He keeps scratching himself all over because of the mosquito bites in the night.

Nyulu yirrba-n-yirrba-ji, kamu-ngka baykan-muny wujurr-ba.

nyulu yirrba-n-yirrba-ji-y, kamu-ngka bayka-ny-muny wujurr-ba | he scratch-REDUP-REFL(keeps.scratching.self), mosquito-ERG bite-ABL(after.biting) night-LOC


The old woman washes her own hands and face well before she eats the food.

Mukul-jalbu mara, walu baja ngulkurr julurri-ji, mayi nuka-nyjiku.

mukul-jalbu mara, walu baja ngulkurr julurri-ji-y, mayi nuka-nyjiku | old-woman hand, face too well wash-REFL, food eat-SUCC

mukul jalbu mara walu ngulkurr julurril mayi nukal


The two children painted themselves with black charcoal and danced by the fire.

Karrkay jambul ngunjil-bu julngka-jin, baya karangkal wuri-l.

karrkay jambul ngunjil-bu julngka-ji-ny, baya karangkal wuri-l | child two charcoal-INST paint-REFL(past), fire alongside dance

karrkay jambul ngunjil julngkal baya karangkal wuril

REFL past julngka-jin; ngunjil 'charcoal'


I washed myself well in the river after the long, hot walk through the scrub.

Ngayu wawubaja-nga ngulkurr julurri-jin, jilba kalbay wumbul madja-muny.

ngayu wawubaja-nga ngulkurr julurri-ji-ny, jilba kalbay wumbul madja-muny | 1sg creek-LOC well wash-REFL(past), walk long hot scrub-ABL

ngayu wawubaja ngulkurr julurril jilba kalbay wumbul madja


The men paint their own foreheads with white clay and put on the head-bands.

Dingkar wubul munju kambar-bu julngka-ji, jilngarr baja mani.

dingkar wubul munju kambar-bu julngka-ji-y, jilngarr baja mani | man many forehead white.clay-INST paint-REFL, headband too take(put.on)

dingkar wubul munju kambar julngkal jilngarr manil

REFL w/ body-part; munju 'forehead', jilngarr 'headband'


The little girl covers herself with the warm blanket in the cold, dark night.

Maral buban kararr wumbul-bu nanda-ji, wujurr ngiki-nga.

maral buban kararr wumbul-bu nanda-ji-y, wujurr ngiki-nga | girl small blanket warm-INST cover-REFL, night cold-LOC

maral buban kararr wumbul nandal wujurr ngiki


The young men painted themselves and danced the corroboree all through the night.

Warru wubul julngka-jin, warrma wuri-l-wuri-l wujurr wubulku.

warru wubul julngka-ji-ny, warrma wuri-l-wuri-l wujurr wubul-ku | young.man many paint-REFL(past), corroboree dance-REDUP night all

warru wubul julngkal warrma wuril wujurr


The child hurt itself on the sharp rock while it was playing by the water.

Karrkay kulji jalngkun-bu buyun-dama-jin, bana karangkal kinka-nya.

karrkay kulji jalngkun-bu buyun-dama-ji-ny, bana karangkal kinka-nya | child rock sharp-INST bad-CAUS-REFL(hurt.self), water alongside play-SUB

karrkay kulji jalngkun buyun damal bana kinkal

REFL buyun-dama-jin 'hurt self'; kinka-l play (ex.469)


She washes the baby first and then washes herself in the same still water.

Nyulu ngawa julurri-l, yalada nyulu-nyulu julurri-ji bana janka-nga.

nyulu ngawa julurri-l, yala-da nyulu-nyulu julurri-ji-y bana janka-nga | she baby wash(TR), then herself wash-REFL water quiet-LOC

TR vs REFL contrast (julurri-l vs julurri-ji)


The old man scratched his own back with a short stick under the shady tree.

Mukul-dingkar muku juku buban-bu yirrba-jin, juku wabarr-ba.

mukul-dingkar muku juku buban-bu yirrba-ji-ny, juku wabarr-ba | old-man back stick small-INST scratch-REFL(past), tree shade-LOC

mukul dingkar muku juku buban yirrbal wabarr


The young man hit himself on the hand by mistake while striking at the snake.

Warru kanban mara-nga kuni-jin, jarba-nka kuni-nya.

warru kanban mara-nga kuni-ji-ny, jarba-nka kuni-nya | young.man by.mistake hand-LOC hit-REFL(hit.self), snake-DAT hit-SUB


The woman cut herself on the finger by mistake while cutting up the meat.

Jalbu kanban mara-nga yaka-jin, minya yaka-l-yaka-nya.

jalbu kanban mara-nga yaka-ji-ny, minya yaka-l-yaka-nya | woman by.mistake hand-LOC cut-REFL(cut.self), meat cut-REDUP-SUB


The child burned itself on the hot coals by mistake right beside the camp fire.

Karrkay kanban baya wumbul-bu waju-jin, baya karangkal.

karrkay kanban baya wumbul-bu waju-ji-ny, baya karangkal | child by.mistake fire hot-INST burn-REFL(burnt.self), fire alongside

karrkay kanban baya wumbul wajul karangkal


I hurt my own foot by mistake on the sharp stone hidden in the long grass.

Ngayu kanban kulji jalngkun-bu jina buyun-dama-jin, jikan kalbay-ba ngaki-nya.

ngayu kanban kulji jalngkun-bu jina buyun-dama-ji-ny, jikan kalbay-ba ngaki-nya | 1sg by.mistake stone sharp-INST foot bad-CAUS-REFL(hurt.self), grass long-LOC hide-SUB

ngayu kanban kulji jalngkun jina buyun damal jikan ngakil

REFL + kanban; jikan 'grass', ngaki-l 'hide'


The man happened to step on my foot in the big crowd near the fire.

Dingkar-anda ngayu jina narri-jin, bama wubul karangkal baya-nga.

dingkar-anda ngayu jina narri-ji-ny, bama wubul karangkal baya-nga | man-LOC:pt 1sg foot step.on-CHANCE.PASS(happened.to.step), person many alongside fire-LOC

dingkar ngayu jina narril bama wubul baya

CHANCE PASSIVE narri-jin; agent->LOC:pt (ex.349)


Grandmother happened to smash the yam to tiny pieces while she was digging carelessly.

Babi-nda wukay dirka-bunga-jin, bubu baka-l-baka-nya.

babi-nda wukay dirka-bunga-ji-ny, bubu baka-l-baka-nya | grandmother-LOC:pt yam fine-CAUS-CHANCE.PASS(happened.to.smash), ground dig-REDUP-SUB

CHANCE PASS dirka-bunga-jin (ex.350); wukay 'yam'


The man came into the camp and the woman happened to hit him in the dark.

Dingkar bayan-ka walan, jalbu-ndu kuni-jin wujurr-ba.

dingkar bayan-ka wala-ny, jalbu-ndu kuni-ji-ny wujurr-ba | man camp-DAT entered, woman-LOC:pt hit-CHANCE.PASS(happened.to.hit) dark-LOC


My foot happened to get burned by the hot coals of the sleeping fire in the night.

Ngayku jina baya wumbul-bu waju-jin, baya wuna-nya wujurr-ba.

ngayku jina baya wumbul-bu waju-ji-ny, baya wuna-nya wujurr-ba | my foot fire hot-INST burn-CHANCE.PASS(got.burnt), fire lie-SUB(sleeping) night-LOC

ngayku jina baya wumbul wajul wunay wujurr

CHANCE PASS; INANIMATE agent stays INST -bu


The little fish happened to get caught by the child down in the shallow water.

Kuyu buban karrkay-anda karrba-jin, bana buban-ba bada.

kuyu buban karrkay-anda karrba-ji-ny, bana buban-ba bada | fish small child-LOC:pt catch-CHANCE.PASS(got.caught), water little-LOC down


The hidden snake happened to get poked by the old woman with her digging stick.

Jarba ngaki-nya mukul-jalbu-nda juku-bu narri-jin, bubu-ngu.

jarba ngaki-nya mukul-jalbu-nda juku-bu narri-ji-ny, bubu-ngu | snake hide-SUB(hidden) old-woman-LOC:pt stick-INST poke-CHANCE.PASS(got.poked), ground-LOC

jarba ngakil mukul jalbu juku narril bubu

CHANCE PASS narri-jin 'poke'; agent LOC:pt + instrument INST


The child happened to get bitten by the vicious camp dog near the water hole.

Karrkay kaya kuli-ji-nda bayka-jin, bana karangkal.

karrkay kaya kuli-ji-nda bayka-ji-ny, bana karangkal | child dog rage-COMIT-LOC:pt bite-CHANCE.PASS(got.bitten), water alongside


That young man was grabbed by the police down at the store yesterday.

Yinya warru buliman-anda karrba-jin, bayan karangkal yilayku.

yinya warru buliman-anda karrba-ji-ny, bayan karangkal yilayku | that young.man police-LOC:pt grab-TOPIC.PASS(was.grabbed), store alongside yesterday

yinya warru buliman karrbal bayan yilayku

TOPIC PASSIVE karrba-jin (ex.357); yilayku 'yesterday'


The big kangaroo was speared by the two hunters out on the level plain.

Mayarriji yalbay dingkar jambul-anda dama-jin, bubu dubar-a.

mayarriji yalbay dingkar jambul-anda dama-ji-ny, bubu dubar-a | kangaroo big man two-LOC:pt spear-TOPIC.PASS(was.speared), ground level-LOC

mayarriji yalbay dingkar jambul damal bubu dubar


The fish were all caught by the children with their bare hands in the shallow creek.

Kuyu wubul karrkay-anda mara-bu karrba-jin, wawubaja buban-ba.

kuyu wubul karrkay-anda mara-bu karrba-ji-ny, wawubaja buban-ba | fish all child-LOC:pt hand-INST catch-TOPIC.PASS(were.caught), creek little-LOC

kuyu wubul karrkay mara karrbal wawubaja buban


The old man was carried back to the camp by the two young men in the evening.

Mukul-dingkar warru jambul-anda bayan-ka wundi-jin, wungar bada-nya.

mukul-dingkar warru jambul-anda bayan-ka wundi-ji-ny, wungar bada-nya | old-man young.man two-LOC:pt camp-DAT carry-TOPIC.PASS(was.carried), sun down-SUB

mukul dingkar warru jambul bayan wundil wungar bada


The green sea turtle was speared out beyond the reef by the best young hunter.

Yalnga warru ngulkurr-anda dama-jin, dulngku kudamundu.

yalnga warru ngulkurr-anda dama-ji-ny, dulngku kudamundu | sea.turtle young.man good-LOC:pt spear-TOPIC.PASS(was.speared), reef beyond

yalnga warru ngulkurr damal dulngku kudamundu


That old story was told to all the children by the grey-haired woman by the fire.

Yinya kuku mali mukul-jalbu-nda balka-jin karrkay-karrkay-ka, baya karangkal.

yinya kuku mali mukul-jalbu-nda balka-ji-ny karrkay-karrkay-ka, baya karangkal | that word old old-woman-LOC:pt tell-TOPIC.PASS(was.told) children-DAT, fire alongside

yinya kuku mukul jalbu balkal karrkay baya


The big goanna was cooked in the hot ashes by the women at the middle of the day.

Minya yalbay jalbu-nda baya-nga waju-jin, wungar kankur-a.

minya yalbay jalbu-nda baya-nga waju-ji-ny, wungar kankur-a | animal big woman-LOC:pt fire-LOC cook-TOPIC.PASS(was.cooked), sun half-LOC(midday)

minya yalbay jalbu baya wajul wungar kankur


The dead kangaroo was carried home on the young man's back through the long grass.

Mayarriji wula-nya warru-nda muku-ngu bayan-ka wundi-jin, jikan kalbay-ba.

mayarriji wula-nya warru-nda muku-ngu bayan-ka wundi-ji-ny, jikan kalbay-ba | kangaroo die-SUB(dead) young.man-LOC:pt back-LOC camp-DAT carry-TOPIC.PASS, grass long-LOC

mayarriji wulal warru muku bayan wundil jikan kalbay


The child was scolded by its own father because it had kicked the camp dog.

Karrkay nganjan nyungu-ndu murru-kanga-jin, kaya jabi-nya.

karrkay nganjan nyungu-ndu murru-kanga-ji-ny, kaya jabi-nya | child father his-LOC:pt scold-TOPIC.PASS(was.scolded), dog kick-SUB(because)


The little bird was snatched by the hawk from right beside the water hole.

Buyi buban kalin-kalin-anda nyarrma-jin, bana karangkal.

buyi buban kalin-kalin-anda nyarrma-ji-ny, bana karangkal | bird small hawk-LOC:pt snatch-TOPIC.PASS(was.snatched), water alongside

buyi buban kalin-kalin nyarrmal bana karangkal


The store is closed today, so the people cannot buy any food there at all.

Bayan nanda-ji niji, bama-ngka mayi kari mani yinyay-mba.

bayan nanda-ji-y niji, bama-ngka mayi kari mani yinyay-mba | store close-AGENTLESS.PASS today, person-ERG food NEG get there-LOC

bayan nandal bama mayi kari manil yinyay


If anyone happens to see the ripe mangoes on the tree, bring them back to the camp!

Mayngku kulbul juku-ngu nyaji-ji, mana bayan-ka!

mayngku kulbul juku-ngu nyaji-ji-y, mana bayan-ka | mango ripe tree-LOC see-AGENTLESS.PASS(if.seen), take(IMP) camp-DAT

AGENTLESS PASS + IMP (ex.362); mana-l 'bring'


The fire was left burning all through the night, and by morning only charcoal remained.

Baya waju-l bawa-jin wujurr wubulku, wunkuwingku ngunjil nganga wuna-l.

baya waju-l bawa-ji-ny wujurr wubul-ku, wunkuwingku ngunjil nganga wuna-l | fire burn left-PASS(was.left) night all, morning charcoal only lie

baya wajul bawal wujurr wunkuwingku ngunjil wunay


The food was all eaten up quickly and nothing was left for the others.

Mayi wubul jinbal-baja nuka-jin, yindu-ka mayi kari bawa-jin.

mayi wubul jinbal-baja nuka-ji-ny, yindu-ka mayi kari bawa-ji-ny | food all quick-very eat-AGENTLESS.PASS(was.eaten), other-DAT food NEG leave-PASS(was.left)

mayi wubul jinbal nukal yindu kari bawal


The door of the house is shut now, and the children are all asleep inside.

Bayan nanda-ji niji, karrkay-karrkay wubul bayan-ba wuna-l.

bayan nanda-ji-y niji, karrkay-karrkay wubul bayan-ba wuna-l | house close-AGENTLESS.PASS now, children all house-LOC lie(sleep)


That country was burned off last season to bring on the new grass for the animals.

Yinya bubu waju-jin wungar-muny, jikan buban wandi-nka minya-ka.

yinya bubu waju-ji-ny wungar-muny, jikan buban wandi-nka minya-ka | that country burn-AGENTLESS.PASS(was.burnt) season-ABL, grass new rise-PURP animal-DAT

yinya bubu wajul jikan buban wandil minya


The camp was left empty long ago, and now the grass has grown up all over it.

Bayan mali bawa-jin kalbay-muny, jikan wubul niji bubu-ngu wandin.

bayan mali bawa-ji-ny kalbay-muny, jikan wubul niji bubu-ngu wandi-ny | camp old leave-PASS(was.left) long-ABL, grass much now ground-LOC rose(grew.up)

bayan bawal kalbay jikan wubul bubu wandil


The two small fish were cooked in the coals and shared out among all the children.

Kuyu jambul buban baya-nga waju-jin, karrkay-karrkay-ka wubul daji-jin.

kuyu jambul buban baya-nga waju-ji-ny, karrkay-karrkay-ka wubul daji-ji-ny | fish two small fire-LOC cook-PASS(were.cooked), children-DAT all give-PASS(were.shared)

kuyu jambul buban baya wajul karrkay wubul dajil


The hungry children just keep eating and eating all through the long afternoon.

Karrkay-karrkay dakwuy nuka-n-nuka-ji, wungar wumbul-a wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay dakwuy nuka-n-nuka-ji-y, wungar wumbul-a wubul-ku | children hungry eat-REDUP-ANTIPASS(keep.eating), sun hot-LOC all

karrkay dakwuy nukal wungar wumbul wubul

ANTIPASSIVE nuka-n-nuka-ji 'keep eating' (l.971)


The old woman keeps digging and digging for the hairy yams on the sandy ridge.

Mukul-jalbu wukay-ku baka-n-baka-ji, bubu jukar-a.

mukul-jalbu wukay-ku baka-n-baka-ji-y, bubu jukar-a | old-woman yam-DAT dig-REDUP-ANTIPASS(keep.digging), ground sand-LOC


The men keep on spearing all day long, but they catch nothing at all.

Dingkar wubul dama-n-dama-ji wungar wubulku, kari mani.

dingkar wubul dama-n-dama-ji-y wungar wubul-ku, kari mani | man many spear-REDUP-ANTIPASS(keep.spearing) day all, NEG get

dingkar wubul damal wungar wubul kari manil


The children laugh and laugh about the funny old dog down by the water.

Karrkay-karrkay kaya-nka yajarri-n-yajarri-ji, bana karangkal.

karrkay-karrkay kaya-nka yajarri-n-yajarri-ji-y, bana karangkal | children dog-DAT laugh-REDUP-ANTIPASS(keep.laughing.about), water alongside


The man hit the wrong dog by mistake when he was aiming at the snake.

Dingkar-angka kaya yindu kanban kunin, jarba-nka kuni-nya.

dingkar-angka kaya yindu kanban kuni-ny, jarba-nka kuni-nya | man-ERG dog other by.mistake hit(TR), snake-DAT hit-SUB

kanban TRANSITIVE (contrast chance pass); yindu 'other/wrong'


The woman gave the food to the wrong child by mistake in the big crowd.

Jalbu-ngka mayi karrkay yindu-nka kanban dajin, bama wubul karangkal.

jalbu-ngka mayi karrkay yindu-nka kanban daji-ny, bama wubul karangkal | woman-ERG food child other-DAT by.mistake give(TR), person many alongside

jalbu mayi karrkay yindu kanban dajil bama wubul


I took the wrong spear by mistake and left my own good one back at the camp.

Ngayu kalka yindu kanban manin, ngayku ngulkurr bayan-ba bawan.

ngayu kalka yindu kanban mani-ny, ngayku ngulkurr bayan-ba bawa-ny | 1sg spear other by.mistake took(TR), my good camp-LOC left

ngayu kalka yindu kanban manil ngulkurr bayan bawal


The boy dropped the turtle egg by mistake and it broke on the hard rock below.

Warru buban-angka diburr kanban dara-y-manin, kulji jarra-nga bada dumbarrin.

warru buban-angka diburr kanban dara-y-mani-ny, kulji jarra-nga bada dumbarri-ny | boy small-ERG egg by.mistake fall-CAUS(dropped), rock hard-LOC below broke

warru buban diburr kanban daray manil kulji dumbarril

kanban TRANSITIVE dara-y-mani-ny 'dropped'


In the early morning the sun climbs up slowly over the big mountain in the east.

Wunkuwingku wungar manjal yalbay-muny wangkar-a daka-l.

wunkuwingku wungar manjal yalbay-muny wangkar-a daka-l | morning sun mountain big-ABL up-LOC climbs(rises)

wunkuwingku wungar manjal yalbay wangkar dakal

wungar daka-l 'sunrise'; manjal 'mountain'


At dawn the morning star shines bright and clear in the pale eastern sky.

Muduwaju kurrubijal jiri-nga balbal bunda-l ngulkurr.

muduwaju kurrubijal jiri-nga balbal bunda-l ngulkurr | dawn morning.star sky-LOC bright sits well

muduwaju kurrubijal jiri balbal bundal ngulkurr

muduwaju 'dawn'; kurrubijal 'morning star'; balbal 'bright'


The hot sun burns down on the dry ground all through the middle of the day.

Wungar wumbul bubu marral-ba waju-l, kunbu kankur-a.

wungar wumbul bubu marral-ba waju-l, kunbu kankur-a | sun hot ground dry-LOC burns, big.day half-LOC(midday)

wungar wumbul bubu marral wajul kunbu kankur


At sunset the sun falls down behind the trees and the whole sky glows warm.

Wungar dara-y juku kudamundu bada, jiri wubulku wumbul-baja.

wungar dara-y juku kudamundu bada, jiri wubul-ku wumbul-baja | sun falls tree behind down, sky all hot-very(glowing)

wungar daray juku kudamundu bada jiri wubul wumbul


When the sun peeps out from behind the grey clouds, all the birds begin to call.

Wungar jalama-l ngurrban-muny, buyi wubul yirrka-y.

wungar jalama-l ngurrban-muny, buyi wubul yirrka-y | sun jumps.out(peeks) cloud-ABL, bird many call.out

wungar jalamal ngurrban buyi wubul yirrkay

wungar jalama-l 'sun peek' (jalama-l='jump'); ngurrban 'cloud'


In the cold morning a thick white fog lies over the still water of the creek.

Wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal yalbay bana-nga bada wuna-l, wawubaja janka-nga.

wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal yalbay bana-nga bada wuna-l, wawubaja janka-nga | morning cold fog big water-LOC low lies, creek quiet-LOC

wunkuwingku kiway ngurrbal yalbay bana wunay wawubaja janka


The big day is long and hot, and everyone rests in the shade of the big trees.

Kunbu kalbay wumbul-baja, bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr-ba mara-kunbay.

kunbu kalbay wumbul-baja, bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr-ba mara-kunbay | big.day long hot-very, person many tree big shade-LOC rest

kunbu kalbay wumbul bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr mara-kunbay


Late in the afternoon the sun sinks low and the shadows grow long on the ground.

Wungar bada dunga-y niji, wabarr kalbay-ma-l bubu-ngu.

wungar bada dunga-y niji, wabarr kalbay-ma-l bubu-ngu | sun down goes now, shadow long-INCHO(grows.long) ground-LOC

wabarr 'shade/shadow'; kalbay-ma-l 'grow long'


All through the dark middle of the night the people sleep close beside the warm fire.

Kunarangkal bama wubul baya wumbul karangkal warngku-wuna-l.

kunarangkal bama wubul baya wumbul karangkal warngku-wuna-l | middle.of.night person many fire warm alongside sleep-lie

kunarangkal bama wubul baya wumbul karangkal warngku wunay


The round full moon rises over the sea and lights up the whole sandy beach.

Kija warral-warral jalun-muny wandin, jukar wubulku balbal.

kija warral-warral jalun-muny wandi-ny, jukar wubul-ku balbal | moon round(REDUP) sea-ABL rose, sand all bright

kija warral jalun wandil jukar wubul balbal

kija 'moon' (grammar l.2509); balbal 'bright'


Many bright stars fill the clear night sky high above the quiet sleeping camp.

Dawar wubul jiri-nga wangkar-a bunda-l wujurr-ba, bayan janka kudamundu.

dawar wubul jiri-nga wangkar-a bunda-l wujurr-ba, bayan janka kudamundu | star many sky-LOC up-LOC sit night-LOC, camp quiet beyond

dawar wubul jiri wangkar bundal wujurr bayan janka


A shooting star fell right across the sky, and the old man said that someone had died.

Binyu jiri-burr daran, mukul-dingkar-angka balkan bama nyubun wulan.

binyu jiri-burr dara-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bama nyubun wula-ny | shooting.star sky-PERL fell, old-man-ERG said person one died

binyu jiri daray mukul dingkar balkal bama nyubun wulal

binyu 'shooting star' (death omen); jiri-burr PERL 'across sky'


After two moons the young man will come back home to the camp from the far country.

Kija jambul-muny warru bayan-ka kada-y-baja, bubu kalbay-muny.

kija jambul-muny warru bayan-ka kada-y-baja, bubu kalbay-muny | moon(month) two-ABL young.man camp-DAT come-again, country far-ABL

kija jambul warru bayan kaday bubu kalbay

kija 'month' (ex.280 kija jambul-muny 'after 2 months')


The morning star comes up first, and then the great sun follows along behind it.

Kurrubijal wandi-l nyubun-baja, yalada wungar kudamundu kada-y.

kurrubijal wandi-l nyubun-baja, yala-da wungar kudamundu kada-y | morning.star rises first, then sun behind comes

kurrubijal wandil nyubun wungar kudamundu kaday


The moon was thin and small last night, but now it grows big and round again.

Kija buban-baja wujurr yilay-muny, niji yalbay warral-warral-ma-l baja.

kija buban-baja wujurr yilay-muny, niji yalbay warral-warral-ma-l baja | moon small-very night yesterday-ABL, now big round-INCHO again

kija waxing; warral-warral-ma-l 'become round'


The old people watch the stars carefully to know when the wet season will come.

Mukul-bama-ngka dawar ngulkurr nyaji-l, binal kaba-wungar kada-nka.

mukul-bama-ngka dawar ngulkurr nyaji-l, binal kaba-wungar kada-nka | old-people-ERG star well watch, know rain-season come-PURP

mukul bama dawar ngulkurr nyajil binal kaba wungar

kaba-wungar 'wet season' (rain-time); binal 'know'


High in the dark sky the bright stars shine over the far blue mountains at night.

Jiri wujurr-ba wangkar-a dawar balbal bunda-l, manjal kalbay kudamundu.

jiri wujurr-ba wangkar-a dawar balbal bunda-l, manjal kalbay kudamundu | sky dark-LOC up-LOC star bright sit, mountain far beyond

jiri wujurr wangkar dawar balbal bundal manjal kalbay


When the moon is bright, the children play late into the night down by the water.

Kija balbal-ba, karrkay-karrkay kunarangkal-baja kinka-l bana karangkal.

kija balbal-ba, karrkay-karrkay kunarangkal-baja kinka-l bana karangkal | moon bright-LOC(moonlight), children middle.of.night-very play water alongside

kija balbal karrkay kunarangkal kinkal bana karangkal


Dark heavy clouds gather together in the sky, and soon the big rain will come down.

Ngurrban ngungul-ngungul yalbay jiri-nga muru bunda-l, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja.

ngurrban ngungul-ngungul yalbay jiri-nga muru bunda-l, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja | cloud dark(REDUP) big sky-LOC together gather, rain big come now-very(soon)

ngurrban ngungul yalbay jiri muru bundal kaba kaday

ngurrban 'cloud'; ngungul-ngungul 'dark'


The loud thunder rolls right across the sky and the little children begin to cry.

Jabulbina yalbay jiri-burr yirrka-y, karrkay buban wubul banbadi-l.

jabulbina yalbay jiri-burr yirrka-y, karrkay buban wubul banbadi-l | thunder big sky-PERL sounds, child small many cry.REDUP

jabulbina yalbay jiri yirrkay karrkay buban wubul banbadi


Bright lightning flashes up over the mountain and lights up the whole dark night sky.

Balbay jiri wangkar-a jinbal-baja daka-l, jiri wujurr wubulku ngulkurr nyaji-ji.

balbay jiri wangkar-a jinbal-baja daka-l, jiri wujurr wubul-ku ngulkurr nyaji-ji-y | lightning sky up-LOC quick-very climbs(flashes), sky dark all well see-PASS(is.lit)

balbay jiri wangkar jinbal dakal wujurr wubul nyajil

balbay 'lightning'; agentless pass nyaji-ji (b086)


The heavy rain falls all day long and the creek rises up into a big brown flood.

Kaba yalbay wungar wubulku daran, wawubaja wandin, jalungkarr yalbay-ma-l.

kaba yalbay wungar wubul-ku dara-ny, wawubaja wandi-ny, jalungkarr yalbay-ma-l | rain big day all fell, creek rose, flood big-INCHO(becomes)

kaba yalbay wungar wubul daray wawubaja wandil jalungkarr

kaba dara-y 'rain falls'; jalungkarr 'flood'


In the big flood the deep brown water carried away the trees and the old camp.

Jalungkarr-ba bana yalbay-angka juku, bayan mali baja wundin bada-mundu.

jalungkarr-ba bana yalbay-angka juku, bayan mali baja wundi-ny bada-mundu | flood-LOC water big-ERG tree, camp old too carried down-ABESS(away)

jalungkarr bana yalbay juku bayan wundil


The rain stopped at last, and a big bright rainbow stood over the wet green hills.

Kaba nanda-jin niji, yiril yalbay balbal bubu jikan-ba wangkar-a janay.

kaba nanda-ji-ny niji, yiril yalbay balbal bubu jikan-ba wangkar-a janay | rain close-PASS(stopped) now, rainbow big bright ground grass-LOC up-LOC stands

kaba nandal yiril yalbay balbal bubu jikan janay

yiril 'rainbow'; kaba nanda-jin 'rain stopped' (agentless pass)


After the cyclone the flood water slowly went down and left wet mud everywhere.

Wadjal-muny jalungkarr bana bada dunga-y, bubu bana-ba nganga wuna-l.

wadjal-muny jalungkarr bana bada dunga-y, bubu bana-ba nganga wuna-l | cyclone-ABL flood water down goes, ground water-LOC only lies(wet)

wadjal jalungkarr bana bada dungay bubu wunay


The cyclone came in from the sea and blew down the big trees near the camp.

Wadjal jalun-muny kadan, juku yalbay bayan ngundu muyar-bu daran.

wadjal jalun-muny kada-ny, juku yalbay bayan ngundu muyar-bu dara-ny | cyclone sea-ABL came, tree big camp near wind-INST fell

wadjal jalun kaday juku yalbay bayan ngundu muyar daray


All night long the hard rain beat down on the little bark shelter by the creek.

Kaba junkurr wujurr wubulku daran, bayan buban wawubaja karangkal.

kaba junkurr wujurr wubul-ku dara-ny, bayan buban wawubaja karangkal | rain hard night all fell, shelter small creek alongside

kaba junkurr wujurr wubul daray bayan buban wawubaja


The thunder and the lightning came together, and then the heavy rain poured straight down.

Jabulbina, balbay baja muru kadan, yalada kaba yalbay jinbal-baja daran.

jabulbina, balbay baja muru kada-ny, yala-da kaba yalbay jinbal-baja dara-ny | thunder, lightning too together came, then rain big quick-very fell

jabulbina balbay muru kaday kaba yalbay jinbal daray


When the first rains come, the dry creek beds fill up with running water again.

Kaba nyubun-baja kada-nya, wawubaja marral bana-bu yalbay-ma-l baja.

kaba nyubun-baja kada-nya, wawubaja marral bana-bu yalbay-ma-l baja | rain first come-SUB, creek dry water-INST big-INCHO(fills.up) again

kaba nyubun kaday wawubaja marral bana yalbay


Grey clouds hide the sun all day, and the cold wind blows in from the sea.

Ngurrban jiri wubulku wungar ngaki-l, muyar kiway jalun-muny warri.

ngurrban jiri wubul-ku wungar ngaki-l, muyar kiway jalun-muny warri | cloud sky all sun hide, wind cold sea-ABL runs(blows)

ngurrban jiri wubul wungar ngakil muyar kiway jalun

ngaki-l 'hide' (b085); muyar kiway 'cold wind'


A strong wind blows through the tall trees and scatters the dry leaves everywhere.

Muyar junkurr juku kalbay-burr warri, birra marral wubul bubu-ngu dunga-y.

muyar junkurr juku kalbay-burr warri, birra marral wubul bubu-ngu dunga-y | wind strong tree tall-PERL blows, leaf dry many ground-LOC go(scatter)

muyar junkurr juku kalbay warri birra marral bubu

muyar 'wind'; juku-burr PERL 'through the trees'


The cool trade wind comes in from the sea every day in the long hot season.

Kumbamu ngiki jalun-muny wungar wubulku kada-y, wangariji-nga.

kumbamu ngiki jalun-muny wungar wubul-ku kada-y, wangariji-nga | trade.wind cool sea-ABL day all comes, hot.season-LOC

kumbamu ngiki jalun wungar wubul kaday wangariji

kumbamu 'trade wind'; wangariji 'hot season'


A little whirlwind spun across the dusty ground and lifted the dry leaves up high.

Wurunurru buban bubu jukar-a warri, birra marral wangkar-a wandi-l.

wurunurru buban bubu jukar-a warri, birra marral wangkar-a wandi-l | whirlwind small ground dust-LOC spins, leaf dry up-LOC rises

wurunurru buban bubu jukar warri birra marral wangkar wandil


The wind dropped at sunset and the blue smoke of the fire rose straight up.

Muyar bada dunga-y wungar daray, baya-mu kubu wangkar-a jinbal wandi-l.

muyar bada dunga-y wungar daray, baya-mu kubu wangkar-a jinbal wandi-l | wind down goes sunset, fire-POSS smoke up-LOC straight rises

muyar bada dungay wungar daray baya kubu wangkar wandil


In the middle of the night the cold wind came and everyone pulled the blankets close.

Kunarangkal muyar kiway kadan, bama wubul kararr ngundu-mundu karrba-l.

kunarangkal muyar kiway kada-ny, bama wubul kararr ngundu-mundu karrba-l | middle.of.night wind cold came, person many blanket close-ABESS pull(hold)

kunarangkal muyar kiway kaday bama wubul kararr karrbal


In the long hot season the sun is fierce, and the people look for shade and water.

Wangariji-nga wungar wumbul-baja, bama wabarr, bana baja warrmba-bunga-l.

wangariji-nga wungar wumbul-baja, bama wabarr, bana baja warrmba-bunga-l | hot.season-LOC sun hot-very, person shade, water too find

wangariji wungar wumbul bama wabarr bana warrmba-bungal


The cold wind of the dry time makes the old people shiver by the morning fire.

Muyar kiway-angka mukul-bama kiway-mani-l, baya wunkuwingku karangkal.

muyar kiway-angka mukul-bama kiway-mani-l, baya wunkuwingku karangkal | wind cold-ERG old-people cold-CAUS(makes.cold), fire morning alongside

muyar kiway mukul bama manil baya wunkuwingku


The thick fog lies low over the river until the warm morning sun burns it away.

Ngurrbal yalbay wawubaja-nga bada wuna-l, wungar wumbul-angka waju-nka.

ngurrbal yalbay wawubaja-nga bada wuna-l, wungar wumbul-angka waju-nka | fog big river-LOC low lies, sun hot-ERG burn-PURP

ngurrbal yalbay wawubaja wunay wungar wumbul wajul


On a fine clear day the whole sky is blue and not one cloud can be seen anywhere.

Jiri ngulkurr-baja wungar-a, ngurrban nyubun kari nyaji-ji.

jiri ngulkurr-baja wungar-a, ngurrban nyubun kari nyaji-ji-y | sky good-very day-LOC, cloud one NEG see-PASS(is.seen)

jiri ngulkurr wungar ngurrban nyubun kari nyajil

fine day = jiri ngulkurr; agentless pass


In the wet season the rain falls for many days and the whole country turns green.

Kaba-wungar-a kaba wungar wubulku daran, bubu wubulku jikan-ma-l.

kaba-wungar-a kaba wungar wubul-ku dara-ny, bubu wubul-ku jikan-ma-l | wet.season-LOC rain day all fell, country all grass-INCHO(turns.grassy)

kaba-wungar 'wet season'; jikan-ma-l 'become grassy'


The heat of the middle of the day is heavy, and even the birds sit quiet in the shade.

Wungar kankur-a wumbul-baja, buyi baja juku wabarr-ba janka bunda-l.

wungar kankur-a wumbul-baja, buyi baja juku wabarr-ba janka bunda-l | sun half-LOC(midday) hot-very, bird too tree shade-LOC quiet sit

wungar kankur wumbul buyi juku wabarr janka bundal


When the cold comes, the families move their camps closer to the warm sea shore.

Kiway kada-nya, jawun-karra bayan jalun wumbul ngundu-ka dunga-y.

kiway kada-nya, jawun-karra bayan jalun wumbul ngundu-ka dunga-y | cold come-SUB, family camp sea warm near-DAT go

kiway kaday jawun bayan jalun wumbul ngundu dungay


The morning was cold and grey, but by midday the hot sun broke through the clouds.

Wunkuwingku kiway ngungul-ngungul-baja, kunbu kankur-a wungar wumbul ngurrban-muny jalama-l.

wunkuwingku kiway ngungul-ngungul-baja, kunbu kankur-a wungar wumbul ngurrban-muny jalama-l | morning cold dark-very, big.day half-LOC(midday) sun hot cloud-ABL jumps.out

wunkuwingku kiway ngungul kunbu kankur wungar wumbul ngurrban jalamal


After the rain a big rainbow stood in the sky, one foot in the sea and one on the hill.

Kaba-muny yiril yalbay jiri-nga janay, jina nyubun jalun-ba, nyubun manjal-ba.

kaba-muny yiril yalbay jiri-nga janay, jina nyubun jalun-ba, nyubun manjal-ba | rain-ABL rainbow big sky-LOC stands, foot one sea-LOC, one mountain-LOC

kaba yiril yalbay jiri janay jina nyubun jalun manjal


The old people say the rainbow is the great serpent that lives deep in the water holes.

Mukul-bama-ngka balka-l yiril nyulu yarru yalbay, nyulu bana dukurr-ba wuna-l.

mukul-bama-ngka balka-l yiril nyulu yarru yalbay, nyulu bana dukurr-ba wuna-l | old-people-ERG say rainbow it serpent big, it water deep-LOC lies

mukul bama balkal yiril yarru yalbay bana dukurr wunay


Long ago the moon was a man who made all the women at the big waterfall.

Kalbay-muny kija nyulu dingkar-baja, nyulu jalbu wubul bana-yalbay-ba bungan.

kalbay-muny kija nyulu dingkar-baja, nyulu jalbu wubul bana-yalbay-ba bunga-ny | long-ABL moon he man-really, he woman many big.water(falls)-LOC made

kalbay kija dingkar jalbu wubul bana yalbay bungal


The children must never point at the rainbow serpent, or the big rain will surely come.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka yarru kari milba-l mara-bu, kaba yalbay kada-nyji.

karrkay-karrkay-angka yarru kari milba-l mara-bu, kaba yalbay kada-nyji | children-ERG serpent NEG point hand-INST, rain big come-PRECAUT(lest)

karrkay yarru kari milbal mara kaba yalbay kaday

milba-l 'point'; PRECAUT 'lest rain come' (b084)


When the tide is high, the salt sea water covers all the rocks along the sandy beach.

Balar-a bana jalun kulji wubulku nanda-l, jukar karangkal.

balar-a bana jalun kulji wubul-ku nanda-l, jukar karangkal | high.tide-LOC water sea rock all covers, sand alongside

balar bana jalun kulji wubul nandal jukar


At low tide the women walk out on the reef to gather shellfish and little crabs.

Ngajal-ba jalbu wubul dulngku-ngu dunga-y, minya buban baja warrmba-bunga-l.

ngajal-ba jalbu wubul dulngku-ngu dunga-y, minya buban baja warrmba-bunga-l | low.tide-LOC woman many reef-LOC go, creature small too find

ngajal jalbu wubul dulngku dungay minya buban warrmba-bungal

ngajal 'low tide'; dulngku 'reef' (b083)


The big tide comes in fast over the mud flats, and the little fish swim close to the sand.

Yira yalbay jinbal-baja kada-y, kuyu buban jukar ngundu janji-l.

yira yalbay jinbal-baja kada-y, kuyu buban jukar ngundu janji-l | tide big quick-very comes, fish small sand near swim

yira yalbay jinbal kaday kuyu buban jukar ngundu janji


I went for a long walk in the morning while he stayed back at home in the camp.

Ngayu wunkuwingku jilba-dungan, nyulu bayan-ba bundandan.

ngayu wunkuwingku jilba-dunga-ny, nyulu bayan-ba bundanda-ny | 1sg morning walk-went, 3sg camp-LOC sit.REDUP(stayed)

ngayu wunkuwingku jilba dungay bayan bundal

SIMPLE CONJOINING (juxtaposition, ex.379)


Elder sister is cooking the fish while younger sister watches the little sleeping baby.

Babarr-angka kuyu waju-l, jinkurr-ungku ngawa buban nyaji-l-nyaji-l.

babarr-angka kuyu waju-l, jinkurr-ungku ngawa buban nyaji-l-nyaji-l | elder.sister-ERG fish cooks, younger.sister-ERG baby small watch-REDUP

babarr kuyu wajul jinkurr ngawa buban nyajil


The old man sat down by the fire and the old woman gathered the dry firewood.

Mukul-dingkar baya karangkal bundan, mukul-jalbu-ngka baya-juku marral bangkan.

mukul-dingkar baya karangkal bunda-ny, mukul-jalbu-ngka baya-juku marral bangka-ny | old-man fire alongside sat, old-woman-ERG firewood dry gathered

mukul dingkar baya karangkal bundal jalbu juku marral bangkal


The men hunted the kangaroo on the plain and the women dug for yams in the scrub.

Dingkar-angka mayarriji bubu dubar-a balbin, jalbu-ngka wukay madja-nga bakan.

dingkar-angka mayarriji bubu dubar-a balbi-ny, jalbu-ngka wukay madja-nga baka-ny | man-ERG kangaroo ground level-LOC hunted, woman-ERG yam scrub-LOC dug

dingkar mayarriji bubu dubar balbi jalbu wukay madja bakal


The children swam in the creek and their mother washed the clothes on the flat rocks.

Karrkay-karrkay wawubaja-nga janji-l, ngamu-ngka kambi kulji-ba julurrin.

karrkay-karrkay wawubaja-nga janji-l, ngamu-ngka kambi kulji-ba julurri-ny | children creek-LOC swim, mother-ERG clothes rock-LOC washed

karrkay wawubaja janji ngamu kambi kulji julurril

conjoining; janji-l swim / julurri-l wash


The dog slept in the shade and the birds called out high up in the tall trees.

Kaya wabarr-ba wunan, buyi wubul juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a yirrkan.

kaya wabarr-ba wuna-ny, buyi wubul juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a yirrka-ny | dog shade-LOC slept, bird many tree tall-LOC up-LOC called.out

kaya wabarr wunay buyi wubul juku kalbay wangkar yirrkay


I speared two fish and my elder brother caught three little crabs beside the reef.

Ngayu kuyu jambul daman, yaba-ngka minya kulur buban dulngku-ngu karrban.

ngayu kuyu jambul dama-ny, yaba-ngka minya kulur buban dulngku-ngu karrba-ny | 1sg fish two speared, elder.brother-ERG creature three small reef-LOC caught

ngayu kuyu jambul damal yaba minya kulur dulngku karrbal


The young man made a spear and the old man showed him how to throw it straight.

Warru-ngku kalka bungan, mukul-dingkar-angka nyunguny milban jinbal dama-nka.

warru-ngku kalka bunga-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka nyunguny milba-ny jinbal dama-nka | young.man-ERG spear made, old-man-ERG 3sg.ACC showed straight spear-PURP

warru kalka bungal mukul dingkar milbal jinbal damal


The man sat down, had a good feed of meat, and then had a long rest in the cool shade.

Nyulu dingkar bundan, minya-nga nuka-jin, wunan-da wabarr ngiki-nga.

nyulu dingkar bunda-ny, minya-nga nuka-ji-ny, wuna-ny-da wabarr ngiki-nga | 3sg man sat, meat-LOC eat-ANTIPASS(fed), lay-TEMP1(then) shade cold-LOC

nyulu dingkar bundal minya nukal wunay wabarr ngiki


The two young men pulled out the bamboo, wrapped it up, and went on their way once again.

Warru jambul-angka nambarr kulban, kajan, dungan-baja.

warru jambul-angka nambarr kulba-ny, kaja-ny, dunga-ny-baja | young.man two-ERG bamboo pulled.out, wrapped, went-again

warru jambul nambarr kulbal kajal dungay

SEQUENTIAL + -baja 'on/again' (ex.384); O deleted


The old woman dug up the yam, washed it clean in the water, and cooked it in the hot coals.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka wukay bakan, bana-nga julurrin, baya-nga wajun.

mukul-jalbu-ngka wukay baka-ny, bana-nga julurri-ny, baya-nga waju-ny | old-woman-ERG yam dug, water-LOC washed, fire-LOC cooked

mukul jalbu wukay bakal bana julurril baya wajul


The child picked up the egg, held it very carefully, and carried it back to the camp.

Karrkay-angka diburr kulban, ngulkurr karrban, bayan-ka wundin-baja.

karrkay-angka diburr kulba-ny, ngulkurr karrba-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny-baja | child-ERG egg lifted, well held, camp-DAT carried-back

karrkay diburr kulbal ngulkurr karrbal bayan wundil


He speared the big fish, pulled it up onto the sand, and cut it into many pieces.

Nyulu kuyu yalbay daman, jukar-a wandi-manin, yaka-l-yaka-n.

nyulu kuyu yalbay dama-ny, jukar-a wandi-mani-ny, yaka-l-yaka-ny | 3sg fish big speared, sand-LOC rise-CAUS(pulled.up), cut-REDUP

nyulu kuyu yalbay damal jukar wandil manil yakal


The women gathered plenty of shellfish, filled up their bags, and walked home along the beach.

Jalbu-ngka minya wubul bangkan, mani wubulku, jukar-a bayan-ka jilba-dungan-baja.

jalbu-ngka minya wubul bangka-ny, mani wubul-ku, jukar-a bayan-ka jilba-dunga-ny-baja | woman-ERG shellfish many gathered, got all, sand-LOC camp-DAT walk-went-back

jalbu minya wubul bangkal manil jukar bayan jilba dungay


The old man lit the fire, sat down beside it, and told the children a long old story.

Mukul-dingkar-angka baya wajun, karangkal bundan, karrkay-karrkay-ka kuku kalbay balkan.

mukul-dingkar-angka baya waju-ny, karangkal bunda-ny, karrkay-karrkay-ka kuku kalbay balka-ny | old-man-ERG fire lit, alongside sat, children-DAT story long told

mukul dingkar baya wajul karangkal bundal karrkay kuku kalbay balkal


The hunter followed the tracks, found the kangaroo, and speared it near the water hole.

Dingkar-angka jina nyaji-l-nyajin, mayarriji warrmba-bungan, bana karangkal daman.

dingkar-angka jina nyaji-l-nyaji-ny, mayarriji warrmba-bunga-ny, bana karangkal dama-ny | man-ERG track watch-REDUP(followed), kangaroo found, water alongside speared

dingkar jina nyajil mayarriji warrmba-bungal bana karangkal damal


She woke up at dawn, made the fire, and cooked the food for all the hungry children.

Nyulu muduwaju wandin, baya wajun, mayi karrkay-karrkay dakwuy-ka wubul wajun-baja.

nyulu muduwaju wandi-ny, baya waju-ny, mayi karrkay-karrkay dakwuy-ka wubul waju-ny-baja | 3sg dawn rose, fire made, food children hungry-DAT all cooked-also

nyulu muduwaju wandil baya wajul mayi karrkay dakwuy wubul


The two men waded out to the reef, speared the green turtles, and came back at sunset.

Dingkar jambul dulngku-ngu dungan, yalnga daman, wungar bada-nya kadan-baja.

dingkar jambul dulngku-ngu dunga-ny, yalnga dama-ny, wungar bada-nya kada-ny-baja | man two reef-LOC went, sea.turtle speared, sun down-SUB came-back

dingkar jambul dulngku dungay yalnga damal wungar bada kaday


The child ran down to the water, jumped straight in, and swam across to the other side.

Karrkay bana-ka warri, bada dungan, janji-l yindu-mundu.

karrkay bana-ka warri, bada dunga-ny, janji-l yindu-mundu | child water-DAT ran, down went, swam other-side

karrkay bana warri bada dungay janji yindu


Grandmother told the long story, the children listened well, and then they all fell asleep.

Babi-ngka kuku kalbay balkan, karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr milka-jana-y, yalada wubul wunan.

babi-ngka kuku kalbay balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr milka-jana-y, yala-da wubul wuna-ny | grandmother-ERG story long told, children well listen, and.so all slept

babi kuku kalbay balkal karrkay ngulkurr milka yalada wubul wunay


I went out fishing with my line, but the wind was too strong and I had to turn back.

Ngayu baduri-ji dungan, kari muyar junkurr-baja, ngayu nyunban-baja.

ngayu baduri-ji dunga-ny, kari muyar junkurr-baja, ngayu nyunba-ny-baja | 1sg fishing.line-COMIT went, BUT wind strong-very, 1sg turned.back

ngayu baduri dungay kari muyar junkurr nyunbal

ADVERSATIVE 'kari'=but (ex.388); nyunba-l 'turn back'


That woman wants to go fishing, but she is sick and cannot go anywhere today.

Yinya jalbu wawu baduri-ji dunga-nka, kari nyulu bambay niji.

yinya jalbu wawu baduri-ji dunga-nka, kari nyulu bambay niji | that woman want fishing.line-COMIT go-PURP, BUT 3sg sick now

yinya jalbu wawu baduri dungay kari bambay

kari=but (ex.389); wawu 'want' + PURP; bambay 'sick'


I am trying to see that person standing over there, but he is much too far away.

Ngayu nyaji-nka yinya bama wangkar-a janay, kari kalbay-bajaku.

ngayu nyaji-nka yinya bama wangkar-a janay, kari kalbay-bajaku | 1sg see-PURP that person up-LOC stand, BUT far-very

ngayu nyajil yinya bama wangkar janay kari kalbay


That little suitcase is small, but it is very heavy to carry all the long way home.

Yinya budmandu buban, yamba kulngkul-baja wundi-nka bayan-ka kalbay-baja.

yinya budmandu buban, yamba kulngkul-baja wundi-nka bayan-ka kalbay-baja | that suitcase small, BUT heavy-very carry-PURP camp-DAT far-very

yinya budmandu buban yamba kulngkul wundil bayan kalbay

ADVERSATIVE 'yamba'=but (ex.392); kulngkul 'heavy'


The old man is very old now, but he still sees everything clearly with his good eyes.

Mukul-dingkar mukul-baja niji, yamba nyulu wubul ngulkurr nyaji-l.

mukul-dingkar mukul-baja niji, yamba nyulu wubul ngulkurr nyaji-l | old-man old-very now, BUT 3sg all well sees

mukul dingkar mukul yamba nyulu wubul ngulkurr nyajil


We kept looking for the lost child all day long, but we could not find him anywhere.

Ngana karrkay nyaji-l-nyajin wungar wubulku, yamba kari warrmba-bungan.

ngana karrkay nyaji-l-nyaji-ny wungar wubul-ku, yamba kari warrmba-bunga-ny | 1pl child watch-REDUP(searched) day all, BUT NEG found

ngana karrkay nyajil wungar wubul yamba kari warrmba-bungal


The rain came down hard, but the people kept on walking towards the far camp.

Kaba junkurr daran, yamba bama wubul jilba-dungan bayan kalbay-ka.

kaba junkurr dara-ny, yamba bama wubul jilba-dunga-ny bayan kalbay-ka | rain hard fell, BUT person many walk-went camp far-DAT

kaba junkurr daray yamba bama wubul jilba dungay bayan kalbay


He wanted to eat the sweet fruit, but it was still up too high for him to reach.

Nyulu wawu mayi jilanji nuka-nka, kari wangkar-a-baja, nyulu kari mani.

nyulu wawu mayi jilanji nuka-nka, kari wangkar-a-baja, nyulu kari mani | 3sg want food fig eat-PURP, BUT up-very, 3sg NEG got

nyulu wawu mayi jilanji nukal kari wangkar manil


The young men speared many fish, but the big groper got away into the deep water.

Warru-ngku kuyu wubul daman, yamba wara yalbay bana dukurr-ba dungan-baja.

warru-ngku kuyu wubul dama-ny, yamba wara yalbay bana dukurr-ba dunga-ny-baja | young.man-ERG fish many speared, BUT groper big water deep-LOC went-away

warru kuyu wubul damal yamba wara yalbay bana dukurr


The old woman called and called the dog, but it would not come back to the camp.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka kaya kunja-l-kunja-l, yamba nyulu bayan-ka kari kada-y.

mukul-jalbu-ngka kaya kunja-l-kunja-l, yamba nyulu bayan-ka kari kada-y | old-woman-ERG dog call-REDUP, BUT 3sg camp-DAT NEG come

mukul jalbu kaya kunjal yamba bayan kari kaday


I wanted to sleep, but the mosquitoes kept on biting me all through the dark night.

Ngayu wawu wuna-nka, kari kamu-ngka nganya bayka-l-bayka-l wujurr wubulku.

ngayu wawu wuna-nka, kari kamu-ngka nganya bayka-l-bayka-l wujurr wubul-ku | 1sg want sleep-PURP, BUT mosquito-ERG 1sg.ACC bite-REDUP night all

ngayu wawu wunay kari kamu nganya baykal wujurr wubul


The fire was small, but it kept the whole family warm all through the cold night.

Baya buban, yamba jawun-karra wubul wumbul-manin wujurr ngiki wubulku.

baya buban, yamba jawun-karra wubul wumbul-mani-ny wujurr ngiki wubul-ku | fire small, BUT family all warm-CAUS(kept.warm) night cold all

baya buban yamba jawun wubul wumbul manil wujurr ngiki


The path was long and hard, but at last we came to the big river as the sun went down.

Jina kalbay junkurr-baja, yamba niji ngana wawubaja yalbay-ka kadan, wungar bada-nya.

jina kalbay junkurr-baja, yamba niji ngana wawubaja yalbay-ka kada-ny, wungar bada-nya | track long hard-very, BUT now 1pl river big-DAT came, sun down-SUB

jina kalbay junkurr yamba ngana wawubaja yalbay kaday wungar bada


The little boy was afraid in the dark, but his big brother stayed close beside him.

Warru buban yinil wujurr-ba, yamba yaba yalbay-angka ngundu bundan nyunguny karangkal.

warru buban yinil wujurr-ba, yamba yaba yalbay-angka ngundu bunda-ny nyunguny karangkal | boy small afraid dark-LOC, BUT elder.brother big-ERG near sat 3sg.ACC alongside

warru buban yinil wujurr yamba yaba yalbay ngundu bundal karangkal


The father and the mother and all the little children walked down to the sea together.

Nganjan, ngamu baja, karrkay-karrkay buban wubul, muru jalun-ka jilba-dungan.

nganjan, ngamu baja, karrkay-karrkay buban wubul, muru jalun-ka jilba-dunga-ny | father, mother too, children small all, together sea-DAT walk-went

nganjan ngamu karrkay buban wubul muru jalun jilba dungay

NP CONJOINING by juxtaposition (+ baja 'too')


The old man went hunting with his two sons and their three dogs early in the morning.

Mukul-dingkar warru jambul-ji, kaya kulur-ji, balbi-ka dungan wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar warru jambul-ji, kaya kulur-ji, balbi-ka dunga-ny wunkuwingku | old-man young.man two-COMIT, dog three-COMIT, hunt-DAT went morning

mukul dingkar warru jambul kaya kulur balbi dungay wunkuwingku


She carried the baby and the food and the water bag all the long way back home.

Nyulu ngawa, mayi, bana baja wundin bayan-ka kalbay-baja.

nyulu ngawa, mayi, bana baja wundi-ny bayan-ka kalbay-baja | 3sg baby, food, water too carried camp-DAT far-very

nyulu ngawa mayi bana wundil bayan kalbay


The men brought back spears and sticks and plenty of firewood to the big camp.

Dingkar-angka kalka, juku, baya-juku wubul baja bayan yalbay-ka wundin.

dingkar-angka kalka, juku, baya-juku wubul baja bayan yalbay-ka wundi-ny | man-ERG spear, stick, firewood many too camp big-DAT brought

dingkar kalka juku baya wubul bayan yalbay wundil


Both the young man and the old man knew the country and all its water holes well.

Warru, mukul-dingkar baja, bubu binal, bana wubulku ngulkurr binal.

warru, mukul-dingkar baja, bubu binal, bana wubul-ku ngulkurr binal | young.man, old-man too, country know, water all well know

warru mukul dingkar bubu binal bana wubul ngulkurr


The woman with the little child and the camp dog walked slowly along the sandy beach.

Jalbu karrkay buban-ji, kaya-ji baja, jukar-a jilba-dungan.

jalbu karrkay buban-ji, kaya-ji baja, jukar-a jilba-dunga-ny | woman child small-COMIT, dog-COMIT too, sand-LOC walk-went

jalbu karrkay buban kaya jukar jilba dungay


The old man finished the long story, and so all the tired children went off to sleep.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kuku kalbay kunba-y-manin, yalada karrkay-karrkay wubul wuna-ka dungan.

mukul-dingkar-angka kuku kalbay kunba-y-mani-ny, yala-da karrkay-karrkay wubul wuna-ka dunga-ny | old-man-ERG story long finished, and.so children all sleep-DAT went

mukul dingkar kuku kalbay kunbay manil yalada karrkay wubul dungay

DISCOURSE yalada 'and so'; kunba-y-mani-l 'finish'


First we will gather the dry firewood, and then we will make a big fire for the cold night.

Nyubun-baja ngana baya-juku marral bangka-l, yalada baya yalbay bunga-l wujurr ngiki-ka.

nyubun-baja ngana baya-juku marral bangka-l, yala-da baya yalbay bunga-l wujurr ngiki-ka | first 1pl firewood dry gather, and.then fire big make night cold-DAT

nyubun ngana baya juku marral bangkal yalada yalbay bungal wujurr


The rain stopped at last, and so the people came out and sat in the warm sun once more.

Kaba nanda-jin niji, yalada bama wubul wandin, wungar wumbul-a bundan-baja.

kaba nanda-ji-ny niji, yala-da bama wubul wandi-ny, wungar wumbul-a bunda-ny-baja | rain stop-PASS now, and.so person many came.out, sun warm-LOC sat-again

kaba nandal yalada bama wubul wandil wungar wumbul bundal

yalada + kaba nanda-jin (agentless pass, b086)


He ate all of the meat, and he wanted some more of the sweet fish as well.

Nyulu minya wubul nukan, nyulu kuyu jiba-wulay baja wawu nuka-nka baja.

nyulu minya wubul nuka-ny, nyulu kuyu jiba-wulay baja wawu nuka-nka baja | 3sg meat all ate, 3sg fish sweet too want eat-PURP more


The women gathered the shellfish, and the men speared fish as well over by the reef.

Jalbu-ngka minya bangkan, dingkar-angka kuyu baja daman dulngku-ngu.

jalbu-ngka minya bangka-ny, dingkar-angka kuyu baja dama-ny dulngku-ngu | woman-ERG shellfish gathered, man-ERG fish too speared reef-LOC

jalbu minya bangkal dingkar kuyu damal dulngku


Come here and sit down beside the warm fire, and I will tell you a good long story.

Kada-y ngundu, baya wumbul karangkal bunda, ngayu yununy kuku ngulkurr kalbay balka-l.

kada-y ngundu, baya wumbul karangkal bunda, ngayu yununy kuku ngulkurr kalbay balka-l | come near, fire warm alongside sit(IMP), 1sg 2sg.ACC story good long tell

kaday ngundu baya wumbul karangkal bundal yununy kuku ngulkurr balkal


Let us go down to the water now, and then we will swim in the cool clear creek.

Yala ngana bana-ka dunga-l niji, yalada wawubaja ngiki-nga janji-l.

yala ngana bana-ka dunga-l niji, yala-da wawubaja ngiki-nga janji-l | OK.let's 1pl water-DAT go now, and.then creek cold-LOC swim

yala ngana bana dungay yalada wawubaja ngiki janji


She looked and looked for the lost spear, and at last she found it under the big tree.

Nyulu kalka nyaji-l-nyajin, niji-baja juku yalbay bada-ba warrmba-bungan.

nyulu kalka nyaji-l-nyaji-ny, niji-baja juku yalbay bada-ba warrmba-bunga-ny | 3sg spear watch-REDUP(searched), at.last tree big under-LOC found

nyulu kalka nyajil juku yalbay bada warrmba-bungal


The children were tired and hungry, and they wanted to go back home to the camp.

Karrkay-karrkay bajaburray, dakwuy baja, jana wawu bayan-ka dunga-nka.

karrkay-karrkay bajaburray, dakwuy baja, jana wawu bayan-ka dunga-nka | children tired, hungry too, 3pl want camp-DAT go-PURP

karrkay bajaburray dakwuy jana wawu bayan dungay

conjoined states + baja; bajaburray 'tired'


We hunted all day long and caught many animals, and everyone ate well that night.

Ngana wungar wubulku balbin, minya wubul karrban, bama wubul ngulkurr nukan wujurr-ba.

ngana wungar wubul-ku balbi-ny, minya wubul karrba-ny, bama wubul ngulkurr nuka-ny wujurr-ba | 1pl day all hunted, animal many caught, person many well ate night-LOC

ngana wungar wubul balbi minya karrbal bama ngulkurr nukal wujurr


The long brown snake lay hidden in the dry grass right beside the narrow track.

Jarba jinkalmu kalbay jikan marral-ba ngaki-nya wuna-l, jina buban karangkal.

jarba jinkalmu kalbay jikan marral-ba ngaki-nya wuna-l, jina buban karangkal | snake brown long grass dry-LOC hide-SUB(hidden) lie, track small alongside

jarba jinkalmu kalbay jikan marral ngakil wunay jina buban


The death adder is small, but it is very dangerous and bites you on the foot.

Kundurr buban, yamba junkurr-baja, nyulu yununy jina-nga bayka-l.

kundurr buban, yamba junkurr-baja, nyulu yununy jina-nga bayka-l | death.adder small, BUT dangerous-very, 3sg 2sg.ACC foot-LOC bite

kundurr buban yamba junkurr yununy jina baykal

kundurr 'death adder'; yamba 'but' (b088)


The old man killed the black snake near the camp with a heavy digging stick.

Mukul-dingkar-angka bindimu bayan ngundu kunin, juku junkurr-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka bindimu bayan ngundu kuni-ny, juku junkurr-bu | old-man-ERG black.snake camp near killed, stick heavy-INST

mukul dingkar bindimu bayan ngundu kunil juku junkurr


The big rock python swallowed a whole kangaroo and then lay still for many days.

Kabul yalbay-angka mayarriji nyubun durrban, yalada kalbay-baja janka wuna-l wungar wubulku.

kabul yalbay-angka mayarriji nyubun durrba-ny, yala-da kalbay-baja janka wuna-l wungar wubul-ku | rock.python big-ERG kangaroo one swallowed, then long-very still lie day all

kabul yalbay mayarriji nyubun durrbal yalada janka wunay wungar wubul

kabul 'rock python'; durrba-l swallow (b084)


The green tree snake climbed up the tree and hunted for little birds in the branches.

Kalkamuku juku-ngu dakan, buyi buban dakil-ba warrmba-bunga-l.

kalkamuku juku-ngu daka-ny, buyi buban dakil-ba warrmba-bunga-l | green.tree.snake tree-LOC climbed, bird small branch-LOC hunt(find)

kalkamuku juku dakal buyi buban dakil warrmba-bungal


When the children see a snake on the path, they run away fast and call out loudly.

Karrkay-karrkay jarba jina-nga nyaji-nya, jana jinbal-baja warri, yalbay-bu yirrka-y.

karrkay-karrkay jarba jina-nga nyaji-nya, jana jinbal-baja warri, yalbay-bu yirrka-y | children snake track-LOC see-SUB, 3pl quick-very run, loud-INST call.out

karrkay jarba jina nyajil jana jinbal warri yirrkay


The carpet snake is not dangerous, and long ago the people used to eat it as good food.

Kungkun kari junkurr, kalbay-muny bama-ngka nyulu mayi ngulkurr nukan.

kungkun kari junkurr, kalbay-muny bama-ngka nyulu mayi ngulkurr nuka-ny | carpet.snake NEG dangerous, long-ABL person-ERG 3sg food good ate

kungkun kari junkurr kalbay bama mayi ngulkurr nukal

kungkun 'carpet snake' (edible; cf myth kurriyala)


The water snake swims through the still water of the lagoon looking for little fish.

Bakay bana janka-nga janji-l, kuyu buban warrmba-bunga-l.

bakay bana janka-nga janji-l, kuyu buban warrmba-bunga-l | water.snake water still-LOC swim, fish small find

bakay bana janka janji kuyu buban warrmba-bungal


The old woman was afraid of the death adder and would not walk in the long grass.

Mukul-jalbu yinil kundurr-ku, nyulu kari jikan kalbay-ba jilba-dunga-y.

mukul-jalbu yinil kundurr-ku, nyulu kari jikan kalbay-ba jilba-dunga-y | old-woman afraid death.adder-DAT, 3sg NEG grass long-LOC walk-go

mukul jalbu yinil kundurr kari jikan kalbay jilba dungay


The brown snake bit the dog on the leg, and by the next day the poor dog had died.

Jinkalmu-ngka kaya jina-nga baykan, wungar yindu-ngu kaya wulan.

jinkalmu-ngka kaya jina-nga bayka-ny, wungar yindu-ngu kaya wula-ny | brown.snake-ERG dog leg-LOC bit, day other-LOC dog died

jinkalmu kaya jina baykal wungar yindu wulal


The sand goanna ran fast across the hot sand and climbed up the big paperbark tree.

Jadi jukar wumbul-burr jinbal-baja warri, juku yalbay-ngu dakan.

jadi jukar wumbul-burr jinbal-baja warri, juku yalbay-ngu daka-ny | sand.goanna sand hot-PERL quick-very ran, tree big-LOC climbed

jadi jukar wumbul jinbal warri juku yalbay dakal


The women dug the scrub goanna out of its deep hole and cooked it in the hot coals.

Jalbu-ngka kalajarr janku dukurr-muny bakan, baya-nga wajun.

jalbu-ngka kalajarr janku dukurr-muny baka-ny, baya-nga waju-ny | woman-ERG scrub.goanna hole deep-ABL dug, fire-LOC cooked

jalbu kalajarr janku dukurr bakal baya wajul


The blue-tongue lizard is a brave little fighter, and it can even kill the deadly taipan.

Bajabaja buban junkurr-baja, nyulu jinkalmu junkurr baja kuni-l.

bajabaja buban junkurr-baja, nyulu jinkalmu junkurr baja kuni-l | blue.tongue small strong-very, 3sg taipan dangerous too kill

bajabaja buban junkurr nyulu jinkalmu kunil


Long ago the eggs of the blue-tongue lizard lay in the dry river, and now two big rocks sit there.

Kalbay-muny bajabaja-mu diburr wawubaja marral-ba wuna-l, niji kulji jambul yalbay yinyay bunda-l.

kalbay-muny bajabaja-mu diburr wawubaja marral-ba wuna-l, niji kulji jambul yalbay yinyay bunda-l | long-ABL blue.tongue-POSS egg river dry-LOC lay, now rock two big there sit

kalbay bajabaja diburr wawubaja marral wunay kulji jambul yalbay yinyay


The frill-necked lizard stood up tall on its back legs and frightened the barking dog away.

Binanjal wangkar-a janay jina jambul-bu, kaya yinil-mani-l.

binanjal wangkar-a janay jina jambul-bu, kaya yinil-mani-l | frill.neck.lizard up-LOC stand foot two-INST, dog afraid-CAUS(frightens)

binanjal wangkar janay jina jambul kaya yinil manil

binanjal 'frill-neck'; yinil-mani-l 'frighten'


The little gecko clings to the bark wall of the shelter and eats small insects at night.

Bilbil-bilbil buban bayan-ba karrba-l, minya buban wujurr-ba nuka-l.

bilbil-bilbil buban bayan-ba karrba-l, minya buban wujurr-ba nuka-l | gecko small shelter-LOC clings(holds), creature small night-LOC eat

bilbil-bilbil buban bayan karrbal minya wujurr nukal


The mountain lizard sits on the warm flat rock and warms itself in the middle of the day.

Jimalili kulji jirakal wumbul-ba bunda-l, wungar-a nyulu-nyulu wumbul-mani-ji.

jimalili kulji jirakal wumbul-ba bunda-l, wungar-a nyulu-nyulu wumbul-mani-ji-y | mountain.lizard rock flat warm-LOC sit, sun-LOC itself warm-CAUS-REFL(warms.itself)

jimalili kulji jirakal wumbul bundal wungar manil


The children caught many little lizards in the rocks and carried them home to the camp.

Karrkay-karrkay bajuy buban wubul kulji-ba karrban, bayan-ka wundin.

karrkay-karrkay bajuy buban wubul kulji-ba karrba-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny | children lizard small many rock-LOC caught, camp-DAT carried

karrkay bajuy buban wubul kulji karrbal bayan wundil


The scrub goanna is very good food, and the old people love to eat its fat meat.

Kalajarr mayi ngulkurr-baja, mukul-bama wawu nyungu minya nuka-nka.

kalajarr mayi ngulkurr-baja, mukul-bama wawu nyungu minya nuka-nka | scrub.goanna food good-very, old-people want its meat eat-PURP

kalajarr mayi ngulkurr mukul bama wawu minya nukal


The big crocodile lay still on the muddy bank, watching the animals come down to drink.

Bilngkumu yalbay bana karangkal janka wuna-l, minya nyaji-l bana-ka kada-nya.

bilngkumu yalbay bana karangkal janka wuna-l, minya nyaji-l bana-ka kada-nya | crocodile big water alongside still lie, animal watch water-DAT come-SUB

bilngkumu yalbay bana karangkal janka wunay minya nyajil kaday


The children must never swim in the deep river where the big crocodile lives and hunts.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka bana dukurr-ba kari janji-l, bilngkumu yalbay yinyay wuna-l.

karrkay-karrkay-angka bana dukurr-ba kari janji-l, bilngkumu yalbay yinyay wuna-l | children-ERG water deep-LOC NEG swim, crocodile big there lives(lie)

karrkay bana dukurr kari janji bilngkumu yalbay yinyay wunay


The sea turtle came up onto the sandy beach at night and covered her round white eggs.

Ngawiya jukar-a wujurr-ba wandin, diburr warral-warral wubul bubu-ngu nandan.

ngawiya jukar-a wujurr-ba wandi-ny, diburr warral-warral wubul bubu-ngu nanda-ny | sea.turtle sand-LOC night-LOC came.up, egg round(REDUP) many ground-LOC covered(laid)

ngawiya jukar wujurr wandil diburr warral wubul bubu nandal


The men speared the big sea turtle out beyond the reef and shared the meat with everyone.

Dingkar-angka ngawiya yalbay dulngku kudamundu daman, minya bama wubul-ka dajin.

dingkar-angka ngawiya yalbay dulngku kudamundu dama-ny, minya bama wubul-ka daji-ny | man-ERG sea.turtle big reef beyond speared, meat person all-DAT gave

dingkar ngawiya yalbay dulngku kudamundu damal minya bama wubul dajil


After the first heavy rain the green frogs called out loudly all through the wet night.

Kaba nyubun yalbay-muny karrkurr wubul yalbay-bu yirrkan wujurr wubulku.

kaba nyubun yalbay-muny karrkurr wubul yalbay-bu yirrka-ny wujurr wubul-ku | rain first big-ABL green.frog many loud-INST called night all

kaba nyubun yalbay karrkurr wubul yirrkay wujurr


The little tadpoles swim about in the warm shallow water of the rock pool by the creek.

Kubu-kubu buban bana wumbul buban-ba janji-l-janji-l, kulji-bana wawubaja karangkal.

kubu-kubu buban bana wumbul buban-ba janji-l-janji-l, kulji-bana wawubaja karangkal | tadpole small water warm little-LOC swim-REDUP, rock-water creek alongside

kubu-kubu buban bana wumbul janji kulji wawubaja karangkal


The green frog sat very still on the broad leaf and caught the flies as they came near.

Karrkurr birra yalbay-ba janka bunda-l, marra-warri ngundu kada-nya karrba-l.

karrkurr birra yalbay-ba janka bunda-l, marra-warri ngundu kada-nya karrba-l | green.frog leaf big-LOC still sit, fly near come-SUB catch

karrkurr birra yalbay janka bundal marra-warri ngundu karrbal


The women dug the fat white witchetty grubs out from under the roots of the old tree.

Jalbu-ngka mujurr jamba wubul juku mali bada-muny bakan.

jalbu-ngka mujurr jamba wubul juku mali bada-muny baka-ny | woman-ERG witchetty.grub fat many tree old under-ABL dug


The little children love the sweet white witchetty grubs, eaten raw or roasted in the coals.

Karrkay-karrkay wawu mujurr jiba-wulay nuka-nka, kayal baja baya-nga wajun-nya baja.

karrkay-karrkay wawu mujurr jiba-wulay nuka-nka, kayal baja baya-nga waju-ny-nya baja | children want witchetty sweet eat-PURP, raw too fire-LOC cook-SUB too

karrkay wawu mujurr jiba nukal kayal baya wajul


The caterpillar crawls slowly along the branch, eating the young green leaves as it goes.

Kinga dakil-ba mara-warri, birra buban nuka-l dunga-nya.

kinga dakil-ba mara-warri, birra buban nuka-l dunga-nya | caterpillar branch-LOC crawl, leaf small(young) eat go-SUB

kinga dakil mara-warri birra buban nukal dungay


The grub that lives in the big ant bed is good to eat when it is roasted on the fire.

Jambun jawurraji-ba wuna-l, mayi ngulkurr baya-nga wajun-nya.

jambun jawurraji-ba wuna-l, mayi ngulkurr baya-nga waju-ny-nya | grub ant.bed-LOC lives, food good fire-LOC cook-SUB

jambun jawurraji wunay mayi ngulkurr baya wajul


The old man found many fat grubs in the rotten log and gave them to the hungry children.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kurran wubul juku kabu-nya-ba warrmba-bungan, karrkay dakwuy-ka dajin.

mukul-dingkar-angka kurran wubul juku kabu-nya-ba warrmba-bunga-ny, karrkay dakwuy-ka daji-ny | old-man-ERG grub many log rotten-SUB-LOC found, child hungry-DAT gave

mukul dingkar kurran wubul juku kabu warrmba-bungal karrkay dakwuy dajil


The green ants build their leaf nest high up in the mango tree beside the running creek.

Munjurr-angka bayan birra-bu juku mayngku wangkar-a bunga-l, wawubaja karangkal.

munjurr-angka bayan birra-bu juku mayngku wangkar-a bunga-l, wawubaja karangkal | green.ant-ERG nest leaf-INST tree mango up-LOC make, creek alongside

munjurr bayan birra juku mayngku wangkar bungal wawubaja

munjurr 'green ant'; mayngku 'mango' (b087)


The green ants bit the little child all over, and he cried and cried and ran to the water.

Munjurr-angka karrkay buban wubulku baykan, nyulu banbadi-l-banbadi-l, bana-ka warri.

munjurr-angka karrkay buban wubul-ku bayka-ny, nyulu banbadi-l-banbadi-l, bana-ka warri | green.ant-ERG child small all bit, 3sg cry-REDUP, water-DAT ran

munjurr karrkay buban wubul baykal banbadi bana warri


The little black ants carried the tiny seeds down into their deep hole in the ground.

Jabarrangkul buban-angka diburr buban wubul janku dukurr-ba wundin bubu-ngu.

jabarrangkul buban-angka diburr buban wubul janku dukurr-ba wundi-ny bubu-ngu | black.ant small-ERG seed small many hole deep-LOC carried ground-LOC

jabarrangkul buban diburr wubul janku dukurr wundil bubu


The old man followed the wild bees to their nest and took the sweet honey from the tree.

Mukul-dingkar-angka dabu nyaji-l-nyajin bayan-ka, wunba jiba-wulay juku-muny manin.

mukul-dingkar-angka dabu nyaji-l-nyaji-ny bayan-ka, wunba jiba-wulay juku-muny mani-ny | old-man-ERG bee watch-REDUP(followed) nest-DAT, honey sweet tree-ABL took

mukul dingkar dabu nyajil bayan wunba jiba juku manil


The wild bees make their honey in a hollow high up inside the old ironbark tree.

Dabu-ngka wunba juku mali dukurr-ba wangkar-a bunga-l.

dabu-ngka wunba juku mali dukurr-ba wangkar-a bunga-l | bee-ERG honey tree old deep(hollow)-LOC up-LOC make


The children love the sweet honey, but they are afraid of the angry stinging bees.

Karrkay-karrkay wawu wunba jiba, yamba jana yinil dabu kuli-ji-nka.

karrkay-karrkay wawu wunba jiba, yamba jana yinil dabu kuli-ji-nka | children want honey sweet, BUT 3pl afraid bee rage-COMIT-DAT

karrkay wawu wunba jiba yamba jana yinil dabu kuli

yamba 'but'; yinil + DAT (ex.71 pattern)


The big hornet built its round nest under the branch and frightened the children away.

Mulma-ngka bayan warral-warral dakil bada-ba bungan, karrkay-karrkay yinil-mani-l.

mulma-ngka bayan warral-warral dakil bada-ba bunga-ny, karrkay-karrkay yinil-mani-l | hornet-ERG nest round(REDUP) branch under-LOC made, children afraid-CAUS(frightens)

mulma bayan warral dakil bada bungal karrkay yinil manil


Long ago the people always knew which tree held the wild bees and their sweet honey.

Kalbay-muny bama-ngka wungar wubulku binal juku wanyu dabu wunba-jirr.

kalbay-muny bama-ngka wungar wubul-ku binal juku wanyu dabu wunba-jirr | long-ABL person-ERG day all know tree which(what) bee honey-COMIT

kalbay bama wungar wubul binal juku wanyu dabu wunba

wanyu 'what/which'(inanim); binal 'know'; -jirr COMIT


The small stingless bees are black, and they make a dark, different kind of honey.

Kuja buban ngungul-ngungul, jana wunba yindu ngungul bunga-l.

kuja buban ngungul-ngungul, jana wunba yindu ngungul bunga-l | stingless.bee small dark(REDUP), 3pl honey other dark make

kuja buban ngungul jana wunba yindu bungal


The mosquitoes came out at sunset and bit everyone around the smoky camp fire.

Kamu wungar daray wandin, bama wubul baykan baya kubu karangkal.

kamu wungar daray wandi-ny, bama wubul bayka-ny baya kubu karangkal | mosquito sun sunset came.out, person many bit fire smoke alongside

kamu wungar daray wandil bama wubul baykal baya kubu


The people made a smoky fire to drive the biting mosquitoes away in the evening.

Bama-ngka baya kubu-jirr wajun, kamu bayka-l dunga-mani-nka.

bama-ngka baya kubu-jirr waju-ny, kamu bayka-l dunga-mani-nka | person-ERG fire smoke-COMIT lit, mosquito bite go-CAUS(drive.away)-PURP

bama baya kubu wajul kamu baykal dungay manil

kubu-jirr 'smoky'; dunga-mani-l 'drive away'


The little sandflies are very small and hard to see, but their bite is strong and sore.

Diri-diri buban-baja, bada-kari nyaji-ji, yamba jana bayka-nya junkurr-baja.

diri-diri buban-baja, bada-kari nyaji-ji-y, yamba jana bayka-nya junkurr-baja | sandfly small-very, hardly see-PASS, BUT 3pl bite-SUB strong-very

diri-diri buban nyajil yamba jana baykal junkurr


Many flies gathered on the piece of meat that lay drying in the hot afternoon sun.

Marra-warri wubul minya-nga muru bundan, minya wungar-a marral-ma-nya.

marra-warri wubul minya-nga muru bunda-ny, minya wungar-a marral-ma-nya | fly many meat-LOC together gathered, meat sun-LOC dry-INCHO-SUB(drying)

marra-warri wubul minya muru bundal wungar marral

marra-warri 'fly'; marral-ma-l 'dry out'


The big spider built its round web between the two trees beside the quiet path.

Malal yalbay-angka bayan warral-warral juku jambul-ba bungan, jina janka karangkal.

malal yalbay-angka bayan warral-warral juku jambul-ba bunga-ny, jina janka karangkal | spider big-ERG web round(REDUP) tree two-LOC made, track quiet alongside

malal yalbay bayan warral juku jambul bungal jina janka


The scorpion hides under the flat rock and stings hard with its long curved tail.

Biringal kulji jirakal bada-ba ngaki-ji, nyulu junkurr-bu bayka-l.

biringal kulji jirakal bada-ba ngaki-ji-y, nyulu junkurr-bu bayka-l | scorpion rock flat under-LOC hide-REFL, 3sg strong-INST sting(bite)

biringal kulji jirakal bada ngakil junkurr baykal

biringal 'scorpion'; ngaki-ji hide-REFL (b086)


The centipede has many little legs and crawls quickly across the dark floor of the shelter.

Birinjil jina wubul buban, bayan-ba wujurr-ba jinbal-baja mara-warri.

birinjil jina wubul buban, bayan-ba wujurr-ba jinbal-baja mara-warri | centipede leg many small, shelter-LOC dark-LOC quick-very crawl

birinjil jina wubul buban bayan wujurr jinbal mara-warri


The grasshopper jumped up out of the long grass and flew a little way through the air.

Jimu jikan kalbay-muny jalama-l, buban-baja wangkar-a dunga-y.

jimu jikan kalbay-muny jalama-l, buban-baja wangkar-a dunga-y | grasshopper grass long-ABL jump, little-very up-LOC go

jimu jikan kalbay jalamal buban wangkar dungay

jimu 'grasshopper'; jalama-l jump (b087)


The little worms came up out of the wet ground after the heavy rain had fallen.

Nganjamu buban bubu bana-ba wangkar-a wandi-l, kaba yalbay dara-nya-muny.

nganjamu buban bubu bana-ba wangkar-a wandi-l, kaba yalbay dara-nya-muny | worm small ground water(wet)-LOC up-LOC rise, rain big fall-SUB-ABL(after)

nganjamu buban bubu bana wangkar wandil kaba yalbay daray

nganjamu 'worm'; PRIOR wawu-less -nya-muny (b084)


The old woman knew every creeping and crawling thing in the country and its right name too.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka minya wubul mara-warri-nya bubu-ngu binal, nyungu kuku ngulkurr baja.

mukul-jalbu-ngka minya wubul mara-warri-nya bubu-ngu binal, nyungu kuku ngulkurr baja | old-woman-ERG creature many crawl-SUB country-LOC know, its name good too

mukul jalbu minya wubul mara-warri bubu binal nyungu kuku ngulkurr


Who speared this big fish? — My elder brother speared it early this morning.

Wanyangka kuyu yalbay daman? Yaba-ngka daman wunkuwingku.

wanya-ngka kuyu yalbay dama-ny? yaba-ngka dama-ny wunkuwingku | who-ERG fish big speared? elder.brother-ERG speared morning

wanya kuyu yalbay damal yaba wunkuwingku

WHO-ERG wanyangka (Table 3.10); Q + answer


Whose dog is that, barking over there so loudly beside the camp? — It is the old man's dog.

Wanya-mba kaya yinya, bayan ngundu yalbay-bu yirrka-l? Mukul-dingkar-mu kaya.

wanya-mba kaya yinya, bayan ngundu yalbay-bu yirrka-l? mukul-dingkar-mu kaya | who-POSS dog that, camp near loud-INST bark? old-man-POSS dog

wanya kaya yinya bayan ngundu yirrkay mukul dingkar


Who is that woman walking along the beach with all the little children? — She is my mother.

Wanya yinya jalbu, jukar-a karrkay-karrkay-ji jilba-dunga-y? Nyulu ngayku ngamu.

wanya yinya jalbu, jukar-a karrkay-karrkay-ji jilba-dunga-y? nyulu ngayku ngamu | who that woman, beach-LOC children-COMIT walk-go? 3sg my mother

wanya yinya jalbu jukar karrkay jilba dungay ngayku ngamu


The old man asked the boy who had taken his good spear away from the camp.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru babajin, wanyangka nyungu kalka ngulkurr bayan-muny manin.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru babaji-ny, wanya-ngka nyungu kalka ngulkurr bayan-muny mani-ny | old-man-ERG boy asked, who-ERG his spear good camp-ABL took

mukul dingkar warru babaji wanya nyungu kalka bayan manil


For whom did you cook all this good meat? — I cooked it for my hungry old father.

Wanyanka yundu minya ngulkurr wubul wajun? Ngayu nganjan mukul dakwuy-ka wajun.

wanya-nka yundu minya ngulkurr wubul waju-ny? ngayu nganjan mukul dakwuy-ka waju-ny | who-DAT 2sg meat good all cooked? 1sg father old hungry-DAT cooked

wanya yundu minya ngulkurr wubul wajul nganjan mukul dakwuy


With whom did you go hunting in the thick scrub yesterday? — I went with my two brothers.

Wanyanji yundu balbi-ka madja-ka dungan yilayku? Ngayu yaba jambul-ji dungan.

wanya-nji yundu balbi-ka madja-ka dunga-ny yilayku? ngayu yaba jambul-ji dunga-ny | who-COMIT 2sg hunt-DAT scrub-DAT went yesterday? 1sg brother two-COMIT went

wanya yundu balbi madja dungay yilayku yaba jambul

WITH-WHOM wanyanji (COMIT); yilayku 'yesterday'


Who will carry the heavy bag of yams all the way back to the camp for the old people?

Wanyangka wukay kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-l, mukul-bama-ka?

wanya-ngka wukay kulngkul bayan-ka wundi-l, mukul-bama-ka? | who-ERG yam heavy camp-DAT carry, old-people-DAT?

wanya wukay kulngkul bayan wundil mukul bama


The children asked their grandmother who had made the strong straight spear long ago.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka babi babajin, wanyangka kalka junkurr jinbal kalbay-muny bungan.

karrkay-karrkay-angka babi babaji-ny, wanya-ngka kalka junkurr jinbal kalbay-muny bunga-ny | children-ERG grandmother asked, who-ERG spear strong straight long.ago-ABL made

karrkay babi babaji wanya kalka junkurr jinbal bungal


Who saw the big crocodile down at the river early this morning? — The young men saw it.

Wanyangka bilngkumu yalbay bana-nga nyajin wunkuwingku? Warru-ngku nyajin.

wanya-ngka bilngkumu yalbay bana-nga nyaji-ny wunkuwingku? warru-ngku nyaji-ny | who-ERG crocodile big river-LOC saw morning? young.man-ERG saw

wanya bilngkumu yalbay bana nyajil wunkuwingku warru


What did you find in the deep hole under the big paperbark tree? — I found many fat grubs.

Wanyu yundu janku dukurr-ba juku yalbay bada-ba warrmba-bungan? Ngayu kurran wubul warrmba-bungan.

wanyu yundu janku dukurr-ba juku yalbay bada-ba warrmba-bunga-ny? ngayu kurran wubul warrmba-bunga-ny | what 2sg hole deep-LOC tree big under-LOC found? 1sg grub many found

wanyu yundu janku dukurr juku yalbay bada warrmba-bungal kurran wubul


What are those women gathering down on the reef when the tide goes right out?

Wanyu yinya jalbu-ngka dulngku-ngu bangka-l, bana bada dunga-nya?

wanyu yinya jalbu-ngka dulngku-ngu bangka-l, bana bada dunga-nya? | what those woman-ERG reef-LOC gather, water down go-SUB(when tide out)?

wanyu yinya jalbu dulngku bangkal bana bada dungay


What did the old man say to the frightened children sitting around the warm fire?

Wanyu mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay yinil-ka balkan, baya karangkal bunda-nya?

wanyu mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay yinil-ka balka-ny, baya karangkal bunda-nya? | what old-man-ERG children afraid-DAT said, fire alongside sit-SUB?

wanyu mukul dingkar karrkay yinil balkal baya karangkal bundal


What is that big bird eating up there in the very top of the tall paperbark tree? — It is eating figs.

Wanyu yinya buyi yalbay-angka juku wangkar-a nuka-l? Nyulu jilanji nuka-l.

wanyu yinya buyi yalbay-angka juku wangkar-a nuka-l? nyulu jilanji nuka-l | what that bird big-ERG tree up-LOC eat? 3sg fig eat

wanyu yinya buyi yalbay juku wangkar nukal jilanji


What did they get from the store down in the town yesterday? — They got flour and sugar.

Wanyu jana bayan-muny yilayku manin? Jana mayi wubul, kambi baja manin.

wanyu jana bayan-muny yilayku mani-ny? jana mayi wubul, kambi baja mani-ny | what 3pl store-ABL yesterday got? 3pl food much, clothes too got

wanyu jana bayan yilayku manil mayi wubul kambi


What are you sick with, old man? You look very tired and weak today.

Yundu wanyurrinji bambay, mukul-dingkar? Yundu bajaburray-baja niji.

yundu wanyurri-nji bambay, mukul-dingkar? yundu bajaburray-baja niji | 2sg what-COMIT sick, old-man? 2sg tired-very now

yundu wanyu bambay mukul dingkar bajaburray

WHAT-COMIT wanyurrinji 'sick with what' (ex.128)


What else do you want to take with you on the long walk to that far camp?

Wanyu-baja yundu wawu wundi-nka, jilba kalbay bayan kalbay-ka?

wanyu-baja yundu wawu wundi-nka, jilba kalbay bayan kalbay-ka? | what-else 2sg want carry-PURP, walk long camp far-DAT?

wanyu yundu wawu wundil jilba kalbay bayan


Why did you take the dog into the house? You should have left it outside in the yard.

Wanyurringku yundu kaya bayan-ba wundin? Yundu ngalkal-ba bawa-nka.

wanyurri-ngku yundu kaya bayan-ba wundi-ny? yundu ngalkal-ba bawa-nka | what-DAT(why) 2sg dog house-LOC took? 2sg outside-LOC leave-PURP

wanyu yundu kaya bayan wundil ngalkal bawal

WHY wanyurringku (ex.127b); ngalkal 'outside'


Why are the little children crying so loudly down there beside the running water?

Wanyurringku karrkay-karrkay yalbay-bu banbadi-l, bana karangkal?

wanyurri-ngku karrkay-karrkay yalbay-bu banbadi-l, bana karangkal? | what-DAT(why) children loud-INST cry, water alongside?

wanyu karrkay yalbay banbadi bana karangkal


Why did you go all the way to that place and not to the nearer water hole?

Wanyurrimbu yundu yinya-ka dungan, bana ngundu-ka kari?

wanyurri-mbu yundu yinya-ka dunga-ny, bana ngundu-ka kari? | what-LOC(why.place) 2sg that-DAT went, water near-DAT NEG?

wanyu yundu yinya dungay bana ngundu kari


Why is that old woman sitting all alone in the dark, away from the warm fire?

Wanyurringku mukul-jalbu nyubun-bu wujurr-ba bunda-l, baya wumbul-muny kalbay?

wanyurri-ngku mukul-jalbu nyubun-bu wujurr-ba bunda-l, baya wumbul-muny kalbay? | what-DAT(why) old-woman one-INST(alone) dark-LOC sit, fire warm-ABL far?

wanyu mukul jalbu nyubun wujurr bundal baya wumbul kalbay


The father asked the boy why he had not brought back any fish from the creek.

Nganjan-angka warru babajin, wanyurringku nyulu kuyu kari wundin wawubaja-muny.

nganjan-angka warru babaji-ny, wanyurri-ngku nyulu kuyu kari wundi-ny wawubaja-muny | father-ERG boy asked, why 3sg fish NEG brought creek-ABL

nganjan warru babaji wanyu nyulu kuyu kari wundil wawubaja


Why did the men leave so very early in the morning, before the sun had even come up?

Wanyurringku dingkar wunkuwingku-baja dungan, wungar wandi-nyjiku?

wanyurri-ngku dingkar wunkuwingku-baja dunga-ny, wungar wandi-nyjiku? | why man morning-very went, sun rise-SUCC(before)?

wanyu dingkar wunkuwingku dungay wungar wandil

WHY + SUCCESSIVE -nyjiku 'before' (b084)


Where is your mother now? I have not seen her since early this morning.

Yunu ngamu wanjabu niji? Ngayu nyunguny kari nyajin wunkuwingku-muny.

yunu ngamu wanjabu niji? ngayu nyunguny kari nyaji-ny wunkuwingku-muny | your mother where now? 1sg her NEG saw morning-ABL(since)

yunu ngamu wanjabu ngayu nyunguny kari nyajil wunkuwingku

WHERE wanjabu (ex.129); nyunguny 'her.ACC'


Where are you going now with that big spear and your two hunting dogs?

Yundu wanjabu dunga-y niji, kalka yalbay-ji kaya jambul-ji?

yundu wanjabu dunga-y niji, kalka yalbay-ji kaya jambul-ji? | 2sg where go now, spear big-COMIT dog two-COMIT?

yundu wanjabu dungay kalka yalbay kaya jambul


Where did you get all this sweet honey from? — I got it from the old hollow ironbark tree.

Yundu wanjamuny wunba jiba-wulay wubul manin? Ngayu juku mali dukurr-muny manin.

yundu wanjamuny wunba jiba-wulay wubul mani-ny? ngayu juku mali dukurr-muny mani-ny | 2sg where-from honey sweet all got? 1sg tree old hollow-ABL got

yundu wanjamuny wunba jiba wubul manil juku dukurr


The old man asked the boy where he had left the digging sticks the day before.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru babajin, wanjabu nyulu juku bawan yilayku.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru babaji-ny, wanjabu nyulu juku bawa-ny yilayku | old-man-ERG boy asked, where 3sg stick left yesterday

mukul dingkar warru babaji wanjabu nyulu juku bawal yilayku


Where does that little creek run down to, away through the thick green scrub?

Wawubaja yinya wanjabu dunga-y, madja-nga bada?

wawubaja yinya wanjabu dunga-y, madja-nga bada? | creek that where go, scrub-LOC down?

wawubaja yinya wanjabu dungay madja bada


Where is the good camping place with plenty of fresh water and dry firewood nearby?

Wanjabu bubu ngulkurr bunda-nka, bana ngulkurr baya-juku wubul-jirr?

wanjabu bubu ngulkurr bunda-nka, bana ngulkurr baya-juku wubul-jirr? | where place good sit-PURP, water good firewood many-COMIT?

wanjabu bubu ngulkurr bundal bana baya juku wubul


Where did those two young men go when they left the quiet camp before the dawn?

Warru jambul wanjabu dungan, muduwaju bayan janka-muny?

warru jambul wanjabu dunga-ny, muduwaju bayan janka-muny? | young.man two where went, dawn camp quiet-ABL?

warru jambul wanjabu dungay muduwaju bayan janka


My digging stick is somewhere around here, but I cannot find it in the long grass.

Ngayku juku wanjabu, yamba ngayu kari warrmba-bungan jikan kalbay-ba.

ngayku juku wanjabu, yamba ngayu kari warrmba-bunga-ny jikan kalbay-ba | my stick somewhere, BUT 1sg NEG found grass long-LOC

ngayku juku wanjabu yamba ngayu kari warrmba-bungal jikan kalbay


When will the wet season rains come again to fill up all the dry creeks and rivers?

Wanjawanja kaba-wungar kada-y-baja, wawubaja marral wubul bana-jirr-ma-l?

wanjawanja kaba-wungar kada-y-baja, wawubaja marral wubul bana-jirr-ma-l? | when wet.season come-again, creek dry many water-COMIT-INCHO(fill)?

wanjawanja kaba wungar kaday wawubaja marral wubul bana

WHEN wanjawanja (l.2787); kaba-wungar (b087)


When did the old people first come to live in this good country, long, long ago?

Wanjawanja mukul-bama nyubun-bu bubu yinya-ka kadan, kalbay-muny bunda-nka?

wanjawanja mukul-bama nyubun-bu bubu yinya-ka kada-ny, kalbay-muny bunda-nka? | when old-people first country that-DAT came, long.ago-ABL sit-PURP(live)?

wanjawanja mukul bama nyubun bubu yinya kaday kalbay bundal


The children asked their mother when the men would come back home from the hunt.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka ngamu babajin, wanjawanja dingkar balbi-muny kada-y-baja.

karrkay-karrkay-angka ngamu babaji-ny, wanjawanja dingkar balbi-muny kada-y-baja | children-ERG mother asked, when man hunt-ABL come-again

karrkay ngamu babaji wanjawanja dingkar balbi kaday


When are we going down to the sea to catch the big green turtles out beyond the reef?

Wanjawanja ngana jalun-ka dunga-y, ngawiya yalbay dulngku-ngu karrba-nka?

wanjawanja ngana jalun-ka dunga-y, ngawiya yalbay dulngku-ngu karrba-nka? | when 1pl sea-DAT go, sea.turtle big reef-LOC catch-PURP?

wanjawanja ngana jalun dungay ngawiya yalbay dulngku karrbal


How did you come back home again so very quickly from that far camp across the big river?

Yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja jinbal-baja, bayan kalbay-muny wawubaja yalbay yindu-mundu?

yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja jinbal-baja, bayan kalbay-muny wawubaja yalbay yindu-mundu? | 2sg how come-again quick-very, camp far-ABL river big other-side?

yundu wanjarr kaday jinbal bayan kalbay wawubaja yalbay yindu


How do you cook the big freshwater eel so that the meat is soft and sweet to eat?

Yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr waju-l, minya jiba-ma-nka?

yurra wanjarr-ku minya kubarr waju-l, minya jiba-ma-nka? | 2pl how-ADV meat eel cook, meat sweet-INCHO-PURP?

HOW-ADV wanjarr-ku (ex.133); yurra 2pl; kubarr 'eel'


The young man asked the old hunter how to make a straight and very strong hunting spear.

Warru-ngku mukul-dingkar babajin, wanjarr-ku kalka jinbal junkurr-baja bunga-l.

warru-ngku mukul-dingkar babaji-ny, wanjarr-ku kalka jinbal junkurr-baja bunga-l | young.man-ERG old-man asked, how-ADV spear straight strong-very make

warru mukul dingkar babaji wanjarr kalka jinbal junkurr bungal


How did that little child climb up so very high into the top of the tall paperbark tree?

Karrkay buban yinya wanjarr-ku juku kalbay wangkar-a dakan?

karrkay buban yinya wanjarr-ku juku kalbay wangkar-a daka-ny? | child small that how-ADV tree tall up-LOC climbed?

karrkay buban yinya wanjarr juku kalbay wangkar dakal


How are we going to carry all this heavy meat back home to the camp before it gets dark?

Ngana wanjarr-ku minya kulngkul wubul bayan-ka wundi-l, wujurr kada-nyjiku?

ngana wanjarr-ku minya kulngkul wubul bayan-ka wundi-l, wujurr kada-nyjiku? | 1pl how-ADV meat heavy all camp-DAT carry, dark come-SUCC(before)?

ngana wanjarr minya kulngkul wubul bayan wundil wujurr kaday


How many fish did you spear out at the reef this morning? — I speared three big ones.

Wanjarrinya kuyu yundu dulngku-ngu daman wunkuwingku? Ngayu kulur yalbay daman.

wanjarrinya kuyu yundu dulngku-ngu dama-ny wunkuwingku? ngayu kulur yalbay dama-ny | how.many fish 2sg reef-LOC speared morning? 1sg three big speared

wanjarrinya kuyu yundu dulngku damal wunkuwingku kulur yalbay

HOW MANY wanjarrinya (l.2790); kulur 'three'


How many little children does that old woman have living with her in the big camp?

Wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul-jalbu-mba, nyungu-ji bayan-ba bunda-nya?

wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul-jalbu-mba, nyungu-ji bayan-ba bunda-nya? | how.many child small old-woman-POSS, her-COMIT camp-LOC sit-SUB?

wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul jalbu nyungu bayan bundal


The old man asked the young boys how many kangaroos they had caught in the thick scrub.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru babajin, wanjarrinya mayarriji jana madja-nga karrban.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru babaji-ny, wanjarrinya mayarriji jana madja-nga karrba-ny | old-man-ERG young.man asked, how.many kangaroo 3pl scrub-LOC caught

mukul dingkar warru babaji wanjarrinya mayarriji jana madja karrbal


Which one is your house — the big one near the water, or the small one up on the ridge?

Wanjinya yunu bayan? Yalbay bana ngundu, yamba buban wangkar-a?

wanjinya yunu bayan? yalbay bana ngundu, yamba buban wangkar-a? | which.one your house? big water near, BUT small up-LOC?

wanjinya yunu bayan yalbay bana ngundu yamba buban wangkar


Which one of these two good spears do you want to take with you on the hunt today?

Wanjaku kalka jambul-muny yundu wawu wundi-nka balbi-ka niji?

wanjaku kalka jambul-muny yundu wawu wundi-nka balbi-ka niji? | which.one spear two-ABL 2sg want carry-PURP hunt-DAT now?

wanjaku kalka jambul yundu wawu wundil balbi


What kind of fish did the young men get down at the reef early this morning?

Kuyu wanyunguy warru-ngku dulngku-ngu manin wunkuwingku?

kuyu wanyunguy warru-ngku dulngku-ngu mani-ny wunkuwingku? | fish what.kind young.man-ERG reef-LOC got morning?

kuyu wanyu warru dulngku manil wunkuwingku


What kind of people are those strangers camping over there beside the far river?

Bama wanyunguy yinya, wawubaja kalbay-ba ngundu bunda-nya?

bama wanyunguy yinya, wawubaja kalbay-ba ngundu bunda-nya? | person what.kind those, river far-LOC near sit-SUB?

bama wanyu yinya wawubaja kalbay ngundu bundal


What kind of dress do you like the best — the one with the pretty red flower pattern?

Yundu wanjanguy-ngku kambi-ka wawu, nganka-nganka-jirr-ka?

yundu wanjanguy-ngku kambi-ka wawu, nganka-nganka-jirr-ka? | 2sg what.kind-DAT dress-DAT want, flower-REDUP-COMIT-DAT?

WHAT KIND wanjanguy-ngku (ex.137); nganka 'flower'


Are you coming with us down to the water right now? — Yes, I am coming along right now.

Yundu ngana-ji bana-ka kada-y niji? Yuwu, ngayu kada-y niji-baja.

yundu ngana-ji bana-ka kada-y niji? yuwu, ngayu kada-y niji-baja | 2sg 1pl-COMIT water-DAT come now? yes, 1sg come now-indeed


Did the old man see the big snake near the camp? — No, he did not see it at all.

Mukul-dingkar-angka jarba yalbay bayan ngundu nyajin? Kari, nyulu kari nyajin.

mukul-dingkar-angka jarba yalbay bayan ngundu nyaji-ny? kari, nyulu kari nyaji-ny | old-man-ERG snake big camp near saw? no, 3sg NEG saw

mukul dingkar jarba yalbay bayan ngundu nyajil kari nyulu


Do you want to eat this sweet honey now, or are you not hungry yet? — Yes, give it to me!

Yundu wawu wunba jiba-wulay niji nuka-nka, yamba yundu dakwuy kari? Yuwu, nganya daji!

yundu wawu wunba jiba-wulay niji nuka-nka, yamba yundu dakwuy kari? yuwu, nganya daji | 2sg want honey sweet now eat-PURP, BUT 2sg hungry NEG? yes, me give.IMP

yundu wawu wunba jiba nukal yamba dakwuy kari yuwu nganya dajil


The old man twirled the fire drill on the dry wood, and the first smoke rose up.

Mukul-dingkar-angka jimal juku marral-ba dama-murnin, kubu nyubun wandin-baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka jimal juku marral-ba dama-murni-ny, kubu nyubun wandi-ny-baja | old-man-ERG fire.stick wood dry-LOC twirled(fire.drill), smoke first rose-then

mukul dingkar jimal juku marral kubu nyubun wandil

jimal 'fire stick'; dama-murni-l 'twirl fire drill'


The children gathered dry grass and small sticks to start the evening fire quickly.

Karrkay-karrkay jikan marral juku buban bangkan, baya jinbal-baja jakalamba-nka.

karrkay-karrkay jikan marral juku buban bangka-ny, baya jinbal-baja jakalamba-nka | children grass dry stick small gathered, fire quick-very start-PURP

karrkay jikan marral juku buban bangkal baya jinbal


The old woman put more firewood on the fire, and the flame grew big and bright.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka baya-juku baja wajun, baya yalbay-ma-l balbal-baja.

mukul-jalbu-ngka baya-juku baja waju-ny, baya yalbay-ma-l balbal-baja | old-woman-ERG firewood more put, fire big-INCHO bright-very

mukul jalbu baya juku wajul yalbay balbal


When the fire had burned right down, only the grey ash and black charcoal were left.

Baya kunba-y-manin, bajar ngungul-ngungul ngunjil baja janka bundan.

baya kunba-y-mani-ny, bajar ngungul-ngungul ngunjil baja janka bunda-ny | fire finish(burn.down), ash grey(REDUP) charcoal too only sat(remained)

baya kunbay manil bajar ngungul ngunjil janka bundal


The young man carried a burning bark torch to light the dark path all the way home.

Warru-ngku jidi warrur-bu karrban, jina wujurr-ba balbal-mani-nka bayan-ka.

warru-ngku jidi warrur-bu karrba-ny, jina wujurr-ba balbal-mani-nka bayan-ka | young.man-ERG torch bark-INST held, track dark-LOC bright-CAUS(light)-PURP camp-DAT

warru jidi warrur karrbal jina wujurr balbal manil bayan


The old people always kept one fire stick smouldering to carry fire to the new camp.

Mukul-bama-ngka wungar wubulku jimal nyubun karrban, baya bayan yindu-ka wundi-nka.

mukul-bama-ngka wungar wubul-ku jimal nyubun karrba-ny, baya bayan yindu-ka wundi-nka | old-people-ERG day all fire.stick one kept, fire camp other-DAT carry-PURP

mukul bama wungar wubul jimal nyubun karrbal baya bayan wundil


The little children must never go near the big fire or touch the hot red coals.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka baya yalbay ngundu kari dunga-y, baya wumbul kari karrba-l.

karrkay-karrkay-angka baya yalbay ngundu kari dunga-y, baya wumbul kari karrba-l | children-ERG fire big near NEG go, fire hot NEG touch(hold)

karrkay baya yalbay ngundu kari dungay wumbul karrbal


Thick smoke rose up from the green wood and drove everyone quickly away from the camp.

Kubu junkurr juku kayal-muny wandin, bama wubul jinbal-baja dungan.

kubu junkurr juku kayal-muny wandi-ny, bama wubul jinbal-baja dunga-ny | smoke thick wood unripe(green)-ABL rose, person many quick-very went

kubu junkurr juku kayal wandil bama wubul jinbal dungay

kubu 'smoke'; kayal 'green/unripe' (b089)


The young man cut a long straight bamboo shaft and made himself a good fishing spear.

Warru-ngku dara jinbal kalbay kulban, nyulu-nyulu kalka ngulkurr bungan.

warru-ngku dara jinbal kalbay kulba-ny, nyulu-nyulu kalka ngulkurr bunga-ny | young.man-ERG bamboo straight long cut, himself fishing.spear good made

warru dara jinbal kalbay kulbal kalka ngulkurr bungal

dara 'bamboo spear-stick'; kalka 'fishing spear'


He tied the sharp barbed point firmly onto the top end of the long spear shaft.

Nyulu biyul jinil-ji kalka dara wangkar-a junkurr kajan.

nyulu biyul jinil-ji kalka dara wangkar-a junkurr kaja-ny | 3sg spear.head barb-COMIT spear bamboo top-LOC firm tied

nyulu biyul jinil kalka dara wangkar junkurr kajal

biyul 'spear head'; jinil 'barb'; kaja-l 'tie'


The old man showed the boy how to throw the spear straight with the woomera.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru milban, wanjarr-ku kalka jinbal balur-bu mumal.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru milba-ny, wanjarr-ku kalka jinbal balur-bu mumal | old-man-ERG boy showed, how-ADV spear straight woomera-INST throw

mukul dingkar warru milbal wanjarr kalka jinbal balur mumal

balur 'woomera'; mumal 'throw a spear'; wanjarr-ku (b090)


With one strong throw of the woomera the hunter drove the spear deep into the kangaroo.

Balbi-bama-ngka balur-bu nyubun junkurr kalka mayarriji-nga dukurr mumal.

balbi-bama-ngka balur-bu nyubun junkurr kalka mayarriji-nga dukurr mumal | hunter-ERG woomera-INST one strong spear kangaroo-LOC deep threw

balbi bama balur nyubun junkurr kalka mayarriji dukurr mumal


The heavy fighting spears are longer than the light spears the men use for fish.

Murrangkal kalbay-baja kulngkul-baja, kalka kuyu-nka buban-muny yindu.

murrangkal kalbay-baja kulngkul-baja, kalka kuyu-nka buban-muny yindu | fighting.spear long-very heavy-very, fishing.spear fish-DAT small-ABL different

murrangkal kalbay kulngkul kalka kuyu buban yindu

murrangkal 'fighting spear'; kulngkul 'heavy'


The men carried their big war spears and their shields when they went to the fight.

Dingkar-angka kukuni yalbay kunjuri baja wundin, jana kuni-wa-nka dungan.

dingkar-angka kukuni yalbay kunjuri baja wundi-ny, jana kuni-wa-nka dunga-ny | man-ERG big.spear big shield too carried, 3pl hit-RECIP(fight)-PURP went

dingkar kukuni yalbay kunjuri wundil kuni dungay

kukuni 'big spear'; kunjuri 'shield'; kuni-wa-y 'fight' (l.3508)


The boy carefully sharpened the barbs of his spear with a sharp stone knife.

Warru-ngku nyungu kalka jinil naybu kulji-bu jinbal-manin.

warru-ngku nyungu kalka jinil naybu kulji-bu jinbal-mani-ny | young.man-ERG his spear barb knife stone-INST straight-CAUS(sharpened)

warru nyungu kalka jinil naybu kulji jinbal manil

naybu 'knife'; jinil 'barb'; jinbal-mani-l 'sharpen'


The old man's spear point was made from the hard leg bone of a big kangaroo.

Mukul-dingkar-mu kalka biyul mayarriji yalbay jina junkurr-muny bungan.

mukul-dingkar-mu kalka biyul mayarriji yalbay jina junkurr-muny bunga-ny | old-man-POSS spear point kangaroo big leg hard-ABL made

mukul dingkar kalka biyul mayarriji yalbay jina junkurr bungal


The turtle spear has a special detachable point tied on with a long, strong cord.

Ngawiya-nka kalka kurajan yindu karra kalbay junkurr-ji kajan.

ngawiya-nka kalka kurajan yindu karra kalbay junkurr-ji kaja-ny | sea.turtle-DAT spear point different rope long strong-COMIT tied

ngawiya kalka kurajan yindu karra kalbay junkurr kajal

kurajan 'turtle spear point'; karra 'cord'


The young men practised throwing their light spears at a soft bark target all morning.

Warru jana kalka buban warrur kima-ba mumal-mumal wunkuwingku wubulku.

warru jana kalka buban warrur kima-ba mumal-mumal wunkuwingku wubul-ku | young.man 3pl spear small bark soft-LOC throw-REDUP(practise) morning all

warru kalka buban warrur kima mumal wunkuwingku wubul

mumal-mumal 'kept throwing'; kima 'soft'


The old man threw the curved boomerang and it flew out far and came spinning back.

Mukul-dingkar-angka wangal mumal, nyulu kalbay dungan kada-ny-baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka wangal mumal, nyulu kalbay dunga-ny kada-ny-baja | old-man-ERG boomerang threw, 3sg far went came-back

mukul dingkar wangal warral mumal kalbay dungay kaday


The boomerang is not only a weapon; the old men beat time to the song with two.

Wangal kari nyubun jarrngkurr; mukul-dingkar-angka wangal jambul burri-duda-l.

wangal kari nyubun jarrngkurr; mukul-dingkar-angka wangal jambul burri-duda-l | boomerang NEG one weapon; old-man-ERG boomerang two song-beat(keep.time)

wangal kari nyubun jarrngkurr mukul dingkar jambul burri dudal

jarrngkurr 'weapon'; burri-duda-l 'beat time' (l.3421)


The warrior held the broad wooden shield up and turned the flying spear aside.

Dingkar-angka kunjuri juku yalbay wangkar-a karrban, kalka mumal-nya nyunban.

dingkar-angka kunjuri juku yalbay wangkar-a karrba-ny, kalka mumal-nya nyunba-ny | man-ERG shield wood big up-LOC held, spear throw-SUB turned.aside

dingkar kunjuri juku yalbay wangkar karrbal kalka mumal nyunbal

kunjuri 'shield'; nyunba-l 'turn aside' (b088)


The old man made a heavy fighting club from the hard root of the ironbark tree.

Mukul-dingkar-angka mirru kulngkul juku mali junkurr-muny bungan.

mukul-dingkar-angka mirru kulngkul juku mali junkurr-muny bunga-ny | old-man-ERG club heavy tree old(root) hard-ABL made

mukul dingkar mirru kulngkul juku junkurr bungal


The two men fought with clubs and shields, and then one of them fell down hard.

Dingkar jambul mirru-ji kunjuri-ji kuni-wa-y, yalada nyubun bada daran.

dingkar jambul mirru-ji kunjuri-ji kuni-wa-y, yala-da nyubun bada dara-ny | man two club-COMIT shield-COMIT fight, and.then one down fell

dingkar jambul mirru kunjuri kuni yalada nyubun bada daray

mirru/kunjuri; kuni-wa-y 'fight'; dara-y 'fall'


The young man practised throwing the boomerang until it came back to his hand each time.

Warru-ngku wangal mumal-mumal, nyulu mara-ka kada-ny-baja wungar wubulku.

warru-ngku wangal mumal-mumal, nyulu mara-ka kada-ny-baja wungar wubul-ku | young.man-ERG boomerang throw-REDUP, 3sg hand-DAT came-back day all

warru wangal mumal mara kaday wungar wubul


The woomera makes the light spear fly much faster and further than the bare arm.

Balur-angka kalka buban jinbal-baja kalbay-baja mumal, mara nyubun-muny yindu.

balur-angka kalka buban jinbal-baja kalbay-baja mumal, mara nyubun-muny yindu | woomera-ERG spear light fast-very far-very throw, arm alone-ABL different

balur kalka buban jinbal kalbay mumal mara nyubun yindu


The old man kept his best boomerang, shield and club hanging inside the dark humpy.

Mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu wangal kunjuri mirru ngulkurr wurun-ba karrban.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu wangal kunjuri mirru ngulkurr wurun-ba karrba-ny | old-man-ERG his boomerang shield club good humpy-LOC kept

mukul dingkar wangal kunjuri mirru ngulkurr wurun karrbal


The man chopped the big tree down with his heavy ground-edge stone axe.

Dingkar-angka juku yalbay warrbi kulji-bu yakan, juku bada daran.

dingkar-angka juku yalbay warrbi kulji-bu yaka-ny, juku bada dara-ny | man-ERG tree big axe stone-INST cut, tree down fell

dingkar juku yalbay warrbi kulji yakal bada daray

warrbi 'axe'; yaka-l 'cut'; dara-y 'fall'


The old woman cut up the big fish with a sharp knife chipped from grey stone.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka kuyu yalbay naybu kulji-mu jinbal-ji yakan.

mukul-jalbu-ngka kuyu yalbay naybu kulji-mu jinbal-ji yaka-ny | old-woman-ERG fish big knife stone-POSS sharp-COMIT cut

mukul jalbu kuyu yalbay naybu kulji jinbal yakal


The men used the sharp stone axe to cut the wild honey out of the hollow tree.

Dingkar-angka warrbi-bu wunba jiba-wulay juku dukurr-muny kulban.

dingkar-angka warrbi-bu wunba jiba-wulay juku dukurr-muny kulba-ny | man-ERG axe-INST honey sweet tree hollow-ABL cut.out

dingkar warrbi wunba jiba juku dukurr kulbal


He cut deep toe-holds into the smooth trunk with his axe to climb up after the animal.

Nyulu warrbi-bu juku jirakal-ba jina yakan, wangkar-a daka-nka minya-muny.

nyulu warrbi-bu juku jirakal-ba jina yaka-ny, wangkar-a daka-nka minya-muny | 3sg axe-INST tree smooth-LOC foot(hold) cut, up-LOC climb-PURP animal-ABL(after)

nyulu warrbi juku jirakal jina yakal wangkar dakal minya


The old man kept his good knife wrapped in soft paperbark inside the woven dilly bag.

Mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu naybu ngulkurr warrur kima-ba kajan, ngunyin-ba karrban.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu naybu ngulkurr warrur kima-ba kaja-ny, ngunyin-ba karrba-ny | old-man-ERG his knife good bark soft-LOC wrapped, dilly.bag-LOC kept

mukul dingkar naybu ngulkurr warrur kima kajal ngunyin karrbal

naybu; ngunyin 'dilly bag'; kaja-l 'wrap'