The first taste is for the finder, the second for the carrier, the third for the fire-keeper, the old woman kept the small honoring alive: three little thanks before the meal, so that no work walks invisible.

Nganja-ngurr bama maninmunyka, nganja jambulku bama wundinmunyka, nganja kulurku baya-kuji-bamanka, wulbumanangka murni buban yinya juran karrban: yulmbarril buban kulur mayi ngadiku, murni nyubunbu kariku jilbal nyajil-kari.

nganja-ngurr bama mani-ny-muny-ka, nganja jambul-ku bama wundi-ny-muny-ka, nganja kulur-ku baya-kuji-bama-nka, wulbuman-angka murni buban yinya juran karrba-ny: yulmbarri-l buban kulur mayi ngadiku, murni nyubun-bu kariku jilba-l nyaji-l-kari | taste-FIRST person found-of-DAT, taste second person carried-of-DAT, taste third fire-keeper-DAT, old.woman practice small that alive kept: honoring little three meal before, work one-ERG never walks unseen


Don't feed the dog from your hand at the fire — he will learn the wrong law in one evening.

Kari kaya mayi-daya maramuny bayanga, nyulu kuku mumbu binal-mal wujurr nyubunba.

kari kaya mayi-daya mara-muny baya-nga, nyulu kuku mumbu binal-ma-l wujurr nyubun-ba | NEG dog feed! hand-from fire-LOC, he law wrong learns(INCHO) evening one-LOC


What food did you love as a child? — Roasted sweet potato from my grandmother's coals; I can smell it now, forty wet seasons away.

Wanyu mayi yundu wawu-manin karrkay-wungara? Bangkamu dindanmuny ngunjilmuny babimuny ngayku, ngayu jila manil nyiku, bana-wungar wubulku kala-kalbaymuny.

wanyu mayi yundu wawu-mani-ny karrkay-wungar-a? bangkamu dinda-ny-muny ngunjil-muny babi-muny ngayku, ngayu jila mani-l nyiku, bana-wungar wubul-ku kala-kalbay-muny | what food you loved child-time-LOC? sweet.potato roasted-of coals-from grandmother-from my, I smell get now, wet.season many far.away-from

nostalgia; karrkay-wungar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


Every food has its season and its country, the old man said, showing it on his hand: the junjun fruit in its own days, the black bean after the pods drop, the fat fish when the wind turns — and a person who eats with the calendar never eats the country empty.

Mayi nyubun-nyubun wungar-ji bubu-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, mara nyungu milbinya: junjun wungara nyungu-nyungu, baway diburr badanmuny, kuyu wandul-ji muyar murninya, bama nyulu nukal wungar-jinanji nyulu kariku bubu nganga-bungal.

mayi nyubun-nyubun wungar-ji bubu-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, mara nyungu milbi-nya: junjun wungar-a nyungu-nyungu, baway diburr bada-ny-muny, kuyu wandul-ji muyar murni-nya, bama nyulu nuka-l wungar-jina-nji nyulu kariku bubu nganga-bunga-l | food each season-COMIT country-COMIT own-COMIT, old man said, hand his show-SUB: junjun day-LOC own, black.bean pod dropped-after, fish fat-COMIT wind turn-SUB, person he eats calendar-COMIT he never country empty-CAUS

junjun FIRST USE; wungar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


Pass the water bag along before the meat — talking is thirsty work.

Bana-balji daya baralburr minya ngadiku, kuku-balkal nyulu murni bana-dakwuy-ji.

bana-balji daya baral-burr minya ngadiku, kuku-balka-l nyulu murni bana-dakwuy-ji | water-bag give! road-PERL meat before, talking it work thirst-COMIT


One for the child, one for his brother, and the broken one for the mother herself — that is a mother's counting.

Nyubun karrkaynka, nyubun yabanka nyungu, dumbarrinmuny ngamunka nyungu-nyungunka, yinya kunjal ngamumuny.

nyubun karrkay-nka, nyubun yaba-nka nyungu, dumbarri-ny-muny ngamu-nka nyungu-nyungu-nka, yinya kunja-l ngamu-muny | one child-DAT, one brother-DAT his, broken-of mother-DAT herself-DAT, that counting mother-of


Water before food, food before talk, talk before sleep — the old man hung the evening on three befores, and said: the man who reverses them goes to bed thirsty, hungry, and full of words.

Bana mayi ngadiku, mayi kuku ngadiku, kuku warngku ngadiku, mukulungku dingkarangka wujurr kajan 'ngadiku' kulurbu, balkan: bama nyulu jana murnil muku-jinabu nyulu wunay bana-dakwuy-ji, dakwuy-ji, kuku-jakal-ji.

bana mayi ngadiku, mayi kuku ngadiku, kuku warngku ngadiku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wujurr kaja-ny 'ngadiku' kulur-bu, balka-ny: bama nyulu jana murni-l muku-jina-bu nyulu wuna-y bana-dakwuy-ji, dakwuy-ji, kuku-jakal-ji | water food before, food talk before, talk sleep before, old man evening tied before three-INST, said: man he them does back-track-INST he sleeps thirst-COMIT, hunger-COMIT, word-full-COMIT


The stranger came at dusk and was fed before he was questioned, and years later he sent back a net full of gifts — and the old woman only said: we did not feed him for the return, we fed him because the fire was burning.

Ngarrbal kadan miyil-wujurr-wujurrba, mayi-dayan babajil ngadiku, wungar wubulkumuny nyulu yungan baja makarr daji-jirray-ji jakal, wulbuman balkan wunbu: ngana nyulu mayi-dayan kari kadanka bajaku, ngana mayi-dayan baya wajunya.

ngarrbal kada-ny miyil-wujurr-wujurr-ba, mayi-daya-ny babaji-l ngadiku, wungar wubul-ku-muny nyulu yunga-ny baja makarr daji-jirray-ji jakal, wulbuman balka-ny wunbu: ngana nyulu mayi-daya-ny kari kada-nka bajaku, ngana mayi-daya-ny baya waju-nya | stranger came dusk-LOC, fed questioning before, year many-after he sent back net gift-COMIT full, old.woman said quiet: we him fed NEG return-PURP at.all, we fed fire burn-SUB


Grandmother, why do you always eat last? — Because from the last place you can see that everyone has something.

Babi, wanyurrinku yundu yabarrka nukal badaku? Bubumuny badamuny yundu nyajil bama wubulku yamba-ji.

babi, wanyurrinku yundu yabarrka nuka-l bada-ku? bubu-muny bada-muny yundu nyaji-l bama wubul-ku yamba-ji | grandmother, why you always eat last-DAT? place-from last-from you see people all thing-COMIT


The fish is for tonight, the yams for tomorrow, and the honey for the day your uncle comes.

Kuyu wujurrku, juwal wunkunyku, wunba wungarku kalnga kadanya.

kuyu wujurr-ku, juwal wunkuny-ku, wunba wungar-ku kalnga kada-nya | fish tonight-DAT, yam tomorrow-DAT, honey day-DAT uncle come-SUB


Cooking is the one fight we are allowed to lose slowly, the old woman laughed through the smoke: the fire wins a little every day, the cook grows wiser with every loss, and the evening meal is the peace made again each night.

Waju nyulu kuniway nyubun ngana bada-manil buban-buban, wulbumanangka yajarr-man kububurr: bayabu manil buban wungar nyubun-nyubunbu, waju-bama binal-mal bada-mani nyubun-nyubunbu, mayi wujurrmuny nyulu kaka-kari murninmuny baja wujurr nyubun-nyubunba.

waju nyulu kuniway nyubun ngana bada-mani-l buban-buban, wulbuman-angka yajarr-ma-ny kubu-burr: baya-bu mani-l buban wungar nyubun-nyubun-bu, waju-bama binal-ma-l bada-mani nyubun-nyubun-bu, mayi wujurr-muny nyulu kaka-kari murni-ny-muny baja wujurr nyubun-nyubun-ba | cooking it fight one we lose slowly, old.woman laughed(INCHO) smoke-PERL: fire-ERG wins little day every-INST, cook wise-becomes(INCHO) loss every-INST, meal evening-of it peace made-of again night every-LOC


Wait, it is hot! Let it stand first, and then eat.

Janay, nyulu wumbul! Bawa janay-ngurr, yalada nuka.

jana-y, nyulu wumbul! bawa jana-y-ngurr, yala-da nuka | wait!, it hot! leave! stand-FIRST, then eat!


The little girl cooked her first fish by herself, burnt on one side and raw on the other, and the old man ate every bit of it slowly and said it was the best fish of the wet season — and that is how cooks are made.

Jalbu-bubanangka kuyu ngadiku nyungu wajun nyubunji, wajun bajaku ngubara jani-kari ngubara yindu, mukulungku dingkarangka wubulku nukan buban-buban, balkan kuyu yukil bajaku bana-wungarmuny, yalabu waju-bama murninmuny.

jalbu-buban-angka kuyu ngadiku nyungu waju-ny nyubun-ji, waju-ny bajaku ngubar-a jani-kari ngubar-a yindu, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wubul-ku nuka-ny buban-buban, balka-ny kuyu yukil bajaku bana-wungar-muny, yala-bu waju-bama murni-ny-muny | girl-ERG fish first her cooked alone, burnt very side-LOC raw side-LOC other, old man-ERG all ate slowly, said fish good most wet.season-of, this.way-INST cooks made-of

first-fish grace; ngubar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


What is the rule for the last piece? — Offer it twice, then eat it smiling.

Wanyu kuku mayi-daji badamuny? Daya jambulku, yalada nuka yajarr-ji.

wanyu kuku mayi-daji bada-muny? daya jambul-ku, yala-da nuka yajarr-ji | what law food-share last-of? offer! twice, then eat! laugh-COMIT


Bitter is a teacher and sweet is a holiday, the old man sorted the tastes in a line: the bitter one says learn me slowly, the sweet one says celebrate, the fat one says the cold season is near — so the tongue is the oldest school.

Ngambuy nyulu milbil-bama, jiba-wulay nyulu yajarr-wungar, mukulungku dingkarangka nganja yijarrin jinanga: ngambuybu balkal binal-maka buban-buban, jiba-wulaybu balkal yulmbarrika, wandulbu balkal bulur-iji ngundu, yalada nyabil nyulu school mukul bajaku.

ngambuy nyulu milbil-bama, jiba-wulay nyulu yajarr-wungar, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka nganja yijarri-ny jina-nga: ngambuy-bu balka-l binal-ma-ka buban-buban, jiba-wulay-bu balka-l yulmbarri-ka, wandul-bu balka-l bulur-iji ngundu, yala-da nyabil nyulu school mukul bajaku | bitter it teacher, sweet it laugh-time, old man tastes put line-LOC: bitter-ERG says learn-IMP! slowly, sweet-ERG says celebrate-IMP!, fat-ERG says cold.season close.by, so tongue it school old most


Everyone carried something home: fish, roots, honey — and the smallest one carried the story of the day.

Bama wubulku yamba wundin bayanka: kuyu, bangkan, wunba, buban bajakubu kuku-jangkar wungarmuny wundin.

bama wubul-ku yamba wundi-ny bayan-ka: kuyu, bangkan, wunba, buban bajaku-bu kuku-jangkar wungar-muny wundi-ny | people all thing carried home-DAT: fish, root, honey, little.one most-ERG story day-of carried


Food shared is the oldest word for family.

Mayi wambajinmuny nyulu kuku mukul bajaku jawun-karramuny.

mayi wambaji-ny-muny nyulu kuku mukul bajaku jawun-karra-muny | food shared-of it word old most family-for


Which one is your camp? — The one with the big fire and the two dogs.

Wanjaku bayan yundumuny? Bayan baya yalbay-ji, kaya jambul-nji.

wanjaku bayan yundu-muny? bayan baya yalbay-ji, kaya jambul-nji | which camp your? camp fire big-COMIT, dog two-COMIT:pt

COMIT neutral -ji vs potent -nji (dogs potent) in one answer


I saw a man with a spear and a woman with a dillybag going north.

Ngayu nyajin dingkar kalka-ji jalbu balji-ji, jana dungan kungkarrku.

ngayu nyaji-ny dingkar kalka-ji jalbu balji-ji, jana dunga-ny kungkarr-ku | I saw man spear-COMIT woman dillybag-COMIT, they went north-DAT

classic descriptive COMIT (kalka-ji anchor)


With and without are the two hands of describing, the old woman taught: say the man with the beard, the woman with the net, the camp without fire, the child without fear — and you have shown them all without one colour word.

Kuku '-ji' kuku '-kari' nyulu mara jambul milbilmuny, wulbumanangka milbin: balka dingkar walarr-iji, jalbu makarr-ji, bayan baya-kari, karrkay yinil-kari, yundu jana wubulku milbin kuku nyubunbu nganga.

kuku '-ji' kuku '-kari' nyulu mara jambul milbi-l-muny, wulbuman-angka milbi-ny: balka dingkar walarr-iji, jalbu makarr-ji, bayan baya-kari, karrkay yinil-kari, yundu jana wubul-ku milbi-ny kuku nyubun-bu nganga | word -ji word -kari it hand two describing-of, old.woman taught: say! man beard-COMIT(rhotic -iji), woman net-COMIT, camp fire-PRIV, child fear-PRIV, you them all showed word one-INST only

metalinguistic pair; walarr-iji rhotic COMIT anchor


The greedy one took the last piece without asking.

Bamabu jumbunbu mayi-daji bada manin babaji-kari.

bama-bu jumbun-bu mayi-daji bada mani-ny babaji-kari | person-ERG greedy-ERG food-share last took asking-PRIV

double PRIV; muru shame-element (muru-kaday 21131)


Is there a camp with water on that road? — With water, with shade, and with biting creatures too.

Bayan bana-ji baralba yinyaba? Bana-ji, wabarr-ji, minya-bakal-ji baja.

bayan bana-ji baral-ba yinya-ba? bana-ji, wabarr-ji, minya-bakal-ji baja | camp water-COMIT road-LOC that-LOC? water-COMIT, shade-COMIT, creature-biter-COMIT too


The little ji loves company, the old man played with the words: a spear-owner is spear-with, an angry man is anger-with, a flowering tree is flower-with, and a married man walks wife-with — the ji is the tier-together of words.

Kuku buban '-ji' wawu-manil jawun, mukulungku dingkarangka kukubu yajarr-man: bama kalka-ji, bama kuli-ji, juku nganka-ji, dingkar dunyu-bama biwar-ji jilbal, '-ji' nyulu kaja-bama kukumuny.

kuku buban '-ji' wawu-ma-ni-l jawun, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kuku-bu yajarr-ma-ny: bama kalka-ji, bama kuli-ji, juku nganka-ji, dingkar dunyu-bama biwar-ji jilba-l, '-ji' nyulu kaja-bama kuku-muny | word little -ji loves company, old man word-INST laughed(INCHO): person spear-COMIT, person anger-COMIT, tree flower-COMIT, man married wife-COMIT walks, -ji it tier(-together) word-of

COMIT attribute set — all cheatsheet anchors; biwar wife kin


Take the boy along, and leave the dog behind without an argument.

Buban wundi baja, kaya bawa balka-way-kari.

buban wundi baja, kaya bawa balka-wa-y-kari | boy carry! along, dog leave! argue-RECIP-PRIV

PRIV on a RECIP nominal 'without arguing'


Who goes hunting today? — The ones with strong legs and without small babies.

Wanya balbinka dungay nyiku? Bama jandal-junkurr-ji, ngawa-kari.

wanya balbi-nka dunga-y nyiku? bama jandal-junkurr-ji, ngawa-kari | who hunt-DAT goes today? person leg-strength-COMIT, baby-PRIV


The stranger arrived without food, without fire, without language — and left with all three, and the old woman said: that is the whole work of a camp in one sentence.

Ngarrbal kadan mayi-kari, baya-kari, kuku-kari, nyulu dungan mayi-ji baya-ji kuku-ji, wulbumanangka balkan: yinya murni bayanmuny wubulku kuku nyubunba.

ngarrbal kada-ny mayi-kari, baya-kari, kuku-kari, nyulu dunga-ny mayi-ji baya-ji kuku-ji, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yinya murni bayan-muny wubul-ku kuku nyubun-ba | stranger came food-PRIV, fire-PRIV, language-PRIV, he left food-COMIT fire-COMIT language-COMIT, old.woman said: that work camp-of whole sentence one-LOC

triple PRIV -> triple COMIT arc; hospitality thesis


Before a case ending the with grows a tail, the old woman drilled the fine point: spear-with becomes kalka-jirr-ka when you aim the sentence at it, so listen for the rr — it says the with is about to work.

Kuku '-ji' bada karrbal '-rr' kuku-jina ngadiku, wulbumanangka kuku buban milbin: 'kalka-ji' nyulu 'kalka-jirr-ka'-mal, yalada milka-janay 'rr'-ka, nyulu balkal '-ji' murninka nyiku.

kuku '-ji' bada karrba-l '-rr' kuku-jina ngadiku, wulbuman-angka kuku buban milbi-ny: 'kalka-ji' nyulu 'kalka-jirr-ka'-ma-l, yala-da milka-jana-y 'rr'-ka, nyulu balka-l '-ji' murni-nka nyiku | word -ji tail holds -rr case before, old.woman point fine taught: kalka-ji it kalka-jirr-ka-becomes, so listen! rr-DAT, it says -ji work-DAT now

-jirr- before case (cheatsheet anchor kalka-jirr-ka) as metalinguistic row


This water is no good — it comes out of the ground with a smell.

Bana yanya mumbu, nyulu wandil bubumuny jila-ji.

bana yanya mumbu, nyulu wandi-l bubu-muny jila-ji | water this bad, it rises ground-from smell-COMIT


The night was cold and we were without blankets, so we slept fire-with, dog-with, and close together.

Wujurr kiway-kiway, ngana kararr-kari, yalada ngana wunan baya-ji, kaya-nji, murrba.

wujurr kiway-kiway, ngana kararr-kari, yala-da ngana wuna-ny baya-ji, kaya-nji, murrba | night cold, we blanket-PRIV, so we slept fire-COMIT, dog-COMIT:pt, close.fitting

PRIV problem, COMIT solution; potent -nji


How do you say he is blind the soft way? — Eye-without; or better, ear-with.

Wanjarr yundu balkal 'miyil-burra' kimabu? 'Miyil-kari', yambada yukil-baja, 'milka-ji'.

wanjarr yundu balka-l 'miyil-burra' kima-bu? 'miyil-kari', yambada yukil-baja, 'milka-ji' | how you say blind soft-INST? eye-PRIV, or better, ear-COMIT


Without is not empty, the old man corrected the boy who mocked: the man without a spear may be carrying knowledge, the camp without noise may be full of thought — so read the kari twice before you say one bad word.

Kuku '-kari' nyulu kari nganga-yamba, mukulungku dingkarangka buban murnin yukil, nyulu yajarr-manya bamanka: dingkar kalka-kari nyulu binal wundilnya, bayan kuku-kari nyulu milkabu-baykal-ji, yalada nyaji 'kari' jambulku kuku-mumbu balkanka ngadiku.

kuku '-kari' nyulu kari nganga-yamba, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban murni-ny yukil, nyulu yajarr-ma-nya bama-nka: dingkar kalka-kari nyulu binal wundi-l-nya, bayan kuku-kari nyulu milkabu-bayka-l-ji, yala-da nyaji 'kari' jambul-ku kuku-mumbu balka-nka ngadiku | word -kari it NEG empty-thing, old man boy corrected, he laugh-SUB person-DAT: man spear-PRIV he knowledge carry-SUB, camp noise-PRIV it thinking-COMIT, so read! kari twice bad.word say-PURP before

PRIV is not emptiness; judgment-restraint close


Their camp is meat-rich and water-poor this season; ours is the other way around.

Bayan janamuny minya-ji bajaku bana-kari buban, bayan nganamuny muku-jinabu.

bayan jana-muny minya-ji bajaku bana-kari buban, bayan ngana-muny muku-jina-bu | camp their meat-COMIT very water-PRIV little, camp our back-track-INST

resource contrast; muku-jina 'the other way'


The girl came home tooth-without and grin-with, and her father laughed: the first gap is a road, the grown teeth come in through it.

Jalbu-buban kadan bayanka dirra-kari yajarr-ji, nganjan yajarr-man: baral-ngandal ngadiku nyulu baral, dirra bama-yalbaymuny yinyaburr kaday.

jalbu-buban kada-ny bayan-ka dirra-kari yajarr-ji, nganjan yajarr-ma-ny: baral-ngandal ngadiku nyulu baral, dirra bama-yalbay-muny yinya-burr kada-y | girl came home-DAT tooth-PRIV laugh-COMIT, father laughed(INCHO): gate first it road, tooth grown.person-of that-PERL comes

milk-tooth rite; PRIV+COMIT pair on one child


Don't travel water-without in the hot season — not even one day.

Kari jilbal bana-kari wangariji, wungar nyubun baja.

kari jilba-l bana-kari wangariji, wungar nyubun baja | NEG travel! water-PRIV hot.season, day one even


What did the old people call a rich man? — Kin-with. And a poor man? — Kin-without. The things never entered into it.

Wanyu bama mukulungku kunjan bama yamba-ji wubul-ji? Jawun-karra-nji. Bama yamba-kari? Jawun-karra-kari. Yamba kariku walan yinyaka.

wanyu bama mukul-ungku kunja-ny bama yamba-ji wubul-ji? jawun-karra-nji. bama yamba-kari? jawun-karra-kari. yamba kariku wala-ny yinya-ka | what people old-ERG called person thing-COMIT many-COMIT? kin-COMIT:pt. person thing-PRIV? kin-PRIV. thing never entered that-DAT

wealth = kin; wala-l enter (dict); potent COMIT on kin


A tool-with hand and a knowledge-with head make one whole worker, the old woman paired them: hand without head breaks things, head without hand breaks nothing and makes nothing — so tie them together early in every child.

Mara yamba-murni-ji dukul binal-ji nyulu murni-bama nyubun wubulku, wulbumanangka jana kajan nyubunku: mara dukul-kari yamba dumbarril, dukul mara-kari yamba-kari dumbarril yamba-kari murnil, yalada kaja jana ngadiku karrkayanda nyubun-nyubunanda.

mara yamba-murni-ji dukul binal-ji nyulu murni-bama nyubun wubul-ku, wulbuman-angka jana kaja-ny nyubun-ku: mara dukul-kari yamba dumbarri-l, dukul mara-kari yamba-kari dumbarri-l yamba-kari murni-l, yala-da kaja jana ngadiku karrkay-anda nyubun-nyubun-anda | hand tool-COMIT head knowledge-COMIT it worker one whole, old.woman them tied one-DAT: hand head-PRIV thing breaks, head hand-PRIV nothing breaks nothing makes, so tie! them early child-LOC every-LOC

hand/head pairing; potent LOC karrkay-anda


We came back winners: three-fish-with, two-crab-with, and story-with for a week.

Ngana kadan baja yukil-ji: kuyu-kulur-ji, kiju-jambul-ji, kuku-jangkar-ji wungar wubulkunka.

ngana kada-ny baja yukil-ji: kuyu-kulur-ji, kiju-jambul-ji, kuku-jangkar-ji wungar wubul-ku-nka | we came back good-COMIT: fish-three-COMIT, crab-two-COMIT, story-COMIT day many-DAT

numbered-COMIT brag (538 kalka-ji kulur-ji pattern)


One man walked into the dry country track-without and came back name-with — they call him Bana-Binal now, water-knower, for he read the country the old way: thirst-with but fear-without.

Dingkar nyubun jilban bubu marralku jina-kari, kadan baja kuku-ji: bamangka nyulu kunjal 'Bana-Binal' nyiku, nyulu bubu nyajin yalabu mukulbu, bana-dakwuy-ji yambada yinil-kari.

dingkar nyubun jilba-ny bubu marral-ku jina-kari, kada-ny baja kuku-ji: bama-ngka nyulu kunja-l 'Bana-Binal' nyiku, nyulu bubu nyaji-ny yala-bu mukul-bu, bana-dakwuy-ji yambada yinil-kari | man one walked country dry-DAT track-PRIV, came back name-COMIT: people-ERG him call Bana-Binal now, he country read way-INST old-INST, thirst-COMIT but fear-PRIV

earned-name arc; COMIT/PRIV as character


The mundu is a third door, the old man completed the set: ji says having, kari says lacking, mundu says doing-without — the man fire-mundu sleeps cold tonight but may own a fire tomorrow, so mundu is a lacking with a road out.

Kuku '-mundu' nyulu baral-ngandal kulurku, mukulungku dingkarangka jana kunbay-manin: '-ji' balkal yamba-ji, '-kari' balkal yamba-kari, '-mundu' balkal murnil yamba-mundu: dingkar baya-mundu wunay kiway-kiway wujurrba, yambada wunkuny nyulu baya-ji, yalada '-mundu' nyulu kari-yamba baral-ji.

kuku '-mundu' nyulu baral-ngandal kulur-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana kunba-y-mani-ny: '-ji' balka-l yamba-ji, '-kari' balka-l yamba-kari, '-mundu' balka-l murni-l yamba-mundu: dingkar baya-mundu wuna-y kiway-kiway wujurr-ba, yambada wunkuny nyulu baya-ji, yala-da '-mundu' nyulu kari-yamba baral-ji | word -mundu it gate third-DAT, old man them completed: -ji says thing-having, -kari says thing-lacking, -mundu says does thing-without(ABESS): man fire-ABESS sleeps cold night-LOC, but tomorrow he fire-COMIT, so -mundu it lack road-COMIT

the ji/kari/mundu triangle as an explicit lesson (r.35 companion)


The food is taste-without today — put in a little meat.

Mayi nganja-kari nyiku, minya buban daya.

mayi nganja-kari nyiku, minya buban daya | food taste-PRIV today, meat little give!


Which brother married? — The quiet one; he went out alone and came back wife-with.

Wanjaku yaba dunyu-manin? Bama wunbu: nyulu dungan nyubunji, kadan baja biwar-ji.

wanjaku yaba dunyu-mani-ny? bama wunbu: nyulu dunga-ny nyubun-ji, kada-ny baja biwar-ji | which brother married? person quiet: he went alone(one-COMIT), came back wife-COMIT


Count what you are with, not what you are without, the old woman ended the night: the with-list is always the longer one — you only have to say it out loud.

Kunja yamba yundumuny '-ji', kari '-kari', wulbumanangka wujurr kunbay-manin: kuku '-ji'-muny nyulu kalbay-baja yabarrka, balka nganga nyulu ngalkalbu.

kunja yamba yundu-muny '-ji', kari '-kari', wulbuman-angka wujurr kunba-y-mani-ny: kuku '-ji'-muny nyulu kalbay-baja yabarrka, balka nganga nyulu ngalkal-bu | count! thing your -ji, NEG -kari, old.woman night ended: word -ji-of it long-DEG2 always, say! only it open-INST


Come in! The fire is warm and the meat is fat.

wala! baya wumbul, minya wandul-ji | enter! fire warm, meat fat-COMIT

six words; wala-l enter attested 25269/3012


She went out angry-with and came back quiet — the long walk did its old work.

Nyulu dungan kuli-ji, kadan baja wunbu, jilba kalbaybu murni mukul nyungu murnin.

nyulu dunga-ny kuli-ji, kada-ny baja wunbu, jilba kalbay-bu murni mukul nyungu murni-ny | she went anger-COMIT, came back quiet, walk long-ERG work old its did


Are you coming with the hunters, or staying with the old people?

Yundu kaday balbi-bamanji yambada janay bama mukulanji?

yundu kada-y balbi-bama-nji yambada jana-y bama mukul-anji? | you come hunter-COMIT:pt or stay people old-COMIT:pt?


The baby is tooth-with now! Two little white ones.

Ngawa dirra-ji nyiku! Jambul buban kambar.

ngawa dirra-ji nyiku! jambul buban kambar | baby tooth-COMIT now! two little white


They judged the visitor wrongly: he arrived things-with and language-without, and by the wet season he was digging-with, sharing-with, and joke-with — the country reads more slowly than the eye, the old man said, let it finish.

Jana ngarrbal nyajin mumbu: nyulu kadan yamba-ji wubul-ji kuku-kari, bana-wungarbu nyulu bakal-ji, wambaji-ji, yajarr-ji, bubu nyajil buban-buban miyilmuny, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bawa nyulu kunbay-manilka.

jana ngarrbal nyaji-ny mumbu: nyulu kada-ny yamba-ji wubul-ji kuku-kari, bana-wungar-bu nyulu baka-l-ji, wambaji-ji, yajarr-ji, bubu nyaji-l buban-buban miyil-muny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bawa nyulu kunba-y-mani-nka | they visitor judged wrong: he came thing-COMIT many-COMIT language-PRIV, wet.season-INST he digging-COMIT, sharing-COMIT, laughter-COMIT, country reads slowly eye-from, old man said, leave! it finish-DAT


We two sing it once together, and then you sing it alone.

Ngali badi nyubunbu, yalada yundu badi nyubunji.

ngali badi-y nyubun-bu, yala-da yundu badi-y nyubun-ji | we.two sing once-INST, then you sing alone(one-COMIT)

ngali 1du (2581); pedagogy in nine words


Some withs weigh more than things, the old woman weighed them out for the girls: patience-with beats spear-with on a long day, laughter-with beats meat-with at a sad fire, and truth-with beats all of them everywhere.

Kuku '-ji' nyubun-nyubun dandi-baja yambamuny, wulbumanangka jana milbin jalbu-bubanka: wawu-karrba-ji nyulu junkurr-baja kalka-jimuny wungar kalbayba, yajarr-ji junkurr-baja minya-jimuny baya wawu-mumbuba, kuku-yukil-ji junkurr-baja wubulkumuny bubu nyubun-nyubunba.

kuku '-ji' nyubun-nyubun dandi-baja yamba-muny, wulbuman-angka jana milbi-ny jalbu-buban-ka: wawu-karrba-ji nyulu junkurr-baja kalka-ji-muny wungar kalbay-ba, yajarr-ji junkurr-baja minya-ji-muny baya wawu-mumbu-ba, kuku-yukil-ji junkurr-baja wubul-ku-muny bubu nyubun-nyubun-ba | word -ji some heavy-DEG2 thing-from, old.woman them weighed girls-DAT: patience-COMIT it strong-DEG2 spear-COMIT-from day long-LOC, laughter-COMIT strong-DEG2 meat-COMIT-from fire sad-LOC, truth-COMIT strong-DEG2 all-from place every-LOC

COMIT hierarchy; DEG2 comparative frame x3


Walk carefully — that path is snake-with in the hot season.

Jilba miyil-ji, baral yinya jarba-nji wangariji.

jilba miyil-ji, baral yinya jarba-nji wangariji | walk! eye-COMIT, path that snake-COMIT:pt hot.season


makarr mukul dumbarri-ny, mana jirakal | net old torn, take! good(new)


Why did they choose her to speak? — Because she is ears-with, patience-with, and hurry-without.

Wanyurrinku jana nyulu manin balkanka? Nyulu milka-ji, wawu-karrba-ji, warri-warri-kari.

wanyurrinku jana nyulu mani-ny balka-nka? nyulu milka-ji, wawu-karrba-ji, warri-warri-kari | why they her chose speak-PURP? she ear-COMIT, patience-COMIT, hurry-PRIV


Grandfather went deaf slowly, and the camp changed too, without one big meeting: the talk became face-with, the hands became word-with, and the children learned that language is a country with many roads in.

Kami milka-dudu-man buban-buban, bayan yindu-man baja kuku-yalbay-kari: kuku walu-ji-man, mara kuku-ji-man, karrkay-karrkay binalman kuku nyulu bubu baral-ji wubul-ji walanka.

kami milka-dudu-ma-ny buban-buban, bayan yindu-ma-ny baja kuku-yalbay-kari: kuku walu-ji-ma-ny, mara kuku-ji-ma-ny, karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-ny kuku nyulu bubu baral-ji wubul-ji wala-nka | grandfather deaf-became(INCHO) slowly, camp changed(INCHO) too meeting-PRIV: talk face-COMIT-became, hand word-COMIT-became, children learned language it country road-COMIT many-COMIT enter-PURP


This one travels light: firestick-with, water-with, knife-with — and that is all.

Yanya jilbal yamba buban-ji: baya-juku-ji, bana-ji, naybu-ji, yinya wubulku.

yanya jilba-l yamba buban-ji: baya-juku-ji, bana-ji, naybu-ji, yinya wubul-ku | this.one travels thing little-COMIT: firestick-COMIT, water-COMIT, knife-COMIT, that all


Match the with to its company, the old woman kept the grammar straight: things take ji, people and dogs take nji, and after a trilled tail it is iji — walarr-iji, the bearded one — for even with must dress for its company.

Kaja '-ji' jawunka nyunguka, wulbumanangka kuku-jina dandi karrban: yambabu manil '-ji', bamabu kayabu manil '-nji', badaba 'rr'-muny nyulu '-iji', 'walarr-iji', kuku '-ji' baja nyulu kambi yindu-yindu manil.

kaja '-ji' jawun-ka nyungu-ka, wulbuman-angka kuku-jina dandi karrba-ny: yamba-bu mani-l '-ji', bama-bu kaya-bu mani-l '-nji', bada-ba 'rr'-muny nyulu '-iji', 'walarr-iji', kuku '-ji' baja nyulu kambi yindu-yindu mani-l | tie! -ji company-DAT its-DAT, old.woman grammar hard held: thing-ERG takes -ji, person-ERG dog-ERG takes -nji, end-LOC rr-after it -iji, walarr-iji, word -ji even it clothes different takes

COMIT allomorph meta-row (r.33 companion)


No moon tonight — go torch-with, or do not go at all.

Kija-kari wujurrba, dungay baya-juku-ji yambada kari dungay.

kija-kari wujurr-ba, dunga-y baya-juku-ji yambada kari dunga-y | moon-PRIV night-LOC, go! firestick-COMIT or NEG go


He eats at our fire, works our work, laughs our laughter — he is camp-with now, wherever he was born.

Nyulu nukal bayanga nganamuny, murnil murni nganamuny, yajarr-mal yajarr-ji nganamuny, nyulu bayan-ji nyiku, wanjamuny nyulu wandin baja.

nyulu nuka-l baya-nga ngana-muny, murni-l murni ngana-muny, yajarr-ma-l yajarr-ji ngana-muny, nyulu bayan-ji nyiku, wanja-muny nyulu wandi-ny baja | he eats fire-LOC our, works work our, laughs laughter-COMIT our, he camp-COMIT now, where-from he rose whatever


What makes a good trade? — Both walk away thing-with and anger-without.

Wanyu daji-way yukil murnil? Jambul dungay yamba-ji kuli-kari.

wanyu daji-way yukil murni-l? jambul dunga-y yamba-ji kuli-kari | what trade good makes? two walk thing-COMIT anger-PRIV


The two sisters divided the work of the camp without one loud word: you the fire, I the water, we two the child — and their mother heard it from the shade and laughed: my old teaching is walking around on new legs.

Babarr-jinkurr jambul bayan-murni wambajin kuku-yalbay-kari: yundu baya, ngayu bana, ngali karrkay, ngamubu milka-janan wabarrmuny, yajarr-man: milbil ngayku mukul jilbal jandalba jirakalba.

babarr-jinkurr jambul bayan-murni wambaji-ny kuku-yalbay-kari: yundu baya, ngayu bana, ngali karrkay, ngamu-bu milka-jana-ny wabarr-muny, yajarr-ma-ny: milbil ngayku mukul jilba-l jandal-ba jirakal-ba | sister-pair two camp-work shared loud.word-PRIV: you fire, I water, we.two child, mother-ERG heard shade-from, laughed(INCHO): teaching my old walks leg-LOC new-LOC


Careful — that one is words-with but work-without.

Miyil-ji! Bama yinya kuku-ji yambada murni-kari.

miyil-ji! bama yinya kuku-ji yambada murni-kari | eye-COMIT(careful)! person that word-COMIT but work-PRIV


Come water-with tomorrow; the walk is long and the shade is small.

Kaday bana-ji wunkuny, jilba kalbay, wabarr buban.

kada-y bana-ji wunkuny, jilba kalbay, wabarr buban | come! water-COMIT tomorrow, walk long, shade little


Old man, were you ever fear-with? — Every so-called fearless man is fear-with; he is only also feet-with.

Mukul dingkar, yundu yinil-ji ngadiku? Bama 'yinil-kari' nyubun-nyubun nyulu yinil-ji, nyulu jina-ji baja nganga.

mukul dingkar, yundu yinil-ji ngadiku? bama 'yinil-kari' nyubun-nyubun nyulu yinil-ji, nyulu jina-ji baja nganga | old man, you fear-COMIT before? person fearless(so-called) every he fear-COMIT, he foot-COMIT also only


The country itself speaks in withs, the old man swept his arm across it: flower-with means honey soon, cloud-with means look at the shelters, smoke-with means people, track-with means dinner — so a reader of withs is never startled twice.

Bubu nyulu-nyulu balkal '-ji'-bu, mukulungku dingkarangka wakuy milbin: nganka-ji balkal wunba ngundu, ngurrban-ji balkal bayan nyaji, kubu-ji balkal bama, jina-ji balkal mayi, yalada bama '-ji' nyajilmuny nyulu kariku yinil-mal jambulku.

bubu nyulu-nyulu balka-l '-ji'-bu, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wakuy milbi-ny: nganka-ji balka-l wunba ngundu, ngurrban-ji balka-l bayan nyaji, kubu-ji balka-l bama, jina-ji balka-l mayi, yala-da bama '-ji' nyaji-l-muny nyulu kariku yinil-ma-l jambul-ku | country itself speaks -ji-INST, old man arm showed: flower-COMIT says honey close.by, cloud-COMIT says shelter look!, smoke-COMIT says people, track-COMIT says food, so person -ji reading-of he never startled(INCHO) twice


Leave the anger outside — this is a food-with, story-with fire.

Kuli bawa ngalkalba, baya yanya mayi-ji kuku-jangkar-ji.

kuli bawa ngalkal-ba, baya yanya mayi-ji kuku-jangkar-ji | anger leave! outside-LOC, fire this food-COMIT story-COMIT


The road is stone-with up high and water-with down low; walk between the two.

Baral kulji-ji wangkara bana-ji badaba, jilba jambulba.

baral kulji-ji wangkar-a bana-ji bada-ba, jilba jambul-ba | road stone-COMIT high-LOC water-COMIT low-LOC, walk! two-LOC(between)

terrain reading; wangkar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


Which little word would you keep, if you could keep only one? the girls teased, and the old woman said: the ji — because everything I love, I love with.

Wanjaku kuku buban yundu karrbal, kaki nyubun nganga? jalbu-bubanangka yajarr-ji babajin, wulbumanangka balkan: '-ji', yamba wubulku ngayu wawu-manil, ngayu wawu-manil '-ji'-bu.

wanjaku kuku buban yundu karrba-l, kaki nyubun nganga? jalbu-buban-angka yajarr-ji babaji-ny, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: '-ji', yamba wubul-ku ngayu wawu-ma-ni-l, ngayu wawu-ma-ni-l '-ji'-bu | which word little you keep, if one only? girls-ERG tease-COMIT asked, old.woman said: -ji, thing all I love, I love with-INST


We are born people-with and we leave story-with, and everything between is the slow trade of the one for the other.

Ngana wandil bama-nji, ngana dungay kuku-jangkar-ji, yamba wubulku jambulba nyulu daji-way buban-buban nyubunmuny yindunka.

ngana wandi-l bama-nji, ngana dunga-y kuku-jangkar-ji, yamba wubul-ku jambul-ba nyulu daji-way buban-buban nyubun-muny yindu-nka | we rise people-COMIT, we go story-COMIT, thing all two-LOC(between) it trade slow one-from other-DAT


Bring the axe — this log is too hard for the knife.

Warrbi mana, juku yanya dandi bajaku naybuku.

warrbi mana, juku yanya dandi bajaku naybu-ku | axe get!, log this hard too knife-DAT


Work the spear smooth tonight; we leave under the morning star.

Kalka murni wujurrba, ngana dungay kurrubijal badabada.

kalka murni wujurr-ba, ngana dunga-y kurrubijal badabada | spear work! night-LOC, we go morning.star beneath


Every spear has its own work, the old man opened the bundle: kalka for the fish, dikarra for war, yinba for the small water, yirrmba the many-toothed for the low tide — and the man who brings the wrong spear brings home a story instead of dinner.

Kalka nyubun-nyubun murni-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, mukulungku dingkarangka yinya ngalkal-bungan: kalka kuyunka, dikarra kuniwaynka, yinba bana-bubanka, yirrmba dirra-wubul-ji ngajalka, bama nyulu kalka mumbu wundil nyulu wundil bayanka kuku-jangkar, kari mayi.

kalka nyubun-nyubun murni-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yinya ngalkal-bunga-ny: kalka kuyu-nka, dikarra kuniway-nka, yinba bana-buban-ka, yirrmba dirra-wubul-ji ngajal-ka, bama nyulu kalka mumbu wundi-l nyulu wundi-l bayan-ka kuku-jangkar, kari mayi | spear each work-COMIT own-COMIT, old man that opened(CAUS): fishing.spear fish-DAT, war.spear war-DAT, fish.spear water-small-DAT, pronged.spear teeth-many-COMIT low.tide-DAT, man he spear wrong carries he carries home-DAT story, NEG dinner


My hook is gone again! — This river is hook-rich and fish-poor this year.

Badur ngayku wulan baja! Wawubaja badur-ji wubul-ji kuyu-kari nyiku.

badur ngayku wula-ny baja! wawubaja badur-ji wubul-ji kuyu-kari nyiku | hook my died(lost) again! river hook-COMIT many-COMIT fish-PRIV this.year


Hold the shield higher, little one — its work is to look after the head.

Kunjuri karrba wangkarku, bubanku, murni nyungu dukul kujinka.

kunjuri karrba wangkar-ku, buban-ku, murni nyungu dukul kuji-nka | shield hold! high-DAT, little.one-DAT, work its head look.after-PURP


The woomera is the arm's second arm, the old man showed the throw: short wood, and the hand becomes long — the spear leaves the hand twice, and the second leaving is the one that feeds you.

Balur nyulu wakuy jambulku wakuymuny, mukulungku dingkarangka mumal milbin: juku buban, mara kalbay-mal, kalka dungay maramuny jambulku, dungay jambulkubu nyulu yununy mayi-dayal.

balur nyulu wakuy jambul-ku wakuy-muny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka muma-l milbi-ny: juku buban, mara kalbay-ma-l, kalka dunga-y mara-muny jambul-ku, dunga-y jambul-ku-bu nyulu yununy mayi-daya-l | woomera it arm second-DAT arm-of, old man spear.throw showed: wood short, hand long-becomes, spear leaves hand-from twice, leaving second-ERG it you feeds


Who took my knife? Speak now, or carry water for a week.

Wanyabu naybu ngayku manin? Balka nyiku, yambada bana wundi wungar wubulkunka.

wanya-bu naybu ngayku mani-ny? balka nyiku, yambada bana wundi wungar wubul-ku-nka | who-ERG knife my took? speak! now, or water carry! day many-DAT


Grandfather made a boomerang for the boy, and the boy threw it away and it came back, threw it away and it came back — and grandfather said: remember this wood; some given things return, the good ones.

Kamingka wangal bungan bubanka, bubanbu yilban nyulu kadan baja, yilban baja nyulu kadan baja, kamingka balkan: milka-binal juku yanya, yamba dayanmuny nyubun-nyubun kaday baja, yamba yukil.

kami-ngka wangal bunga-ny buban-ka, buban-bu yilba-ny nyulu kada-ny baja, yilba-ny baja nyulu kada-ny baja, kami-ngka balka-ny: milka-binal juku yanya, yamba daya-ny-muny nyubun-nyubun kada-y baja, yamba yukil | grandfather-ERG boomerang made boy-DAT, boy-ERG threw it came back, threw again it came back, grandfather-ERG said: remember! wood this, thing given some comes back, thing good


Which axe for the honey tree? — The small one; the big axe is for dead wood, the small axe for living doors.

Wanjaku warrbi juku wunbanka? Buban: warrbi yalbay jukunka wulanka, warrbi buban baral-ngandalka juranka.

wanjaku warrbi juku wunba-nka? buban: warrbi yalbay juku-nka wula-nka, warrbi buban baral-ngandal-ka jura-nka | which axe tree honey-DAT? small: axe big wood-DAT dead-DAT, axe small door-DAT living-DAT


Rope is patience you can hold, the old woman rolled the bark on her thigh: one strand is a wish, two strands twisted together are a firm word, and a net of firm words feeds the whole camp.

Karra nyulu wawu-karrba yundu karrbalmuny, wulbumanangka warrur murnin wabanga: karra nyubun nyulu wawu, karra jambul kajanmuny nyulu kuku-dandi, makarr kuku-dandi-muny nyulu bayan wubulku mayi-dayal.

karra nyulu wawu-karrba yundu karrba-l-muny, wulbuman-angka warrur murni-ny waba-nga: karra nyubun nyulu wawu, karra jambul kaja-ny-muny nyulu kuku-dandi, makarr kuku-dandi-muny nyulu bayan wubul-ku mayi-daya-l | rope it patience you hold-of, old.woman bark worked thigh-LOC: strand one it wish, strand two tied-of it word-firm, net firm.word-of it camp whole feeds


The canoe is taking water again; pull it up on the sand and let it dry.

Marrakan bana manil baja, kulba wangkarku jukara, bawa marral-malka.

marrakan bana mani-l baja, kulba wangkar-ku jukar-a, bawa marral-ma-nka | canoe water takes again, pull! up-DAT sand-LOC, leave! dry-become-PURP


nyanda yinya-ba, wanja juku ngalkal-ma-l | chop! there-LOC, where wood open-becomes


Why two ropes on one canoe? — Because the sea has two moods.

Wanyurrinku karra jambul marrakanba nyubunba? Jalun nyulu wawu jambul-ji.

wanyurrinku karra jambul marrakan-ba nyubun-ba? jalun nyulu wawu jambul-ji | why rope two canoe-LOC one-LOC? sea it mood two-COMIT


A tool unshared grows dull twice, the old man passed the axe along the line: once at the edge, once at the heart — the blade gets good on work, and the maker gets good on thanks.

Yamba-murni wambajin-kari mumbu-mal jambulku, mukulungku dingkarangka warrbi dayan baralburr: nyubun dirraba, nyubun wawuba, dirra yukil-mal murnibu, bunga-bama yukil-mal yulmbarrilbu.

yamba-murni wambaji-ny-kari mumbu-ma-l jambul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka warrbi daya-ny baral-burr: nyubun dirra-ba, nyubun wawu-ba, dirra yukil-ma-l murni-bu, bunga-bama yukil-ma-l yulmbarri-l-bu | tool shared-less bad-becomes twice, old man axe gave line-PERL: once edge-LOC, once heart-LOC, edge good-becomes work-INST, maker good-becomes thanks-INST


Careful with the pronged spear — its teeth bite the careless hand first of all.

Miyil-ji yirrmba-ji, dirrabu mara miyil-kari bakal ngadiku-ngurr.

miyil-ji yirrmba-ji, dirra-bu mara miyil-kari baka-l ngadiku-ngurr | careful pronged.spear-COMIT, teeth-ERG hand eye-PRIV bites first-TEMP3


The first spear the boy made flew like a frightened chook, and the camp laughed for two days, and the second one ran the right road — shame is a fast teacher with a soft hand.

Kalka ngadiku bubanbu bunganmuny warrin yala juki yinil-ji, bayan yajarr-man wungar jambulku, jambulkubu warrin baralba yukilba, milka-murruji nyulu milbil-bama warri mara kima-ji.

kalka ngadiku buban-bu bunga-ny-muny warri-ny yala juki yinil-ji, bayan yajarr-ma-ny wungar jambul-ku, jambul-ku-bu warri-ny baral-ba yukil-ba, milka-murruji nyulu milbil-bama warri mara kima-ji | spear first boy-ERG made-of flew like chook fear-COMIT, camp laughed day two-DAT, second-ERG ran road-LOC right-LOC, being.ashamed it teacher fast hand soft-COMIT


Give me your woomera for a day; mine cracked at the spear-fight.

Balur yundumuny daya wungar nyubunku, ngaykumuny dumbarrin damawayba.

balur yundu-muny daya wungar nyubun-ku, ngayku-muny dumbarri-ny damaway-ba | woomera your give! day one-DAT, mine cracked spear.fight-LOC


What makes a good club? — The hand that will hold it; shape it against that hand.

Wanyu mirru yukil bungal? Mara karrbalmuny: bunga maranka yinyanka.

wanyu mirru yukil bunga-l? mara karrba-l-muny: bunga mara-nka yinya-nka | what club good makes? hand hold-of: shape! hand-DAT that-DAT


The children are making little canoes from bark and racing them down the creek.

Karrkay-karrkaybu marrakan buban bungal warrurmuny, jana warri-bungal wawubajaburr.

karrkay-karrkay-bu marrakan buban bunga-l warrur-muny, jana warri-bunga-l wawubaja-burr | children-ERG canoe little make bark-from, they race(run-CAUS) creek-PERL


Name the whole spear, the old man quizzed the boys: biyul the head, jinil the barb, wulburr the shaft, the binding string — for the hunter who knows the parts can mend in the dark.

Kunja kalka wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka buban-buban babajin: biyul dukul, jinil dirra, wulburr bangkarr, karra kajanmuny, balbi-bama nyulu yamba-daji binal nyulu murnil wujurrba.

kunja kalka wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban-buban babaji-ny: biyul dukul, jinil dirra, wulburr bangkarr, karra kaja-ny-muny, balbi-bama nyulu yamba-daji binal nyulu murni-l wujurr-ba | name! spear whole, old man boys quizzed: spear.head head, barb tooth, shaft body, string tied-of, hunter he part knows he works dark-LOC


nyurrba diburr ngayu baya murni-nya | grind! seed I fire fix-SUB


That knife-spear stays in the shelter until your arms grow into it.

Yingkan janay bayanba yundu wakuy yalbay-manyjiku.

yingkan jana-y bayan-ba yundu wakuy yalbay-ma-nyjiku | knife.spear stands shelter-LOC you arm big-become-SUCC


The old woman's digging wood was worn to half itself, and she refused every new one: this one knows where the yams hide, she said — and the young ones suspected the knowledge lived in her, not in the wood, and both spoke true.

Juku bakalmuny wulbumanmuny buban-man murnimuny, nyulu kariku manin jirakal: yanya binal wanja juwal ngakijil, nyulu balkan, warrubu milkabu baykan binal nyulu bamanga janay, kari jukungu, jambul balkan yukil.

juku baka-l-muny wulbuman-muny buban-ma-ny murni-muny, nyulu kariku mani-ny jirakal: yanya binal wanja juwal ngakiji-l, nyulu balka-ny, warru-bu milkabu bayka-ny binal nyulu bama-nga jana-y, kari juku-ngu, jambul balka-ny yukil | wood digging-of old.woman-of small-became work-from, she never took new: this knows where yam hides, she said, young-ERG thought knowledge it person-LOC stands, NEG wood-LOC, both spoke true

tool-as-memory; juku-ngu u-LOC (scan catch)


Hook or spear for this water? — Hook; the fish here have already seen too many shadows.

Badur yambada kalka bananka yanyanka? Badur: kuyubu wabarr wubulku nyajin ngadiku.

badur yambada kalka bana-nka yanya-nka? badur: kuyu-bu wabarr wubul-ku nyaji-ny ngadiku | hook or spear water-DAT this-DAT? hook: fish-ERG shadow many seen already


A borrowed tool comes home clean, or the road between the camps grows long.

Yamba-murni maninmuny kaday baja julurrinmuny, yambada baral bayan-jambulmuny kalbay-mal.

yamba-murni mani-ny-muny kada-y baja julurri-ny-muny, yambada baral bayan-jambul-muny kalbay-ma-l | tool taken-of comes back washed-of, or road camp-two-of long-becomes


This bag carries more than it looks — grandmother tied hidden knowledge into it.

Balji yanya wundil wubul-baja nyajilmuny, babingka binal ngakijinmuny kajan yinyaka.

balji yanya wundi-l wubul-baja nyaji-l-muny, babi-ngka binal ngakiji-ny-muny kaja-ny yinya-ka | bag this carries more-DEG2 looking-of, grandmother-ERG knowledge hidden-of tied that-DAT


Don't leave the axe in the rain; the wood swells and the edge goes bad.

Kari warrbi bawa kabanga: juku yalbay-mal, dirra mumbu-mal.

kari warrbi bawa kaba-nga: juku yalbay-ma-l, dirra mumbu-ma-l | NEG axe leave! rain-LOC: wood big-becomes, edge bad-becomes


Whose spear is this at my door? — Mine, uncle; I came to ask for your help.

Wanyamuny kalka yanya baral-ngandalba ngaykumunyba? Ngaykumuny, kalnga: ngayu kadan, mara-daji babajinka.

wanya-muny kalka yanya baral-ngandal-ba ngayku-muny-ba? ngayku-muny, kalnga: ngayu kada-ny, mara-daji babaji-nka | whose spear this door-LOC my-LOC? mine, uncle: I came, help ask-PURP


Two more strands and this net is finished; then we eat.

Karra jambul baja, makarr yanya kunbay-mal, yalada ngana nukal.

karra jambul baja, makarr yanya kunba-y-ma-l, yala-da ngana nuka-l | strand two more, net this finished-becomes, then we eat


The maker owns the making, not the made, the old man let the boomerang go: your hands keep the knowing, the thing walks its own road — make well and let go easily; that is the maker's whole law.

Bunga-bamabu karrbal bungal, kari yamba bunganmuny, mukulungku dingkarangka wangal dayan kala-kalbay: marabu yundumuny binal karrbal, yambabu baral nyungu-nyungu jilbal, bunga yukilbu, daya kimabu, yinya kuku wubulku bunga-bamamuny.

bunga-bama-bu karrba-l bunga-l, kari yamba bunga-ny-muny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wangal daya-ny kala-kalbay: mara-bu yundu-muny binal karrba-l, yamba-bu baral nyungu-nyungu jilba-l, bunga yukil-bu, daya kima-bu, yinya kuku wubul-ku bunga-bama-muny | maker-ERG holds making, NEG thing made-of, old man boomerang gave far.away: hand-ERG your knowledge holds, thing-ERG road own walks, make! well-INST, give! soft-INST, that law whole maker-of


The hook is small but the fish is big — hold on!

Badur buban yambada kuyu yalbay, karrba dandi!

badur buban yambada kuyu yalbay, karrba dandi! | hook small but fish big, hold! fast


The war spears slept a whole generation in the shelter roof, and the old man took them down only once — to show the boys how heavy they were, and how happy he was that his arms had forgotten the weight.

Dikarra wunan bayan-dukulba wawu wubulku, mukulungku dingkarangka jana manin badaku nyubunbu nganga: buban-buban milbinka jana wanjarrinya dandi, nyulu wawu-mini bajaku wakuybu nyungubu dandi milka-wulanya.

dikarra wuna-ny bayan-dukul-ba wawu wubul-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana mani-ny bada-ku nyubun-bu nganga: buban-buban milbi-nka jana wanjarrinya dandi, nyulu wawu-mini bajaku wakuy-bu nyungu-bu dandi milka-wula-nya | war.spear slept shelter-head-LOC life whole, old man them took down once only: boys show-PURP they how.heavy, he glad very arm-ERG his-ERG weight forget-SUB

peace-generation row; wanjarrinya how-heavy


Test the edge with a leaf, not with your finger.

dirra nyaji birra-bu, kari birri-bu | edge test(see!) leaf-INST, NEG finger-INST


How many teeth on the pronged spear? — Four, like the fingers of a closed hand.

Wanjarrinya dirra yirrmbanga? Jambul-jambul, yala birri maramuny nandajinmuny.

wanjarrinya dirra yirrmba-nga? jambul-jambul, yala birri mara-muny nanda-ji-ny-muny | how.many teeth pronged.spear-LOC? four, like finger hand-of closed-of


This wood splits clean; that one fights back — listen to the first blow, then choose.

Juku yanya dumbarril yukilbu, yinya bakal muku: milka-janay jurrnga ngadiku, yalada mana.

juku yanya dumbarri-l yukil-bu, yinya baka-l muku: milka-jana-y jurrnga ngadiku, yala-da mana | wood this splits well-INST, that bites back: listen! blow first, then take!


A canoe is a promise between wood and water, the old woman spoke over the new hull: the wood promises to hold, the water promises to carry, the paddler promises to respect them both — and when one promise breaks, all three swim.

Marrakan nyulu kuku-dandi jukumuny bananka, wulbumanangka balkan marrakan jirakalba: jukubu kuku-dandi dayal karrbanka, banabu kuku-dandi dayal wundinka, bamabu kuku-dandi dayal jambul kujinka, kaki kuku-dandi nyubun dumbarril, kulur wubulku maraji.

marrakan nyulu kuku-dandi juku-muny bana-nka, wulbuman-angka balka-ny marrakan jirakal-ba: juku-bu kuku-dandi daya-l karrba-nka, bana-bu kuku-dandi daya-l wundi-nka, bama-bu kuku-dandi daya-l jambul kuji-nka, kaki kuku-dandi nyubun dumbarri-l, kulur wubul-ku maraji-y | canoe it firm.word wood-from water-DAT, old.woman spoke canoe new-LOC: wood-ERG promise gives hold-PURP, water-ERG promise gives carry-PURP, person-ERG promise gives both respect-PURP, if promise one breaks, three all swim


Put the tools back where the hands expect them — the night has no eyes.

Yamba-murni yijarri baja wanja mara binal, wujurr miyil-kari.

yamba-murni yijarri baja wanja mara binal, wujurr miyil-kari | tools put! back where hand knows, night eye-PRIV


What did you make today? — A digging stick for mother, and a smaller one for my little sister, so she leaves mother's one alone.

Wanyu yundu bungan nyiku? Juku bakalmuny ngamunka, buban-baja jinkurrku ngaykumunyku, nyulu ngamumuny bawanka.

wanyu yundu bunga-ny nyiku? juku baka-l-muny ngamu-nka, buban-baja jinkurr-ku ngayku-muny-ku, nyulu ngamu-muny bawa-nka | what you made today? wood digging-of mother-DAT, smaller-DEG2 sister-DAT my-DAT, she mother's leave-PURP


The rope has grown thin where it holds the branch — bind it with new bark today, not tomorrow.

Karra bala-man wanja nyulu dakil karrbal: kaja warrur jirakalbu nyiku, kari wunkuny.

karra bala-ma-ny wanja nyulu dakil karrba-l: kaja warrur jirakal-bu nyiku, kari wunkuny | rope thin-became where it branch holds: bind! bark new-INST today, NEG tomorrow

preventive maintenance; bala thin (moon-word reused)


Learn the lazy road last, the old man surprised them: first do it the long way many times, until the tool trusts you — then the short roads introduce themselves, and only then are they short roads and not waiting pain.

Binal-ma baral warri badaku, mukulungku dingkarangka jana yinil-man: murni-ngurr baral kalbaybu wubulkubu, yamba-murni yununka dandi-manyjiku, yalada baral buban nyulu-nyulu milbil, yalada nganga jana baral buban yukil, kari kaka janaynya.

binal-ma baral warri bada-ku, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana yinil-ma-ny: murni-ngurr baral kalbay-bu wubul-ku-bu, yamba-murni yunu-nka dandi-ma-nyjiku, yala-da baral buban nyulu-nyulu milbi-l, yala-da nganga jana baral buban yukil, kari kaka jana-y-nya | learn! road fast last-DAT, old man them surprised: work-FIRST road long-INST many-INST, tool you-DAT firm-become-SUCC, then road short itself shows, then only they road short good, NEG pain wait-SUB


Whose turn to carry the axe? It bites the back after the third climb.

Wanyamuny jinanji warrbi wundinka? Nyulu muku bakal dakal kulurmuny.

wanya-muny jina-nji warrbi wundi-nka? nyulu muku baka-l daka-l kulur-muny | whose turn-COMIT axe carry-PURP? it back bites climb three-after


The flood took the good canoe and left the leaky one, and the old man laughed at the river: you have taste! — and he built a better one out of the lesson.

Jalungkarrbu marrakan yukil manin, bawan mumbunmuny, mukulungku dingkarangka wawubajanka yajarr-man: yundu nganja-ji! — nyulu bungan yukil-baja binalmuny.

jalungkarr-bu marrakan yukil mani-ny, bawa-ny mumbu-ny-muny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wawubaja-nka yajarr-ma-ny: yundu nganja-ji! — nyulu bunga-ny yukil-baja binal-muny | flood-ERG canoe good took, left bad-of, old man river-DAT laughed: you taste-COMIT! — he built better-DEG2 lesson-from


Little hands make bad spears, and bad spears make good hands — let him work the wood.

Mara bubanbu kalka mumbu bungal, kalka mumbubu mara yukil bungal, bawa nyulu murninka.

mara buban-bu kalka mumbu bunga-l, kalka mumbu-bu mara yukil bunga-l, bawa nyulu murni-nka | hand little-ERG spear bad makes, spear bad-ERG hand good makes, leave! him work-PURP


Why does the woomera stay when the spears go? — Because the thrower comes home; the thrown does its work out there.

Wanyurrinku balur janay kalka dunganya? Yilbal-bama kaday baja: yilbanmuny murni nyungu murnil kala-kalbay.

wanyurrinku balur jana-y kalka dunga-nya? yilba-l-bama kada-y baja: yilba-ny-muny murni nyungu murni-l kala-kalbay | why woomera stays spear go-SUB? thrower comes back: thrown-of work its does far.away


Wet-weather work: mend the nets, roll string, tell the tool stories.

Murni kabamuny: makarr murni, karra waba, kuku-jangkar yamba-murnimuny balka.

murni kaba-muny: makarr murni, karra waba, kuku-jangkar yamba-murni-muny balka | work rain-of: net mend!, string roll!, story tool-of tell!


Every tool is a quiet teacher, the old woman handed down her grandmother's grinding stone: the hollow is her hand's memory, the smoothness is her patience, and when you work with it you are holding hands across four lifetimes.

Yamba-murni nyubun-nyubun milbil-bama wunbu, wulbumanangka kulji nyurrbalmuny babimuny dayan: dimbirr nyulu milka-binal maramuny nyungu, kima nyulu wawu-karrba nyungu, kaki yundu murnil yinyabu yundu mara karrbal wawu jambul-jambulburr.

yamba-murni nyubun-nyubun milbil-bama wunbu, wulbuman-angka kulji nyurrba-l-muny babi-muny daya-ny: dimbirr nyulu milka-binal mara-muny nyungu, kima nyulu wawu-karrba nyungu, kaki yundu murni-l yinya-bu yundu mara karrba-l wawu jambul-jambul-burr | tool every teacher quiet, old.woman stone grinding-of grandmother-of gave: hollow it memory hand-of her, smoothness it patience her, when you work that-INST you hand hold life four-PERL


Count the hooks before we leave the water — the river keeps what we forget.

Badur kunja bana bawanka ngadiku: wawubajabu karrbal yamba ngana milka-wulalmuny.

badur kunja bana bawa-nka ngadiku: wawubaja-bu karrba-l yamba ngana milka-wula-l-muny | hook count! water leave-PURP before: river-ERG keeps thing we forget-of


Can I use the big axe now? — When you can carry it all day and still laugh at sunset.

Ngayu warrbi yalbay manil nyiku? Kaki yundu wundil wungar wubulku, yajarr-mal baja wungar-daraymba.

ngayu warrbi yalbay mani-l nyiku? kaki yundu wundi-l wungar wubul-ku, yajarr-ma-l baja wungar-daray-mba | I axe big take now? when you carry day whole, laugh(INCHO) still sunset-LOC


The shield wears its spear-marks like a proud face — do not scrape them away.

Kunjuri muji-ji yala walu junkurr-ji, kari jana yurrika.

kunjuri muji-ji yala walu junkurr-ji, kari jana yurri-ka | shield spear.mark-COMIT like face strong-COMIT, NEG them scrape!

muji spear-marks FIRST USE; scars-as-honour


We shape the tools, and then the tools shape the hands, and the hands shape the children watching — so carve kindly.

Ngana yamba-murni bungal, yalada yamba-murnibu mara bungal, marabu karrkay nyajilmuny bungal, yalada bunga kimabu.

ngana yamba-murni bunga-l, yala-da yamba-murni-bu mara bunga-l, mara-bu karrkay nyaji-l-muny bunga-l, yala-da bunga kima-bu | we tools shape, then tool-ERG hand shapes, hand-ERG child watching-of shapes, so shape! soft-INST


You two go ahead; we two will follow with the bags.

Yubal dungay ngadiku-ngurr, ngali wukurril balji-ji.

yubal dunga-y ngadiku-ngurr, ngali wukurri-l balji-ji | you.two go first-TEMP3, we.two follow bag-COMIT


Those two found the honey, so those two share it out — the finding hand, the sharing law.

Bula wunba manin, yalada bula wambajil: mara maninmuny, kuku wambajinmuny.

bula wunba mani-ny, yala-da bula wambaji-l: mara mani-ny-muny, kuku wambaji-ny-muny | they.two honey found, so they.two share.out: hand finding-of, law sharing-of


Kuku Yalanji has two we-twos, the old man taught the visitor: ngali is me-and-him — you stand outside it — and ngaliny is me-and-you, nobody outside; so listen for the little ny: it tells you whether you are inside the word or outside it.

Kuku Yalanjibu 'ngali' jambul karrbal, mukulungku dingkarangka ngarrbal milbin: 'ngali' nyulu ngayu-nyulu, yundu ngalkalba janay, 'ngaliny' nyulu ngayu-yundu, bama-kari ngalkalba, yalada milka-janay 'ny'-ka bubanka: nyulubu balkal yundu kuku dukurrba yambada ngalkalba.

kuku Yalanji-bu 'ngali' jambul karrba-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka ngarrbal milbi-ny: 'ngali' nyulu ngayu-nyulu, yundu ngalkal-ba jana-y, 'ngaliny' nyulu ngayu-yundu, bama-kari ngalkal-ba, yala-da milka-jana-y 'ny'-ka buban-ka: nyulu-bu balka-l yundu kuku dukurr-ba yambada ngalkal-ba | language-ERG ngali two holds, old man visitor taught: ngali it me-and-him, you outside stand, ngaliny it me-and-you, nobody outside, so listen! ny-DAT little-DAT: it-ERG says you word inside-LOC or outside-LOC

inclusive/exclusive 1du meta-row — ngaliny FIRST USE (2581)


We — not you — will take the canoe; you all wait at the crossing.

Nganjin marrakan manil, yurra janay bana-baralba.

nganjin marrakan mani-l, yurra jana-y bana-baral-ba | we.PL.EXC canoe take, you.all wait crossing-LOC

1pl.EXC nganjin + 2pl yurra FIRST USES (2582, 4416)


Is this yours or mine? — Ours, little one; that word ends most fights.

Yanya yunumuny yambada ngaykumuny? Nganamuny, bubanku: kukubu yinyabu kuniway wubulku kunbay-manil.

yanya yunu-muny yambada ngayku-muny? ngana-muny, buban-ku: kuku-bu yinya-bu kuniway wubul-ku kunba-y-mani-l | this yours or mine? ours(INC), little.one-DAT: word-ERG that-ERG fight many finishes


Daya bulanka, bula babajin ngadiku-ngurr.

daya bula-nka, bula babaji-ny ngadiku-ngurr | give! they.two-DAT, they.two asked first-TEMP3


The old woman watched the two sisters and said to them both: what you two build, you two must also mend.

Wulbumanangka babarr-jinkurr nyajin, balkan bulanka: wanyu yubal bungal, yubal murnil baja.

wulbuman-angka babarr-jinkurr nyaji-ny, balka-ny bula-nka: wanyu yubal bunga-l, yubal murni-l baja | old.woman sister-pair watched, said they.two-DAT: what you.two build, you.two mend also


Come with us! — With you-all I would go anywhere; with the grumbler, not even to the near tree.

Kaday ngananji! Yurranji ngayu dungay wanjaka baja, bamanji kuli-ji kariku jukuku ngunduku.

kada-y ngana-nji! yurra-nji ngayu dunga-y wanja-ka baja, bama-nji kuli-ji kariku juku-ku ngundu-ku | come! us-COMIT! you.all-COMIT I go where-DAT even, person anger-COMIT-COMIT:pt never tree-DAT near-DAT

pronoun COMIT cells (2582) — corrects 054's over-caution; du/pl pronoun COMIT IS attested


Whose footprints are these? — Theirs; ours turn off at the big tree.

Wanyamuny jina yanya? Janamuny: nganamuny murnil jukuba yalbayba.

wanya-muny jina yanya? jana-muny: ngana-muny murni-l juku-ba yalbay-ba | whose track this? theirs: ours turns tree-LOC big-LOC


He hurt himself with his own knife — the careless one's nearest fight is himself.

Nyulu nyulu-nyulu baykan naybubu nyungu-nyungubu: bama miyil-karimuny kuniway ngundu bajaku nyulu-nyulu.

nyulu nyulu-nyulu bayka-ny naybu-bu nyungu-nyungu-bu: bama miyil-kari-muny kuniway ngundu bajaku nyulu-nyulu | he himself hurt knife-INST own-INST: person careless-of fight near most himself


You two and those two carry the net; the rest of us sing the hauling song.

Yubal bulanji makarr wundil, ngana bawanmuny wulngku badil kulbanka.

yubal bula-nji makarr wundi-l, ngana bawa-ny-muny wulngku badi-l kulba-nka | you.two they.two-COMIT net carry, we left-of song sing haul-PURP


My name is my mother's gift; your name is your grandfather's road — carry them clean.

Burri ngayku daji ngamumuny, burri yunu baral kamimuny: wundi jana yukilbu.

burri ngayku daji ngamu-muny, burri yunu baral kami-muny: wundi jana yukil-bu | name my gift mother-of, name your road grandfather-of: carry! them clean(good)-INST

burri 'name' in service same cycle as its vindication


Who is coming to the fire tonight? — All of you, both of them, and me: the whole word-family.

Wanya kaday bayaka wujurrba? Yurra wubulku, bula jambul, ngayu baja: jawun-karra kukumuny wubulku.

wanya kada-y baya-ka wujurr-ba? yurra wubul-ku, bula jambul, ngayu baja: jawun-karra kuku-muny wubul-ku | who comes fire-DAT night-LOC? you.all, they.two both, me too: family word-of whole


She keeps her own counsel: her fire, her words, and her silence too — she guards what is her own.

Nyulubu kuku nyungu-nyungu karrbal: baya nyungu, kuku nyungu, wunbu nyungu baja, nyungu-nyungu kuji.

nyulu-bu kuku nyungu-nyungu karrba-l: baya nyungu, kuku nyungu, wunbu nyungu baja, nyungu-nyungu kuji | she-ERG counsel own holds: fire her, words her, silence her too, edge self-of look.after!


We — you included — dug this waterhole, so we — you included — own its care.

Ngana bana-dimbirr yanya bakan, yalada ngana kujil baja.

ngana bana-dimbirr yanya baka-ny, yala-da ngana kuji-l baja | we.INC waterhole this dug, so we.INC look.after also


I saw you two at the low tide — both bags full!

Ngayu yubaliny nyajin ngajalba, balji jambul jakal-ji!

ngayu yubaliny nyaji-ny ngajal-ba, balji jambul jakal-ji | I you.two.ACC saw low.tide-LOC, bag two full-COMIT


They named the baby for the grandmother, so now two people answer when one name is called out.

Jana ngawanka burri dayan babimuny, yalada nyiku bama jambul balkal baja burri nyubun yirrkanya.

jana ngawa-nka burri daya-ny babi-muny, yala-da nyiku bama jambul balka-l baja burri nyubun yirrka-nya | they baby-DAT name gave grandmother-of, so now person two answer both name one call-SUB


Talk to them, not about them — the ear grows where the word points.

Balka jananka, kari janamuny: milka yalbay-mal wanja kuku milbil.

balka jana-nka, kari jana-muny: milka yalbay-ma-l wanja kuku milbi-l | talk! them-DAT, NEG them-about: ear big-becomes where word points


Which of you two broke the spear? — We both did: he bent it, and I watched and said nothing.

Wanya yubalmuny kalka dumbarrin? Ngali jambul: nyulu murnin, ngayu nyajin kari balkan.

wanya yubal-muny kalka dumbarri-ny? ngali jambul: nyulu murni-ny, ngayu nyaji-ny kari balka-ny | who you.two-of spear broke? we.two both: he bent, I watched NEG spoke

shared-guilt confession; witness liability


Your country and my country drink from the same cloud — cousin-words, cousin-lands.

Bubu yunu bubu ngayku bana nukal ngurrbanmuny nyubunmuny: kuku-jawun, bubu-jawun.

bubu yunu bubu ngayku bana nuka-l ngurrban-muny nyubun-muny: kuku-jawun, bubu-jawun | country your country my water drinks cloud-from one-from: word-cousin, land-cousin


Those two old men argued for a whole lifetime about one fishing spot, and when one died the other stopped going there — the argument was the friendship.

Bula mukul balka-wan wawu wubulku bana-nyubunmuny, nyubun wulanya yindubu kariku dungan baja yinyaka: balka-way nyulu jawun jambulmuny.

bula mukul balka-wa-ny wawu wubul-ku bana-nyubun-muny, nyubun wula-nya yindu-bu kariku dunga-ny baja yinya-ka: balka-way nyulu jawun jambul-muny | they.two old argued(RECIP) life whole water-one-about, one die-SUB other-ERG never went back there-DAT: arguing it friendship two-of

3du lifetime row; RECIP; argument-as-bond


Count the people before the crossing and after it — the river takes the uncounted first of all.

Kunja jawun-karra bana-baral ngadiku badaku baja: wawubajabu bama kunjanmuny-kari manil ngadiku-ngurr.

kunja jawun-karra bana-baral ngadiku bada-ku baja: wawubaja-bu bama kunja-ny-muny-kari mani-l ngadiku-ngurr | count! family crossing before after-DAT too: river-ERG person counted-less takes first-TEMP3


I cannot speak for them; their tongue lives in their own mouths.

Ngayu kari balkal jananka: nyabil janamuny janay ngandalba.

ngayu kari balka-l jana-nka: nyabil jana-muny jana-y ngandal-ba | I NEG speak them-DAT(for): tongue their stands mouth-LOC


We two made peace at the crossing: he took the deep side, I took the small side, and the fish fed both our fires.

Ngali kaka-kari murnin bana-baralba: nyulu dukurr manin, ngayu buban, kuyubu baya jambul mayi-dayan.

ngali kaka-kari murni-ny bana-baral-ba: nyulu dukurr mani-ny, ngayu buban, kuyu-bu baya jambul mayi-daya-ny | we.two peace made crossing-LOC: he deep took, I small, fish-ERG fire two fed


Say we and the work halves; say you-all and it doubles — the old woman weighed the little words like food.

Balka 'ngana' murni jambul-daji-mal, balka 'yurra' murni jambul-mal, wulbumanangka kuku buban nyajin yala mayi.

balka 'ngana' murni jambul-daji-ma-l, balka 'yurra' murni jambul-ma-l, wulbuman-angka kuku buban nyaji-ny yala mayi | say! we work half-becomes, say! you.all work double-becomes, old.woman word little weighed like food


Sit close and tell me everything from the beginning.

Bunda ngundu, balka ngaykunka wubulku ngadikumuny.

bunda ngundu, balka ngayku-nka wubul-ku ngadiku-muny | sit! close.by, tell! me-DAT all beginning-from

seven words; sg DAT pronoun (ngayku-nka established)


This song belongs to those two only; we sing it while those two watch.

Wulngku yanya bulamuny nganga, ngana badil bula nyajinya.

wulngku yanya bula-muny nganga, ngana badi-l bula nyaji-nya | song this they.two-of only, we sing they.two watch-SUB

3du GEN via regular -muny; custodianship


Are you all coming to the meeting, or just you two?

Yurra wubulku kaday kuku-yalbayka, yambada yubal nganga?

yurra wubul-ku kada-y kuku-yalbay-ka, yambada yubal nganga? | you.all all come meeting-DAT, or you.two only?


Their fire, our fire — at flood time there is only the fire.

Baya janamuny, baya nganamuny: jalungkarrba baya nyubun nganga.

baya jana-muny, baya ngana-muny: jalungkarr-ba baya nyubun nganga | fire theirs, fire ours: flood-LOC fire one only

possession dissolves in crisis; eight words


The old man mapped the persons on his fingers for the child: I, you, that one; we-two-not-you, we-two-you-and-me, you two, those two; us-all-not-you, us-all-with-you, you all, them all — little doors, he said, and the language walks through the right one without looking.

Mukulungku dingkarangka bama-kuku birribu milbin karrkaynka: ngayu, yundu, nyulu; ngali, ngaliny, yubal, bula; nganjin, ngana, yurra, jana; baral-ngandal buban wubul, nyulu balkan, kukubu jilbal baral yukilburr nyaji-kari.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka bama-kuku birri-bu milbi-ny karrkay-nka: ngayu, yundu, nyulu; ngali, ngaliny, yubal, bula; nganjin, ngana, yurra, jana; baral-ngandal buban wubul, nyulu balka-ny, kuku-bu jilba-l baral yukil-burr nyaji-kari | old man person-words finger-INST showed child-DAT: I, you, that.one; we.two.EXC, we.two.INC, you.two, they.two; we.EXC, we.INC, you.all, they.all; doors little many, he said, language-ERG walks road right-PERL look-PRIV

the full 11-cell person roll-call (2581/2582)


Bring your spears and our two dogs — the big animals are in the yam ground again.

Kalka yurramuny mana, kaya ngalimuny baja: minya yalbay juwal-bubungu baja.

kalka yurra-muny mana, kaya ngali-muny baja: minya yalbay juwal-bubu-ngu baja | spear your.PL-of get!, dog our.two-of too: animal big yam-ground-LOC again

POSS 2pl/1du; u-LOC correct at authoring


He speaks about us as if we cannot hear — but the ears of the talked-about grow long.

Nyulu nganamuny balkal yala ngana milka-kari, yambada milka bamamuny balkanmuny kalbay-mal.

nyulu ngana-muny balka-l yala ngana milka-kari, yambada milka bama-muny balka-ny-muny kalbay-ma-l | he us-about speaks as we ear-PRIV, but ear person-of talked-of long-becomes


You two rest; the two of us will finish the shelter.

yubal kalka, ngali bayan kunba-y-mani-l | you.two rest!, we.two shelter finish


Ask those two for the story; it lives only with those two.

Babaji bulanka kuku-jangkarka: nyulu bulanda janay nganga.

babaji bula-nka kuku-jangkar-ka: nyulu bula-nda jana-y nganga | ask! they.two-DAT story-DAT: it they.two-LOC stands only

3du LOC cell (2581); story custodianship


We named her for the rain that ended the hungry year, and the name kept its promise: wherever she sits, things grow.

Ngana nyulu burri dayan kabamuny wungar dakwuy kunbay-maninmuny, burribu kuku-dandi karrban: wanja nyulu bundal, yamba yalbay-mal.

ngana nyulu burri daya-ny kaba-muny wungar dakwuy kunba-y-mani-ny-muny, burri-bu kuku-dandi karrba-ny: wanja nyulu bunda-l, yamba yalbay-ma-l | we her name gave rain-from year hungry ended-of, name-ERG promise kept: where she sits, thing big-becomes


Yours is yours and mine is mine, but the path between the camps belongs to the feet that keep it open.

Yunumuny yunumuny, ngaykumuny ngaykumuny, yambada baral bayan-jambulmuny jinamuny nyulu ngalkal karrbalmuny.

yunu-muny yunu-muny, ngayku-muny ngayku-muny, yambada baral bayan-jambul-muny jina-muny nyulu ngalkal karrba-l-muny | yours yours, mine mine, but path camp-two-of feet-of it open keeping-of


Watch those two at the corroboree — the old people live again in their legs for the length of one song.

Nyaji bula malkarriba: bama mukul juran-mal baja jandalba bulamunyba wulngku nyubun kalbayku.

nyaji bula malkarri-ba: bama mukul juran-ma-l baja jandal-ba bula-muny-ba wulngku nyubun kalbay-ku | watch! they.two corroboree-LOC: people old alive-become again leg-LOC their.two-LOC song one length-DAT


Who taught you all this song? — Our two grandmothers; we hold it for their sake and for yours.

Wanyabu yurraniny wulngku yanya milbin? Babi ngalimuny jambul: ngana karrbal jananka yurranka baja.

wanya-bu yurraniny wulngku yanya milbi-ny? babi ngali-muny jambul: ngana karrba-l jana-nka yurra-nka baja | who-ERG you.all.ACC song this taught? grandmother our.two two: we hold them-DAT you.all-DAT too


The dog knows all of us by smell and none of us by name — and loves us anyway, which is more than some relatives manage.

Kayabu ngananiny binal jilabu, burribu kari nyubun baja, nyulu ngananiny wawu-manil yabarrka: yinya wubul-baja jawun-karra nyubun-nyubunmuny.

kaya-bu ngananiny binal jila-bu, burri-bu kari nyubun baja, nyulu ngananiny wawu-ma-ni-l yabarrka: yinya wubul-baja jawun-karra nyubun-nyubun-muny | dog-ERG us.ACC knows smell-INST, name-INST NEG one even, he us.ACC loves always: that more-DEG2 relative some-from


Possession is a loan from the future, the old woman turned the word mine over like a stone: the tools outlive the hands, the country outlives the names — so say mine lightly, ours often, and whose? with a smile.

Karrbal nyulu daji wunkunymuny, wulbumanangka kuku 'ngaykumuny' murnin yala kulji: yamba-murni mara-muny kalbay-baja juran, bubu burri-muny kalbay-baja juran, yalada balka 'ngaykumuny' kimabu, 'nganamuny' wubulkubu, 'wanyamuny?' yajarr-ji.

karrba-l nyulu daji wunkuny-muny, wulbuman-angka kuku 'ngaykumuny' murni-ny yala kulji: yamba-murni mara-muny kalbay-baja juran, bubu burri-muny kalbay-baja juran, yala-da balka 'ngaykumuny' kima-bu, 'nganamuny' wubul-ku-bu, 'wanyamuny?' yajarr-ji | holding it loan tomorrow-from, old.woman word mine turned like stone: tool hand-from longer-DEG2 alive, country name-from longer-DEG2 alive, so say! mine soft-INST, ours often-INST, whose? smile-COMIT

possession philosophy; the mine/ours/whose gradient


Carry us two along with you-all, to where the river turns.

Wundi ngalininy yurranji, wanja wawubaja murnil yinyaka.

wundi ngalininy yurra-nji, wanja wawubaja murni-l yinya-ka | carry! us.two.ACC you.all-COMIT, where river turns there-DAT

1du ACC + 2pl COMIT cells in eight words


His mother and my mother are sisters, so we two fight like brothers and share like shadows.

Ngamu nyungu ngamu ngayku babarr-jinkurr, yalada ngali kuniway yala yaba-karra, wambajil yala wabarr.

ngamu nyungu ngamu ngayku babarr-jinkurr, yala-da ngali kuniway yala yaba-karra, wambaji-l yala wabarr | mother his mother my sister-pair, so we.two fight like brothers, share like shadow


All of you listen: the flood took the marker tree, so the old crossing is nobody's road now.

Yurra wubulku milka-janay: jalungkarrbu juku-milbil manin, yalada bana-baral mukul nyiku bama-karimuny baral.

yurra wubul-ku milka-jana-y: jalungkarr-bu juku-milbil mani-ny, yala-da bana-baral mukul nyiku bama-kari-muny baral | you.all all listen!: flood-ERG marker-tree took, so crossing old now person-PRIV-of road


You and I set these stones; when we two are gone they will keep saying we-two-you-and-me to the river.

Yundu ngayu kulji yanya yijarrin: ngaliny dunganya, kuljibu 'ngaliny' balkal yabarrka wawubajanka.

yundu ngayu kulji yanya yijarri-ny: ngaliny dunga-nya, kulji-bu 'ngaliny' balka-l yabarrka wawubaja-nka | you I stone these set: we.two.INC go-SUB, stone-ERG ngaliny says always river-DAT

INC 1du as epitaph; stones speak the pronoun


Don't speak for me at the meeting; carry my words in my order, or carry only my name.

Kari balkal ngaykunka kuku-yalbayba: kuku ngayku wundi jinanji ngaykumunyji, yambada burri ngayku nganga wundi.

kari balka-l ngayku-nka kuku-yalbay-ba: kuku ngayku wundi jina-nji ngayku-muny-ji, yambada burri ngayku nganga wundi | NEG speak me-DAT(for) meeting-LOC: words my carry! order-COMIT my-COMIT, or name my only carry!

representation ethics (053-heir of anti-ventriloquy)


The twins confuse everyone but their mother — she says even their footsteps have different names.

Ngawa-jambul bama wubulku milka-buyun-bungal, ngamu kari: nyulubu balkal jina bulamuny baja burri yindu-yindu-ji.

ngawa-jambul bama wubul-ku milka-buyun-bunga-l, ngamu kari: nyulu-bu balka-l jina bula-muny baja burri yindu-yindu-ji | baby-two people all ear-bad-CAUS(confuse), mother NEG: she-ERG says footstep their.two even name different-COMIT


Ours is the fire, yours is the water, theirs is the wind — said the three camps; and the country said: mine is all of you.

Nganamuny baya, yurramuny bana, janamuny muyar, bayan kulurbu balkan, bububu balkan: ngaykumuny yurra wubulku.

ngana-muny baya, yurra-muny bana, jana-muny muyar, bayan kulur-bu balka-ny, bubu-bu balka-ny: ngayku-muny yurra wubul-ku | ours fire, yours.PL water, theirs wind, camp three-ERG said, country-ERG said: mine you.all all

POSS roll-call capstone; country's reply


Wait for us two! Our legs are short but our reasons are long.

Janay ngalinka! Jandal ngalimuny buban yambada wawu ngalimuny kalbay.

jana-y ngali-nka! jandal ngali-muny buban yambada wawu ngali-muny kalbay | wait! us.two-DAT! leg our.two short but reason our.two long


Whose child is this, wandering wet at sunset? — Everyone's, until his own mother comes.

Wanyamuny karrkay yanya, jilbal yaru wungar-daraymba? Bama wubulkumuny, ngamu nyungu-nyungu kadanyjiku.

wanya-muny karrkay yanya, jilba-l yaru wungar-daray-mba? bama wubul-ku-muny, ngamu nyungu-nyungu kada-nyjiku | whose child this, walks wet sunset-LOC? person all-of, mother his-own come-SUCC


The language gives every group its own small door, and the one who chooses the right door says welcome without saying it.

Kukubu bama-karra nyubun-nyubunka baral-ngandal buban dayal nyungu-nyungu, bamabu ngandal yukil manilmuny 'yulmbarri' balkal balkal-kari.

kuku-bu bama-karra nyubun-nyubun-ka baral-ngandal buban daya-l nyungu-nyungu, bama-bu ngandal yukil mani-l-muny 'yulmbarri' balka-l balka-l-kari | language-ERG group every-DAT door little gives own, person-ERG door right choosing-of welcome says saying-PRIV


A mosquito sang at my ear all night — tonight I sleep in the smoke.

Kamubu badin milkaba ngayku wujurr wubulku: wujurrba yanyaba ngayu wunay kubungu.

kamu-bu badi-ny milka-ba ngayku wujurr wubul-ku: wujurr-ba yanya-ba ngayu wuna-y kubu-ngu | mosquito-ERG sang ear-LOC my night whole: night-LOC this-LOC I sleep smoke-LOC

kamu FIRST USE — corrects two prior 'unattested' claims


Which wallaby is that? — A darrba; the jumar is smaller and keeps to the deep timber.

Wanjaku minya yinya? Darrba: jumar buban-baja, nyulu janay juku dukurrba.

wanjaku minya yinya? darrba: jumar buban-baja, nyulu jana-y juku dukurr-ba | which animal that? darrba: jumar smaller-DEG2, it stays timber deep-LOC


The old man gave the boys the wallaby ladder: darrba of the open ground, jumar of the timber, kadar of the stone country — one English word, three lives, and the hunter who says only wallaby goes home with only wind.

Mukulungku dingkarangka buban-buban darrba-jina milbin: darrba bubu ngalkalmuny, jumar jukumuny, kadar bubu-kuljimuny: kuku waybala nyubun, wawu kulur, balbi-bama nyulu 'wallaby' nganga balkal nyulu bayanka muyar nganga wundil.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban-buban darrba-jina milbi-ny: darrba bubu ngalkal-muny, jumar juku-muny, kadar bubu-kulji-muny: kuku waybala nyubun, wawu kulur, balbi-bama nyulu 'wallaby' nganga balka-l nyulu bayan-ka muyar nganga wundi-l | old man boys wallaby-ladder taught: darrba ground open-of, jumar timber-of, kadar stone.country-of: word whitefella one, life three, hunter he wallaby only says he home-DAT wind only carries


The crocodile does not hurry, and yet nobody arrives late to it.

Bilngkumu kariku warri-warri, yambada bama nyubun kariku badaku kadal yinyanka.

bilngkumu kariku warri-warri, yambada bama nyubun kariku bada-ku kada-l yinya-nka | crocodile never hurries, but person one never late-DAT comes that.one-DAT


Hear the curlew? Someone is walking on the beach of the dead, the old people would say — and we children just pulled the blanket higher.

Kuyir milka-janay? Bama jilbal yalmbanga wulanmunyba, bama mukulbu balkal, ngana karrkay-karrkay kararr kulban wangkarku nganga.

kuyir milka-jana-y? bama jilba-l yalmba-nga wula-ny-muny-ba, bama mukul-bu balka-l, ngana karrkay-karrkay kararr kulba-ny wangkar-ku nganga | curlew hear? person walks beach-LOC dead-of-LOC, people old-ERG say, we children blanket pulled up-DAT only

kuyir FIRST USE; lore as reported speech


The echidna answered the dingoes with patience: by the time they agreed on a plan, he was a stone with legs.

Ngangkinbu murramu-murramu wawu-karrba-bu balkan: jana kuku nyubunku kadanya, nyulu kulji jandal-ji ngadiku.

ngangkin-bu murramu-murramu wawu-karrba-bu balka-ny: jana kuku nyubun-ku kada-nya, nyulu kulji jandal-ji ngadiku | echidna-ERG dingoes patience-INST answered: they word one-DAT come-SUB, he stone leg-COMIT already


Barramundi tonight! It took the hook at dawn and my arms still remember it.

Judi wujurrba! Nyulu badur manin muduwajuny, wakuy ngayku milka-binal yabarrka.

judi wujurr-ba! nyulu badur mani-ny muduwajuny, wakuy ngayku milka-binal yabarrka | barramundi tonight! it hook took dawn-at, arm my remembers still


Don't camp under the flying-fox tree — you will learn why by morning.

Kari bayan bunga kambi-juku badabada: yundu binal-mal wanyurrinku muduwajuny.

kari bayan bunga kambi-juku badabada: yundu binal-ma-l wanyurrinku muduwajuny | NEG camp make! flying.fox-tree beneath: you learn why morning-at

kambi flying fox FIRST USE (clothes-homophone noted)


The shark and the stingray divided the reef in the old story: the flat one took the sand, the other took the deep, and the fish agreed to fear them both — some treaties are older than people.

Yaburr yawu jalun-bubu wambajin kuku-jangkar mukulba: dubar-jibu jukar manin, yinya yindubu dukurr manin, kuyubu yinil dayan jambulka: kuku-dandi nyubun-nyubun mukul-baja bamamuny.

yaburr yawu jalun-bubu wambaji-ny kuku-jangkar mukul-ba: dubar-ji-bu jukar mani-ny, yinya yindu-bu dukurr mani-ny, kuyu-bu yinil daya-ny jambul-ka: kuku-dandi nyubun-nyubun mukul-baja bama-muny | shark stingray reef divided story old-LOC: flat-COMIT-ERG sand took, that other-ERG deep took, fish-ERG fear gave both-DAT: treaty some older-DEG2 people-from


A prawn walks backwards and still gets where it is going — stop teasing your brother about his way of doing things.

Wakal jilbal muku-jinabu, nyulu kadal yabarrka wanja nyulu dungay: kari yaba yundumuny yajarr-bunga murni-jina nyungumuny.

wakal jilba-l muku-jina-bu, nyulu kada-l yabarrka wanja nyulu dunga-y: kari yaba yundu-muny yajarr-bunga murni-jina nyungu-muny | prawn walks back-track-INST, it arrives always where it goes: NEG brother your laugh-CAUS! way his-about


The kookaburra laughed first at my empty net, then at my full one — some watchers never change.

Kururrungkabu yajarr-man ngadiku-ngurr makarr nganga-yambaka ngayku, yalada jakalka baja: bama-nyaji nyubun-nyubun kariku yindu-mal.

kururrungka-bu yajarr-ma-ny ngadiku-ngurr makarr nganga-yamba-ka ngayku, yala-da jakal-ka baja: bama-nyaji nyubun-nyubun kariku yindu-ma-l | kookaburra-ERG laughed first-TEMP3 net empty-DAT my, then full-DAT too: watcher some never changes


Is that the big waja or the little waja? — In this language crow and march fly share one name; the size tells you which one is stealing your meat.

Yinya waja yalbay yambada waja buban? Kukungu jambul 'waja': yalbay-bubanbu milbil wanjaku minya yundumuny manil.

yinya waja yalbay yambada waja buban? kuku-ngu jambul 'waja': yalbay-buban-bu milbi-l wanjaku minya yundu-muny mani-l | that waja big or waja little? language-LOC two waja: size-ERG shows which meat your takes

crow/march-fly homophone row; kuku-ngu u-LOC (scan catch)


The eagle reads the whole country in one turning; we read it track by track — both roads end at the same dinner.

Yalngkurrbu bubu wubulku nyajil murninya nyubunbu, ngana nyajil jina-jinabu: baral jambul kunbay-mal mayi nyubunba.

yalngkurr-bu bubu wubul-ku nyaji-l murni-nya nyubun-bu, ngana nyaji-l jina-jina-bu: baral jambul kunba-y-ma-l mayi nyubun-ba | eagle-ERG country whole reads turning-SUB one-INST, we read track-track-INST: road two ends dinner one-LOC


Feed the camp dogs before dark, or sing with them all night — your choice.

Murramu-murramu mayi-daya wujurr ngadiku, yambada wulngku badi jananji wujurr wubulku: yundu mana.

murramu-murramu mayi-daya wujurr ngadiku, yambada wulngku badi jana-nji wujurr wubul-ku: yundu mana | camp.dogs feed! dark before, or song sing! them-COMIT night whole: you choose!


Every animal wears its name like a track, the old woman taught listening: kururrungka laughs inside its own word, nili-nili paddles in it, walbul-walbul flutters in it — say the names aloud and hear the makers walking.

Minya nyubun-nyubun burri wundil yala jina, wulbumanangka milka-jananka milbin: 'kururrungka' yajarr-mal kukungu nyungu-nyungungu, 'nili-nili' marajil yinyanga, 'walbul-walbul' warril yinyanga: burri balka junkurrbu, bunga-bama milka-janay jilbanya.

minya nyubun-nyubun burri wundi-l yala jina, wulbuman-angka milka-jana-nka milbi-ny: kururrungka yajarr-ma-l kuku-ngu nyungu-nyungu-ngu, nili-nili maraji-l yinya-nga, walbul-walbul warri-l yinya-nga: burri balka junkurr-bu, bunga-bama milka-jana-y jilba-nya | animal every name wears like track, old.woman listening-DAT taught: kookaburra laughs word-LOC own-LOC, duck paddles it-LOC, butterfly flutters it-LOC: names say! loud-INST, makers hear walk-SUB


The bandicoot dug up mother's yam ground in one night — tomorrow we hunt him.

Kulngubu juwal-bubu ngamumuny bakan wujurr nyubunba: wunkuny ngana nyulu balbil.

kulngu-bu juwal-bubu ngamu-muny baka-ny wujurr nyubun-ba: wunkuny ngana nyulu balbi-l | bandicoot-ERG yam-ground mother-of dug night one-LOC: tomorrow we him hunt


The frog says the rain's name all night, and the rain always comes at last to hear its song — patience with a name attached.

Yudaybu burri kabamuny balkal wujurr wubulku, kaba kadal yabarrka badaku wulngku nyungu milka-jananka: wawu-karrba burri-ji.

yuday-bu burri kaba-muny balka-l wujurr wubul-ku, kaba kada-l yabarrka bada-ku wulngku nyungu milka-jana-nka: wawu-karrba burri-ji | frog-ERG name rain-of says night whole, rain comes always last-DAT song its hear-PURP: patience name-COMIT


Watch the oyster rocks at the low tide, you two; the sea takes back its gifts without a word.

Nyaji julul-kulji ngajalba, yubal: jalunbu daji nyungu manil baja kuku-kari.

nyaji julul-kulji ngajal-ba, yubal: jalun-bu daji nyungu mani-l baja kuku-kari | watch! oyster-rock low.tide-LOC, you.two: sea-ERG gift its takes back word-PRIV


The dingo and the camp dog are cousins who chose different fires.

Murramu kaya-bayan jawun jambul: jana baya yindu-yindu manin.

murramu kaya-bayan jawun jambul: jana baya yindu-yindu mani-ny | dingo dog-camp cousin two: they fire different chose


The cassowary eats the fruit, carries the seeds in its belly to new ground, and the big trees stand where it walked — the forest follows that bird.

Kurranjibu junjun nukal, diburr wundil jibanga bubuku yinduku, juku yalbay janay wanja nyulu jilban: jukubu birrabu wukurril minya yinya.

kurranji-bu junjun nuka-l, diburr wundi-l jiba-nga bubu-ku yindu-ku, juku yalbay jana-y wanja nyulu jilba-ny: juku-bu birra-bu wukurri-l minya yinya | cassowary-ERG fruit eats, seed carries belly-LOC ground-DAT other-DAT, tree big stands where it walked: tree-ERG leaf-ERG follows animal that


Little bee, show me your tree and I will leave you the biggest share.

Dabu buban, milbi ngaykunka juku yunu, ngayu bawal yununka daji yalbay bajaku.

dabu buban, milbi ngayku-nka juku yunu, ngayu bawa-l yunu-nka daji yalbay bajaku | bee little, show! me-DAT tree your, I leave you-DAT share big most


The shark patrols forever and the oyster sits still forever, and both have lasted since the first tide — there are two ways to be old.

Yaburr jilbal yabarrka, julul bundal wunbu yabarrka, jambul juran yira ngadikumuny: baral jambul mukul-manka.

yaburr jilba-l yabarrka, julul bunda-l wunbu yabarrka, jambul juran yira ngadiku-muny: baral jambul mukul-ma-nka | shark walks always, oyster sits still always, both alive tide first-from: road two old-become-PURP


Who left the fish where the flying foxes could reach? — The same someone who is climbing for new ones right now.

Wanyabu kuyu bawan wanja kambibu manil? Bama nyubunbu, nyulu dakal nyiku kuyunka yindunka.

wanya-bu kuyu bawa-ny wanja kambi-bu mani-l? bama nyubun-bu, nyulu daka-l nyiku kuyu-nka yindu-nka | who-ERG fish left where flying.fox-ERG takes? person same-ERG, he climbs now fish-DAT other-DAT


The butterfly crossed the whole valley, thinner than a word — strength is not always heavy.

Walbul-walbul dungan bubu wubulkuburr, nyulu bala-baja kukumuny: junkurr kari yabarrka dandi.

walbul-walbul dunga-ny bubu wubul-ku-burr, nyulu bala-baja kuku-muny: junkurr kari yabarrka dandi | butterfly went country whole-PERL, it thinner-DEG2 word-from: strength NEG always heavy


One duck, many uses — nothing from a good catch walks away wasted.

Nili-nili nyubun, murni wubulku: yamba nyubun kari kala-kalbay dungay kuyu-maninmuny yukilmuny.

nili-nili nyubun, murni wubul-ku: yamba nyubun kari kala-kalbay dunga-y kuyu-mani-ny-muny yukil-muny | duck one, use many: thing one NEG far.away goes catch-of good-of


The possum runs the branch-roads all night and asks nobody's leave.

Yawa warril dakil-baralburr wujurr wubulku, nyulu bama nyubun kari babajil.

yawa warri-l dakil-baral-burr wujurr wubul-ku, nyulu bama nyubun kari babaji-l | possum runs branch-road-PERL night whole, it person one NEG asks


Kangaroo tracks at the water — a big fellow, moving slowly, holding one foot soft.

Jina mayarrijimuny banaba: yalbay, jilbal buban-buban, jina nyubun kima karrbal.

jina mayarriji-muny bana-ba: yalbay, jilba-l buban-buban, jina nyubun kima karrba-l | track kangaroo-of water-LOC: big, walking slowly, foot one soft holding


The owl asked its one question all night and accepted no answers.

Kalkuybu kuku-babaji nyubun babajin wujurr wubulku, kuku-balkan nyubun kari manin.

kalkuy-bu kuku-babaji nyubun babaji-ny wujurr wubul-ku, kuku-balka-ny nyubun kari mani-ny | owl-ERG question one asked night whole, answer one NEG took


Don't touch the grubs in that log — they are for grandmother's fishing.

Kari jambun karrba jukungu yinyangu: jana babimuny kuyu-maninka.

kari jambun karrba juku-ngu yinya-ngu: jana babi-muny kuyu-mani-nka | NEG grub touch! log-LOC that-LOC: they grandmother-of fish-catch-PURP

jambun FIRST USE; juku-ngu u-LOC (scan catch, agreement on demonstrative)


The eel is the river's rope, the old man said: soft to look at, strong to hold, and tied at both ends to somewhere you cannot follow.

Kubarr nyulu karra wawubajamuny, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: kima nyajinka, junkurr karrbanka, kajanmuny badaba jambulba bubuku wanja yundu kari wukurril.

kubarr nyulu karra wawubaja-muny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: kima nyaji-nka, junkurr karrba-nka, kaja-ny-muny bada-ba jambul-ba bubu-ku wanja yundu kari wukurri-l | eel it rope river-of, old man said: soft see-PURP, strong hold-PURP, tied end-LOC both-LOC place-DAT where you NEG follow


A pig has torn up the soak — pig tracks, pig diggings, pig manners.

Bikibikibu bana-buban bakan wubulku: jina bikibikimuny, bakal bikibikimuny, murni-jina bikibikimuny.

bikibiki-bu bana-buban baka-ny wubul-ku: jina bikibiki-muny, baka-l bikibiki-muny, murni-jina bikibiki-muny | pig-ERG soak dug all: track pig-of, digging pig-of, manners pig-of


The scrub hen builds a mountain for her eggs and never sits on them — the warmth you have made does its own work, she teaches.

Jarrukabu bubu-yalbay bungal diburrka nyungu, nyulu kariku bundal jananga: wumbul yundu bunganmuny nyulu murni nyungu murnil, nyulu milbil.

jarruka-bu bubu-yalbay bunga-l diburr-ka nyungu, nyulu kariku bunda-l jana-nga: wumbul yundu bunga-ny-muny nyulu murni nyungu murni-l, nyulu milbi-l | scrub.hen-ERG mound builds eggs-DAT her, she never sits them-LOC: warmth you made-of it work its does, she teaches


Catfish for dinner: ugly in the water, very good in the coals.

Julaji mayinka: mumbu bananga, yukil bajaku ngunjilba.

julaji mayi-nka: mumbu bana-nga, yukil bajaku ngunjil-ba | catfish dinner-PURP: bad water-LOC, good very coals-LOC


When the flying foxes argue in the fruit tree, close your eyes and count your own quiet things.

Kaki kambi balka-wal juku-junjunba, miyil nandaji, yamba wunbu yundumuny kunja kimabu.

kaki kambi balka-wa-l juku-junjun-ba, miyil nandaji, yamba wunbu yundu-muny kunja kima-bu | when flying.fox argue(RECIP) fruit-tree-LOC, eye close!, thing quiet your count! soft-INST


The little hawk hunts by hanging still on the wind — patience with sharp fingers.

Kalin-kalin balbil janaybu muyara wunbu: wawu-karrba birri dandi-ji.

kalin-kalin balbi-l jana-y-bu muyar-a wunbu: wawu-karrba birri dandi-ji | hawk hunts standing-INST wind-LOC still: patience finger hard-COMIT

kalin-kalin FIRST USE; muyar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


Grandfather says the dugong grazes the sea-grass like a quiet old bullock of the saltwater — and that its name is old in this country.

Kamibu balkal biwuy nukal jalun-jikan yala minya wunbu mukul jalunmuny, burri nyungu mukul bububa yanyaba.

kami-bu balka-l biwuy nuka-l jalun-jikan yala minya wunbu mukul jalun-muny, burri nyungu mukul bubu-ba yanya-ba | grandfather-ERG says dugong eats sea-grass like animal quiet old saltwater-of, name its old country-LOC this-LOC


The turtle came up for one breath and gave the whole hunt away — keep your habits secret, or keep moving.

Ngawiya wandin wawu nyubunku, nyulu balbil wubulku milbin: murni-jina yundumuny ngakiji, yambada jilba yabarrka.

ngawiya wandi-ny wawu nyubun-ku, nyulu balbi-l wubul-ku milbi-ny: murni-jina yundu-muny ngakiji, yambada jilba yabarrka | turtle rose breath one-DAT, it hunt whole showed: habits your hide!, or walk! always


The spider mended its net before dawn, without one complaint about the storm.

Malalbu makarr nyungu murnin muduwaju ngadiku, kuku-kuli-kari jarramalimuny.

malal-bu makarr nyungu murni-ny muduwaju ngadiku, kuku-kuli-kari jarramali-muny | spider-ERG net its mended dawn before, complaint-PRIV storm-about


The oyster answers every wave the same way: it holds on. Some knowledge is one word long.

Jululbu mulngku nyubun-nyubun balkal jina nyubunbu: nyulu karrbal dandi. Binal nyubun-nyubun nyulu kuku nyubun nganga.

julul-bu mulngku nyubun-nyubun balka-l jina nyubun-bu: nyulu karrba-l dandi. binal nyubun-nyubun nyulu kuku nyubun nganga | oyster-ERG wave every answers way one-INST: it holds fast. knowledge some it word one only


The cassowary's kick opens what arguments cannot — stand far away when you must disagree with one.

Kurranjibu jina-jurrngabu ngalkal-bungal wanyu kuku-balka-way kari: janay kala-kalbay kaki yundu balkal muku yinyanka.

kurranji-bu jina-jurrnga-bu ngalkal-bunga-l wanyu kuku-balka-way kari: jana-y kala-kalbay kaki yundu balka-l muku yinya-nka | cassowary-ERG foot-push-INST opens what argument NEG: stand! far.away when you speak back that.one-DAT


Bat evening: the sky moves like water over stones.

Mali-wujurr: jiri warril yala bana kuljiburr.

mali-wujurr: jiri warri-l yala bana kulji-burr | bat-evening: sky moves like water stone-PERL


Every animal has its own doctor, the old woman said: the dog eats grass, the pigeon bathes in the dry ground, the wallaby lies in the cool sand — watch what the sick ones choose.

Minya nyubun-nyubun kalbal-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, wulbumanangka balkan: kayabu jikan nukal, bakamu janji-manil bubungu marralba, darrba wunay jukara kiway-kiwayba: nyaji wanyu bambaybu manil.

minya nyubun-nyubun kalbal-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: kaya-bu jikan nuka-l, bakamu janji-mani-l bubu-ngu marral-ba, darrba wuna-y jukar-a kiway-kiway-ba: nyaji wanyu bambay-bu mani-l | animal every remedy-COMIT own-COMIT, old.woman said: dog-ERG grass eats, pigeon bathes ground-LOC dry-LOC, wallaby lies sand-LOC cool-LOC: watch! what sick-ERG takes

animal self-medication; janji-mani-l bathe FIRST USE


Two grubs from the antbed catch one big fish — the little jiljay is stronger than its weight.

Jiljay jambulbu kuyu yalbay nyubun manil: jiljay buban nyulu junkurr-baja dandimuny nyungumuny.

jiljay jambul-bu kuyu yalbay nyubun mani-l: jiljay buban nyulu junkurr-baja dandi-muny nyungu-muny | grub two-INST fish big one takes: grub little it stronger-DEG2 weight-from its-from


The crow watched the whole fish-feast from the high branch, wearing his best black clothes.

Wakukabu nyajin kuyu-nuka wubulku dakilmuny wangkarmuny, kambi ngumbu yukil bajaku-ji.

wakuka-bu nyaji-ny kuyu-nuka wubul-ku dakil-muny wangkar-muny, kambi ngumbu yukil bajaku-ji | crow-ERG watched fish-feast whole branch-from high-from, clothes black best-COMIT

wakuka crow FIRST USE; kambi polysemy staged vs row 8


Little sister, the butterfly does not remember being a grub, but the grub always dreamed of the sky — keep walking.

Jinkurr buban, walbul-walbul kari milka-binal jambun-wungar nyungu, yambada jambunbu bijarril jiri yabarrka: jilba yabarrka.

jinkurr buban, walbul-walbul kari milka-binal jambun-wungar nyungu, yambada jambun-bu bijarri-l jiri yabarrka: jilba yabarrka | sister little, butterfly NEG remembers grub-time its, but grub-ERG dreams sky always: walk! always


The stingray hides by becoming the floor — some strength is in the lying still.

Yawu ngakijil bubu-manya: junkurr nyubun-nyubun wunanya wunbu.

yawu ngakiji-l bubu-ma-nya: junkurr nyubun-nyubun wuna-nya wunbu | stingray hides ground-become-SUB: strength some lie-SUB still


Dawn roll-call at the camp: the kookaburra first of all, then the parrots, then the crow — and the owl files her one complaint and goes to bed.

Muduwajuny bayanba: kururrungka-ngurr, yalada birrbirr-birrbirr, yalada wakuka, kalkuybu kuku-kuli nyubun nyungu dayal, wunay dungay.

muduwajuny bayan-ba: kururrungka-ngurr, yala-da birrbirr-birrbirr, yala-da wakuka, kalkuy-bu kuku-kuli nyubun nyungu daya-l, wuna-y dunga-y | dawn-at camp-LOC: kookaburra-FIRST, then parrots, then crow, owl-ERG complaint one her gives, sleep goes

dawn chorus TEMP ladder; birrbirr FIRST USE


You cannot borrow the eagle's eyes, but you can climb the hill he watches from.

Yundu miyil yalngkurrmuny kari manil, yambada yundu dakal bubu wanja nyulu nyajil.

yundu miyil yalngkurr-muny kari mani-l, yambada yundu daka-l bubu wanja nyulu nyaji-l | you eye eagle-of NEG take, but you climb hill where he watches


Respect the small teachers: the mosquito teaches the smoke, the big waja teaches the shade, and the sun teaches the water bag — the country runs a strict school.

Yulmbarri milbil-bama buban: kamubu kubu milbil, wajabu wabarr milbil, wungarbu bana-balji milbil: bubu school dandi karrbal.

yulmbarri milbil-bama buban: kamu-bu kubu milbi-l, waja-bu wabarr milbi-l, wungar-bu bana-balji milbi-l: bubu school dandi karrba-l | respect! teachers small: mosquito-ERG smoke teaches, march.fly-ERG shade teaches, sun-ERG water.bag teaches: country school strict holds


We learned our manners from the animals: patience from the ibis, sharing from the dogs, silence from the fish, and laughter from the kookaburra — the first teachers never left.

Ngana murni-jina minyamuny binalman: wawu-karrba birmbamuny, wambaji kayamuny, wunbu kuyumuny, yajarr kururrungkamuny: milbil-bama ngadiku kariku dungan.

ngana murni-jina minya-muny binal-ma-ny: wawu-karrba birmba-muny, wambaji kaya-muny, wunbu kuyu-muny, yajarr kururrungka-muny: milbil-bama ngadiku kariku dunga-ny | we manners animal-from learned: patience ibis-from, sharing dog-from, silence fish-from, laughter kookaburra-from: teachers first never left


Maybe it will rain, maybe not — take the water bag both ways.

Nguba kaba kaday, nguba kari: bana-balji wundi baralbu jambulbu.

nguba kaba kada-y, nguba kari: bana-balji wundi baral-bu jambul-bu | maybe rain comes, maybe not: water.bag carry! way-INST both-INST


He told it to me as truth; I carry it to you as his words.

Nyulu ngaykunka milbin manubaja yala, ngayu wundil yununka kuku nyungu yala.

nyulu ngayku-nka milbi-ny manubaja yala, ngayu wundi-l yunu-nka kuku nyungu yala | he me-DAT told truth as, I carry you-DAT words his as


Who says so? — The tracks say so, and tracks do not lie.

Wanyabu balkal? Jinabu balkal, jina kariku warmbiji.

wanya-bu balka-l? jina-bu balka-l, jina kariku warmbiji-y | who-ERG says? track-ERG says, track never lies

warmbiji FIRST USE — vindicates warmbi-ny


The old woman taught the three doors of knowing: I saw it, someone told me, and maybe — and she made the children name the door before every story.

Wulbumanangka baral-ngandal kulur binalmuny milbin: ngayu nyajin, bamabu ngaykunka milbin, nguba: karrkay-karrkaybu baral-ngandal kunjal kuku-jangkar ngadiku nyubun-nyubunbu.

wulbuman-angka baral-ngandal kulur binal-muny milbi-ny: ngayu nyaji-ny, bama-bu ngayku-nka milbi-ny, nguba: karrkay-karrkay-bu baral-ngandal kunja-l kuku-jangkar ngadiku nyubun-nyubun-bu | old.woman doors three knowledge-of taught: I saw, person-ERG me-DAT told, maybe: children-ERG door name story before every-INST


Don't believe the river in the wet season; believe the old crossing stones.

Kari manubaja-bunga wawubaja bana-wungara: manubaja-bunga kulji mukul bana-baralmuny.

kari manubaja-bunga wawubaja bana-wungar-a: manubaja-bunga kulji mukul bana-baral-muny | NEG believe! river wet.season-LOC: believe! stone old crossing-of

believe FIRST USE x2; bana-wungar-a single-r LOC (scan catch)