing season: they turned it over and found the split down one side, they cut out the rotten wood, they shaped a new piece to fit exactly, they bound it in with cord and sealed it with wax and resin, they let it dry two days in the shade, they tested it in the shallows for leaks, and then took it out loaded for the first real fishing of the year.

Dingkar-dingkar marrakan mukul murni-manin nyubun-nyubunji kuyu-wungar ngadiku: jana muku-mundu murni-manin kaka nyubun janka nyajin, jana juku kilba-manda dakan, jana juku jirakal murni-manin yukilku kajanka, jana karra-bu kajan jila kanunjul-bu karra, jana wabarrba jambul wungar wunanka bawan, jana bana buban-ba bana-walu nyajin, yalada buwan badan kuyu ngadiku yukil wungarmu.

dingkar-dingkar marrakan mukul murni-ma-ni-ny nyubun-nyubun-ji kuyu-wungar ngadiku: jana muku-mundu murni-ma-ni-ny kaka nyubun janka nyaji-ny, jana juku kilba-ma-nda daka-ny, jana juku jirakal murni-ma-ni-ny yukil-ku kaja-nka, jana karra-bu kaja-ny jila kanunjul-bu karra, jana wabarr-ba jambul wungar wuna-nka bawa-ny, jana bana buban-ba bana-walu nyaji-ny, yala-da buwa-ny bada-ny kuyu ngadiku yukil wungar-mu | men canoe old repaired each.other-with fishing-season before: they over turned split one side found, they wood rotten cut, they wood new shaped fit-DAT join-DAT, they cord-INST bound wax resin-INST sealed, they shade-LOC two day dry-for left, they water shallow-LOC leak looked, then loaded went.down fishing first good year-POSS | ...

marrakan murni dakal juku jaji wunba wabarr bana

TEMP1(...); wabarr-ba LOC(rr,a->-ba, attested); buban-ba LOC(n); repairing-the-canoe-together


I spent the whole day making a good digging stick for my grandmother: I found a length of the hardest heavy wood, cut it to the right length, sharpened one end to a strong point on the rough stone, fire-hardened the point over the coals, smoothed the whole shaft so it would not blister her hands, tested its weight and balance, and then gave it to her, and she used it happily for the rest of her days.

Ngayu wungar wubulku jaba yukil bungan ngayku babinka: ngayu juku junkurr dandi bajaku manin, murni kalbay yukilku dakan, nyubun jungku kulji-jiran-bu murni-manin junkurr-bu, ngunjil wangkar jungku wumbul-manin, juku wubulku jinbal-manin nyulu nyungu mara kari buyun-bungalka, dandi murni-nyajin, yalada nyulunka dayan, nyulu wawu-minibu kirrajin nyungu wungar wubulmuny.

ngayu wungar wubul-ku jaba yukil bunga-ny ngayku babi-nka: ngayu juku junkurr dandi bajaku mani-ny, murni kalbay yukil-ku daka-ny, nyubun jungku kulji-jiran-bu murni-ma-ni-ny junkurr-bu, ngunjil wangkar jungku wumbul-ma-ni-ny, juku wubul-ku jinbal-ma-ni-ny nyulu nyungu mara kari buyun-bunga-nka, dandi murni-nyaji-ny, yala-da nyulu-nka daya-ny, nyulu wawu-mini-bu kirraji-ny nyungu wungar wubul-muny | I day all digging.stick(jaba) good made my grandmother-for: I wood hard heavy most got, cut length right, one end rough.stone-INST sharpened point strong, coals over point hardened, wood all smoothed it her hands NEG blister-make-DAT, weight balance tested, then her-for gave, she happily used her days all-ABL | ...

kunku-jina juku junkurr dakal kulji ngunjil wumbul dayal

TEMP1 dayan; junkurr-bu 'strongly' INST; making-a-digging-stick-for-grandmother


The young woman prepared her first big fish for the whole family, wanting to do it perfectly: she scaled and cleaned it carefully at the water, made a good fire and let it burn to coals, wrapped the fish in the right leaves with a little fat, laid it in the coals and turned it at the right moment, tested that it was cooked through, served the old ones first, and then watched anxiously as everyone tasted her cooking.

Karrkay-jalbu nyungu kuyu yalbay ngadiku bungan jawun-karra wubulkunka, wawu nyulu yukil bajaku bunganka: nyulu jindi karra bananga buban-buban, baya ngulkurr bungan wula ngunjilku dungan, kuyu birra yukilba wandul buban baja buwan, ngunjilba daya murni-manin wungar yukilba, jani dukurr-mundu nyajin, mukul ngadiku daya, yalada janka-kari nyajin bama wubulku nyungu waju nganja-kangalnya.

karrkay-jalbu nyungu kuyu yalbay ngadiku bunga-ny jawun-karra wubul-ku-nka, wawu nyulu yukil bajaku bunga-nka: nyulu jindi karra bana-nga buban-buban, baya ngulkurr bunga-ny wula ngunjil-ku dunga-ny, kuyu birra yukil-ba wandul buban baja buwa-ny, ngunjil-ba daya murni-ma-ni-ny wungar yukil-ba, jani dukurr-mundu nyaji-ny, mukul ngadiku daya, yala-da janka-kari nyaji-ny bama wubul-ku nyungu waju nganja-kangal-nya | girl her fish big first made family all-for, want she perfectly make-DAT: she scales cleaned water-LOC carefully, fire good made flame coals-DAT went, fish leaves right-LOC fat little too wrapped, coals-LOC gave turned time right-LOC, well.cooked through checked, old first served, then anxiously watched people all her cooking tastes-SUB | ...

kuyu jindi bana baya wula ngunjil wandul nganja

TEMP1(nyajin); yukil-nga->yukilba FIX; ngunjil-ba LOC(l); the-first-big-fish-cooked-for-the-family


The old man led the boys on their first long hunting trip away from the camp: they walked out two days into new country, he taught them to make a dry camp with little water, they hunted the plains at dawn and rested in the heat, they smoked the meat to carry it, they read new country they had never seen, they turned for home when the food-bags were full, and then walked back proud with more meat than they had ever carried.

Mukulungku dingkarangka warru-warru balbil kalbay ngadiku jilbaman bayanmuny kala-kalbay: jana jambul wungar bubu jirakal-mundu jilban, nyulu milbin bayan-kiway bana buban bunganka, jana bubu-yaral muduwajungu balbin wumbulba mara-kunban, jana minya kubu-manin jarrakulbalka, jana bubu jirakal jana kariku nyajinmu nyajin, jana bayan-mundu murni mayi-balji buwanba, yalada wawu-junkurr nyunban minya wubul jana kariku jarrakulbanmuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka warru-warru balbi-l kalbay ngadiku jilba-ma-ny bayan-muny kala-kalbay: jana jambul wungar bubu jirakal-mundu jilba-ny, nyulu milbi-ny bayan-kiway bana buban bunga-nka, jana bubu-yaral muduwaju-ngu balbi-ny wumbul-ba mara-kunba-ny, jana minya kubu-ma-ni-ny jarrakulba-l-ka, jana bubu jirakal jana kariku nyaji-ny-mu nyaji-ny, jana bayan-mundu murni mayi-balji buwa-ny-ba, yala-da wawu-junkurr nyunba-ny minya wubul jana kariku jarrakulba-ny-muny | old man young.men hunting long first led camp-from far: they two day country new-toward walked, he taught dry-camp water little make-DAT, they plains dawn-LOC hunted heat-LOC rested, they meat smoked carry-DAT, they country new they never saw-POSS read, they home-toward turned food-bags fill-LOC, then proud returned meat much they never carried-ABL | ...

balbil kalbay jilbay bayan bubu muduwaju minya nyunbay

TEMP1(nyunban); wumbul-nga->wumbulba FIX; the-boys'-first-long-hunt


We built the big fish weir together over three days at the narrow place in the creek: we cut and carried many stakes, we drove them into the mud in a wide V pointing downstream, we wove branches between them into a tight fence, we left a narrow gate with a trap-basket at the point, we opened the gate at the falling tide, we took the trapped fish each morning, and then kept the weir mended and fed the whole camp from it all season.

Ngana kuyu-makarr yalbay bungan nyubun-nyubunji kulur wungar bana buban-mandanga: ngana juku wubulku dakan jarrakulban, ngana janka-mundu bada yijarrin naka-naka bada-mundu, ngana juku-murru dukurr-bu wukurrin janka junkurr-bu, ngana jina buban bawan kuyu-jina bada-mundu, ngana jina kajan bana bada dunganya, ngana kuyu manin muduwaju wubulku, yalada makarr murni karrban bayan wubulku dayan wungar wubulku.

ngana kuyu-makarr yalbay bunga-ny nyubun-nyubun-ji kulur wungar bana buban-ma-nda-nga: ngana juku wubul-ku daka-ny jarrakulba-ny, ngana janka-mundu bada yijarri-ny naka-naka bada-mundu, ngana juku-murru dukurr-bu wukurri-ny janka junkurr-bu, ngana jina buban bawa-ny kuyu-jina bada-mundu, ngana jina kaja-ny bana bada dunga-nya, ngana kuyu mani-ny muduwaju wubul-ku, yala-da makarr murni karrba-ny bayan wubul-ku daya-ny wungar wubul-ku | we fish-weir big made each.other-with three day creek narrow-LOC: we stakes many cut carried, we mud-toward down drove across down-toward, we branches inside wove fence tight-INST, we gate small left fish-trap downstream-toward, we gate opened water down goes-SUB, we fish took morning all, then weir mended kept camp all fed season all | ...

kuyu makarr juku dakal dukurr wukurril bana dayal

TEMP1 dayan; dukurr-bu LOC; murru-nga LOC(u->? murru u-final -> murru-ngu) FIX; building-a-fish-weir-together


The girl helped her mother make ochre paint for the dancers: they dug the red ochre from the known place in the bank, ground it fine on a flat stone, mixed it with water and a little fat to bind it, warmed it gently by the fire, tested the color on a piece of bark, filled the small shell cups for each dancer, and then watched the men paint the old designs on one another before the evening dance.

Karrkay-jalbu nyungu ngamu mara-daji murbuy-kabu bama-nka bunganka: jana murbuy mula-mula jalkar-a bubu-binalmuny bakan, kulji yaralba jinbal nyurrban, bananji wandul buban baja murni-manin, baya ngunduku buban-buban wumbul-manin, murni kambi-buban-ba murni-nyajin, dakilji-kuyalin buban buwan bama nyubun nyubun, yalada dingkar-dingkar nyajin murbuy-burri ngadiku nyubun-nyubunji birra-bungal kunarangkal janji ngadiku.

karrkay-jalbu nyungu ngamu mara-daji murbuy-ka-bu bama-nka bunga-nka: jana murbuy mula-mula jalkar-a bubu-binal-muny baka-ny, kulji yaral-ba jinbal nyurrba-ny, bana-nji wandul buban baja murni-ma-ni-ny, baya ngundu-ku buban-buban wumbul-ma-ni-ny, murni kambi-buban-ba murni-nyaji-ny, dakilji-kuyalin buban buwa-ny bama nyubun nyubun, yala-da dingkar-dingkar nyaji-ny murbuy-burri ngadiku nyubun-nyubun-ji bina-bunga-l kunarangkal karra ngadiku | girl her mother helped ochre-paint dancers-for make-DAT: they ochre red bank-LOC place-known-ABL dug, stone flat-LOC fine ground, water-with fat little too mixed, fire near-DAT gently warmed, mark bark-piece-LOC tested, shell-cup small filled dancer one one, then men watched ochre-design old each.other-with paint dance before | ...

mara-daji murbuy bakal kulji nyurrbal wandul baya kunarangkal

TEMP1(nyajin); dungur-ba LOC? dungur single-r+a->dungura FIX; yaral-nga? yaral l->yaralba FIX; making-ochre-paint


I learned to find water in the dry country the hard way, from my grandfather: he showed me to follow the birds at dusk to where they drink, to read the green line of the deeper-rooted trees, to dig at the outer bend of a dry creek where the water hides, to listen for the frogs buried in the mud, and we found water each time by one of these signs, and then I never feared the dry country again.

Ngayu binalman bana bubu-kiway dukurr-bu maninka dandibu, ngayku ngajimuny: nyulu ngaya milbin jujubala kunarangkal wukurrinka wanja jana jangal, juku birra-jirakal dukurr-jarra binalka, bakanka bana-jandu-ngu bana wunay wanja, ngara-mundu diburr-kaya janka-dukurr-bu, ngana bana manin wungar wubulku wari nyubunmuny, yalada ngayu kariku bubu-kiway yinilman baja.

ngayu binal-ma-ny bana bubu-kiway dukurr-bu mani-nka dandi-bu, ngayku ngaji-muny: nyulu ngaya milbi-ny jujubala kunarangkal wukurri-nka wanja jana janga-l, juku birra-jirakal dukurr-jarra binal-ka, baka-nka bana-jandu-ngu bana wuna-y wanja, ngara-mundu diburr-kaya janka-dukurr-bu, ngana bana mani-ny wungar wubul-ku wari nyubun-muny, yala-da ngayu kariku bubu-kiway yinil-ma-ny baja | I learned water dry-country inside get-DAT hard-INST, my grandfather-ABL: he me showed birds dusk follow-DAT where they drink, tree green-leaf deep-root know-DAT, dig-DAT dry-creek bend-toward water lies where, listen-toward frog-croak mud-inside, we water got time all sign one-ABL, then I never dry-country feared again | ...

binal bana bubu kija milbil jujubala kunarangkal bakal

TEMP1(yinilman); dukurr-bu LOC; finding-water-in-the-dry-country


The two brothers set out to catch the big eel that lived under the old log in the deep pool: they blocked the downstream end with a stone wall, one felt carefully under the log with his hands while the other stood ready with the spear, the eel shot out and the spearman missed, they tried again more patiently, the eel came out slow and the spear went true, they carried the great eel home between them, and then their mother cooked it whole for a feast.

Yaba jambul badan kubarr yalbay maninka nyulu juku mukul badanga bana dukurr-bu wunaymu: jana bada-mundu karra kulji-bayanbu, nyubun buban-buban juku bada maranji nyajil yindu kalka yukil janji, kubarr wandin kalka-bama bawan, jana murni-nyajin maku-janalbu, kubarr buban wandin kalka murni dungan, jana kubarr yalbay nyubun-nyubun dukurr-bu jarrakulban, yalada nyungu ngamu bubungu wajun bangkarr-yalbaynka.

yaba jambul bada-ny kubarr yalbay mani-nka nyulu juku mukul bada-nga bana dukurr-bu wuna-y-mu: jana bada-mundu karra kulji-bayan-bu, nyubun buban-buban juku bada mara-nji nyaji-l yindu kalka yukil karra, kubarr wandi-ny kalka-bama bawa-ny, jana murni-nyaji-ny maku-jana-l-bu, kubarr buban wandi-ny kalka murni dunga-ny, jana kubarr yalbay nyubun-nyubun dukurr-bu jarrakulba-ny, yala-da nyungu ngamu bubu-ngu waju-ny bangkarr-yalbay-nka | brothers two went eel big catch-DAT it log old below-LOC water deep-inside lives-POSS: they down-toward blocked stone-wall-INST, one carefully log below hand-with feels other spear ready stands, eel rose spearman missed, they tried patiently, eel little rose spear true went, they eel big between center carried, then their mother ground-LOC cooked feast-for | ...

yaba kubarr juku bada dukurr kalka jarrakulbal bubu

TEMP1(wajun); bada-nga LOC(a); dukurr-bu LOC; bubu-ngu LOC(u); the-two-brothers-and-the-big-eel


The old woman showed the young mother how to carry and settle a fretful baby: she wrapped it firmly in the soft bark, held it upright against the warmth of her body, walked slowly with a swaying step, hummed the low quieting song, watched for the moment the little eyes grew heavy, laid it down without waking it, and then sat close by until she was sure it was deeply asleep.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-ngamu milbin yala ngawa jiba-badi jarrakulbalka janka-bungalka: nyulu kambi jinbalbu junkurr buwan, wangkar karrban nyungu bangkarr wumbul ngundu, buban-buban jilban jibul-jibul jinabu, kuku janka buban wangan, bundan dukul miyil buban dandi-mandanya, wunaman kari wandi-manilbu, yalada ngundu bundan dukul nyulu binal nyulu wujurr-bu wunanmu.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-ngamu milbi-ny yala ngawa jiba-badi jarrakulba-l-ka janka-bunga-nka: nyulu kambi jinbal-bu junkurr buwa-ny, wangkar karrba-ny nyungu bangkarr wumbul ngundu, buban-buban jilba-ny jibul-jibul jina-bu, kuku janka buban wanga-ny, bunda-ny dukul miyil buban dandi-ma-nda-nya, wuna-ma-ny kari wandi-ma-ni-l-bu, yala-da ngundu bunda-ny dukul nyulu binal nyulu wujurr-bu wuna-ny-mu | old.woman young-mother showed how baby fretful carry-DAT settle-DAT: she bark soft-INST firmly wrapped, upright held her body warm near, slowly walked swaying step-INST, song quiet low hummed, waited at.last eyes little heavy-become-SUB, laid.down NEG wake-make-INST, then near sat at.last she knows she deeply slept-POSS | ...

karrkay ngawa jiba-badi jarrakulbal kambi junkurr kalkal wujurr

TEMP1(bundan); wujurr-bu LOC(rr,u); settling-a-fretful-baby


We tracked the wild honey to three different trees in one good morning: the first bee led us to a low hollow easy to reach, the second to a tall tree we had to climb with a vine rope, the third into a rock crevice we opened with a digging stick, we took honey from all three and left each nest alive, we carried the full bark buckets home dripping, and then the whole camp ate honey until the children's faces were sticky and glad.

Ngana wunba wukurrin juku kulur yindu-yindu-mundu nyubun muduwaju ngulkurrnga: minya-buban ngadiku ngaya wukurrin dimbirr bada maninka yukil, jambul juku kalbay ngana kalal-bu dakanka, kulur kulji-jarra-dukurr-bu ngana jaba-bu kajan, ngana wunba kulurmuny manin nyubun nyubun juku-bayan wula bawan, ngana kambi-dakilji buwan bayan-mundu jarrakulban jinbal-manda, yalada bayan wubulku wunba nukan dukul karrkay miyil bikirr wawu-mini janaymu.

ngana wunba wukurri-ny juku kulur yindu-yindu-mundu nyubun muduwaju ngulkurr-nga: minya-buban ngadiku ngaya wukurri-ny dimbirr bada mani-nka yukil, jambul juku kalbay ngana kalal-bu daka-nka, kulur kulji-jarra-dukurr-bu ngana jaba-bu kaja-ny, ngana wunba kulur-muny mani-ny nyubun nyubun juku-bayan wula bawa-ny, ngana kambi-dakilji buwa-ny bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny jinbal-ma-nda, yala-da bayan wubul-ku wunba nuka-ny dukul karrkay miyil bikirr wawu-mini jana-y-mu | we honey followed trees three different-toward one morning good-LOC: bee first us led hollow low reach-DAT easy, second tree tall we vine-INST climb-DAT, third rock-crevice-inside we digging.stick(jaba)-INST opened, we honey three-from took nest one one alive left, we bark-buckets filled home-toward carried dripping, then camp all honey ate at.last children face sticky happy were-POSS | ...

wunba wukurril juku dimbirr dakal kulji dukurr nukal

TEMP1(nukan); ngulkurr-nga? ngulkurr trill+u->ngulkurr-bu FIX; three-honey-trees-in-one-morning


The boy earned his first real spear that season: he made the practice throws until his arm was true, he learned to move without sound through the grass, he watched the old men and copied how they read the animals, he made his first small kill of a bandicoot alone, he brought it back and shared it properly, the old man judged him ready and gave him a man's spear, and then the whole camp acknowledged him with quiet respect at the fire that night.

Buban nyungu kalka ngadiku yukil manin yinya wungarnga: nyulu yilbal-yilbal bungan dukul nyungu mara yukil, nyulu binalman kuku-kari jilbanka jikan dukurr-bu, nyulu mukul-dingkar nyajin murni-manin yala jana minya nyajil, nyulu nyungu minya ngadiku kulngu nyulu-nyulu kunin, jarrakulban daji-way yukil, mukulungku dingkarangka nyulu yukil nyajin dingkar-kalka dayan, yalada bayan wubulku nyulu yulmbarril janka-wawu-yukilbu baya ngunduku yinya wujurr.

buban nyungu kalka ngadiku yukil mani-ny yinya wungar-nga: nyulu yilba-l-yilba-l bunga-ny dukul nyungu mara yukil, nyulu binal-ma-ny kuku-kari jilba-nka jikan dukurr-bu, nyulu mukul-dingkar nyaji-ny murni-ma-ni-ny yala jana minya nyaji-l, nyulu nyungu minya ngadiku kulngu nyulu-nyulu kuni-ny, jarrakulba-ny daji-way yukil, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka nyulu yukil nyaji-ny dingkar-kalka daya-ny, yala-da bayan wubul-ku nyulu yulmbarril janka-wawu-yukil-bu baya ngundu-ku yinya wujurr | boy his spear first proper got that season-LOC: he practice-throws made at.last his arm true, he learned soundlessly walk-DAT grass inside, he old-men watched copied how they animals read, he his kill first bandicoot himself killed, brought.back shared properly, old man him ready judged man-spear gave, then camp all him acknowledged quiet-respect-INST fire near that night | ...

kalka yilbal binal jilbay jikan dukurr kunil daji-way

TEMP1(yulmbarril); wungar-nga->wungara FIX; dukurr-bu LOC; daji-way RECIP; earning-the-first-real-spear


On the last evening of the long gathering everyone worked together to prepare the farewell feast: the hunters brought in the last of the smoked meat, the women uncovered the great earth ovens full of food, the young ones carried it all to the central ground, the old ones took the honored places, we ate and gave thanks and named the ones who had travelled far, we sang the parting songs as the fire burned low, and then at dawn the many families packed and scattered back to their own countries carrying the whole gathering inside them.

Kunarangkal bada bajaku bangkarr-yalbaymu bama wubulku nyubun-nyubunji kirrajin bawa-mayi bunganka: balbi-bama minya kubu-manin bada bajaku daya, jalbu kurrma yalbay kajan mayi buwanba, warru-warru dukurr-bu wubulku jarrakulban, mukul bubu-yukil manin, ngana nukan wawu-mini balkan bama kala-kalbaymuny jilbanmu burri, ngana bawa-jangkar balkan baya bada dunganya, yalada muduwajungu jawun-karra wubulku murni-manda nyungu bubu-mundu wandin bangkarr wubulku dukurr-bu jarrakulban.

kunarangkal bada bajaku bangkarr-yalbay-mu bama wubul-ku nyubun-nyubun-ji kirraji-ny bawa-mayi bunga-nka: balbi-bama minya kubu-ma-ni-ny bada bajaku daya, jalbu kurrma yalbay kaja-ny mayi buwa-ny-ba, warru-warru dukurr-bu wubul-ku jarrakulba-ny, mukul bubu-yukil mani-ny, ngana nuka-ny wawu-mini balka-ny bama kala-kalbay-muny jilba-ny-mu burri, ngana bawa-jangkar balka-ny baya bada dunga-nya, yala-da muduwaju-ngu jawun-karra wubul-ku murni-ma-nda nyungu bubu-mundu wandi-ny bangkarr wubul-ku dukurr-bu jarrakulba-ny | evening last very gathering-POSS people all each.other-with worked farewell-feast make-DAT: hunters meat smoked last gave, women earth.ovens big uncovered food filled-LOC, young.ones center all carried, old honored-place took, we ate thanks said people far-ABL travelled-POSS named, we parting-songs sang fire down goes-SUB, then dawn-LOC families all scatter their country-toward went gathering all inside carried | ...

kunarangkal bangkarr kirraji balbil kurrma dukurr nukal jarrakulbal

TEMP1(...); dukurr-bu LOC; the-farewell-feast-and-scattering


The old people listen to the birds all through the day to know the time and the news: the magpie sings up the dawn, the friarbird grows loud when the trees flower, the pigeons come in to drink at the same hour each evening, and a bird that calls out of its proper time is telling the camp that something has changed in the country.

Bama mukul buyi ngaran wungar wubulku binalka wungar kuku-jarrakay baja: dawa-dawa muduwaju wulngku-badin, jaka junkurr-manin juku nganka-mandanya, bakamu kadan janga-nka nyubun wungar kunarangkal wubulku, buyi nyulu balkan nyungu wungar yukil-karibu nyulu bayan balkan yamba nyubun bubungu yindu-mandanmu.

bama mukul buyi ngara-ny wungar wubul-ku binal-ka wungar kuku-jarrakay baja: dawa-dawa muduwaju wulngku-badi-ny, jaka junkurr-ma-ni-ny juku nganka-ma-nda-nya, bakamu kada-ny janga-nka nyubun wungar kunarangkal wubul-ku, buyi nyulu balka-ny nyungu wungar yukil-kari-bu nyulu bayan balka-ny yamba nyubun bubu-ngu yindu-ma-nda-ny-mu | people old birds heard day all know-DAT time news too: magpie dawn sings, friarbird loud-became trees flower-SUB, pigeons come drink-for one hour evening all, bird it calls its time proper-not-INST it camp tells thing one country-LOC changed-POSS

buyi ngaral dawa-dawa jaka bakamu balkal bubu

buyi 'bird'; bubu-ngu LOC(u); bird-calls-as-the-camp's-clock-and-news


The pheasant coucal calls its low double note in the afternoon before rain, and the old ones say when you hear it start up out of season you should look to your shelter, for it has never yet been wrong about the coming water, and the little birds go quiet and fly low just before the first heavy drops fall.

Bulbul balkan nyungu kuku bada jambul kunarangkal bana-wungar ngadiku, mukul jana balkan yundu ngaranya nyulu wandin wungar-karinga yundu bayan-wawun nyajinka, nyulu kariku ngadiku kanban bana kadalmu, buyi buban dandi-manda bada marra-warrin bana yalbay jirakal badanya ngadiku.

bulbul balka-ny nyungu kuku bada jambul kunarangkal bana-wungar ngadiku, mukul jana balka-ny yundu ngara-nya nyulu wandi-ny wungar-kari-nga yundu bayan-wawun nyaji-nka, nyulu kariku ngadiku kanban bana kada-l-mu, buyi buban dandi-ma-nda bada marra-warri-ny bana yalbay jirakal bada-nya ngadiku | pheasant.coucal calls its note low two afternoon rain before, old they say you hear-SUB it starts season-wrong-LOC you shelter look-DAT, it never yet mistaken water coming-about, birds small quiet-become low fly rain big first falls-SUB before

bulbul balkal kunarangkal bana-wungar ngaral wandil buyi marra-warri

marra-warri 'fly'; wungar-kari-nga LOC(a); the-coucal-calls-before-rain


The rainbow bird digs a long tunnel into the soft sand of the creek bank and lays its young at the very end where nothing can reach them, and the old man showed the boy the neat round hole and told him never to dig it out, for the bird works many days at that tunnel and would lose everything, and a person should take only what they truly need.

Biru-biru janku kalbay jalkar bana jukar jinbal-mundu bakan nyungu buban bada bajaku wunaman wanja yamba nyubun kariku manil, mukulungku dingkarangka buban milbin janku jirakal murru nyulu balkan kariku bakanka, biru-biru wungar wubulku kirrajin janku ngunduka nyulu yamba wubulku bawalmu, bama nyulu nganga wanya nyulu wawu-junkurr manil.

biru-biru janku kalbay jalkar bana jukar jinbal-mundu baka-ny nyungu buban bada bajaku wuna-ma-ny wanja yamba nyubun kariku mani-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban milbi-ny janku jirakal murru nyulu balka-ny kariku baka-nka, biru-biru wungar wubul-ku kirraji-ny janku ngundu-ka nyulu yamba wubul-ku bawa-l-mu, bama nyulu nganga wanya nyulu wawu-junkurr mani-l | rainbow.bird tunnel long bank sand soft-into dug its young down very laid where thing one never reaches, old man boy showed hole neat round he said never dig-DAT, rainbow.bird days all worked tunnel near-LOC it thing all lose-POSS, person he just what he truly needs takes

biru-biru janku jalkar janyul bakal milbil murru wawu-junkurr

janku 'hole/burrow'; jalkar 'bank'; take-only-what-you-need


The bower bird is the cleverest thief in the scrub, gathering blue and shining things to build its playhouse and steal from any camp left unwatched, and the children laugh to find their lost beads woven into its bower, but the old woman says leave it be, for it takes only bright small things and harms nothing, and its playhouse is a wonder worth watching.

Bajal nyulu kulun yukil majaji dukurr-bu, yamba jarrba-jarrba biru-biru bangkan nyungu janka-bayan bunganka bama-yindumuny bayan nyaji-karimuny manil, karrkay-karrkay yajarrin nyungu yamba dumbaynmu bajal-janka-nga nyajinya, wulbumanangka balkan bawa nyulu, nyulu nganga yamba buban biru-biru manil yamba nyubun kari mumbu-bungal, nyungu janka-bayan yamba yukil nyajinka.

bajal nyulu kulun yukil majaji dukurr-bu, yamba jarrba-jarrba biru-biru bangka-ny nyungu janka-bayan bunga-nka bama-yindu-muny bayan nyaji-kari-muny mani-l, karrkay-karrkay yajarri-ny nyungu yamba dumbay-ny-mu bajal-janka-nga nyaji-nya, wulbuman-angka balka-ny bawa nyulu, nyulu nganga yamba buban biru-biru mani-l yamba nyubun kari mumbu-bunga-l, nyungu janka-bayan yamba yukil nyaji-nka | bower.bird it thief clever scrub inside, thing shining blue gathers its play-house make-DAT others-from camp unwatched-from takes, children laugh their thing lost-POSS bower-LOC see-SUB, old.woman says leave it, it just thing small bright takes thing one NEG harms, its play-house thing wonder watch-DAT

bajal kulun majaji dukurr bangkal karrkay yajarril nyajil

dukurr-bu LOC; bajal 'bower bird'; the-clever-bower-bird-thief


The kingfisher sits still on the low branch over the still water and watches for a long time without moving, then drops like a thrown stone and comes up with a small fish every time, and the old man told the boy to hunt the same way: sit still, watch long, waste no movement, and strike only once when you are certain.

Dabuy janka juku-mara bada bana janka dukurr-bu bundan nyaji maku-janal kari murninya, yalada badan kulji yilbanmabi yala bada kadan kuyu buban wungar wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka buban balkan yala nyubun balbinka: janka bunda, nyaji maku-jana, kari murni bawa, daman nyubun nyundu binalnya.

dabuy janka juku-mara bada bana janka dukurr-bu bunda-ny nyaji maku-jana-l kari murni-nya, yala-da bada-ny kulji yilba-ny-mabi yala bada kada-ny kuyu buban wungar wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban balka-ny yala nyubun balbi-nka: janka bunda, nyaji maku-jana, kari murni bawa, dama-ny nyubun nyundu binal-nya | kingfisher still branch low water still over sat watches waits NEG moves, then went.down stone thrown-like as down came fish small time all, old man boy said as one hunt-DAT: still sit, watch wait, NEG movement waste, speared once you certain-SUB

dabuy juku bana dukurr bunday kuyu balbil daman

dukurr-bu LOC; dabuy 'kingfisher'; hunt-like-the-kingfisher


The friarbird and the little honeyeaters follow the flowering trees across the country as the seasons turn, and a person who watches which trees the birds are working can find the honey and the sweet blossom and know exactly where the year has reached, for the birds read the flowering better than any calendar a person could keep.

Jaka buyi-wunba buban baja juku nganka-mabi wukurrin bubu wubulku wungar murni-mandanya, bama nyulu nyajil juku wanyu buyi kirrajil nyulu wunba nganka jiba-wulay manil binal wanja wungar kadanmu, buyi nganka ngaral ngulkurr-baja wungar-jina bama nyubun karrbalmuny.

jaka buyi-wunba buban baja juku nganka-mabi wukurri-ny bubu wubul-ku wungar murni-ma-nda-nya, bama nyulu nyaji-l juku wanyu buyi kirraji-l nyulu wunba nganka jiba-wulay mani-l binal wanja wungar kada-ny-mu, buyi nganka ngara-l ngulkurr-baja wungar-jina bama nyubun karrba-l-muny | friarbird honeyeater small too trees flowering follows country all season turns-SUB, person who watches trees which birds work he honey blossom sweet gets knows where year reached-POSS, birds flowering read better calendar person one keeps-ABL

jaka buyi wunba juku wukurril nyajil jiba-wulay ngaral


When the pigeons come down in a great flock to the fruiting tree they are easy hunting, and the old man taught the boys to wait in cover and take only what the camp would eat that day, never firing into the whole flock in greed, for a flock hunted too hard learns to go elsewhere and never comes back to that country again.

Bakamu jana kadan bunda kanbal-yalbay juku mayi-mabi-mundu jana balbil yukil, mukulungku dingkarangka warru-warru milbin karra janka-mandanka mani nganga bayan nukalmuny yinya wungar, kariku janga wubulku ngujanbu, kanbal dandibu balbin nyulu binalman bubu yindu-mundu dungay kariku nyunban bubu ngundumuny baja.

bakamu jana kada-ny bunda kanbal-yalbay juku mayi-mabi-mundu jana balbi-l yukil, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka warru-warru milbi-ny karra janka-ma-nda-nka mani nganga bayan nuka-l-muny yinya wungar, kariku janga wubul-ku ngujan-bu, kanbal dandi-bu balbi-ny nyulu binal-ma-ny bubu yindu-mundu dunga-y kariku nyunba-ny bubu ngundu-muny baja | pigeons they come.down flock-big tree fruiting-toward they hunting good, old man young.men taught cover hide-for take just camp eat-POSS that day, never shoot.into flock all greed-INST, flock hard-INST hunted it learns country other-toward go never returns country near-ABL too

bakamu kanbal juku mayi balbil milbil nukal ngujan


The turtle on the reef is the greatest prize, and taking one feeds many, but the old law is strict: never take the small ones and never take a female heavy with her young, take only the big old males, and even then divide it so the old and the sick eat first, for the turtle gives its whole self and must be honored in the giving.

Ngawuya jalun-ba bada yamba yukil bajaku, nyubun manil bama wubulku dayal, kuku ngadiku junkurr: kariku buban mani kari jalbu-ngawuya nyungu buban junkurrbu mani, dingkar-ngawuya mukul yalbay nganga mani, yaladaku buban-manin mukul buyun-bama ngadiku nukalmu, ngawuya nyulu nyungu-nyungu wubulku dayan yabarrka yukil-bungalmu dayalba.

ngawuya jalun-ba bada yamba yukil bajaku, nyubun mani-l bama wubul-ku daya-l, kuku ngadiku junkurr: kariku buban mani kari jalbu-ngawuya nyungu buban junkurr-bu mani, dingkar-ngawuya mukul yalbay nganga mani, yala-da-ku buban-ma-ni-ny mukul buyun-bama ngadiku nuka-l-mu, ngawuya nyulu nyungu-nyungu wubul-ku daya-ny yabarrka yukil-bunga-l-mu daya-l-ba | turtle reef on thing best most, one caught people all feeds, law old strict: never small take NEG female-turtle her young heavy-with take, male-turtle old big only take, then-DAT divided old sick-people first eat-PURP, turtle it itself all gives always honored giving-LOC

ngawuya jalun dayal junkurr jalbu dingkar mukul buyun

ngawuya 'turtle'(grammar.md); daya-l-nga LOC(l)->dayalba FIX; the-turtle-must-be-honored


The big eel lives under the old sunken log in the deepest pool, coming out only at night to hunt, and to catch one you must feel very slowly under the log with your bare hand until you touch its cool side, then grip it hard behind the head all at once, for an eel gripped weakly will slide away and never be fooled twice.

Kubarr yalbay juku mukul bana bada bana dukurr-bu bajaku wunay, wandin nganga wujurr balbinka, nyubun maninka yundu murninji juku bada maranji maku-janal dukul yundu nyungu janka kaka jilban, karrba junkurr-bu karra-dukurr nyubunku, kubarr karrban buban-bu nyulu jarrba dungay kariku binal-manda jambulku.

kubarr yalbay juku mukul bana bada bana dukurr-bu bajaku wuna-y, wandi-ny nganga wujurr balbi-nka, nyubun mani-nka yundu murni-nji juku bada mara-nji maku-jana-l dukul yundu nyungu janka kaka jilba-ny, karrba junkurr-bu karra-dukurr nyubun-ku, kubarr karrba-ny buban-bu nyulu jarrba dunga-y kariku binal-ma-nda jambul-ku | eel big log old water deep water inside most lives, comes.out only night hunt-DAT, one catch-DAT you slowly log below hand-with feels at.last you its side cool touch, grip hard-INST head-behind at.once, eel gripped weakly-INST it slides goes never fooled twice-DAT

kubarr juku bana dukurr wunay balbil karrbal janyji

dukurr-bu LOC; kubarr 'eel'; catching-the-big-eel-by-hand


The crocodile is the one creature the old people fear at the water, and they taught strict rules: never camp right at the edge, never take water from the same place twice, watch the bank for the slide marks, and keep the children back from the still deep pools, for the crocodile waits without moving for days and takes the careless one in a single silent rush.

Bilngkumu nyulu minya nyubun bama mukul yinilman bananga, jana milbin kuku junkurr: kariku bana-nga bada bayan bunga, kari bana nyubunmuny jambulku mani, jalkar nyaji nyulu jina-jarrba, karrkay-karrkay bada karrba bana janka dukurr-bu bajakumuny, bilngkumu maku-janal kari murninya wungar wubulku bama binal-kari nyubun dandi-bu manil.

bilngkumu nyulu minya nyubun bama mukul yinil-ma-ny bana-nga, jana milbi-ny kuku junkurr: kariku bana-nga bada bayan bunga, kari bana nyubun-muny jambul-ku mani, jalkar nyaji nyulu jina-jarrba, karrkay-karrkay bada karrba bana janka dukurr-bu bajaku-muny, bilngkumu maku-jana-l kari murni-nya wungar wubul-ku bama binal-kari nyubun dandi-bu mani-l | crocodile it creature one people old fear water-LOC, they taught rules strict: never water-edge at camp make, NEG water one-from twice take, bank watch its slide-mark, children back keep water still deep most-from, crocodile waits NEG moves days all person careless one silently-INST takes

bilngkumu minya yinil bana milbil jalkar karrkay dukurr

bana-nga LOC(a); dukurr-bu LOC; the-crocodile-and-its-strict-water-rules


When the kingfish and the queenfish run in their season the whole shore camp works from dawn to dark, the men setting the nets in the channel and the women and children taking them from the shallows, and everyone smokes and dries the great catch for the lean months, for the run lasts only a few weeks and a camp that misses it will go hungry later.

Danbal balarri baja jana wungar nyungunga marra-warrinya jalun-bayan wubulku kirrajin muduwajumuny wujurrku, dingkar makarr bana-dukurr-bu yijarril jalbu karrkay-karrkay baja bana-buban manil, bama wubulku kubu-manil kiway-manil kuyu yalbay wungar dakwuynka, marra-warri nganga wungar buban janay bayan nyulu bawanya dakwuy-manda baja.

danbal balarri baja jana wungar nyungu-nga marra-warri-nya jalun-bayan wubul-ku kirraji-ny muduwaju-muny wujurr-ku, dingkar makarr bana-dukurr-bu yijarri-l jalbu karrkay-karrkay baja bana-buban mani-l, bama wubul-ku kubu-ma-ni-l kiway-ma-ni-l kuyu yalbay wungar dakwuy-nka, marra-warri nganga wungar buban jana-y bayan nyulu bawa-nya dakwuy-ma-nda baja | kingfish queenfish too they season its-LOC run-SUB shore-camp all worked dawn-from dark-to, men net channel-inside set women children too shallows take, people all smoke dry fish big season hunger-for, run just weeks few lasts camp it misses-SUB hungry-becomes too

danbal balarri wungar marra-warri makarr dukurr kuyu dakwuy

nyungu-nga LOC(a); dukurr-bu LOC; danbal 'kingfish'; the-fish-run-season


The mudcrab hides in the mangrove holes at low tide, and catching it takes a careful hand and a quick one, for it will grip a finger with a claw that can break the bone, and the old woman showed the girl to take it from behind across the back where the claws cannot reach, and to respect the strength of a creature so small.

Kiju juku-bana-janku dukurr-bu buyan jalun bada, maninka mara maku-janal warri baja, nyulu mara nyubun karrbal jalan-bu nyulu kuku-mula kakalmu, wulbumanangka karrkay-jalbu milbin karra-dukurrmuny muku naka-naka wanja jalan kariku manil, minya buban bajaku nyungu junkurr yukil-bungalka.

kiju juku-bana-janku dukurr-bu buya-ny jalun bada, mani-nka mara maku-jana-l warri baja, nyulu mara nyubun karrba-l jalan-bu nyulu kuku-mula kaka-l-mu, wulbuman-angka karrkay-jalbu milbi-ny karra-dukurr-muny muku naka-naka wanja jalan kariku mani-l, minya buban bajaku nyungu junkurr yukil-bunga-nka | mudcrab mangrove-hole inside hides tide low, catch-DAT hand patient fast too, it finger one grips claw-INST it bone break-POSS, old.woman girl showed behind-from back across where claw never reaches, creature small most its strength honor-DAT

kiju janku dukurr jalun karrbal kuku-mula milbil junkurr

dukurr-bu LOC; kiju 'mudcrab'; respect-the-strength-of-the-small


The soldier crabs come up in their thousands and march across the wet sand flat all facing one way like a moving army, and the children love to watch them and chase them down into their spiral holes, and the old man laughs and says even the crabs have their law, for see how they all turn together and none goes against the rest.

Wuli-wuli jana kadan wubul-yalbay jukar duna-nga naka-naka jilban nyubun-mundu wubulku minya-balbil murni-mabi yala, karrkay-karrkay wawu-minibu nyajil jana wukurril jana janku-wuralmundu, mukulungku dingkarangka yajarrin balkan kiju baja nyungu kuku, nyaji jana wubulku nyubunji murninya yamba nyubun kari yindu-mundu dungay.

wuli-wuli jana kada-ny wubul-yalbay jukar duna-nga naka-naka jilba-ny nyubun-mundu wubul-ku minya-balbi-l murni-mabi yala, karrkay-karrkay wawu-mini-bu nyaji-l jana wukurri-l jana janku-wural-mundu, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yajarri-ny balka-ny kiju baja nyungu kuku, nyaji jana wubul-ku nyubun-ji murni-nya yamba nyubun kari yindu-mundu dunga-y | soldier.crabs they came thousands sand wet-flat across walked one-toward all army moving-like as, children happily watch them chase them hole-spiral-toward, old man laughs says crabs too their law, see they all together turn-SUB thing one NEG other-toward goes

wuli-wuli janyul naka-naka jilbay karrkay wukurril yajarril janku

wuli-wuli 'soldier crab'; even-the-crabs-have-their-law


The octopus hides in the reef pools and changes its color to match the rock so you can walk right past it, but the old woman taught the girl to watch for the one wrong shape among the stones and the slow curl of an arm, and once you see it you never lose the trick, for the eye learns to catch what does not quite belong.

Kurrija jalun-ba-janku dukurr-bu buyan nyungu nganja-jarray murni-manil kulji yala yundu ngunju jilbanya, wulbumanangka karrkay-jalbu milbin nyajinka yamba nyubun yukil-kari kulji dukurr-bu mara buban-buban murninya, yundu nyajinya kariku binal bawal, miyil binalman maninka yamba nyulu kari yukil janji.

kurrija jalun-ba-janku dukurr-bu buya-ny nyungu nganja-jarray murni-ma-ni-l kulji yala yundu ngunju jilba-nya, wulbuman-angka karrkay-jalbu milbi-ny nyaji-nka yamba nyubun yukil-kari kulji dukurr-bu mara buban-buban murni-nya, yundu nyaji-nya kariku binal bawa-l, miyil binal-ma-ny mani-nka yamba nyulu kari yukil karra | octopus reef-pool inside hides its color changes stone like you past walk-SUB, old.woman girl showed watch-DAT thing one wrong stones among arm slowly curls-SUB, you see-SUB never knowledge lose, eye learned catch-DAT thing it NEG right sits

kurrija janku dukurr kulji murni milbil nyajil binal

dukurr-bu LOC; kurrija 'octopus'; the-eye-learns-to-catch-the-octopus


The old people always step around a snake, never over it, and teach this to the smallest child before it can even walk far, for the snake asks only to be left alone and will strike only when trodden on or cornered, and a person who watches the ground and gives the snake its road will grow old having never once been bitten.

Bama mukul yabarrka jarba ngundu-mundu jilbal, kariku wangkar-mundu, milbil yinya karrkay buban ngadiku nyulu kalbay jilbanya, jarba nyulu nganga bawanka wawu-karrba nyulu baykal nganga yundu jina-mandanya yambada janku-karinga, bama nyulu bubu nyajil jarbanka baral dayal nyulu mukul-manda kariku nyubun baykanmuny.

bama mukul yabarrka jarba ngundu-mundu jilba-l, kariku wangkar-mundu, milbi-l yinya karrkay buban ngadiku nyulu kalbay jilba-nya, jarba nyulu nganga bawa-nka wawu-karrba nyulu bayka-l nganga yundu jina-ma-nda-nya yambada janku-kari-nga, bama nyulu bubu nyaji-l jarba-nka baral daya-l nyulu mukul-ma-nda kariku nyubun bayka-ny-muny | people old always snake around walk, never over, teach this child small before it far walks-SUB, snake it just leave-DAT wants it bites only you tread-SUB or cornered-LOC, person he ground watches snake-for road gives he grows.old never once bitten-ABL

jarba jilbay milbil karrkay baykal jina baral dayal

jarba 'snake'; janku-kari-nga LOC(a); step-around-a-snake-never-over


The big rock python is slow and heavy and takes the small wallabies and bandicoots by lying still along a branch or a log until one passes close, then striking and wrapping it fast, and the old man told the boy this is not a snake to fear but one to watch and learn from, for it teaches the deepest lesson of the hunt: perfect stillness, perfect patience.

Bajalji bada dandi baja darrba buban kulngu baja manil juku-mara juku-mukul baja wangkar wunay maku-janal dukul nyubun ngundu-mundu jilbanya, yalada baykal warri karra-dukurr karrbal, mukulungku dingkarangka buban balkan yinya jarba kari yinilmanka yambada nyajinka binalmanka, nyulu milbil ngadiku balbilmu: janka bajaku, maku-janal bajaku.

bajalji bada dandi baja darrba buban kulngu baja mani-l juku-mara juku-mukul baja wangkar wuna-y maku-jana-l dukul nyubun ngundu-mundu jilba-nya, yala-da bayka-l warri karra-dukurr karrba-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban balka-ny yinya jarba kari yinil-ma-nka yambada nyaji-nka binal-ma-nka, nyulu milbi-l ngadiku balbi-l-mu: janka bajaku, maku-jana-l bajaku | python slow heavy too wallaby small bandicoot too takes branch log too along lies waits at.last one near passes-SUB, then bites fast head-behind grips, old man boy said this snake NEG fear-DAT but watch-DAT learn-DAT, it teaches deepest hunt-POSS: stillness most, patience most

bajalji darrba kulngu juku wunay baykal jarba balbil

bajalji 'python'; darrba 'wallaby'; the-python-teaches-stillness


The sand goanna runs fast on the open ground but always makes for a tree when chased, and the trick the old man taught was never to chase it toward a tree but to cut it off from the timber and turn it into the open, where a person can run it down, and this is why you must know the country and where every tree stands before the chase begins.

Jadi warri bubu-yaral yambada juku-mundu dungay wukurrinya, mukulungku dingkarangka milbin kariku juku-mundu wukurri yambada juku-muny karra yaral-mundu wandiman, wanja bama warril, yinya yundu bubu binal juku wubulku wanja janan ngadiku wukurri kadalmu.

jadi warri bubu-yaral yambada juku-mundu dunga-y wukurri-nya, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka milbi-ny kariku juku-mundu wukurri yambada juku-muny karra yaral-mundu wandi-ma-ny, wanja bama warri-l, yinya yundu bubu binal juku wubul-ku wanja jana-ny ngadiku wukurri kada-l-mu | sand.goanna runs fast open.ground but tree-toward goes chased-SUB, old man taught never tree-toward chase but timber-from cut open-toward turn, where person runs.down, that you country know trees all where stand before chase comes-DAT

jadi warri bubu juku wukurril milbil yaral binal

jadi 'sand goanna'; cut-the-goanna-off-from-the-trees


The blue-tongue lizard is slow and gentle and does no harm, and when it opens its wide blue mouth it is only bluffing, for it has no bite worth fearing, and the old woman used it to teach the children that a loud show is often the weakest thing, and the truly dangerous creature, like the quiet snake, gives no warning at all.

Bajabaja bada kima yamba nyubun kari mumbu-bungal, nyulu nyungu ngandal yalbay jarrba kajanya nyulu nganga kanban-balkal, nyulu baykal-kari yinilmanka, wulbumanangka yinya kirrajin karrkay-karrkay milbinka kuku-yalbay yabarrka minya buban-buban baja, minya yinil bajaku, jarba dandi yala, nyulu yamba nyubun kari milbil.

bajabaja bada kima yamba nyubun kari mumbu-bunga-l, nyulu nyungu ngandal yalbay jarrba kaja-nya nyulu nganga kanban-balka-l, nyulu bayka-l-kari yinil-ma-nka, wulbuman-angka yinya kirraji-ny karrkay-karrkay milbi-nka kuku-yalbay yabarrka minya buban-buban baja, minya yinil bajaku, jarba dandi yala, nyulu yamba nyubun kari milbi-l | blue-tongue slow gentle thing one NEG harms, it its mouth big blue opens-SUB it just falsely-speaks, it bite-less fear-DAT, old.woman that used children teach-DAT loud-word often thing weakest too, creature dangerous most, snake quiet like, it thing one NEG warns

bajabaja jinbi jarba baykal yinil karrkay milbil kuku


The tree kangaroo lives high in the rainforest canopy and moves slowly through the branches at night, and it is very hard to find and harder to take, so a hunter who brings one home is greatly praised, but the old people say never take too many, for they are few and slow to breed and a country can be emptied of them in one careless generation.

Jarrabina majaji-juku wangkar bada wunay buban-buban juku-mara wukurril wujurr, nyulu nyajinka dandi bajaku maninka junkurr baja, balbi-bama nyulu nyubun bayan-mundu jarrakulban yulmbarril yalbay, bama mukul balkan kariku wubul mani, jana buban jana buban-manda kari jiwarril bubu jana-muny yamba-kari-manda nyubun wungar binal-karibu.

jarrabina majaji-juku wangkar bada wuna-y buban-buban juku-mara wukurri-l wujurr, nyulu nyaji-nka dandi bajaku mani-nka junkurr baja, balbi-bama nyulu nyubun bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny yulmbarril yalbay, bama mukul balka-ny kariku wubul mani, jana buban jana buban-ma-nda kari jiwarri-l bubu jana-muny yamba-kari-ma-nda nyubun wungar binal-kari-bu | tree.kangaroo rainforest-tree high above lives slowly branches moves night, it see-DAT hard most take-DAT strong too, hunter he one home carried praised big, people old say never many take, they few they slowly NEG breed country them-of empty-becomes one generation careless-INST

jarrabina majaji juku wunay wukurril balbil jarrakulbal yamba-kari

jarrabina 'tree kangaroo'; take-few-of-the-slow-breeders


The possum comes out only at night and its eyes shine back at you when the firelight catches them in the tree, and the old man taught the boys to hunt it by that shine but only to take what was needed, and he told them the possum's thick warm fur made the best sleeping cloaks, so nothing of it was ever wasted, not the fur, the meat, or the sinew.

Yawa wandin nganga wujurr nyungu miyil yilba-manil yundu-mundu baya-wula karrbanya jukungu, mukulungku dingkarangka warru-warru milbin yilba ngunduku balbinka nganga wanya yukilmuny mani, nyulu balkan yawa nyungu jindi junkurr wumbul kirrajin wuna-kambi yukil bajaku, yamba nyubun kari kudamundu, kari jindi minya wandul baja.

yawa wandi-ny nganga wujurr nyungu miyil yilba-ma-ni-l yundu-mundu baya-wula karrba-nya juku-ngu, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka warru-warru milbi-ny yilba ngundu-ku balbi-nka nganga wanya yukil-muny mani, nyulu balka-ny yawa nyungu jindi junkurr wumbul kirraji-ny wuna-kambi yukil bajaku, yamba nyubun kari kudamundu, kari jindi minya wandul baja | possum comes.out only night its eyes shine you-toward firelight catches-SUB tree-LOC, old man young.men taught shine near-DAT hunt-DAT just what needed take, he said possum its fur thick warm made sleeping-cloak best, thing one NEG wasted, NEG fur meat fat too

yawa kunya miyil baya juku balbil wumbul kudamundu

juku-nga LOC(u)->jukungu FIX; yawa 'possum'; hunting-the-possum-by-its-eyeshine