Give this meat to the old man, and keep that for the children.

Yanyu minya mukul-dingkar-nka daji, yinya karrkay-nka karrba.

yanyu minya mukul-dingkar-nka daji, yinya karrkay-nka karrba | this meat old-man-DAT give(IMP), that child-DAT keep(IMP)

yanyu minya mukul dingkar dajil yinya karrkay karrbal


I came here with this dog, and it is a good hunter.

Ngayu kadan yaluy yala-nji kaya-nji, nyulu balbi-bama ngulkurr.

ngayu kada-ny yaluy yala-nji kaya-nji, nyulu balbi-bama ngulkurr | I came here this-COMIT dog-COMIT, it hunter good

ngayu kaday yaluy yala kaya balbi bama ngulkurr


The honey from this tree is the sweetest in all the country.

Wunba yala-muny juku-muny jiba-wula-wula-baja bubu wubul-a.

wunba yala-muny juku-muny jiba-wula-wula-baja bubu wubul-a | honey this-ABL tree-ABL sweetest country all-LOC

wunba yala juku jiba-wula-wula bubu wubul


This one's spear is longer than mine, and it throws farther.

Yalu-mbu kalka kalbay-baja ngayku-mu-baja, kalbay-mba bujan.

yalu-mbu kalka kalbay-baja ngayku-mu-baja, kalbay-mba buja-ny | this-POSS spear longer than-mine, far-LOC threw


These yams are ripe, but those are still hard and green.

Yanyu bambayal kulbul, yambada yinya dandi-baja kulbul-kari.

yanyu bambayal kulbul, yambada yinya dandi-baja kulbul-kari | this yam ripe, but that hard-still unripe

yanyu bambayal kulbul yambada yinya dandi kari

DEM contrast yanyu/yinya; PRIV kulbul-kari


This cold water is sweet and good for the long walk in the heat.

Yanyu bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula ngulkurr jilba kalbay-ka wungar wumbul-a.

yanyu bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula ngulkurr jilba kalbay-ka wungar wumbul-a | this water cold sweet good walk long-DAT sun hot-LOC

yanyu bana ngiki jiba-wula-wula ngulkurr jilba kalbay wumbul


This is the right way to make a spear, the old man said to the boys.

Yanyu ngulkurr kalka bunga-nka, mukul-dingkarangka warru-karra-nda balkan.

yanyu ngulkurr kalka bunga-nka, mukul-dingkar-angka warru-karra-nda balka-ny | this right spear make-PURP, old-man-ERG young.man-KPL-LOC said

yanyu ngulkurr kalka bungal mukul dingkar warru balkal


I saw her, that woman, down at the creek this morning.

Ngayu nyunguny nyajin, yinya jalbu, wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku.

ngayu nyunguny nyaji-ny, yinya jalbu, wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku | I her saw, that woman, creek-LOC morning

ngayu nyunguny nyajil yinya jalbu wawubaja wunkuwingku


That man standing over there is my mother's brother.

Yinya dingkar yinyay janay ngayku kalnga.

yinya dingkar yinyay jana-y ngayku kalnga | that man there stands my mother's.brother


That dog bit the child, so the men chased it away.

Yinya-ngka kaya-ngka karrkay baykan, dingkarangka kangan bada-ka.

yinya-ngka kaya-ngka karrkay bayka-ny, dingkar-angka kanga-ny bada-ka | that-ERG dog-ERG child bit, man-ERG chased away

yinya kaya karrkay baykal dingkar kangal bada


They were searching everywhere for that lost child.

Jana nubi-l-nubin yinyay-anka karrkay-anka wanja-wanja-ba.

jana nubi-l-nubi-ny yinyay-anka karrkay-anka wanja-wanja-ba | they search-REDUP that-DAT child-DAT everywhere


Give the spear to that one — he is the best hunter here.

Kalka yinyay-anda daji — nyulu balbi-bama ngulkurr-baja yaluy.

kalka yinyay-anda daji — nyulu balbi-bama ngulkurr-baja yaluy | spear that-LOC(potent) give(IMP) — he hunter best here

kalka yinyay dajil balbi bama ngulkurr yaluy


The honey from that tree makes a person sick, so leave it alone.

Wunba yinya-muny juku-muny bama bambay-bungal, bawa yundu.

wunba yinya-muny juku-muny bama bambay-bunga-l, bawa yundu | honey that-ABL tree-ABL person sick-CAUS, leave(IMP) you

wunba yinya juku bama bambay bungal bawal yundu


I went hunting with that man, and we two caught two kangaroos.

Ngayu balbi-ka dungan yinya-nji dingkar-nji, ngali mayarriji jambul karrban.

ngayu balbi-ka dunga-ny yinya-nji dingkar-nji, ngali mayarriji jambul karrba-ny | I hunt-DAT went that-COMIT man-COMIT, we.two kangaroo two caught

ngayu balbil dungay yinya dingkar ngali mayarriji jambul karrbal


That is a bad place; the old people never camp there in the night.

Yinya bubu bambay; mukul-bama kariku yinyay bundal wujurr-ba.

yinya bubu bambay; mukul-bama kariku yinyay bunda-l wujurr-ba | that place bad; old-people never there camp night-LOC

yinya bubu bambay mukul bama kariku yinyay bundal wujurr


Those clothes belong to that old woman, not to you.

Yinya kambi yinya-mba wulbuman-mu, kari yunu.

yinya kambi yinya-mba wulbuman-mu, kari yunu | that clothes that-POSS old.woman-POSS, NEG your


That spear is broken; make a new one from this strong wood.

Yinya kalka dumbarri-nya; buban bunga yanyu juku junkurr-bu.

yinya kalka dumbarri-nya; buban bunga yanyu juku junkurr-bu | that spear broken; new make(IMP) this wood strong-INST

yinya kalka dumbarril buban bungal yanyu juku junkurr


He is running away from here toward the deep water.

nyulu yaluy-muny warri bana-dukurr-ka | he here-ABL runs water-deep-DAT


I found a lot of scrub-hen eggs there, under the big tree.

Ngayu diwan-mu diburr wubul milbin yinyay-mba, juku yalbay bada.

ngayu diwan-mu diburr wubul milbi-ny yinyay-mba, juku yalbay bada | I scrub.hen-POSS egg many found there, tree big below

ngayu diwan diburr wubul milbil yinyay juku yalbay bada


He sat there on the rock and watched the sun go down over the sea.

Nyulu yinyay-mba bundan kulji-nga, wungar bada dunga-nya nyajin jalun-ba.

nyulu yinyay-mba bunda-ny kulji-nga, wungar bada dunga-nya nyaji-ny jalun-ba | he there-LOC sat rock-LOC, sun down go-SUB watched sea-LOC

nyulu yinyay bundal kulji wungar bada nyajil jalun

'sat on that rock' = there-LOC + rock-LOC (ex.143)


Come here, my child, and sit by the fire with me.

Kada yaluy, ngayku karrkay, baya karangkal bunda nganya-nji.

kada yaluy, ngayku karrkay, baya karangkal bunda nganya-nji | come(IMP) here, my child, fire alongside sit(IMP) me-COMIT

kaday yaluy karrkay baya karangkal bundal nganya


Don't go there in the night — that is where the bad spirit lives.

Kari dunga-y yinyay wujurr-ba — yinyay dubu bambay wunay.

kari dunga-y yinyay wujurr-ba — yinyay dubu bambay wuna-y | NEG go-IMP there night-LOC — there spirit bad lives

kari dungay yinyay wujurr dubu bambay wunay


The people of this place hunt in the scrub; the people of that place fish in the sea.

Yaluy-arra madja-nga balbil; yinyay-arra jalun-ba kuyu damal.

yaluy-arra madja-nga balbi-l; yinyay-arra jalun-ba kuyu dama-l | this.place-people scrub-LOC hunt; that.place-people sea-LOC fish spear

yaluy madja balbil yinyay jalun kuyu damal


Put the spears here, and hang the dilly bags there by the tree.

Kalka yaluy wuna, ngunyin yinyay juku karangkal karrba.

kalka yaluy wuna, ngunyin yinyay juku karangkal karrba | spear here put(IMP), dilly.bag there tree alongside hang(IMP)

kalka yaluy wunal ngunyin yinyay juku karangkal karrbal


From there you can see the whole camp and the smoke of the fires.

Yinyay-muny yundu bayan wubul nyajil, baya-mu kubu-baja.

yinyay-muny yundu bayan wubul nyaji-l, baya-mu kubu-baja | there-ABL you camp all see, fire-POSS smoke-too

yinyay yundu bayan wubul nyajil baya kubu


The children danced here all day, and now they have gone home to camp.

Karrkay-karrkay yaluy warrma wungar wubulku, niji jana bayan-ka dungan.

karrkay-karrkay yaluy warrma wungar wubul-ku, niji jana bayan-ka dunga-ny | children here danced day all, now they camp-DAT went

karrkay yaluy warrma wungar wubul niji jana bayan dungay


He came from there, from the country of the Bloomfield people.

Nyulu kadan yinyay-muny, wujalwujal-arra-mu bubu-muny.

nyulu kada-ny yinyay-muny, wujalwujal-arra-mu bubu-muny | he came there-ABL, Bloomfield-people-POSS country-ABL


Stay here with the old woman while I go and get the water.

Bunda yaluy wulbuman-ji, ngayu dunga-y bana mani-nka.

bunda yaluy wulbuman-ji, ngayu dunga-y bana mani-nka | stay(IMP) here old.woman-COMIT, I go water get-PURP

bundal yaluy wulbuman ngayu dungay bana manil


The dog ran from here to there and back again, following the scent.

Kaya warri yaluy-muny yinyay, baja kadan, jina wukurril.

kaya warri yaluy-muny yinyay, baja kada-ny, jina wukurri-l | dog ran here-ABL there, again came, track following

kaya warri yaluy yinyay kaday jina wukurril


This is my country, and there beyond the mountain is my mother's people's country.

Yanyu ngayku bubu, yinyay manjal-kudamundu ngayku ngamu-mu bama-mu bubu.

yanyu ngayku bubu, yinyay manjal-kudamundu ngayku ngamu-mu bama-mu bubu | this my country, there mountain-behind my mother-POSS people-POSS country

yanyu ngayku bubu yinyay manjal kudamundu ngamu bama


These people are my family; those people are the seaside people.

Yalu-rriny ngayku jawun-karra; yinya-rriny jalun-ji-warra.

yalu-rriny ngayku jawun-karra; yinya-rriny jalun-ji-warra | these.people my family(KPL); those.people seaside-people

PLURAL DEM yalu-rriny/yinya-rriny (human)


Those people came from far away to dance at the big corroboree.

Yinya-rriny kalbay-muny kadan, malkarri yalbay-ka warrma-ka.

yinya-rriny kalbay-muny kada-ny, malkarri yalbay-ka warrma-ka | those.people far-ABL came, corroboree big-DAT dance-DAT

yinya kalbay kaday malkarri yalbay warrma


These people know all the stories of this country from long ago.

Yalu-rriny kuku wubul binal yanyu bubu-mu ngadiku.

yalu-rriny kuku wubul binal yanyu bubu-mu ngadiku | these.people story all know this country-POSS long.ago

yalu kuku wubul binal yanyu bubu ngadiku


The people of this place gave food to the people of that place in the cold season.

Yaluy-arra-ngka mayi dajin yinyay-arra-nda ngiki-wungar-a.

yaluy-arra-ngka mayi daji-ny yinyay-arra-nda ngiki-wungar-a | this.place-people-ERG food gave that.place-people-LOC cold-season-LOC

-arra inflected: yaluy-arra-ngka ERG / yinyay-arra-nda LOC


Those people speak a different language, but we are all good kin together.

Yinya-rriny kuku yindu balkal, yambada ngana wubul jawun ngulkurr.

yinya-rriny kuku yindu balka-l, yambada ngana wubul jawun ngulkurr | those.people language different speak, but we all kin good

yinya kuku yindu balkal yambada ngana wubul jawun ngulkurr


The people of that place are coming this way for the big meeting.

Yinyay-arra kaday yaluy, malkarri yalbay-ka.

yinyay-arra kada-y yaluy, malkarri yalbay-ka | that.place-people come(kada-y) here, meeting big-DAT


Those people over there lit a big fire on the high ground at dusk.

Yinya-rriny yinyay baya yalbay bungan bubu wangkar-a wungar bada dunga-nya.

yinya-rriny yinyay baya yalbay bunga-ny bubu wangkar-a wungar bada dunga-nya | those.people there fire big made ground high-LOC sun down go-SUB(dusk)

yinya yinyay baya yalbay bungal bubu wangkar wungar bada


The old man named all these people, and told how each one is related.

Mukul-dingkarangka yalu-rriny wubul burri-bungan, jawun kuku balkan.

mukul-dingkar-angka yalu-rriny wubul burri-bunga-ny, jawun kuku balka-ny | old-man-ERG these.people all named, kin word told

mukul dingkar yalu wubul burri bungal jawun kuku balkal


The possum went up into the tree, and the dog waited down below.

Yawa wangkar juku-ngu dakan, kaya bada karrban.

yawa wangkar juku-ngu daka-ny, kaya bada karrba-ny | possum up tree-LOC climbed, dog below waited

yawa wangkar juku dakal kaya bada karrbal


Put the meat up high, away behind the camp from the dogs.

Minya wangkar wuna, kaya bayan-mu kudamundu.

minya wangkar wuna, kaya bayan-mu kudamundu | meat up put(IMP), dog camp-POSS behind(away)

minya wangkar dakil wunal kaya bayan kudamundu


The old woman sat alongside the fire, and the child sat close beside her.

Wulbuman baya karangkal bundan, karrkay nyungu ngundu bundan.

wulbuman baya karangkal bunda-ny, karrkay nyungu ngundu bunda-ny | old.woman fire alongside sat, child her near(this.side) sat

wulbuman baya karangkal bundal karrkay ngundu

karangkal 'alongside'; ngundu 'near/this side'


The hunter crept up behind the kangaroo through the long grass.

Balbi-bama mayarriji-mu kudamundu wangkar warri bilanji kalbay-mba.

balbi-bama mayarriji-mu kudamundu wangkar warri bilanji kalbay-mba | hunter kangaroo-POSS behind up crept(went) grass long-LOC

balbi bama mayarriji kudamundu wangkar warri bilanji kalbay


The creek runs down that way to the sea, past the two big rocks.

Wawubaja bada warri yarra jalun-ka, kulji yalbay jambul kudamundu.

wawubaja bada warri yarra jalun-ka, kulji yalbay jambul kudamundu | creek down runs that.way sea-DAT, rock big two past(behind)

wawubaja bada warri yarra jalun kulji yalbay jambul kudamundu


Come and sit beside me here, on this side of the fire.

Kada, bunda nganya karangkal yaluy, baya yanyu ngundu.

kada, bunda nganya karangkal yaluy, baya yanyu ngundu | come(IMP), sit(IMP) me alongside here, fire this side(ngundu)

kaday bundal nganya karangkal yaluy baya yanyu ngundu


The children climbed up onto the big rock and looked down at the water.

Karrkay-karrkay wangkar kulji yalbay-mba dakan, bada bana-ka nyajin.

karrkay-karrkay wangkar kulji yalbay-mba daka-ny, bada bana-ka nyaji-ny | children up rock big-LOC climbed, down water-DAT looked

karrkay wangkar kulji yalbay dakal bada bana nyajil


My camp is on this side of the creek, and yours is on the other side.

Ngayku bayan yanyu ngundu wawubaja-mu, yunu yindu-ngu ngundu.

ngayku bayan yanyu ngundu wawubaja-mu, yunu yindu-ngu ngundu | my camp this side creek-POSS, your other side

ngayku bayan yanyu ngundu wawubaja yunu yindu


The old man looked up at the bright star and told its old name.

Mukul-dingkarangka wangkar dawar nyajin, nyungu burri ngadiku balkan.

mukul-dingkar-angka wangkar dawar nyaji-ny, nyungu burri ngadiku balka-ny | old-man-ERG up star looked, its name old told

mukul dingkar wangkar dawar nyajil burri ngadiku balkal


The old woman said: this is your country; hold it close, and there your ancestors are always watching.

Kamba-ngka balkan: yanyu yunu bubu; karrba ngundu, yinyay yunu mukul-bama nyajil baja.

kamba-ngka balka-ny: yanyu yunu bubu; karrba ngundu, yinyay yunu mukul-bama nyaji-l baja | old.woman-ERG said: this your country; hold(IMP) close, there your old-people(ancestors) watch always

kamba balkal yanyu yunu bubu karrbal ngundu yinyay mukul bama


The women went to dig yams in the soft ground beside the creek.

Jalbu-jalbu dungan bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-nga wawubaja karangkal.

jalbu-jalbu dunga-ny bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-nga wawubaja karangkal | woman-REDUP went yam dig-PURP ground soft-LOC creek alongside

jalbu dungay bambayal bakal bubu kima wawubaja karangkal


My mother dug a big hairy yam and cooked it in the hot ashes.

Ngayku ngamungka wukay yalbay bakan, nulu wumbul-ba wajun.

ngayku ngamu-ngka wukay yalbay baka-ny, nulu wumbul-ba waju-ny | my mother-ERG hairy.yam big dug, ashes hot-LOC cooked

ngayku ngamu wukay yalbay bakal nulu wumbul wajul

wukay 'hairy yam'; nulu 'ashes'; waju-l 'cook'


This wild yam lies deep in the scrub, so you must dig a long way down.

Yanyu banjay madja dukurr-ba wunay, yundu bada kalbay baka-nka.

yanyu banjay madja dukurr-ba wuna-y, yundu bada kalbay baka-nka | this wild.yam scrub deep-LOC lies, you down long dig-PURP

yanyu banjay madja dukurr wunay yundu bada kalbay bakal


The children gathered the small yams while the old woman sat in the shade of the tree.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka kawu buban bangkan, wulbuman juku wabarr-ba bundan.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kawu buban bangka-ny, wulbuman juku wabarr-ba bunda-ny | children-ERG yam small gathered, old.woman tree shade-LOC sat

karrkay kawu buban bangkal wulbuman juku wabarr bundal


We dug yams all morning, and now the dilly bag is full of food and heavy.

Ngana bambayal bakan wunkuwingku wubulku, niji ngunyin mayi-nji yajin kulngkul.

ngana bambayal baka-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku, niji ngunyin mayi-nji yajin kulngkul | we yam dug morning all, now dilly.bag food-COMIT full heavy

ngana bambayal bakal wunkuwingku wubul ngunyin mayi yajin kulngkul


That yam is not ripe yet; leave it in the ground until the wet season comes.

Yinya bambayal kariku kulbul; bawa bubu-ngu, bana-wungar-ka.

yinya bambayal kariku kulbul; bawa bubu-ngu, bana-wungar-ka | that yam not.yet ripe; leave(IMP) ground-LOC, wet-season-DAT

yinya bambayal kariku kulbul bawal bubu bana wungar


The old man showed the boys where the best yams grow near the swamp.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-karra binal-bungan wanja bambayal ngulkurr-baja daburri karangkal wunay.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-karra binal-bunga-ny wanja bambayal ngulkurr-baja daburri karangkal wuna-y | old-man-ERG young.man-KPL showed where yam best swamp alongside grows(lies)

mukul dingkar warru binal bungal wanja bambayal ngulkurr daburri wunay


This kind of yam is sweet when you roast it, but bad-tasting when it is raw.

Yanyu-nguy bambayal jiba-wula-wula dinda-nya, yambada bambay dandi-nya.

yanyu-nguy bambayal jiba-wula-wula dinda-nya, yambada bambay dandi-nya | this-kind yam sweet roast-SUB, but bad raw(hard)-SUB

yanyu bambayal jiba-wula-wula dindal yambada bambay dandi


The girls carried the yams back to the camp and washed them in the water.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka bambayal bayan-ka wundin, bana-nga julurriny.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka bambayal bayan-ka wundi-ny, bana-nga julurri-ny | girl-ERG yam camp-DAT carried, water-LOC washed

jalbu bambayal bayan wundil bana julurril


My grandmother knows every yam in this country by its leaf and its vine.

Ngayku babingka bambayal wubul binal yanyu bubu-mu, nyungu birra-bu maya-bu.

ngayku babi-ngka bambayal wubul binal yanyu bubu-mu, nyungu birra-bu maya-bu | my grandmother-ERG yam all knows this country-POSS, its leaf-INST vine-INST

ngayku babi bambayal wubul binal yanyu bubu birra maya

babi 'grandmother'; birra 'leaf'; maya 'vine'


They dug up the long wild yam, which runs deep like a rock python under the ground.

Jana wawukuna bakan, nyulu bada kalbay yala kabul bubu-dukurr-ba wunay.

jana wawukuna baka-ny, nyulu bada kalbay yala kabul bubu-dukurr-ba wuna-y | they long.wild.yam dug, it down long like rock.python ground-deep-LOC lies

jana wawukuna bakal bada kalbay yala kabul bubu dukurr wunay

wawukuna 'long wild yam'; yala COMP; kabul 'rock python'


Cook the yams slowly in the ground with hot stones, and cover them with earth.

Bambayal waju bubu-ngu kiray-baja, kulji wumbul-nji, bubu-bu nanda.

bambayal waju bubu-ngu kiray-baja, kulji wumbul-nji, bubu-bu nanda | yam cook(IMP) ground-LOC slow-very, stone hot-COMIT, earth-INST cover(IMP)

bambayal wajul bubu kiray kulji wumbul nandal

kiray 'slow'; nanda-l 'cover'; ground-oven


The wild plums are ripe now; the children climb the tree to pick them.

Junda kulbul niji; karrkay-karrkay juku-ngu dakan, junda mani-nka.

junda kulbul niji; karrkay-karrkay juku-ngu daka-ny, junda mani-nka | wild.plum ripe now; children tree-LOC climbed, wild.plum get-PURP

junda kulbul niji karrkay juku dakal manil


We gathered the wild grapes from the vine that hangs down over the water.

Ngana kangka bangkan maya-muny, nyulu bana wangkar bada wunay.

ngana kangka bangka-ny maya-muny, nyulu bana wangkar bada wuna-y | we wild.grape gathered vine-ABL, it water above down hangs(lies)

ngana kangka bangkal maya bana wangkar bada wunay


The edible figs fall from the big tree when they are ripe and sweet.

Jilanji juku yalbay-muny dara-y, kulbul jiba-wula-wula-nya.

jilanji juku yalbay-muny dara-y, kulbul jiba-wula-wula-nya | edible.fig tree big-ABL fall, ripe sweet-SUB

jilanji juku yalbay daray kulbul jiba-wula-wula


This fruit is good to eat, but that one will make you sick.

Yanyu jidu ngulkurr nuka-nka, yambada yinya-ngka yununy bambay-bunga-l.

yanyu jidu ngulkurr nuka-nka, yambada yinya-ngka yununy bambay-bunga-l | this fruit good eat-PURP, but that-ERG you.ACC sick-CAUS

yanyu jidu ngulkurr nukal yambada yinya bambay bungal


The old woman gathered the ripe figs and the sweet wild grapes into her dilly bag.

Wulbumangka jilanji kulbul, kangka jiba-wula-wula bangkan ngunyin-ka.

wulbuman-ngka jilanji kulbul, kangka jiba-wula-wula bangka-ny ngunyin-ka | old.woman-ERG edible.fig ripe, wild.grape sweet gathered dilly.bag-DAT

wulbuman jilanji kulbul kangka jiba-wula-wula bangkal ngunyin


When the wild apples ripen, many birds come to eat them in the morning.

Bulngkar kulbul-ma-nya, buyi wubul kaday nuka-nka wunkuwingku.

bulngkar kulbul-ma-nya, buyi wubul kada-y nuka-nka wunkuwingku | apple ripen(become-ripe)-SUB, bird many come(kada-y) eat-PURP morning

bulngkar kulbul buyi wubul kaday nukal wunkuwingku

bulngkar 'apple'; buyi 'bird'; INCHO kulbul-ma-


The plum tree grows beside the creek where the ground is always wet.

Kurruy juku wawubaja karangkal wunay, wanja bubu bana-baja.

kurruy juku wawubaja karangkal wuna-y, wanja bubu bana-baja | plum.tree tree creek alongside grows(lies), where ground wet(water)-very

kurruy juku wawubaja karangkal wunay wanja bubu bana


Don't eat that fruit — it is not ripe, and it is hard like a stone.

Kari nuka-y yinya jidu — nyulu kariku kulbul, dandi yala kulji.

kari nuka-y yinya jidu — nyulu kariku kulbul, dandi yala kulji | NEG eat-IMP that fruit — it not.yet ripe, hard like stone

kari nukal yinya jidu kariku kulbul dandi yala kulji


The girls ate the sweet figs until they were full, there in the shade of the tree.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka jilanji jiba-wula-wula nukan, yajin-man, juku wabarr-ba yinyay.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka jilanji jiba-wula-wula nuka-ny, yajin-ma-ny, juku wabarr-ba yinyay | girl-ERG edible.fig sweet ate, became-full, tree shade-LOC there

jalbu jilanji jiba-wula-wula nukal yajin juku wabarr yinyay


This vine has small sweet berries that the children want to eat.

Yanyu maya-nga jidu buban jiba-wula-wula wunay, karrkay-karrkay-angka wawu nuka-l.

yanyu maya-nga jidu buban jiba-wula-wula wuna-y, karrkay-karrkay-angka wawu nuka-l | this vine-LOC fruit small sweet is, children-ERG want eat

yanyu maya jidu buban jiba-wula-wula wunay karrkay wawu nukal


The old man tasted the fruit, then told the children it was good to eat.

Mukul-dingkarangka jidu nukan, niji karrkay-karrkay-nda balkan ngulkurr nuka-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka jidu nuka-ny, niji karrkay-karrkay-nda balka-ny ngulkurr nuka-nka | old-man-ERG fruit ate(tasted), then children-LOC told good eat-PURP

mukul dingkar jidu nukal niji karrkay balkal ngulkurr


In the wet season the scrub is full of fruit, and no one goes hungry.

Bana-wungar-a madja jidu-nji yajin, bama wubul kari dakwuy.

bana-wungar-a madja jidu-nji yajin, bama wubul kari dakwuy | wet-season-LOC scrub fruit-COMIT full, person all NEG hungry

bana wungar madja jidu yajin bama wubul kari dakwuy


The women cracked the black bean nuts with a heavy stone by the fire.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka baway darka dumbarrin kulji kulngkul-bu baya karangkal.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka baway darka dumbarri-ny kulji kulngkul-bu baya karangkal | woman-ERG black.bean nut broke(cracked) stone heavy-INST fire alongside

jalbu baway darka dumbarril kulji kulngkul baya karangkal

baway 'black-bean tree'; darka 'nut'; dumbarri-l 'crack'


The zamia nut is poison when it is raw; you must soak it a long time in the water.

Marra bambay dandi-nya; yundu bana-nga wuna-nka wungar wubulku.

marra bambay dandi-nya; yundu bana-nga wuna-nka wungar wubul-ku | zamia.nut bad(poison) raw-SUB; you water-LOC put(soak)-PURP day many

marra bambay dandi yundu bana wunal wungar wubul

marra 'zamia nut' (ex.138); soak = bana-nga wuna


My father cracked the candle nuts and roasted them until they were good to eat.

Ngayku nganjanangka bilar-mu darka dumbarrin, dindan ngulkurr nuka-nka.

ngayku nganjan-angka bilar-mu darka dumbarri-ny, dinda-ny ngulkurr nuka-nka | my father-ERG candle.nut-POSS nut cracked, roasted good eat-PURP

ngayku nganjan bilar darka dumbarril dindal ngulkurr nukal

bilar 'candle-nut tree'; dinda-l 'roast'


This five-corner nut is sweet, and the children gather it in the dry time.

Yanyu bijalabay jiba-wula-wula, karrkay-karrkay-angka bangkal wungar wumbul-ba.

yanyu bijalabay jiba-wula-wula, karrkay-karrkay-angka bangka-l wungar wumbul-ba | this five-corner.nut sweet, children-ERG gather sun hot-LOC(dry.time)

yanyu bijalabay jiba-wula-wula karrkay bangkal wungar wumbul


The old people soak the zamia nuts in the running water for many days to take out the poison.

Mukul-bama-ngka marra bana-nga wunan wungar wubulku, bambay mani-nka.

mukul-bama-ngka marra bana-nga wuna-ny wungar wubul-ku, bambay mani-nka | old-people-ERG zamia.nut water-LOC put(soak) day many, poison take-PURP

mukul bama marra bana wunal wungar wubul bambay manil


Grind the dry seeds on a flat stone to make the food for everyone.

Diburr dandi nyurrba kulji-nga, mayi bunga-nka bama wubul-ka.

diburr dandi nyurrba kulji-nga, mayi bunga-nka bama wubul-ka | seed dry(hard) grind(IMP) stone-LOC, food make-PURP person all-DAT

diburr dandi nyurrbal kulji mayi bungal bama wubul


This nut tree is poison; do not let the children eat its seeds.

Yanyu jalnji juku bambay; kari karrkay-karrkay nyungu diburr nuka-y.

yanyu jalnji juku bambay; kari karrkay-karrkay nyungu diburr nuka-y | this poison-nut.tree tree bad(poison); NEG children its seed eat-IMP

yanyu jalnji juku bambay kari karrkay diburr nukal


The women pounded the nuts and cooked the food in the hot ashes.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka darka nyurrban, mayi nulu wumbul-ba wajun.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka darka nyurrba-ny, mayi nulu wumbul-ba waju-ny | woman-ERG nut ground(pounded), food ashes hot-LOC cooked

jalbu darka nyurrbal mayi nulu wumbul wajul


We cracked nuts all afternoon, and the shells lay in a heap by the fire.

Ngana darka dumbarrin wungar bada-nya, dumbul baya karangkal wunan wubulku.

ngana darka dumbarri-ny wungar bada-nya, dumbul baya karangkal wuna-ny wubul-ku | we nut cracked sun down-SUB(afternoon), shell(bark) fire alongside lay all

ngana darka dumbarril wungar bada dumbul baya karangkal wunal


The zamia palm grows in the scrub, and its nuts feed the people in the hungry time.

Marra juku madja-nga wunay, nyungu darka mayi bama-ka daji-l dakwuy-wungar-a.

marra juku madja-nga wuna-y, nyungu darka mayi bama-ka daji-l dakwuy-wungar-a | zamia tree scrub-LOC grows, its nut food person-DAT gives hungry-season-LOC

marra juku madja wunay darka mayi bama dajil dakwuy wungar


The men followed the bees to the hollow tree and took the sweet honey.

Dingkar-angka dabu wukurrin juku dimbirr-ka, wunba jiba-wula-wula manin.

dingkar-angka dabu wukurri-ny juku dimbirr-ka, wunba jiba-wula-wula mani-ny | man-ERG bee followed tree hollow-DAT, honey sweet took

dingkar dabu wukurril juku dimbirr wunba jiba-wula-wula manil

dabu 'bee'; dimbirr 'hollow tree'; wunba 'honey'


The honey is deep in the tree; my elder brother chopped the wood to reach it.

Wunba juku dukurr-ba; ngayku yabangka juku nyandan, wunba mani-nka.

wunba juku dukurr-ba; ngayku yaba-ngka juku nyanda-ny, wunba mani-nka | honey tree deep-LOC; my elder.brother-ERG wood chopped, honey get-PURP

wunba juku dukurr ngayku yaba nyandal manil


The children want the sweet honey and the soft honey bread most of all.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka wunba jiba-wula-wula, kawar kima-baja, wawu manil wubulku baja.

karrkay-karrkay-angka wunba jiba-wula-wula, kawar kima-baja, wawu mani-l wubul-ku baja | children-ERG honey sweet, honey.bread soft-very, want get all too

karrkay wunba jiba-wula-wula kawar kima wawu manil wubul

kawar 'honey bread'; kima 'soft'; wawu 'want'


The old woman gathered the sweet resin from the grass tree to give to the sick child.

Wulbumangka kanunjul nganjirr-muny bangkan, karrkay bambay-nda daji-nka.

wulbuman-ngka kanunjul nganjirr-muny bangka-ny, karrkay bambay-nda daji-nka | old.woman-ERG resin grass.tree-ABL gathered, child sick-LOC give-PURP

wulbuman kanunjul nganjirr bangkal karrkay bambay dajil

kanunjul 'grass-tree resin'; nganjirr 'grass tree'


In this country there is honey, yams, and fruit for everyone in the wet season.

Yanyu bubu-ngu wunba, bambayal, jidu wubul bama-ka bana-wungar-a.

yanyu bubu-ngu wunba, bambayal, jidu wubul bama-ka bana-wungar-a | this country-LOC honey, yam, fruit all person-DAT wet-season-LOC

yanyu bubu wunba bambayal jidu wubul bama bana wungar


The grass seeds are gathered and ground into food when the yams are gone.

Jumul-jumul bangka, nyurrba mayi-ma-nka, bambayal kari-nya.

jumul-jumul bangka, nyurrba mayi-ma-nka, bambayal kari-nya | grass.seed gather(IMP), grind food-become-PURP, yam NEG(gone)-SUB

jumul bangkal nyurrbal mayi bambayal kari


The roots of this vine are good medicine for a sore stomach.

Yanyu maya-mu ngara ngulkurr dukunjaka, jibar bambay-nka.

yanyu maya-mu ngara ngulkurr dukunjaka, jibar bambay-nka | this vine-POSS root good bush.medicine, stomach sick-DAT

yanyu maya ngara ngulkurr dukunjaka jibar bambay

ngara 'root'; dukunjaka 'bush medicine'; jibar 'stomach'


Strip the bark from the tree to make a good strong dilly bag.

Dumbul juku-muny mani, ngunyin ngulkurr junkurr bunga-nka.

dumbul juku-muny mani, ngunyin ngulkurr junkurr bunga-nka | bark tree-ABL take(IMP), dilly.bag good strong make-PURP

dumbul juku manil ngunyin ngulkurr junkurr bungal


The broad leaves are used to wrap the meat before it is cooked in the ground.

Bindi birra minya nanda-nka, waju-nyji bubu-ngu.

bindi birra minya nanda-nka, waju-nyji bubu-ngu | broad.leaf leaf meat wrap(cover)-PURP, cook-PRECAUT ground-LOC

bindi 'broad leaf'; birra 'leaf'; nanda-l 'wrap'


My mother wove a strong basket from the vine to carry the yams home.

Ngayku ngamungka ngunyin junkurr bungan maya-bu, bambayal bayan-ka wundi-nka.

ngayku ngamu-ngka ngunyin junkurr bunga-ny maya-bu, bambayal bayan-ka wundi-nka | my mother-ERG dilly.bag strong made vine-INST, yam camp-DAT carry-PURP

ngayku ngamu ngunyin junkurr bungal maya bambayal bayan wundil


The old man chopped a straight spear-shaft from the hard wood of this tree.

Mukul-dingkarangka kalka nyandan juku dandi-muny yanyu-muny.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka nyanda-ny juku dandi-muny yanyu-muny | old-man-ERG spear chopped wood hard-ABL this-ABL

mukul dingkar kalka nyandal juku dandi yanyu

nyanda-l 'chop'; kalka 'spear'; dandi 'hard'


When the flowers of this tree bloom, the people know the yams are ready to dig.

Yanyu juku nganka-nji wunay, bama-ngka binal bambayal ngulkurr baka-nka.

yanyu juku nganka-nji wuna-y, bama-ngka binal bambayal ngulkurr baka-nka | this tree flower-COMIT is, person-ERG know yam good dig-PURP

yanyu juku nganka wunay bama binal bambayal ngulkurr bakal


The children chewed the sweet grass stems while they watched the birds.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka bilanji jiba-wula-wula majan, buyi nyaji-nya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka bilanji jiba-wula-wula maja-ny, buyi nyaji-nya | children-ERG grass sweet chewed, bird watch-SUB

karrkay bilanji jiba-wula-wula majal buyi nyajil

maja-l 'chew'; bilanji 'grass'; buyi 'bird'


Gather the dry bark and grass to make the fire burn hot and bright.

Dumbul dandi, kumul dandi bangka, baya wumbul junkurr-bu waju-nka.

dumbul dandi, kumul dandi bangka, baya wumbul junkurr-bu waju-nka | bark dry, grass dry gather(IMP), fire hot strong-INST burn-PURP

dumbul dandi kumul bangkal baya wumbul junkurr wajul


This one tree gives shade, sweet fruit, strong wood, and bark for the dilly bag.

Yanyu juku nyubun ngulkurr-baja: wabarr, jidu jiba-wula-wula, juku junkurr, dumbul ngunyin-ka.

yanyu juku nyubun ngulkurr-baja: wabarr, jidu jiba-wula-wula, juku junkurr, dumbul ngunyin-ka | this tree one best: shade, fruit sweet, wood strong, bark dilly.bag-DAT

yanyu juku nyubun ngulkurr wabarr jidu jiba-wula-wula junkurr dumbul ngunyin


The old woman said: the scrub is our food-country; it gives us food in every season.

Kambangka balkan: madja ngana-mu mayi-bubu; nyulu nganangan mayi daji-l wungar wubul-a.

kamba-ngka balka-ny: madja ngana-mu mayi-bubu; nyulu nganangan mayi daji-l wungar wubul-a | old.woman-ERG said: scrub our food-country; it us food gives season all-LOC

kamba balkal madja ngana mayi bubu nganangan dajil wungar wubul

madja food-country; teaching; us=nganangan


I am going to the creek; you stay here and look after the fire.

Ngayu wawubaja-ka dunga-y; yundu yaluy bunda, baya kuji.

ngayu wawubaja-ka dunga-y; yundu yaluy bunda, baya kuji | 1sg.NOM(S) creek-DAT go; 2sg.NOM(S) here stay(IMP), fire look.after(IMP)

ngayu wawubaja dungay yundu yaluy bundal baya kujil


My dog bit the child, so the man hit it with a stick.

Ngayku kaya-ngka karrkay baykan, dingkarangka juku-bu kunin.

ngayku kaya-ngka karrkay bayka-ny, dingkar-angka juku-bu kuni-ny | 1sg.POSS dog-ERG:pt(A) child.ABS(O) bit, man-ERG stick-INST hit

ngayku kaya karrkay baykal dingkar juku kunil


That woman saw me at the camp and called me by my name.

Yinya jalbu-ngka nganya nyajin bayan-ba, ngayku burri-bu kunjan.

yinya jalbu-ngka nganya nyaji-ny bayan-ba, ngayku burri-bu kunja-ny | that woman-ERG:pt(A) 1sg.ACC(O) saw camp-LOC, 1sg.POSS name-INST called

yinya jalbu nganya nyajil bayan ngayku burri kunjal


Give the meat to me, and I will share it with all the people.

Minya ngaykunku daji, ngayu bama wubul-ka daji-l.

minya ngaykunku daji, ngayu bama wubul-ka daji-l | meat.ABS(O) 1sg.DAT give(IMP), 1sg.NOM(A) person all-DAT give


The dog is sitting beside me, and the child is standing near you.

Kaya ngaykundu bundan, karrkay yunundu janay.

kaya ngaykundu bunda-ny, karrkay yunundu jana-y | dog 1sg.LOC(beside.me) sat, child 2sg.LOC(near.you) stands

kaya ngaykundu bundal karrkay yunundu janay


The children ran away from me toward the water in the morning.

Karrkay-karrkay ngaykundumuny warri bana-ka wunkuwingku.

karrkay-karrkay ngaykundumuny warri bana-ka wunkuwingku | children 1sg.ABL(from.me) ran water-DAT morning

karrkay ngaykundumuny warri bana wunkuwingku


Come hunting with me tomorrow, and we two will find a big kangaroo.

Kada balbi-ka ngaykunji wunkun, ngali mayarriji yalbay warrmba-bunga-l.

kada balbi-ka ngaykunji wunkun, ngali mayarriji yalbay warrmba-bunga-l | come(IMP) hunt-DAT 1sg.COMIT(with.me) tomorrow, 1du.exc.NOM(A) kangaroo big find

kaday balbil ngaykunji wunkun ngali mayarriji yalbay warrmba bungal


I saw you at the corroboree, but you did not see me.

Ngayu yununy nyajin malkarri-nga, yundu kari nganya nyajin.

ngayu yununy nyaji-ny malkarri-nga, yundu kari nganya nyaji-ny | 1sg.NOM(A) 2sg.ACC(O) saw corroboree-LOC, 2sg.NOM(A) NEG 1sg.ACC(O) saw

ngayu yununy nyajil malkarri yundu kari nganya


This spear is yours; that one over there is mine.

yanyu kalka yunu; yinya yinyay ngayku | this spear 2sg.POSS(yours); that there 1sg.POSS(mine)


Your father spoke to you, but you were not listening to him.

Yunu nganjanangka yununku balkan, yundu kari nyungunku milka-jana-l.

yunu nganjan-angka yununku balka-ny, yundu kari nyungunku milka-jana-l | 2sg.POSS father-ERG 2sg.DAT spoke, 2sg.NOM(A) NEG 3sg.DAT listen

yunu nganjan yununku balkal yundu kari nyungunku milka janay

2sg DAT yununku; 3sg DAT nyungunku; milka-jana-l 'listen'


I will go with you to your mother's camp in the morning.

Ngayu yununji dunga-y yunu ngamu-mu bayan-ka wunkuwingku.

ngayu yununji dunga-y yunu ngamu-mu bayan-ka wunkuwingku | 1sg.NOM(S) 2sg.COMIT(with.you) go 2sg.POSS mother-POSS camp-DAT morning

ngayu yununji dungay yunu ngamu bayan wunkuwingku


He is my elder brother; I saw him down at the river yesterday.

Nyulu ngayku yaba; ngayu nyunguny nyajin wawubaja-nga yilayku.

nyulu ngayku yaba; ngayu nyunguny nyaji-ny wawubaja-nga yilayku | 3sg.NOM(S) 1sg.POSS elder.brother; 1sg.NOM(A) 3sg.ACC(O) saw creek-LOC yesterday

nyulu ngayku yaba ngayu nyunguny nyajil wawubaja yilayku

3sg NOM nyulu / ACC nyunguny; yilayku 'yesterday'


Give the spear to him, and he will hunt for all of us.

Kalka nyungunku daji, nyulu balbi-l ngana wubul-ka.

kalka nyungunku daji, nyulu balbi-l ngana wubul-ka | spear 3sg.DAT give(IMP), 3sg.NOM(A) hunt 1pl all-DAT(for.us)

kalka nyungunku dajil nyulu balbil ngana wubul


The child is afraid of him and runs to me again and again.

Karrkay nyungunku yinjilji, ngaykunku warri baja-baja.

karrkay nyungunku yinjilji, ngaykunku warri baja-baja | child 3sg.DAT afraid, 1sg.DAT runs again-again

karrkay nyungunku yinjilji ngaykunku warri baja


We two are going hunting; you two stay and mind the children.

Ngali balbi-ka dunga-y; yubal bunda, karrkay-karrkay kuji.

ngali balbi-ka dunga-y; yubal bunda, karrkay-karrkay kuji | 1du.exc.NOM(S) hunt-DAT go; 2du.NOM(S) stay(IMP), children look.after(IMP)

ngali balbil dungay yubal bundal karrkay kujil


You and I will build a shelter here before the rain comes.

Ngaliny yaluy bayan bunga-l, bana kada-nyji.

ngaliny yaluy bayan bunga-l, bana kada-nyji | 1du.inc.NOM(A) here shelter make, rain come-PRECAUT


The two of them went to the sea, and we two followed them.

Bula jalun-ka dungan, ngali bulangan wukurrin.

bula jalun-ka dunga-ny, ngali bulangan wukurri-ny | 3du.NOM(S) sea-DAT went, 1du.exc.NOM(A) 3du.ACC(O) followed

bula jalun dungay ngali bulangan wukurril


Give the fish to us two, and we will cook it for you two.

Kuyu ngalinka daji, ngali waju-l yubalanka.

kuyu ngalinka daji, ngali waju-l yubalanka | fish 1du.exc.DAT give(IMP), 1du.exc.NOM(A) cook 2du.DAT(for.you.two)

kuyu ngalinka dajil ngali wajul yubalanka


The dog is lying between us two, beside the warm fire.

Kaya ngalinda wunay, baya wumbul karangkal.

kaya ngalinda wuna-y, baya wumbul karangkal | dog 1du.exc.LOC(between.us.two) lies, fire warm alongside

kaya ngalinda wunay baya wumbul karangkal


You two came with us two to dig yams in the soft ground.

Yubal ngalinji kadan bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-nga.

yubal ngalinji kada-ny bambayal baka-nka bubu kima-nga | 2du.NOM(S) 1du.exc.COMIT came yam dig-PURP ground soft-LOC

yubal ngalinji kaday bambayal bakal bubu kima


Their two spears are lying here; whose are these?

Bula-nga kalka jambul yaluy wunay; wanya-mba yanyu?

bula-nga kalka jambul yaluy wuna-y; wanya-mba yanyu | 3du.POSS spear two here lie; who-POSS these

bula kalka jambul yaluy wunay wanya yanyu


We two saw you two at the swamp yesterday, hunting for meat.

Ngali yubalan nyajin daburri-nga yilayku, minya-ka balbi-nya.

ngali yubalan nyaji-ny daburri-nga yilayku, minya-ka balbi-nya | 1du.exc.NOM(A) 2du.ACC(O) saw swamp-LOC yesterday, meat-DAT hunt-SUB

ngali yubalan nyajil daburri yilayku minya balbil


The old man told us two to carry the meat back to the camp.

Mukul-dingkarangka ngalingan balkan minya bayan-ka wundi-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka ngalingan balka-ny minya bayan-ka wundi-nka | old-man-ERG 1du.exc.ACC(O) told meat camp-DAT carry-PURP

mukul dingkar ngalingan balkal minya bayan wundil


You and I belong to this country; our two names are known here.

Ngaliny yanyu bubu-mu; ngalinyanga burri jambul yaluy binal.

ngaliny yanyu bubu-mu; ngalinyanga burri jambul yaluy binal | 1du.inc this country-POSS; 1du.inc.POSS name two here known

ngaliny yanyu bubu ngalinyanga burri jambul yaluy binal


The two children played all day; then the two of them slept beside their mother.

Karrkay jambul warrma wungar wubulku; niji bula ngamu karangkal wunan.

karrkay jambul warrma wungar wubul-ku; niji bula ngamu karangkal wuna-ny | child two played day all; then 3du.NOM(S) mother alongside slept

karrkay jambul warrma wungar wubul niji bula ngamu karangkal wunal


We two hunt together every day and share all the food we get.

Ngali muru balbil wungar wubul-a, mayi wubul daji-wa-y.

ngali muru balbi-l wungar wubul-a, mayi wubul daji-wa-y | 1du.exc.NOM(A) together hunt day all-LOC, food all share(give-RECIP)

ngali muru balbil wungar wubul mayi dajil


We all are going to the corroboree; you all come with us.

Ngana malkarri-ka dunga-y; yurra ngananji kada.

ngana malkarri-ka dunga-y; yurra ngananji kada | 1pl.inc.NOM(S) corroboree-DAT go; 2pl.NOM(S) 1pl.inc.COMIT come(IMP)

ngana malkarri dungay yurra ngananji kaday

1pl.inc ngana; 2pl yurra; 1pl COMIT ngananji


They are hunting in the scrub, and we will meet them at the creek.

Jana madja-nga balbil, ngana janangan wawubaja-nga nyaji-l.

jana madja-nga balbi-l, ngana janangan wawubaja-nga nyaji-l | 3pl.NOM(A) scrub-LOC hunt, 1pl.inc.NOM(A) 3pl.ACC(O) creek-LOC see

jana madja balbil ngana janangan wawubaja nyajil


Give the food to them, for they have travelled a long way.

Mayi jananka daji, jana kalbay-muny jilban.

mayi jananka daji, jana kalbay-muny jilba-ny | food 3pl.DAT give(IMP), 3pl.NOM(S) far-ABL walked


The children are playing near us, and the dogs are sleeping beside them.

Karrkay-karrkay ngananda warrma, kaya-kaya jananda wunay.

karrkay-karrkay ngananda warrma, kaya-kaya jananda wuna-y | children 1pl.inc.LOC(near.us) play, dogs 3pl.LOC(beside.them) sleep

karrkay ngananda warrma kaya jananda wunay


You all came with us to this country in the wet season.

Yurra ngananji kadan yanyu bubu-ka bana-wungar-a.

yurra ngananji kada-ny yanyu bubu-ka bana-wungar-a | 2pl.NOM(S) 1pl.inc.COMIT came this country-DAT wet-season-LOC

yurra ngananji kaday yanyu bubu bana wungar


This is our country; our fathers and their fathers hunted here.

Yanyu ngananga bubu; ngananga nganjan, jananga nganjan baja, yaluy balbin.

yanyu ngananga bubu; ngananga nganjan, jananga nganjan baja, yaluy balbi-ny | this 1pl.inc.POSS country; our father, their father too, here hunted

yanyu ngananga bubu nganjan jananga yaluy balbil


We (not you) are the seaside people; you all are the scrub people.

Nganjin jalun-ji-warra; yurra maja-ji-warra.

nganjin jalun-ji-warra; yurra maja-ji-warra | 1pl.EXCLUSIVE.NOM(S) seaside-people; 2pl.NOM(S) scrub-people


The old woman gave us all the sweet honey and told us the old stories.

Wulbumangka ngananka wunba jiba-wula-wula dajin, nganangan kuku ngadiku balkan.

wulbuman-ngka ngananka wunba jiba-wula-wula daji-ny, nganangan kuku ngadiku balka-ny | old.woman-ERG 1pl.DAT honey sweet gave, 1pl.ACC(O) story old told

wulbuman ngananka wunba jiba-wula-wula dajil nganangan kuku ngadiku balkal


They saw us all at the camp and came to sit with us.

Jana nganangan nyajin bayan-ba, kadan bunda-nka ngananji.

jana nganangan nyaji-ny bayan-ba, kada-ny bunda-nka ngananji | 3pl.NOM(A) 1pl.ACC(O) saw camp-LOC, came sit-PURP 1pl.COMIT

jana nganangan nyajil bayan kaday bundal ngananji


We will follow them to the mountain and camp there with them tonight.

Ngana janangan wukurri-l manjal-ka, yinyay bundal jananji wujurr-ba.

ngana janangan wukurri-l manjal-ka, yinyay bunda-l jananji wujurr-ba | 1pl.inc.NOM(A) 3pl.ACC(O) follow mountain-DAT, there camp 3pl.COMIT night-LOC

ngana janangan wukurril manjal yinyay bundal jananji wujurr


You all must not go there; that place belongs to them.

Yurra kari dunga-y yinyay; yinya bubu jananga.

yurra kari dunga-y yinyay; yinya bubu jananga | 2pl.NOM(S) NEG go-IMP there; that place 3pl.POSS

yurra kari dungay yinyay yinya bubu jananga

2pl yurra; 3pl POSS jananga; PROHIBITIVE


Their camp is beside ours, on this side of the creek.

Jananga bayan ngananga karangkal, wawubaja yanyu ngundu.

jananga bayan ngananga karangkal, wawubaja yanyu ngundu | 3pl.POSS camp 1pl.inc.POSS alongside, creek this side

jananga bayan ngananga karangkal wawubaja yanyu ngundu


My mother, your father, and his grandmother sat together by the fire.

Ngayku ngamu, yunu nganjan, nyungu babi muru bundan baya karangkal.

ngayku ngamu, yunu nganjan, nyungu babi muru bunda-ny baya karangkal | 1sg.POSS mother, 2sg.POSS father, 3sg.POSS grandmother together sat fire alongside

ngayku ngamu yunu nganjan nyungu babi muru bundal baya karangkal


This is my spear, that is your dilly bag, and those are his dogs.

Yanyu ngayku kalka, yinya yunu ngunyin, yinya-rriny nyungu kaya-kaya.

yanyu ngayku kalka, yinya yunu ngunyin, yinya-rriny nyungu kaya-kaya | this 1sg.POSS spear, that 2sg.POSS dilly.bag, those 3sg.POSS dog-REDUP

yanyu ngayku kalka yinya yunu ngunyin nyungu kaya


Our country is big; its rivers are deep and its scrub is full of food.

Ngananga bubu yalbay; nyungu wawubaja dukurr, nyungu madja mayi-nji yajin.

ngananga bubu yalbay; nyungu wawubaja dukurr, nyungu madja mayi-nji yajin | 1pl.inc.POSS country big; its river deep, its scrub food-COMIT full

ngananga bubu yalbay nyungu wawubaja dukurr madja mayi yajin

1pl POSS ngananga; inanimate POSS nyungu


Their children play with our children every day at the creek.

Jananga karrkay-karrkay ngananga karrkay-nji warrma wungar wubul-a wawubaja-nga.

jananga karrkay-karrkay ngananga karrkay-nji warrma wungar wubul-a wawubaja-nga | 3pl.POSS children 1pl.inc.POSS child-COMIT play day all-LOC creek-LOC

jananga karrkay ngananga warrma wungar wubul wawubaja


Your two spears are sharp, but my one spear is stronger.

Yunu kalka jambul jalngkun, yambada ngayku kalka nyubun junkurr-baja.

yunu kalka jambul jalngkun, yambada ngayku kalka nyubun junkurr-baja | 2sg.POSS spear two sharp, but 1sg.POSS spear one stronger

yunu kalka jambul jalngkun yambada ngayku nyubun junkurr


His mother is my mother's elder sister; the two of us are cousins.

Nyungu ngamu ngayku ngamu-mu babarr; ngali bangunji.

nyungu ngamu ngayku ngamu-mu babarr; ngali bangunji | 3sg.POSS mother 1sg.POSS mother-POSS elder.sister; 1du.exc cousin

nyungu ngamu ngayku babarr ngali bangunji


We hold our country close; it feeds us and our children forever.

Ngana ngananga bubu karrba ngundu; nyulu nganangan mayi-mani, ngananga karrkay baja.

ngana ngananga bubu karrba ngundu; nyulu nganangan mayi-mani, ngananga karrkay baja | 1pl.inc.NOM(A) our country hold close; it 1pl.ACC(O) feeds(food-CAUS), our children too

ngana ngananga bubu karrbal ngundu nyulu nganangan mayi karrkay


That old man is their grandfather; he taught them all the kin names.

Yinya mukul-dingkar jananga ngaji; nyulu janangan binal-bungan kuku-jawun wubul.

yinya mukul-dingkar jananga ngaji; nyulu janangan binal-bunga-ny kuku-jawun wubul | that old-man 3pl.POSS mother's.father; 3sg.NOM(A) 3pl.ACC(O) taught kin-name all

yinya mukul dingkar jananga ngaji nyulu janangan binal bungal kuku jawun


You and I will go together, but they two will stay behind.

Ngaliny muru dunga-y, yambada bula kudamundu bundal.

ngaliny muru dunga-y, yambada bula kudamundu bunda-l | 1du.INCLUSIVE together go, but 3du behind stay

ngaliny muru dungay yambada bula kudamundu bundal


We (not you) are going hunting now; you stay here with the women.

Nganjin niji balbi-ka dunga-y; yundu yaluy bunda jalbu-jalbu-nji.

nganjin niji balbi-ka dunga-y; yundu yaluy bunda jalbu-jalbu-nji | 1pl.EXCLUSIVE now hunt-DAT go; 2sg.NOM(S) here stay(IMP) woman-REDUP-COMIT

nganjin niji balbil dungay yundu yaluy bundal jalbu


After you and I have eaten, we all will rest together by the big fire.

Ngaliny nuka-nya-muny, ngana muru mara-kunbay baya yalbay karangkal.

ngaliny nuka-nya-muny, ngana muru mara-kunbay baya yalbay karangkal | 1du.inc eat-SUB-ABL(after), 1pl.inc together rest fire big alongside

ngaliny nukal ngana muru mara-kunbay baya yalbay karangkal

1du.inc ngaliny + 1pl.inc ngana; mara-kunbay 'rest'


The old woman said: you all are my family, and I am yours forever.

Kambangka balkan: yurra ngayku jawun-karra, ngayu yurranga baja.

kamba-ngka balka-ny: yurra ngayku jawun-karra, ngayu yurranga baja | old.woman-ERG said: 2pl.NOM my kin-KPL, 1sg.NOM 2pl.POSS(yours) forever

kamba balkal yurra ngayku jawun ngayu yurranga


The men speared fish in the shallow water at the mouth of the river.

Dingkar-angka kuyu daman bana buban wawubaja ngandal-ba.

dingkar-angka kuyu dama-ny bana buban wawubaja ngandal-ba | man-ERG fish speared water small(shallow) river mouth-LOC

dingkar kuyu damal bana buban wawubaja ngandal

kuyu 'fish'; dama-l 'spear'; ngandal 'mouth'


My father made a strong fish spear with many prongs from the hard wood.

Ngayku nganjanangka yinba junkurr bungan yirrmba-baja juku dandi-muny.

ngayku nganjan-angka yinba junkurr bunga-ny yirrmba-baja juku dandi-muny | my father-ERG fish.spear strong made many-pronged wood hard-ABL

ngayku nganjan yinba junkurr bungal yirrmba juku dandi

yinba 'fish spear'; yirrmba 'many-pronged fish spear'


This fish is big and good; we will cook it in the hot ashes tonight.

Yanyu kuyu yalbay ngulkurr; ngana nulu wumbul-a waju-l wujurr-ba.

yanyu kuyu yalbay ngulkurr; ngana nulu wumbul-a waju-l wujurr-ba | this fish big good; we ashes hot-LOC cook night-LOC

yanyu kuyu yalbay ngulkurr ngana nulu wumbul wajul wujurr


The old woman scraped the scales off the fish before she cooked it.

Wulbumangka kuyu jindi manin, waju-nyji.

wulbuman-ngka kuyu jindi mani-ny, waju-nyji | old.woman-ERG fish scale removed(took), cook-PRECAUT


We caught many small fish in the net at the low tide in the morning.

Ngana kuyu jirril wubul manin makarr-bu ngajal-ba wunkuwingku.

ngana kuyu jirril wubul mani-ny makarr-bu ngajal-ba wunkuwingku | we fish small many caught net-INST low.tide-LOC morning

ngana kuyu jirril wubul manil makarr ngajal wunkuwingku

jirril 'small fish'; makarr 'net'; ngajal 'low tide'


The boy watched the shadow of the big barramundi move below the rock.

Karrkay-angka judi yalbay-mu wujurr nyajin, kulji bada murninya.

karrkay-angka judi yalbay-mu wujurr nyaji-ny, kulji bada murni-nya | boy-ERG barramundi big-POSS shadow watched, rock below move-SUB

karrkay judi yalbay wujurr nyajil kulji bada murni


Put the hook on the line, and wait quietly for the fish to bite.

Badur wukurr-ba wuna, janka bunda kuyu bayka-nyji.

badur wukurr-ba wuna, janka bunda kuyu bayka-nyji | hook line-LOC put(IMP), quiet sit(IMP) fish bite-PRECAUT

badur wukurr wunal janka bundal kuyu baykal

badur 'hook'; wukurr 'line'; janka 'quiet'


The mullet swim in a big group near the sandy bank in the early morning.

Kalngkan wubul-baja janji jukar karangkal wunkuwingku.

kalngkan wubul-baja janji jukar karangkal wunkuwingku | mullet many-very swim sand alongside morning

kalngkan wubul janji jukar karangkal wunkuwingku

kalngkan 'mullet'; janji-l 'swim'; jukar 'sand'


The garfish is long and thin, and it is very good to eat when it is roasted.

Kalu kalbay, nyulu ngulkurr-baja nuka-nka dinda-nya.

kalu kalbay, nyulu ngulkurr-baja nuka-nka dinda-nya | garfish long, it best eat-PURP roast-SUB


The catfish has sharp spines, so hold it carefully when you take it off the hook.

Julaji jalngkun-nji, karrba ngulkurr badur-muny mani-nya.

julaji jalngkun-nji, karrba ngulkurr badur-muny mani-nya | catfish sharp-COMIT, hold(IMP) carefully(good) hook-ABL take-SUB

julaji jalngkun karrbal ngulkurr badur manil


My grandmother knows every fish in this river by its scales and its fins.

Ngayku babingka kuyu wubul binal yanyu wawubaja-mu, nyungu jindi-bu kanya-bu.

ngayku babi-ngka kuyu wubul binal yanyu wawubaja-mu, nyungu jindi-bu kanya-bu | my grandmother-ERG fish all knows this river-POSS, its scale-INST fin-INST

ngayku babi kuyu wubul binal wawubaja jindi kanya


The red bream and the black bream both live near the reef in the deep water.

Jijirr, barrbal baja, bula dulngku karangkal wunay bana dukurr-ba.

jijirr, barrbal baja, bula dulngku karangkal wuna-y bana dukurr-ba | red.bream, black.bream too, they.two reef alongside live water deep-LOC

jijirr barrbal bula dulngku karangkal wunay bana dukurr

jijirr 'red bream'; barrbal 'black bream'; dulngku 'reef'


We speared the big cod on the reef where the water is deep and still.

Ngana kurrubal yalbay daman dulngku-ngu, wanja bana dukurr janka.

ngana kurrubal yalbay dama-ny dulngku-ngu, wanja bana dukurr janka | we cod big speared reef-LOC, where water deep still

ngana kurrubal yalbay damal dulngku bana dukurr janka

kurrubal 'cod'; reef-LOC dulngku-ngu (u)


The children carried the fish back to the camp on a string of bark.

Karrkay-karrkay kuyu bayan-ka wundin dumbul-wukurr-bu.

karrkay-karrkay kuyu bayan-ka wundi-ny dumbul-wukurr-bu | children fish camp-DAT carried bark-string-INST


The men hunted the sea turtle out beyond the reef in the deep water.

Dingkar-angka yalnga balbin dulngku kudamundu jalun dukurr-ba.

dingkar-angka yalnga balbi-ny dulngku kudamundu jalun dukurr-ba | man-ERG sea.turtle hunted reef beyond(behind) sea deep-LOC

dingkar yalnga balbil dulngku kudamundu jalun dukurr


The turtle is big and heavy; four men carried it up onto the beach.

Yalnga yalbay kulngkul; dingkar jambul-jambul wundin jukar wangkar-ka.

yalnga yalbay kulngkul; dingkar jambul-jambul wundi-ny jukar wangkar-ka | sea.turtle big heavy; man four carried sand up-DAT

yalnga yalbay kulngkul dingkar jambul wundil jukar wangkar

jambul-jambul 'four'; jukar 'sand/beach'


The old man cut the turtle shell to make a good strong dish for water.

Mukul-dingkarangka yalnga kadan nyandan, bana-ka ngulkurr junkurr bunga-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka yalnga kadan nyanda-ny, bana-ka ngulkurr junkurr bunga-nka | old-man-ERG sea.turtle shell chopped, water-DAT good strong make-PURP

mukul dingkar yalnga kadan nyandal bana ngulkurr junkurr bungal


The dugong feeds on the sea grass in the shallow water near the shore.

Biwuy jalun-bilanji nuka-l bana buban jalun karangkal.

biwuy jalun-bilanji nuka-l bana buban jalun karangkal | dugong sea-grass eats water small(shallow) sea alongside

biwuy jalun bilanji nukal bana buban karangkal

biwuy 'dugong'; jalun-bilanji 'sea grass'


The dugong is the best food of all; its meat is sweet and full of fat.

Biwuy minya ngulkurr-baja wubul-muny; nyungu minya jiba-wula-wula-baja.

biwuy minya ngulkurr-baja wubul-muny; nyungu minya jiba-wula-wula-baja | dugong food best all-ABL; its meat sweetest

biwuy minya ngulkurr wubul nyungu jiba-wula-wula


The men shared the dugong meat among all the families in the camp.

Dingkar-angka biwuy minya daji-wa-y jawun-karra wubul-ka bayan-ba.

dingkar-angka biwuy minya daji-wa-y jawun-karra wubul-ka bayan-ba | man-ERG dugong meat share(give-RECIP) family-KPL all-DAT camp-LOC

dingkar biwuy minya dajil jawun wubul bayan

daji-wa-y 'share'; jawun-karra 'families'


My father speared a big dugong at the full moon when the tide was high.

Ngayku nganjanangka biwuy yalbay daman kija yalbay-nya, yira balar-nya.

ngayku nganjan-angka biwuy yalbay dama-ny kija yalbay-nya, yira balar-nya | my father-ERG dugong big speared moon big-SUB, tide high-SUB

ngayku nganjan biwuy yalbay damal kija yira balar

kija 'moon'; yira 'tide'; balar 'high tide'


The turtle laid its eggs in the warm sand above the high-tide mark at night.

Yalnga diburr wunan jukar wumbul-a, balar wangkar-a wujurr-ba.

yalnga diburr wuna-ny jukar wumbul-a, balar wangkar-a wujurr-ba | sea.turtle egg laid sand hot-LOC, high.tide above-LOC night-LOC

yalnga diburr wunal jukar wumbul balar wangkar wujurr


We found the turtle tracks in the sand and followed them down to the water.

Ngana yalnga jina warrmba-bungan jukar-a, wukurrin bana-ka bada.

ngana yalnga jina warrmba-bunga-ny jukar-a, wukurri-ny bana-ka bada | we sea.turtle track found sand-LOC, followed water-DAT down

ngana yalnga jina warrmba bungal jukar wukurril bana bada

jina 'track'; sand-LOC jukar-a (single-r)


The old woman cooked the turtle slowly in the ground oven all through the night.

Wulbumangka yalnga waju kiray-baja bubu-ngu wujurr wubulku.

wulbuman-ngka yalnga waju kiray-baja bubu-ngu wujurr wubul-ku | old.woman-ERG sea.turtle cook slow-very ground-LOC night all

wulbuman yalnga wajul kiray bubu wujurr wubul


The women gathered oysters from the rocks at the low tide in the cold morning.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka julul bangkan kulji-muny ngajal-ba wunkuwingku ngiki-nga.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka julul bangka-ny kulji-muny ngajal-ba wunkuwingku ngiki-nga | woman-ERG oyster gathered rock-ABL low.tide-LOC morning cold-LOC

jalbu julul bangkal kulji ngajal wunkuwingku ngiki


My mother dived for the big mussels in the deep water beyond the reef.

Ngayku ngamungka mukirr yalbay-ka janjin bana dukurr-ba dulngku kudamundu.

ngayku ngamu-ngka mukirr yalbay-ka janji-ny bana dukurr-ba dulngku kudamundu | my mother-ERG mussel big-DAT dived water deep-LOC reef beyond

ngayku ngamu mukirr yalbay janji bana dukurr dulngku kudamundu

mukirr 'mussel'; janji-l 'dive' (ex.393)


The children caught the small crabs in the mud where the mangroves grow.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka wurru-bulan buban manin kambal-kambal-ba kajul karangkal.

karrkay-karrkay-angka wurru-bulan buban mani-ny kambal-kambal-ba kajul karangkal | children-ERG crab small caught mud-LOC mangrove alongside

karrkay wurru-bulan buban manil kambal-kambal kajul karangkal

wurru-bulan 'crab'; kambal-kambal 'mud'; kajul 'mangrove'


The soldier crabs run sideways across the sand when the tide goes out.

wuli-wuli warri jukar-a yira bada-nya | soldier.crab run sand-LOC tide down(go.out)-SUB


We cracked the oyster shells on the rocks and ate them there beside the sea.

Ngana julul milbar dumbarrin kulji-nga, nukan yinyay jalun karangkal.

ngana julul milbar dumbarri-ny kulji-nga, nuka-ny yinyay jalun karangkal | we oyster shell cracked rock-LOC, ate there sea alongside

ngana julul milbar dumbarril kulji nukal yinyay jalun karangkal


This periwinkle is small but sweet; the children love to gather them.

Yanyu kunkun buban yambada jiba-wula-wula; karrkay-karrkay-angka wawu bangkal.

yanyu kunkun buban yambada jiba-wula-wula; karrkay-karrkay-angka wawu bangka-l | this periwinkle small but sweet; children-ERG want gather

yanyu kunkun buban yambada jiba-wula-wula karrkay wawu bangkal


The old man showed the boys how to find the mud clams by their breathing holes.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-karra binal-bungan baymbay warrmba-bunga-nka nyungu janku-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-karra binal-bunga-ny baymbay warrmba-bunga-nka nyungu janku-bu | old-man-ERG young.man-KPL showed mud.clam find-PURP its hole-INST

mukul dingkar warru binal bungal baymbay warrmba janku


My grandmother knows every shellfish on this beach by its shell alone.

Ngayku babingka mukirr wubul binal yanyu jukar-a, nyungu milbar-bu nyubun.

ngayku babi-ngka mukirr wubul binal yanyu jukar-a, nyungu milbar-bu nyubun | my grandmother-ERG shellfish all knows this sand-LOC, its shell-INST alone

ngayku babi mukirr wubul binal jukar milbar nyubun


The women filled their dilly bags with oysters and mussels at the low tide.

Jalbu-jalbu-ngka ngunyin julul-bu mukirr-bu yajin-bungan ngajal-ba.

jalbu-jalbu-ngka ngunyin julul-bu mukirr-bu yajin-bunga-ny ngajal-ba | woman-ERG dilly.bag oyster-INST mussel-INST filled(full-CAUS) low.tide-LOC

jalbu ngunyin julul mukirr yajin bungal ngajal


Dive down to the reef and bring up the big trocus shells for me.

Janji bada dulngku-ka, dakaldakal yalbay wangkar-mani ngaykunku.

janji bada dulngku-ka, dakaldakal yalbay wangkar-mani ngaykunku | dive(IMP) down reef-DAT, trocus.shell big up-bring(get) 1sg.DAT(for.me)

janji bada dulngku dakaldakal yalbay wangkar manil ngaykunku


We gathered so many shellfish that we could not eat them all in one day.

Ngana mukirr wubul-baja bangkan, kari nuka-l wubul wungar nyubun-a.

ngana mukirr wubul-baja bangka-ny, kari nuka-l wubul wungar nyubun-a | we shellfish many-very gathered, NEG eat all day one-LOC

ngana mukirr wubul bangkal kari nukal wungar nyubun


The crabs stay in their holes in the sand until the water covers them again.

Wurru-bulan janku-ngu jukar-a wunay, bana janangan nanda-nyji baja.

wurru-bulan janku-ngu jukar-a wuna-y, bana janangan nanda-nyji baja | crab hole-LOC sand-LOC stay, water 3pl.ACC cover-PRECAUT again

wurru-bulan janku jukar wunay bana nandal

wurru-bulan; 3pl ACC janangan; nanda-l 'cover'


The big shark swims beyond the reef where the water is very deep.

Yaburr yalbay janji dulngku kudamundu, wanja bana dukurr-baja.

yaburr yalbay janji dulngku kudamundu, wanja bana dukurr-baja | shark big swim reef beyond, where water deep-very

yaburr yalbay janji dulngku kudamundu bana dukurr


Do not swim there at dusk, for that is when the shark hunts near the shore.

Kari janji yinyay wungar bada-nya, yaburr jalun karangkal balbil niji.

kari janji yinyay wungar bada-nya, yaburr jalun karangkal balbi-l niji | NEG swim there sun down-SUB(dusk), shark sea alongside hunts then

kari janji yinyay wungar bada yaburr jalun balbil


The stingray lies flat on the sandy bottom, hidden under the sand.

Yawu barrangkul jukar bada wunay, jukar-bu nanda-nya.

yawu barrangkul jukar bada wuna-y, jukar-bu nanda-nya | stingray flat sand below lies, sand-INST cover-SUB(hidden)


The old man speared a big stingray and cut off its dangerous tail.

Mukul-dingkarangka yawu yalbay daman, nyungu banda bambay nyandan.

mukul-dingkar-angka yawu yalbay dama-ny, nyungu banda bambay nyanda-ny | old-man-ERG stingray big speared, its tail bad(dangerous) cut

mukul dingkar yawu yalbay damal banda bambay nyandal


The manta ray is big like a blanket and glides slowly through the deep water.

Yidi yalbay yala kambi, janji kiray-baja bana dukurr-ba.

yidi yalbay yala kambi, janji kiray-baja bana dukurr-ba | manta.ray big like blanket(clothes), swim slow-very water deep-LOC

yidi yalbay yala kambi janji kiray bana dukurr


We saw an octopus hiding in a hole in the reef, still and quiet.

Ngana kurrija nyajin janku-ngu dulngku-ngu, janka-baja wunay.

ngana kurrija nyaji-ny janku-ngu dulngku-ngu, janka-baja wuna-y | we octopus saw hole-LOC reef-LOC, quiet-very lies(hides)

ngana kurrija nyajil janku dulngku janka wunay


The jellyfish drift in the warm water; do not touch them, for they sting.

Kulil bana wumbul-a wunay; kari janangan karrba, jana bayka-l.

kulil bana wumbul-a wuna-y; kari janangan karrba, jana bayka-l | jellyfish water hot-LOC drift(lie); NEG 3pl.ACC touch(hold), they bite(sting)

kulil bana wumbul wunay kari karrbal baykal

kulil 'jellyfish'; 3pl ACC janangan; bayka-l 'sting'


The sea snake is very dangerous; the old people never touch it in the water.

Yuray bambay-baja; mukul-bama kariku nyunguny karrba bana-nga.

yuray bambay-baja; mukul-bama kariku nyunguny karrba bana-nga | sea.snake bad-very; old-people never 3sg.ACC touch(hold) water-LOC

yuray bambay mukul bama kariku nyunguny karrbal bana


The sea is calm and flat this morning, good for hunting turtle.

Jalun janka barrangkul yanyu wunkuwingku, ngulkurr yalnga balbi-nka.

jalun janka barrangkul yanyu wunkuwingku, ngulkurr yalnga balbi-nka | sea calm flat this morning, good sea.turtle hunt-PURP

jalun janka barrangkul yanyu wunkuwingku ngulkurr yalnga balbil

jalun 'sea'; janka 'calm'; barrangkul 'flat'


When the tide comes in, the fish move up into the shallow water to feed.

Yira kada-nya, kuyu wangkar dunga-l bana buban-ka nuka-nka.

yira kada-nya, kuyu wangkar dunga-l bana buban-ka nuka-nka | tide come-SUB, fish up move water small(shallow)-DAT eat-PURP

yira kaday kuyu wangkar dungay bana buban nukal


The reef is full of life; fish, shellfish, and crabs all live there together.

Dulngku mayi-nji yajin; kuyu, mukirr, wurru-bulan baja, jana wubul yinyay muru wunay.

dulngku mayi-nji yajin; kuyu, mukirr, wurru-bulan baja, jana wubul yinyay muru wuna-y | reef food-COMIT full; fish, shellfish, crab too, they all there together live

dulngku mayi yajin kuyu mukirr wurru-bulan muru wunay


The big waves break on the reef, but the water is calm behind it.

Mulngku yalbay dulngku-ngu dumbarri, yambada bana janka kudamundu.

mulngku yalbay dulngku-ngu dumbarri, yambada bana janka kudamundu | wave big reef-LOC break, but water calm behind

mulngku yalbay dulngku dumbarril yambada bana janka kudamundu


At the low tide the old women walk out on the reef to gather the shellfish.

Ngajal-ba wulbuman-wulbuman dulngku-ka jilba, mukirr bangka-nka.

ngajal-ba wulbuman-wulbuman dulngku-ka jilba, mukirr bangka-nka | low.tide-LOC old.woman-REDUP reef-DAT walk, shellfish gather-PURP

ngajal wulbuman dulngku jilba mukirr bangkal


The old man said: the sea gives us food every day, so we must always look after it.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: jalun nganangan mayi daji-l wungar wubul-a, ngana nyunguny kuji-l baja.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: jalun nganangan mayi daji-l wungar wubul-a, ngana nyunguny kuji-l baja | old-man-ERG said: sea 1pl.ACC food gives day all-LOC, we 3sg.ACC look.after always

mukul dingkar balkal jalun nganangan mayi dajil wungar kujil


The young man went down to the river to spear fish for his family.

Warru dungan wawubaja-ka, kuyu dama-nka jawun-karra-ka.

warru dunga-ny wawubaja-ka, kuyu dama-nka jawun-karra-ka | young.man went river-DAT, fish spear-PURP family-KPL-DAT


The women sat down together in the shade to have a long talk with each other.

Jalbu-jalbu bundan muru wabarr-ba, balka-wa-nka kalbay-baja.

jalbu-jalbu bunda-ny muru wabarr-ba, balka-wa-nka kalbay-baja | woman-REDUP sat together shade-LOC, talk-RECIP-PURP long-very


My mother is cooking the fish now in order to give food to all the children.

Ngayku ngamungka kuyu waju-l niji, karrkay-karrkay wubul-ka daji-nka.

ngayku ngamu-ngka kuyu waju-l niji, karrkay-karrkay wubul-ka daji-nka | my mother-ERG fish cooks now, children all-DAT give-PURP

ngayku ngamu kuyu wajul karrkay wubul dajil


Grandmother drinks the green-ant juice every day in order to get well again.

Babingka yangka bana nuka-l wungar wubul-a, ngulkurr-ma-nka.

babi-ngka yangka bana nuka-l wungar wubul-a, ngulkurr-ma-nka | grandmother-ERG green.ant water drinks day all-LOC, good-INCHO-PURP(get.well)

babi yangka bana nukal wungar wubul ngulkurr


The elder brother told his younger sister to run home quickly along the beach.

Yaba-ngka jinkurr-undu yalaman, bayan-ka warri-nka jinbal-baja jukar-a.

yaba-ngka jinkurr-undu yalama-ny, bayan-ka warri-nka jinbal-baja jukar-a | elder.brother-ERG younger.sister-LOC told, camp-DAT run-PURP quick-very sand-LOC

yaba jinkurr yalamal bayan warri jinbal jukar

INDIRECT COMMAND: speech-verb + PURP (ex.417)


I spread the paperbark blanket on the ground so that we could all sit on it.

Ngayu kararr bubu-ngu ngaran, ngana wubul bunda-nka.

ngayu kararr bubu-ngu ngara-ny, ngana wubul bunda-nka | 1sg.NOM(A) blanket ground-LOC spread, 1pl all sit-PURP

ngayu kararr bubu ngaral ngana wubul bundal

PURP bunda-nka (ex.416); ngara-l 'spread'


Grandmother told the girl to look after the baby while she gathered the yams.

Babingka maral balkan, ngawa kuji-nka, nyulu bambayal bangka-nya.

babi-ngka maral balka-ny, ngawa kuji-nka, nyulu bambayal bangka-nya | grandmother-ERG girl told, baby look.after-PURP, she yam gather-SUB

babi maral balkal ngawa kujil bambayal bangkal


The old man climbed up onto the rock to watch the turtles out beyond the reef.

Mukul-dingkar kulji wangkar dakan, yalnga nyaji-nka dulngku kudamundu.

mukul-dingkar kulji wangkar daka-ny, yalnga nyaji-nka dulngku kudamundu | old-man rock up climbed, sea.turtle see-PURP reef beyond

mukul dingkar kulji wangkar dakal yalnga nyajil dulngku kudamundu


I had better cook some food now, for I am very hungry and the sun is going down.

Ngayu mayi waju-nku niji, ngayu dakwuy-baja, wungar bada dunga-l.

ngayu mayi waju-nku niji, ngayu dakwuy-baja, wungar bada dunga-l | 1sg.NOM(A) food cook-PURP now, 1sg hungry-very, sun down goes

ngayu mayi wajul dakwuy wungar bada dungay

independent PURP -nku = 'had better' (ex.401)


Don't touch that vicious dog, or it will bite you on the hand.

Kari yinya kaya kuli-ji karrba, yununy bayka-nyji mara-nga.

kari yinya kaya kuli-ji karrba, yununy bayka-nyji mara-nga | NEG that dog rage-COMIT touch(IMP), 2sg.ACC bite-PRECAUT hand-LOC

PRECAUTIONARY -nyji 'lest bite' (ex.437)


He does not swim in the deep river, lest he drown in the strong current.

Nyulu kari janji-l wawubaja dukurr-ba, bujil-janji-nyji bana junkurr-ba.

nyulu kari janji-l wawubaja dukurr-ba, bujil-janji-nyji bana junkurr-ba | he NEG swim river deep-LOC, nose-bathe(drown)-PRECAUT water strong-LOC

nyulu kari janji wawubaja dukurr bana junkurr

PRECAUT bujil-janji-nyji 'lest drown' (ex.432)


Keep the fire burning through the night, or the little ones will get cold.

Baya waju-l-waju wujurr wubulku, karrkay-karrkay kiway-ma-nyji.

baya waju-l-waju wujurr wubul-ku, karrkay-karrkay kiway-ma-nyji | fire burn-REDUP(IMP) night all, children cold-INCHO-PRECAUT


I carry the baby on my back all day long lest it cry for its mother.

Ngayu ngawa jarrakulba-l muku-ngu wungar wubulku, banbadi-nyji ngamu-ka.

ngayu ngawa jarrakulba-l muku-ngu wungar wubul-ku, banbadi-nyji ngamu-ka | 1sg.NOM(A) baby carry back-LOC day all, cry.REDUP-PRECAUT mother-DAT

ngayu ngawa jarrakulbal muku wungar wubul banbadi ngamu

PRECAUT banbadi-nyji (ex.439); muku 'back'


Cover the meat well with broad leaves, or the fish will go rotten in the heat.

Minya birra-bu ngulkurr nanda, kuyu kabu-ma-nyji wumbul-a.

minya birra-bu ngulkurr nanda, kuyu kabu-ma-nyji wumbul-a | meat leaf-INST well cover(IMP), fish rotten-INCHO-PRECAUT hot-LOC

minya birra ngulkurr nandal kuyu kabu wumbul

PRECAUT kabu-ma-nyji 'lest rot' (ex.444)


Don't play with the sharp spear near the children, lest you hurt someone.

Kari kalka jalngkun-ji karrba karrkay karangkal, bama buyun-dama-nyji.

kari kalka jalngkun-ji karrba karrkay karangkal, bama buyun-dama-nyji | NEG spear sharp-COMIT touch(IMP) child alongside, person bad-CAUS(hurt)-PRECAUT

kari kalka jalngkun karrbal karrkay karangkal bama buyun


Hold the baby tight by the deep water, lest you drop it into the river.

Ngawa junkurr karrba bana dukurr karangkal, bana-ka dara-y-mani-nyji.

ngawa junkurr karrba bana dukurr karangkal, bana-ka dara-y-mani-nyji | baby tight hold(IMP) water deep alongside, water-DAT fall-CAUS(drop)-PRECAUT

ngawa junkurr karrbal bana dukurr karangkal daray manil

PRECAUT dara-y-mani-nyji 'lest drop' (ex.441)


Take a strong stick with you on the path, in case the vicious dog comes at you.

Juku junkurr mani yununji jina-nga, kaya kuli-ji kada-nyji yununku.

juku junkurr mani yununji jina-nga, kaya kuli-ji kada-nyji yununku | wood strong take(IMP) 2sg.COMIT track-LOC, dog rage-COMIT come-PRECAUT 2sg.DAT


Don't pick up the turtle eggs, or you will break them all on the rocks.

Kari yalnga diburr kulba, wubul dumbarri-nyji kulji-nga.

kari yalnga diburr kulba, wubul dumbarri-nyji kulji-nga | NEG sea.turtle egg lift(IMP), all break-PRECAUT rock-LOC

kari yalnga diburr kulbal wubul dumbarril kulji


I quickly killed the brown snake before it could bite me on the foot.

Ngayu jinbal-da jinkalmu kunin, nganya bayka-nyjiku jina-nga.

ngayu jinbal-da jinkalmu kuni-ny, nganya bayka-nyjiku jina-nga | 1sg.NOM(A) quick-INST brown.snake killed, 1sg.ACC bite-SUCC foot-LOC

ngayu jinbal jinkalmu kunil nganya bayka jina

SUCCESSIVE -nyjiku 'before it bite' (ex.445)


The woman washed her hands in the water before she kneaded the damper.

Jalbu-ngka mara julurrin bana-nga, mayi damba dingka-nyjiku.

jalbu-ngka mara julurri-ny bana-nga, mayi damba dingka-nyjiku | woman-ERG hand washed water-LOC, food damper knead-SUCC

jalbu mara julurril bana mayi damba dingka

SUCC dingka-nyjiku 'before kneading' (ex.447)


I had a good long rest in the shade before I went walking in the hot sun.

Ngayu wabarr-ba mara-kunbay kalbay-baja, jilba-dunga-nyjiku wungar wumbul-a.

ngayu wabarr-ba mara-kunbay kalbay-baja, jilba-dunga-nyjiku wungar wumbul-a | 1sg.NOM(S) shade-LOC rest long-very, walk-go-SUCC sun hot-LOC

ngayu wabarr mara-kunbay kalbay jilba dungay wungar wumbul


The girl stored up plenty of food and clothes before she went to her husband's camp.

Maralangka mayi, kambi baja bangkan wubul, dunyu-mu bayan-ka dunga-nyjiku.

maral-angka mayi, kambi baja bangka-ny wubul, dunyu-mu bayan-ka dunga-nyjiku | girl-ERG food, clothes too stocked.up many, husband-POSS camp-DAT go-SUCC

maral mayi kambi bangkal wubul dunyu bayan dungay

SUCC dunga-nyjiku 'before marrying' (ex.448)


The old man sharpened the spear well before he went hunting for the big kangaroo.

Mukul-dingkarangka kalka jalngkun-bungan ngulkurr, mayarriji balbi-ka dunga-nyjiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka jalngkun-bunga-ny ngulkurr, mayarriji balbi-ka dunga-nyjiku | old-man-ERG spear sharp-CAUS(sharpened) well, kangaroo hunt-DAT go-SUCC

mukul dingkar kalka jalngkun bungal mayarriji balbil dungay


We gathered plenty of firewood before the cold rain came in the evening.

Ngana baya-juku wubul bangkan, kaba ngiki kada-nyjiku wungar bada-nya.

ngana baya-juku wubul bangka-ny, kaba ngiki kada-nyjiku wungar bada-nya | we firewood many gathered, rain cold come-SUCC sun down-SUB(evening)

ngana baya juku wubul bangkal kaba ngiki kaday


The children ate their fill of the sweet figs before they ran down to swim in the creek.

Karrkay-karrkay jilanji jiba-wula-wula yajin-man, bana-ka warri janji-nyjiku.

karrkay-karrkay jilanji jiba-wula-wula yajin-man, bana-ka warri janji-nyjiku | children fig sweet became.full, water-DAT ran swim-SUCC

karrkay jilanji jiba-wula-wula yajin bana warri janji


I heard you chewing the food noisily in the dark of the night.

Ngayu yununy nyajin, mayi maja-l-maja-nya wujurr-ba.

ngayu yununy nyaji-ny, mayi maja-l-maja-nya wujurr-ba | 1sg.NOM(A) 2sg.ACC heard, food chew-REDUP-SUB night-LOC


The policeman shot the young man while he was running through the scrub.

Buliman-angka warru kunin, wanarri-nya madja-nga.

buliman-angka warru kuni-ny, wanarri-nya madja-nga | policeman-ERG young.man shot, run.REDUP-SUB scrub-LOC

SIMULTANEOUS -nya (ex.460); loan buliman


The child watched the old man while he cut up the big kangaroo by the fire.

Karrkay-angka mukul-dingkar nyajin, mayarriji yalbay yaka-l-yaka-nya baya karangkal.

karrkay-angka mukul-dingkar nyaji-ny, mayarriji yalbay yaka-l-yaka-nya baya karangkal | child-ERG old-man watched, kangaroo big cut.up-REDUP-SUB fire alongside

karrkay mukul dingkar nyajil mayarriji yalbay yakal baya


The girl watched the people while they danced the corroboree all through the night.

Maralangka bama nyajin, malkarri warrma-warrma-nya wujurr wubulku.

maral-angka bama nyaji-ny, malkarri warrma-warrma-nya wujurr wubul-ku | girl-ERG people watched, corroboree dance-REDUP-SUB night all

maral bama nyajil malkarri warrma wujurr wubul


Climbing up the tall tree after honey, the young man slipped and fell to the ground.

Warru juku kalbay-ngu daka-l-daka-nya wunba-ka, bubu-ngu daran.

warru juku kalbay-ngu daka-l-daka-nya wunba-ka, bubu-ngu dara-ny | young.man tree tall-LOC climb-REDUP-SUB honey-DAT, ground-LOC fell

warru juku kalbay dakal wunba bubu daray


The child runs along the beach crying for its mother in the cold wind.

Karrkay jukar-a warri, banbadi-nya ngamu-ka muyar ngiki-ji.

karrkay jukar-a warri, banbadi-nya ngamu-ka muyar ngiki-ji | child sand-LOC runs, cry.REDUP-SUB mother-DAT wind cold-COMIT

karrkay jukar warri banbadi ngamu muyar ngiki


That old horse sleeps standing up under the big shady tree by the creek.

Yinya yarraman ngadiku janjana-nya warngku-wunay juku wabarr-ba wawubaja karangkal.

yinya yarraman ngadiku janjana-nya warngku-wuna-y juku wabarr-ba wawubaja karangkal | that horse old stand.REDUP-SUB sleep-lie tree shade-LOC creek alongside

yinya yarraman ngadiku janay warngku wunay juku wabarr wawubaja

PARTICIPLE 'sleeps standing' (ex.475); loan yarraman


The two young men went along planting the bamboo shoots all the way to the creek.

Warru jambul nambarr nanda-l-nanda-nya dunga-n-dungan wawubaja-ka.

warru jambul nambarr nanda-l-nanda-nya dunga-n-dunga-ny wawubaja-ka | young.man two bamboo plant-REDUP-SUB go-REDUP-PAST creek-DAT

warru jambul nambarr nandal dungay wawubaja

PARTICIPLE 'went along planting' (ex.478); nambarr 'bamboo'


I saw the big groper grab the young man while he was spearing turtles on the reef.

Ngayu wara yalbay nyajin, warru nyarrman, yalnga dama-l-dama-nya dulngku-ngu.

ngayu wara yalbay nyaji-ny, warru nyarrma-ny, yalnga dama-l-dama-nya dulngku-ngu | 1sg.NOM(A) groper big saw, young.man grabbed, sea.turtle spear-REDUP-SUB reef-LOC

ngayu wara yalbay nyajil warru nyarrma yalnga damal dulngku

SIMULT (ex.459); nyarrma 'grab', wara 'groper'


The policeman shot at the man while he himself was running fast, not the other man.

Buliman-angka dingkar kunin, wanarri-nya-mun-du jinbal-baja.

buliman-angka dingkar kuni-ny, wanarri-nya-mun-du jinbal-baja | policeman-ERG man shot, run.REDUP-SUB-mun-ERG quick-very

ERG-SUB -nya-mun-du = the SHOOTER runs (ex.474)


The woman who was pounding the zamia nuts called out loudly to the children.

Jalbu-ngka marra duda-l-duda-nya-mun-du karrkay-karrkay kunjan yalbay-bu.

jalbu-ngka marra duda-l-duda-nya-mun-du karrkay-karrkay kunja-ny yalbay-bu | woman-ERG zamia.nut pound-REDUP-SUB-mun-ERG children called loud-INST

ERG-SUB attributive (ex.470); duda-l 'pound'


He is very tired now from swimming all day long in the cold sea.

Nyulu bajaburray-baja niji, janji-nya wungar wubulku jalun ngiki-nga.

nyulu bajaburray-baja niji, janji-nya wungar wubul-ku jalun ngiki-nga | he tired-very now, swim-SUB(from) day all sea cold-LOC

nyulu bajaburray janji wungar wubul jalun ngiki

CAUSAL -nya 'tired from swimming' (ex.485)


The little child choked because it gobbled the food down far too fast.

Karrkay buban manu jayban, mayi durrba-nya jinbal-baja.

karrkay buban manu jayba-ny, mayi durrba-nya jinbal-baja | child small throat got.stuck(choked), food gobble-SUB(because) quick-very

karrkay buban manu jaybal mayi durrba jinbal

CAUSAL durrba-nya (ex.486); manu 'throat'


My back is very sore now from gathering firewood all through the morning.

Ngayku muku kaka-baja niji, baya-juku muja-l-muja-nya wunkuwingku wubulku.

ngayku muku kaka-baja niji, baya-juku muja-l-muja-nya wunkuwingku wubul-ku | my back sore-very now, firewood gather-REDUP-SUB(from) morning all

ngayku muku kaka baya juku mujal wunkuwingku wubul

CAUSAL muja-l 'gather firewood' (ex.483); muku 'back'


The policeman did not see me at all because he was fast asleep by the fire.

Buliman-angka nganya kari nyajin, warngku-wuna-nya baya karangkal.

buliman-angka nganya kari nyaji-ny, warngku-wuna-nya baya karangkal | policeman-ERG 1sg.ACC NEG saw, sleep-lie-SUB(because) fire alongside

buliman nganya kari nyajil warngku wunay baya


Father scolded the child hard because it had kicked the poor camp dog.

Nganjanangka kangkal murru-kangan junkurr-bu, kaya jabi-nya.

nganjan-angka kangkal murru-kanga-ny junkurr-bu, kaya jabi-nya | father-ERG own.child scolded strong-INST, dog kick-SUB(because)


The two of them took the little child along with them because it was feeling lonely.

Bula karrkay buban wundin muru, milka-bujarr-ma-nya.

bula karrkay buban wundi-ny muru, milka-bujarr-ma-nya | 3du.NOM(A) child small took together, ear-cold-INCHO-SUB(because.lonely)

bula karrkay buban wundil muru milka bujarr

CAUSAL milka-bujarr-ma-nya 'lonely' (ex.489)


We saw the woman only after she had already come right into the camp.

Ngana jalbu nyajin, wawu-wala-nya-muny bayan-ka.

ngana jalbu nyaji-ny, wawu-wala-nya-muny bayan-ka | we woman saw, TEMP4-enter-SUB-ABL(after) camp-DAT

PRIOR EVENT wawu-...-nya-muny 'after' (ex.492); wala-l 'enter'


The man killed the brown snake only after it had bitten him on the leg.

Dingkarangka jinkalmu kunin, wawu-bayka-nya-muny nyunguny jina-nga.

dingkar-angka jinkalmu kuni-ny, wawu-bayka-nya-muny nyunguny jina-nga | man-ERG brown.snake killed, TEMP4-bite-SUB-ABL(after) 3sg.ACC foot-LOC

dingkar jinkalmu kunil bayka nyunguny jina


I had a good rest in the cool shade after I had washed all the clothes in the creek.

Ngayu wabarr-ba wunanan, wawu-kambi-muny julurrin wubulku wawubaja-nga.

ngayu wabarr-ba wunana-ny, wawu-kambi-muny julurri-ny wubul-ku wawubaja-nga | 1sg.NOM(S) shade-LOC rested, TEMP4-clothes-ABL(after) washed all creek-LOC

ngayu wabarr wunal kambi julurril wubul wawubaja

PRIOR wawu-NOUN-muny 'after clothes' (ex.494)


She went for a long walk along the beach after she had fed all the chickens.

Nyulu jilba-dungan kalbay-baja jukar-a, wawu-jukijuki-muny mayi dajin.

nyulu jilba-dunga-ny kalbay-baja jukar-a, wawu-jukijuki-muny mayi daji-ny | she walk-go long-very sand-LOC, TEMP4-chicken-ABL(after) food gave

nyulu jilba dungay kalbay jukar jukijuki mayi dajil


The children all went to sleep after they had eaten the sweet turtle meat.

Karrkay-karrkay wubul wunan, wawu-nuka-nya-muny yalnga minya jiba-wula-wula.

karrkay-karrkay wubul wuna-ny, wawu-nuka-nya-muny yalnga minya jiba-wula-wula | children all slept, TEMP4-eat-SUB-ABL(after) sea.turtle meat sweet

karrkay wubul wunal nukal yalnga minya jiba-wula-wula


They did not go out hunting today, in case the big rain came in from the sea.

Jana kari balbi-ka dungan niji, kaba yalbay kada-nya-mun-ku jalun-muny.

jana kari balbi-ka dunga-ny niji, kaba yalbay kada-nya-mun-ku jalun-muny | they NEG hunt-DAT went now, rain big come-SUB-mun-DAT(in.case) sea-ABL

jana kari balbil dungay kaba yalbay kaday jalun

HYPOTHETICAL -nya-mun-ku 'in case rain' (ex.498)


The girl took the billycan with her, in case she found water on the long path.

Maralangka junkalu wundin, kunka bana warrmba-bunga-nya-mun-ku jina kalbay-ba.

maral-angka junkalu wundi-ny, kunka bana warrmba-bunga-nya-mun-ku jina kalbay-ba | girl-ERG billycan took, in.case water find-SUB-mun-DAT track long-LOC

maral junkalu wundil kunka bana warrmba bungal jina kalbay

HYPOTHETICAL + kunka (ex.501); junkalu 'billycan'


The old man who was sitting there by the fire told us the story of the great flood.

Mukul-dingkar yinyay baya karangkal bundanda-nya nganangan kuku balkan bana-yalbay-mu.

mukul-dingkar yinyay baya karangkal bundanda-nya nganangan kuku balka-ny bana-yalbay-mu | old-man there fire alongside sit.REDUP-SUB(who.sitting) 1pl.ACC story told flood-POSS

mukul dingkar yinyay baya karangkal bundal nganangan kuku balkal

RELATIVE -nya clause (ex.466); us=nganangan


Many little birds are sitting up in the big fig tree by the river, eating the ripe fruit.

Buyi buban wubul juku jilanji yalbay-ba wangkar-a bunda-l, mayi nuka-l wawubaja karangkal.

buyi buban wubul juku jilanji yalbay-ba wangkar-a bunda-l, mayi nuka-l wawubaja karangkal | bird small many tree fig big-LOC up-LOC sit, food eat river alongside

buyi buban wubul juku jilanji yalbay bundal mayi nukal wawubaja


That big bird flew up quickly from the ground into the tall tree above the water.

Yinya buyi yalbay bubu-muny jinbal-baja wandin, juku kalbay-ngu bana wangkar-a.

yinya buyi yalbay bubu-muny jinbal-baja wandi-ny, juku kalbay-ngu bana wangkar-a | that bird big ground-ABL quick-very rose(flew.up), tree tall-LOC water up-LOC

yinya buyi yalbay bubu jinbal wandil juku kalbay bana wangkar


In the early morning many birds call out loudly all through the thick scrub.

Wunkuwingku buyi wubul yirrka-y yalbay-bu madja-nga wubulku.

wunkuwingku buyi wubul yirrka-y yalbay-bu madja-nga wubul-ku | morning bird many call.out loud-INST scrub-LOC all

wunkuwingku buyi wubul yirrkay yalbay madja wubul

yirrka-y 'call out' (dict kuwimbur-yirrkay; ex.477)


The child heard the little bird calling out to its friend high up in the branches.

Karrkay-angka buyi buban nyajin, jawun-ku yirrka-nya dakil-ba wangkar-a.

karrkay-angka buyi buban nyaji-ny, jawun-ku yirrka-nya dakil-ba wangkar-a | child-ERG bird small heard, friend-DAT call.out-SUB branch-LOC up-LOC

karrkay buyi buban nyajil jawun yirrkay dakil wangkar


The mother bird covers her many eggs on the branch, sitting in the cool shade all day.

Buyi-ngka diburr wubul dakil-ba nanda-l, wabarr ngiki-nga bunda-l wungar wubulku.

buyi-ngka diburr wubul dakil-ba nanda-l, wabarr ngiki-nga bunda-l wungar wubul-ku | bird-ERG egg many branch-LOC covers, shade cold-LOC sit day all

buyi diburr wubul dakil nandal wabarr ngiki bundal wungar wubul


The big cassowary walks slowly through the thick scrub, looking for the fruit that has fallen down.

Kurranji yalbay madja junkurr-ba jilba dunga-y, mayi dara-nya bubu-ngu warrmba-bunga-l.

kurranji yalbay madja junkurr-ba jilba dunga-y, mayi dara-nya bubu-ngu warrmba-bunga-l | cassowary big scrub thick-LOC walk go, food fall-SUB(fallen) ground-LOC find

kurranji yalbay madja junkurr jilba dungay mayi daray bubu warrmba-bungal

kurranji 'cassowary'; jilba dunga-y 'walk' (ex.86)


The young cassowary follows along behind its mother on the narrow rainforest track.

Kurranji buban ngamu-mu kudamundu dunga-y, madja jina buban-ba.

kurranji buban ngamu-mu kudamundu dunga-y, madja jina buban-ba | cassowary small mother-POSS behind go, scrub track small-LOC

kurranji buban ngamu kudamundu dungay madja jina

young cassowary = kurranji buban (babarr=sister)


The scrub hen scratches in the fallen leaves and heaps up a big mound for her eggs.

Jarruka-ngka birra dara-nya baka-l, diburr-ku bubu yalbay bunga-l.

jarruka-ngka birra dara-nya baka-l, diburr-ku bubu yalbay bunga-l | scrub.hen-ERG leaf fall-SUB(fallen) scratches, egg-DAT ground big makes

jarruka birra daray bakal diburr bubu yalbay bungal

jarruka 'scrub hen'; baka-l 'scratch/dig' (ex.462)


Two turkeys ran quickly into the scrub when the camp dog came near them.

Diwan jambul madja-ka jinbal-baja warri, kaya ngundu kadan.

diwan jambul madja-ka jinbal-baja warri, kaya ngundu kada-ny | turkey two scrub-DAT quick-very run, dog near came

diwan jambul madja jinbal warri kaya ngundu kaday


The big cassowary swallowed the round blue fruit whole and walked off into the scrub.

Kurranji yalbay-angka mayi warral-warral durrban, madja-ka dungan.

kurranji yalbay-angka mayi warral-warral durrba-ny, madja-ka dunga-ny | cassowary big-ERG food round(REDUP) gobbled, scrub-DAT went

kurranji yalbay mayi warral durrbal madja dungay


The native companion steps high through the shallow water at the edge of the swamp.

Kurrbal bana buban-ba wangkar-a jina karrba-l, wawubaja karangkal dunga-y.

kurrbal bana buban-ba wangkar-a jina karrba-l, wawubaja karangkal dunga-y | native.companion water little-LOC up-LOC foot lifts, creek alongside go

kurrbal bana buban wangkar jina karrbal wawubaja karangkal dungay


The black cockatoos screech loudly high up in the tall trees as the sun goes down.

Kadanji wubul yirrka-y yalbay-bu juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a, wungar bada-nya.

kadanji wubul yirrka-y yalbay-bu juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a, wungar bada-nya | black.cockatoo many call.out loud-INST tree tall-LOC up-LOC, sun down-SUB

kadanji wubul yirrkay yalbay juku kalbay wangkar wungar bada


The king parrot eats the little red seeds out on the branch above the running creek.

Karrambil diburr buban dakil-ba nuka-l, wawubaja wangkar-a.

karrambil diburr buban dakil-ba nuka-l, wawubaja wangkar-a | king.parrot seed small branch-LOC eat, creek up-LOC

karrambil diburr buban dakil nukal wawubaja wangkar


The black cockatoo cracked open the hard nut with its strong bill and ate the kernel.

Kadanji-ngka barka junkurr dumbarrin, nukan.

kadanji-ngka barka junkurr dumbarri-ny, nuka-ny | black.cockatoo-ERG nut hard broke, ate

barka 'nut'; junkurr 'hard'; dumbarri-l 'break'


Many parrots flew up together from the water hole when they saw the hawk overhead.

Birrbirr wubul bana-muny muru wandin, kalin-kalin wangkar-a nyaji-nya.

birrbirr wubul bana-muny muru wandi-ny, kalin-kalin wangkar-a nyaji-nya | parrot many water-ABL together rose, hawk up-LOC see-SUB

birrbirr wubul bana muru wandil kalin-kalin wangkar nyajil


The little rainbow birds gather at the flowering tree and drink from the sweet blossoms.

Biru-biru buban juku nganka-ba muru bunda-l, bana nuka-l.

biru-biru buban juku nganka-ba muru bunda-l, bana nuka-l | rainbow.bird small tree flower-LOC together perch, water(nectar) drink

biru-biru buban juku nganka muru bundal bana nukal

biru-biru 'rainbow bird'; nganka 'flower'


The black crow grabbed the piece of meat from the camp and flew up into the tree.

Waja-ngka minya bayan-muny karrban, juku-ka wandin.

waja-ngka minya bayan-muny karrba-ny, juku-ka wandi-ny | crow-ERG meat camp-ABL grabbed, tree-DAT rose

waja 'crow'; karrba-l 'grab' (ngaki-l='hide' NOT steal)


The magpie sings its beautiful song in the cool morning beside the sleeping camp.

Dawa-dawa wulngku ngulkurr yirrka-y wunkuwingku ngiki-nga, bayan karangkal.

dawa-dawa wulngku ngulkurr yirrka-y wunkuwingku ngiki-nga, bayan karangkal | magpie song good sings(calls.out) morning cold-LOC, camp alongside

dawadawa wulngku ngulkurr yirrkay wunkuwingku ngiki bayan karangkal


The kookaburra laughed loudly from the high branch just as the sun was coming up.

Kururrungka yirrka-y yalbay-bu dakil kalbay-ba, wungar wandi-nya.

kururrungka yirrka-y yalbay-bu dakil kalbay-ba, wungar wandi-nya | kookaburra call.out loud-INST branch tall-LOC, sun rise-SUB

kururrungka yirrkay yalbay dakil kalbay wungar wandil


The two crows fought over the dead fish lying on the sand beside the sea.

Waja jambul kuyu wula-nya jukar-a kuni-wa-l, jalun karangkal.

waja jambul kuyu wula-nya jukar-a kuni-wa-l, jalun karangkal | crow two fish die-SUB(dead) sand-LOC hit-RECIP(fight), sea alongside

waja jambul kuyu wulal jukar kunil jalun karangkal


The magpie screeched again and again at the little dog, guarding its eggs on the ground.

Dawa-dawa-ngka kaya buban yirrka-y-yirrka-y, diburr bubu-ngu nanda-l.

dawa-dawa-ngka kaya buban yirrka-y-yirrka-y, diburr bubu-ngu nanda-l | magpie-ERG dog small call.out-REDUP, egg ground-LOC guards(covers)

dawadawa kaya buban yirrkay diburr bubu nandal

yirrka-y-yirrka-y REDUP 'screech repeatedly'


The kookaburras call out to one another across the valley at the first light of day.

Kururrungka wubul muru yirrka-wa-l bubu-ngu, wungar kada-nya.

kururrungka wubul muru yirrka-wa-l bubu-ngu, wungar kada-nya | kookaburra many together call.out-RECIP land-LOC, day come-SUB

kururrungka wubul muru yirrkay bubu wungar kaday


The tall brolgas dance together on the open ground beside the still water at dusk.

Kulbal kalbay wubul bubu-ngu muru wuri-l, bana karangkal wungar bada-nya.

kulbal kalbay wubul bubu-ngu muru wuri-l, bana karangkal wungar bada-nya | brolga tall many ground-LOC together dance, water alongside sun down-SUB

kulbal kalbay wubul bubu muru wuril bana karangkal wungar bada

kulbal 'brolga'; wuri-l 'dance' (ex.464)


Many ducks swim quietly on the still water of the lagoon in the cool evening.

Nili-nili wubul bana-nga janji-l, wungar bada-nya ngiki-nga.

nili-nili wubul bana-nga janji-l, wungar bada-nya ngiki-nga | duck many water-LOC swim, sun down-SUB cold-LOC

nili-nili wubul bana janji wungar bada ngiki


The geese flew high over the grey sea in a long line towards the cold wind.

Jamarbina wubul jalun wangkar-a kalbay-baja dunga-y, muyar ngiki-ka.

jamarbina wubul jalun wangkar-a kalbay-baja dunga-y, muyar ngiki-ka | goose many sea up-LOC long-very go, wind cold-DAT

jamarbina wubul jalun wangkar kalbay dungay muyar ngiki


The white ibis walks slowly through the wet mud, digging for little crabs and insects.

Birmba bana-ba jilba dunga-y, minya buban baka-l bubu-ngu.

birmba bana-ba jilba dunga-y, minya buban baka-l bubu-ngu | ibis water-LOC walk go, creature small dig ground-LOC

birmba bana jilba dungay minya buban bakal bubu


Two ducks with their little ones swam close to the reeds at the edge of the water.

Nili-nili jambul buban-jirr bana-nga janji-l, jukar karangkal.

nili-nili jambul buban-jirr bana-nga janji-l, jukar karangkal | duck two small-COMIT water-LOC swim, sand alongside

nili-nili jambul buban bana janji jukar karangkal


The straw-necked ibis stands quietly on one leg at the edge of the shady swamp.

Birmba jina nyubun-ba janay, bana wabarr karangkal.

birmba jina nyubun-ba janay, bana wabarr karangkal | ibis foot one-LOC stand, water shade alongside

birmba jina nyubun janay bana wabarr karangkal


The bright kingfisher sits very still on the branch, watching the little fish down below.

Dabuy juku dakil-ba bunda-l, kuyu buban bada nyaji-l.

dabuy juku dakil-ba bunda-l, kuyu buban bada nyaji-l | kingfisher tree branch-LOC sit, fish small down watches

dabuy juku dakil bundal kuyu buban bada nyajil


Suddenly the kingfisher dived straight down into the water and caught a small fish.

Dabuy jinbal-baja bana-ka bada dungan, kuyu buban karrban.

dabuy jinbal-baja bana-ka bada dunga-ny, kuyu buban karrba-ny | kingfisher quick-very water-DAT down went, fish small caught

dabuy jinbal bana bada dungay kuyu buban karrbal


The bronzewing doves come down to the water hole to drink at the end of the day.

Juku-juku wubul bana-ka muru kada-y, bana nuka-nka wungar bada-nya.

juku-juku wubul bana-ka muru kada-y, bana nuka-nka wungar bada-nya | bronzewing many water-DAT together come, water drink-PURP sun down-SUB

juku-juku wubul bana muru kaday nukal wungar bada

juku-juku 'bronzewing dove'; PURP nuka-nka


The crested pigeon walks along the dusty track, eating the seeds that have fallen down.

Karunkurr bubu jina-nga jilba dunga-y, diburr dara-nya nuka-l.

karunkurr bubu jina-nga jilba dunga-y, diburr dara-nya nuka-l | crested.pigeon ground track-LOC walk go, seed fall-SUB(fallen) eat

karunkurr bubu jina jilba dungay diburr daray nukal


Many pigeons rest together in the shade of the big fig tree in the heat of midday.

Bakamu wubul juku jilanji yalbay-ba wabarr-ba muru bunda-l, wungar kankur-a.

bakamu wubul juku jilanji yalbay-ba wabarr-ba muru bunda-l, wungar kankur-a | pigeon many tree fig big-LOC shade-LOC together rest, sun half-LOC(midday)

bakamu wubul juku jilanji yalbay wabarr muru bundal wungar kankur


The little dove coos softly to its mate all through the warm afternoon.

Kuludu buban jawun-ku yirrka-y, wungar wumbul-a wubulku.

kuludu buban jawun-ku yirrka-y, wungar wumbul-a wubul-ku | dove small mate-DAT call.out, sun hot-LOC all

kuludu buban jawun yirrkay wungar wumbul wubul


The ground pigeon feeds quietly among the fallen leaves under the shady trees.

Munungkul birra dara-nya-nga nuka-l, juku bada wabarr-ba.

munungkul birra dara-nya-nga nuka-l, juku bada wabarr-ba | ground.pigeon leaf fall-SUB-LOC eat, tree under shade-LOC

munungkul birra daray nukal juku bada wabarr


The big owl hunts silently through the dark scrub, looking for the little animals.

Kalkuy yalbay wujurr-ba madja-nga dunga-y, minya buban warrmba-bunga-l.

kalkuy yalbay wujurr-ba madja-nga dunga-y, minya buban warrmba-bunga-l | owl big dark-LOC scrub-LOC go, animal small find

kalkuy yalbay wujurr madja dungay minya buban warrmba-bungal


All night long the bush curlew cries out its sad and lonely call near the camp.

Kuyir wujurr wubulku banbadi-l, bayan ngundu yirrka-y.

kuyir wujurr wubul-ku banbadi-l, bayan ngundu yirrka-y | bush.curlew night all cry.REDUP, camp near call.out

kuyir wujurr wubul banbadi bayan ngundu yirrkay


The frogmouth sits so still on the branch that the people cannot see it at all.

Bulnja juku dakil-ba ngulkurr bunda-l, bama-ngka kari nyaji-l.

bulnja juku dakil-ba ngulkurr bunda-l, bama-ngka kari nyaji-l | frogmouth tree branch-LOC well sit, person-ERG NEG see

bulnja juku dakil ngulkurr bundal bama kari nyajil


When the curlew calls out in the night, the old people know that someone has died.

Kuyir wujurr-ba yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, bama nyubun wulan.

kuyir wujurr-ba yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, bama nyubun wula-ny | bush.curlew night-LOC call.out-SUB, old-people know, person one died

kuyir wujurr yirrkay mukul bama binal nyubun wulal

binal 'know' (stative, ex.52); omen belief


The owl caught the little bush rat in its sharp claws in the dark of the night.

Kalkuy-angka minya buban karrban wujurr-ba, jina junkurr-bu.

kalkuy-angka minya buban karrba-ny wujurr-ba, jina junkurr-bu | owl-ERG animal small caught dark-LOC, claw(foot) strong-INST

kalkuy minya buban karrbal wujurr jina junkurr


The messenger night bird came to the camp to tell of a stranger coming from far away.

Jiway bayan-ka kadan, bama yindu kalbay-muny kada-nya balka-nka.

jiway bayan-ka kada-ny, bama yindu kalbay-muny kada-nya balka-nka | messenger.bird camp-DAT came, person other far-ABL come-SUB tell-PURP

jiway bayan kaday bama yindu kalbay balkal

jiway 'messenger night bird'; yindu 'other/stranger'


The hawk circles high above the grass, watching for a little mouse to move down below.

Kalin-kalin wangkar-a yalbay-ba dunga-y, minya buban bada nyaji-l.

kalin-kalin wangkar-a yalbay-ba dunga-y, minya buban bada nyaji-l | hawk up-LOC high-LOC go, animal small down watch

kalin-kalin wangkar yalbay dungay minya buban bada nyajil


The eagle swooped down fast and carried the little kangaroo away in its strong claws.

Wandi jinbal-baja bada dungan, mayarriji buban jina-bu wundin wangkar-a.

wandi jinbal-baja bada dunga-ny, mayarriji buban jina-bu wundi-ny wangkar-a | eagle quick-very down went, kangaroo small claw-INST carried up-LOC

wandi jinbal bada dungay mayarriji buban jina wundil wangkar


The chicken hawk snatched the small chick from right beside the camp fire.

Jinabiju-ngka jukijuki buban baya karangkal nyarrman.

jinabiju-ngka jukijuki buban baya karangkal nyarrma-ny | chicken.hawk-ERG chicken small fire alongside snatched

jinabiju jukijuki buban baya karangkal nyarrmal

jinabiju 'chicken hawk'; nyarrma-l 'snatch' (b084)


Two eagles fought high up in the sky over the dead kangaroo on the stony ridge.

Wandi jambul wangkar-a kuni-wa-l, mayarriji wula-nya kulji-ba.

wandi jambul wangkar-a kuni-wa-l, mayarriji wula-nya kulji-ba | eagle two up-LOC hit-RECIP(fight), kangaroo die-SUB(dead) rock-LOC

wandi jambul wangkar kunil mayarriji wulal kulji


When the stormbird calls, the old people know that the big rains are coming very soon.

Kurri-kurri yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja.

kurri-kurri yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja | stormbird call.out-SUB, old-people know, rain big come now-very(soon)

kurri-kurri yirrkay mukul bama binal kaba yalbay kaday


The spirit bird called out three times in the night and no one could sleep at all.

Burrkul wujurr-ba kulur yirrkan, bama wubul warngku-kari.

burrkul wujurr-ba kulur yirrka-ny, bama wubul warngku-kari | spirit.bird night-LOC three called, person many sleep-PRIV(sleepless)

burrkul wujurr kulur yirrkay bama wubul warngku

burrkul 'spirit bird'; kulur 'three'; warngku-kari 'sleepless'


The little swallows fly low over the water just before the heavy rain comes down.

Mabal buban bana wangkar-a bada dunga-y, kaba yalbay kada-nyjiku.

mabal buban bana wangkar-a bada dunga-y, kaba yalbay kada-nyjiku | swallow small water up-LOC low go, rain big come-SUCC(before)

mabal buban bana wangkar bada dungay kaba yalbay


The friarbird makes a loud, harsh call from the very top of the flowering tree.

Jaka yalbay-bu yirrka-y juku nganka wangkar-a.

jaka yalbay-bu yirrka-y juku nganka wangkar-a | friarbird loud-INST call.out tree flower up-LOC


The old woman held up the long grey wing feather of the big eagle, and the child looked at it closely.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka wandi yalbay-mu nangki kalbay milban, karrkay-angka ngulkurr nyajin.

mukul-jalbu-ngka wandi yalbay-mu nangki kalbay milba-ny, karrkay-angka ngulkurr nyaji-ny | old-woman-ERG eagle big-POSS wing long showed, child-ERG well looked

mukul jalbu karrkay wandi yalbay nangki kalbay milbal


The little child is washing itself in the cool water of the creek this morning.

Karrkay buban bana ngiki-nga julurri-ji wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku.

karrkay buban bana ngiki-nga julurri-ji-y wawubaja-nga wunkuwingku | child small water cold-LOC wash-REFL creek-LOC morning

karrkay buban bana ngiki julurril wawubaja wunkuwingku


The young man paints himself with white clay for the big corroboree tonight.

Warru kambar-bu julngka-ji warrma yalbay-ka wujurr-ba niji.

warru kambar-bu julngka-ji-y warrma yalbay-ka wujurr-ba niji | young.man white.clay-INST paint-REFL corroboree big-DAT night-LOC now

warru kambar julngkal warrma yalbay wujurr

REFLEXIVE julngka-ji 'paint self' (ex.185)


The widow cut herself again and again with a sharp stone when her husband died.

Bunjil kulji jalngkun-bu yaka-n-yaka-jin, dunyu nyungu wula-nya.

bunjil kulji jalngkun-bu yaka-n-yaka-ji-ny, dunyu nyungu wula-nya | widow stone sharp-INST cut-REDUP-REFL(kept.cutting.self), husband her die-SUB