A lie is a bad loan, grandfather said: you borrow one and you pay back ten.

Jurril nyulu daji mumbu, kamibu balkan: yundu nyubun manil, yundu dayal baja wubulku.

jurril nyulu daji mumbu, kami-bu balka-ny: yundu nyubun mani-l, yundu daya-l baja wubul-ku | lie it loan bad, grandfather-ERG said: you one take, you give back many


Send the message with two mouths — one forgets, and two correct each other.

Yimbal yunga ngandal jambul-ji: nyubun milka-wulay, jambul murni-wal.

yimbal yunga ngandal jambul-ji: nyubun milka-wula-y, jambul murni-wa-l | message send! mouth two-COMIT: one forgets, two fix-RECIP


Is it true? — From my eyes it is truth; from his mouth, it is news.

Manubaja? Miyilmuny ngaykumuny manubaja: ngandalmuny nyungumuny, kuku nganga.

manubaja? miyil-muny ngayku-muny manubaja: ngandal-muny nyungu-muny, kuku nganga | truth? eye-from my-from truth: mouth-from his-from, news only


The message stick remembers what the runner forgets.

Jarrjalbu milka nyajil wanyu warri-bamabu milka-wulay.

jarrjal-bu milka nyaji-l wanyu warri-bama-bu milka-wula-y | message.stick-ERG remembers what runner-ERG forgets


I doubted the story until I stood where it happened — the ground is a stubborn witness.

Ngayu kuku-jangkar warmbin, ngayu jananyjiku wanja nyulu murninmuny: bubu nyulu nyaji-bama dandi.

ngayu kuku-jangkar warmbi-ny, ngayu jana-nyjiku wanja nyulu murni-ny-muny: bubu nyulu nyaji-bama dandi | I story doubted, I stand-SUCC where it happened-of: ground it witness hard


Grandmother dreams in the old language and wakes with two languages in her mouth.

Babi bijarril kukungu mukulba, nyulu wandil kuku jambul-ji ngandalba.

babi bijarri-l kuku-ngu mukul-ba, nyulu wandi-l kuku jambul-ji ngandal-ba | grandmother dreams language-LOC old-LOC, she wakes language two-COMIT mouth-LOC

dream-bilingualism; kuku-ngu u-LOC (scan catch #3 for this word)


Say what you saw, not what you decided about it — the first is short, the second is long, and only the first is yours to give.

Balka wanyu yundu nyajin, kari wanyu yundu milkabu baykan yinyamuny: ngadiku buban, jambulku kalbay, ngadiku nganga yundumuny dayanka.

balka wanyu yundu nyaji-ny, kari wanyu yundu milkabu bayka-ny yinya-muny: ngadiku buban, jambul-ku kalbay, ngadiku nganga yundu-muny daya-nka | say! what you saw, NEG what you thought that-about: first short, second long, first only yours give-PURP


Maybe-words keep the camp honest: say nguba when the track is old, and nobody falls in the water off your firm word.

Kuku-nguba bayan yukil karrbal: balka 'nguba' jina mukulnya, bama nyubun kariku daray bananga kuku-dandimuny yundumuny.

kuku-nguba bayan yukil karrba-l: balka 'nguba' jina mukul-nya, bama nyubun kariku daray bana-nga kuku-dandi-muny yundu-muny | maybe-word camp honest keeps: say! nguba track old-SUB, person one never falls water-LOC firm.word-from your-from


The child asked why again and again and again, and the old man answered again and again — and then silence: even knowledge sleeps.

Karrkaybu 'wanyurrinku' babajin baja baja baja, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan baja baja, yalada wunbu: binal baja wunay.

karrkay-bu 'wanyurrinku' babaji-ny baja baja baja, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny baja baja, yala-da wunbu: binal baja wuna-y | child-ERG why asked again again again, old man answered again again, then silence: knowledge even sleeps


News travels fastest when it is nobody's business — keep your name out of other people's stories.

Kuku warril warri bajaku kaki nyulu bama-karimuny murni: karrba burri yunu ngalkalba kuku-jangkarmuny bamamuny yindumuny.

kuku warri-l warri bajaku kaki nyulu bama-kari-muny murni: karrba burri yunu ngalkal-ba kuku-jangkar-muny bama-muny yindu-muny | news runs fast most when it nobody-of business: keep! name your outside-LOC story-from people-from other-from


The wise man of the old days read sickness like tracks, they say — rrunyuji; the word itself is rare now, keep it warm.

Rrunyuji bambay nyajin yala jina, bamabu balkal: kuku nyulu-nyulu buban nyiku, karrba nyulu wumbulbu.

rrunyuji bambay nyaji-ny yala jina, bama-bu balka-l: kuku nyulu-nyulu buban nyiku, karrba nyulu wumbul-bu | wise.man sickness read like track, people-ERG say: word itself rare now, keep! it warm-INST

rrunyuji FIRST USE ([A 895]); word-conservation


Two witnesses, two stories, one fight — and the truth sat quietly far away, because nobody had asked it.

Nyaji-bama jambul, kuku-jangkar jambul, kuniway nyubun: manubaja bundan wunbu kala-kalbay, bama nyubunbu kari babajin.

nyaji-bama jambul, kuku-jangkar jambul, kuniway nyubun: manubaja bunda-ny wunbu kala-kalbay, bama nyubun-bu kari babaji-ny | witness two, story two, fight one: truth sat quiet far.away, person one-ERG NEG asked


Believe half of what you hear and all of what you track.

Manubaja-bunga daji milka-janaymuny, wubulku jina-wukurrilmuny.

manubaja-bunga daji milka-jana-y-muny, wubul-ku jina-wukurri-l-muny | believe! half heard-of, all tracked-of


The hidden word kept its keeper: while he held it, it held him.

Kuku ngakijinmuny kujin kuji-bama nyungu: nyulu karrbanya, kukubu nyulu karrban.

kuku ngakiji-ny-muny kuji-ny kuji-bama nyungu: nyulu karrba-nya, kuku-bu nyulu karrba-ny | word hidden-of kept keeper its: he hold-SUB, word-ERG him held


Ask the question you are afraid of first of all; the other questions are only its children.

Babaji kuku-babaji yinil-ji ngadiku-ngurr: yindu-yindu karrkay nyungu nganga.

babaji kuku-babaji yinil-ji ngadiku-ngurr: yindu-yindu karrkay nyungu nganga | ask! question fear-COMIT first-TEMP3: others children its only


He said it with the fire watching, and the fire did not go out — the old people counted that.

Nyulu balkan baya nyajinya, baya kariku wunbu-man: bama mukulbu yinya kunjan.

nyulu balka-ny baya nyaji-nya, baya kariku wunbu-ma-ny: bama mukul-bu yinya kunja-ny | he said fire watch-SUB, fire never quiet-became: people old-ERG that counted


Remember it my way tonight and your way tomorrow — a story with two memories lives twice.

Milka nyaji jina ngaykumunyji wujurrba, jina yundumunyji wunkuny: kuku-jangkar milka-binal-jambul-ji juran jambulku.

milka nyaji jina ngayku-muny-ji wujurr-ba, jina yundu-muny-ji wunkuny: kuku-jangkar milka-binal-jambul-ji juran jambul-ku | remember! way my-COMIT tonight, way your-COMIT tomorrow: story memory-two-COMIT alive twice


Dreams are the day's unfinished words, grandmother said — finish the ending awake.

Bijarr nyulu kuku wungarmuny kunbay-manil-kari, babingka balkan: bada kunbay-mani miyil ngalkal-ji.

bijarr nyulu kuku wungar-muny kunba-y-mani-l-kari, babi-ngka balka-ny: bada kunba-y-mani miyil ngalkal-ji | dream it word day-of unfinished, grandmother-ERG said: ending finish! eye open-COMIT


Doubt the too-sweet story; truth usually arrives with wet feet.

Warmbi kuku-jangkar jiba-wulay bajaku: manubaja jina yaru-ji yabarrka kadal.

warmbi kuku-jangkar jiba-wulay bajaku: manubaja jina yaru-ji yabarrka kada-l | doubt! story sweet too: truth foot wet-COMIT usually comes


What did the old people call knowledge that walks around telling itself? — A dog with no camp.

Wanyu bama mukulbu kunjan binal jilbalmuny nyulu-nyulu balkalmuny? Kaya bayan-kari.

wanyu bama mukul-bu kunja-ny binal jilba-l-muny nyulu-nyulu balka-l-muny? kaya bayan-kari | what people old-ERG called knowledge walking-of itself telling-of? dog camp-PRIV


Tell me again, slowly — my ears were walking somewhere else.

Milbi baja, buban-buban: milka ngayku jilban bubuku yinduku.

milbi baja, buban-buban: milka ngayku jilba-ny bubu-ku yindu-ku | tell! again, slowly: ear my walked place-DAT other-DAT


The truth is heavier before you say it, and lighter after — carry it out.

Manubaja dandi-baja balkanka ngadiku, kima-baja badaku: wundi nyulu ngalkalku.

manubaja dandi-baja balka-nka ngadiku, kima-baja bada-ku: wundi nyulu ngalkal-ku | truth heavier-DEG2 saying before, lighter-DEG2 after: carry! it open-DAT


Maybe he is late, maybe he is hurt, maybe he found honey — we start walking at the second maybe.

Nguba nyulu badaku, nguba nyulu baykanmuny, nguba nyulu wunba manin: ngana dungay kuku jambulkungu.

nguba nyulu bada-ku, nguba nyulu bayka-ny-muny, nguba nyulu wunba mani-ny: ngana dunga-y kuku jambul-ku-ngu | maybe he late, maybe he hurt-of, maybe he honey found: we go word second-LOC

triage by maybe-ladder; u-LOC scan catch


Did you hear it yourself, or did the wind bring it? — The wind. — Then tie it loosely.

Yundu milka-janan nyubunji, yambada muyarbu wundin? Muyarbu. Yalada kaja kimabu.

yundu milka-jana-ny nyubun-ji, yambada muyar-bu wundi-ny? muyar-bu. yala-da kaja kima-bu | you heard alone, or wind-ERG carried? wind-ERG. then tie! loose-INST


The old man kept one story he never told, and everyone knew he had it, and that was a kind of telling too.

Mukulungku dingkarangka kuku-jangkar nyubun kujin kariku balkanmuny, bama wubulkubu binal nyulu karrbal, yinya baja milbil-jina nyubun.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kuku-jangkar nyubun kuji-ny kariku balka-ny-muny, bama wubul-ku-bu binal nyulu karrba-l, yinya baja milbil-jina nyubun | old man story one kept never told-of, people all-ERG knew he holds, that too telling-kind one


Ask her — my version has been out in the sun too long.

Babaji nyulu: kuku-jangkar ngayku janan wungara kalbay bajaku.

babaji nyulu: kuku-jangkar ngayku jana-ny wungar-a kalbay bajaku | ask! her: story my stood sun-LOC long too


A promise spoken at night must be said again in daylight — words need witnesses the way fires need stones.

Kuku-dandi balkanmuny wujurrba balkal baja wungara: kukubu nyaji-bama wawu-manil yala bayabu kulji.

kuku-dandi balka-ny-muny wujurr-ba balka-l baja wungar-a: kuku-bu nyaji-bama wawu-ma-ni-l yala baya-bu kulji | promise spoken-of night-LOC says again day-LOC: word-ERG witness needs like fire-ERG stone

daylight ratification; wungar-a LOC (scan catch)


He believed the shortcut, and now he believes the swamp.

Nyulu baral buban manubaja-bungan, nyiku nyulu daburri manubaja-bungal.

nyulu baral buban manubaja-bunga-ny, nyiku nyulu daburri manubaja-bunga-l | he road short believed, now he swamp believes


Little one, a secret is not a stone you swallow; it is a seed — plant it with the right person, or it grows crooked.

Bubanku, kuku ngakijinmuny kari kulji yundu yurmbilmuny: nyulu diburr: yijarri bamanda yukilanda, yambada nyulu yalbay-mal mumbu.

buban-ku, kuku ngakiji-ny-muny kari kulji yundu yurmbi-l-muny: nyulu diburr: yijarri bama-nda yukil-anda, yambada nyulu yalbay-ma-l mumbu | little.one-DAT, word hidden-of NEG stone you swallow-of: it seed: plant! person-LOC right-LOC, or it grows bad


The dogs believed him before the people did — dogs read the walk, not the words.

Kayabu nyulu manubaja-bungan bama ngadiku: kayabu jilba nyajil, kari kuku.

kaya-bu nyulu manubaja-bunga-ny bama ngadiku: kaya-bu jilba nyaji-l, kari kuku | dog-ERG him believed people before: dog-ERG walk reads, NEG words


Which story is true? — Walk to the place and look with your own eyes; the country will judge both tellers.

Wanjaku kuku-jangkar manubaja? Jilba bubuku, nyaji miyilbu yundumunybu: bububu balkal-bama jambul nyajil.

wanjaku kuku-jangkar manubaja? jilba bubu-ku, nyaji miyil-bu yundu-muny-bu: bubu-bu balka-l-bama jambul nyaji-l | which story truth? walk! place-DAT, look! eye-INST your-INST: country-ERG tellers both judges


Grandfather's stories grew a little every year, and the true parts grew strongest — a good story feeds its bones first.

Kuku-jangkar kamimuny yalbay-man buban wawu nyubun-nyubunba, daji manubajamuny junkurr-man bajaku: kuku-jangkar yukilbu bajibay nyungu mayi-dayal ngadiku-ngurr.

kuku-jangkar kami-muny yalbay-ma-ny buban wawu nyubun-nyubun-ba, daji manubaja-muny junkurr-ma-ny bajaku: kuku-jangkar yukil-bu bajibay nyungu mayi-daya-l ngadiku-ngurr | story grandfather-of grew little year every-LOC, part truth-of strong-became most: story good-ERG bones its feeds first-TEMP3


Say I-don't-know with a straight back — it is the strongest sentence in the language, the old woman said.

'Ngayu binal-kari' balka muku dandi-ji: kuku junkurr bajaku kukungu, wulbumanangka balkan.

'ngayu binal-kari' balka muku dandi-ji: kuku junkurr bajaku kuku-ngu, wulbuman-angka balka-ny | I know-PRIV say! back firm-COMIT: sentence strong most language-LOC, old.woman said


The liar's fire needs wood every night; the truth sleeps and wakes warm.

Bama warmbijilmuny baya nyungu juku wawu-manil wujurr nyubun-nyubunba: manubaja wunay, wandil wumbul.

bama warmbiji-l-muny baya nyungu juku wawu-ma-ni-l wujurr nyubun-nyubun-ba: manubaja wuna-y, wandi-l wumbul | person lying-of fire his wood needs night every-LOC: truth sleeps, wakes warm


Doubt me, please — then come and see, and we two will both know one thing instead of half each.

Warmbi kuku ngayku: yalada kaday nyaji, ngali binal-mal yamba nyubun, kari daji-daji.

warmbi kuku ngayku: yala-da kada-y nyaji, ngali binal-ma-l yamba nyubun, kari daji-daji | doubt! word my: then come! see!, we.two know thing one, NEG half-half


The old people say the country speaks in dreams to the ones who have listened all day first.

Bama mukulbu balkal bubu balkal bijarrbu bamanka milka-jananmunyka wungar wubulku ngadiku.

bama mukul-bu balka-l bubu balka-l bijarr-bu bama-nka milka-jana-ny-muny-ka wungar wubul-ku ngadiku | people old-ERG say country speaks dream-INST person-DAT listened-of-DAT day whole first


Wait for all the words, and then pick up your anger.

Janay kukunka wubulkunka, kuli yalada mana.

jana-y kuku-nka wubul-ku-nka, kuli yala-da mana | wait! words-DAT all-DAT, anger then take!


The child brought the school words home, and grandmother traded one old word for each of them — both bags went home full.

Karrkaybu kuku school-muny wundin bayanka, babingka kuku mukul nyubun dayan nyubun-nyubunka: balji jambul dungan bayanka jakal-ji.

karrkay-bu kuku school-muny wundi-ny bayan-ka, babi-ngka kuku mukul nyubun daya-ny nyubun-nyubun-ka: balji jambul dunga-ny bayan-ka jakal-ji | child-ERG words school-from carried home-DAT, grandmother-ERG word old one gave each-DAT: bag two went home-DAT full-COMIT


The rumor ran around the camp three times and came home tired and thinner — feed stories only what they have earned.

Kuku-warri bayan murnin kulurbu, kadan baja baja-burray bala-baja: mayi-daya kuku-jangkar nganga wanyu jana maninmuny.

kuku-warri bayan murni-ny kulur-bu, kada-ny baja baja-burray bala-baja: mayi-daya kuku-jangkar nganga wanyu jana mani-ny-muny | rumor camp circled three-INST, came back tired thinner-DEG2: feed! story only what they earned-of


Yes and no are both whole answers; the crooked one is the maybe that means no.

'Yuwu' 'kari' jambul kuku-balkan yukil: mumbu nyulu 'nguba' 'kari' balkalmuny.

'yuwu' 'kari' jambul kuku-balka-ny yukil: mumbu nyulu 'nguba' 'kari' balka-l-muny | yes no both answer whole: bad it maybe no meaning-of


Three tellers, one river story: the first saw it, the second heard the first, the third dreamed loudly — sort your firewood before you burn it.

Balkal-bama kulur, kuku-jangkar wawubajamuny nyubun: ngadikubu nyajin, jambulkubu ngadiku milka-janan, kulurkubu bijarril junkurrbu: baya-juku nyaji wajunka ngadiku.

balka-l-bama kulur, kuku-jangkar wawubaja-muny nyubun: ngadiku-bu nyaji-ny, jambul-ku-bu ngadiku milka-jana-ny, kulur-ku-bu bijarri-l junkurr-bu: baya-juku nyaji waju-nka ngadiku | teller three, story river-of one: first-ERG saw, second-ERG first heard, third-ERG dreams loud-INST: firewood sort! burning before


Show it with your hand in the sand first of all; some words are only believed with a face.

Milbi marabu jukara ngadiku-ngurr: kuku nyubun-nyubun walu-ji nganga manubaja-bunganmuny.

milbi mara-bu jukar-a ngadiku-ngurr: kuku nyubun-nyubun walu-ji nganga manubaja-bunga-ny-muny | show! hand-INST sand-LOC first-TEMP3: word some face-COMIT only believed-of


The proudest hunter tells the shortest stories — the meat speaks for him.

Balbi-bama junkurr bajaku kuku-jangkar buban bajaku balkal: minyabu balkal nyungunka.

balbi-bama junkurr bajaku kuku-jangkar buban bajaku balka-l: minya-bu balka-l nyungu-nka | hunter proud most story short most tells: meat-ERG speaks him-for


Keep the family stories in more than one head — a single fire can take a whole camp of words.

Kuku-jangkar jawun-karramuny karrba dukulba wubulba: bayabu nyubunbu bayan kukumuny wubulku manil.

kuku-jangkar jawun-karra-muny karrba dukul-ba wubul-ba: baya-bu nyubun-bu bayan kuku-muny wubul-ku mani-l | story family-of keep! head-LOC many-LOC: fire-ERG one-ERG camp word-of whole takes


We are what we witnessed, half of what we were told, and a little of what we hope — speak carefully, you are building people.

Ngana yinya wanyu ngana nyajin, daji wanyu ngananka milbinmuny, buban wanyu ngana wawu-manil: balka miyil-ji, yundu bama bungal.

ngana yinya wanyu ngana nyaji-ny, daji wanyu ngana-nka milbi-ny-muny, buban wanyu ngana wawu-ma-ni-l: balka miyil-ji, yundu bama bunga-l | we that what we saw, half what us-DAT told-of, little what we hope: speak! carefully, you people build


Are you angry with me? — Not angry, little one; worried. They wear the same face at first.

Yundu dukul-wuri ngaykunka? Kari dukul-wuri, bubanku: wawu-buyun. Jambulbu walu nyubun karrbal ngadiku.

yundu dukul-wuri ngayku-nka? kari dukul-wuri, buban-ku: wawu-buyun. jambul-bu walu nyubun karrba-l ngadiku | you angry me-DAT? NEG angry, little.one-DAT: worried. both-ERG face one wear at.first

dukul-wuri VINDICATED; wawu-buyun FIRST USE


The lonely one sits close to the fire's talk.

Bama jirrbu-jirrbu bundal ngundu kuku-balkanka bayamuny.

bama jirrbu-jirrbu bunda-l ngundu kuku-balka-nka baya-muny | person lonely sits close.by talk-DAT fire-of


Happiness sneaks in through the small doors: warm food, a dry blanket, a child asleep on your arm.

Wawu-mini walal baral-ngandalburr bubanburr: mayi wumbul, kararr marral, karrkay wunanya wakuyba yundumunyba.

wawu-mini wala-l baral-ngandal-burr buban-burr: mayi wumbul, kararr marral, karrkay wuna-nya wakuy-ba yundu-muny-ba | happiness enters door-PERL small-PERL: food warm, blanket dry, child sleep-SUB arm-LOC your-LOC


He got angry the slow way, like water heating — and everyone had time to move the children.

Nyulu kana-baykan buban-buban, yala bana wumbul-manya: bama wubulkubu karrkay wundin kala-kalbayku.

nyulu kana-bayka-ny buban-buban, yala bana wumbul-ma-nya: bama wubul-ku-bu karrkay wundi-ny kala-kalbay-ku | he got.angry slowly, like water warm-become-SUB: people all-ERG children carried far.away-DAT


Jealousy counts the other man's fish and loses its own fire.

Ngujanbu kuyu bamamuny yindumuny kunjal, baya nyungu-nyungu bawal wulanka.

ngujan-bu kuyu bama-muny yindu-muny kunja-l, baya nyungu-nyungu bawa-l wula-nka | jealousy-ERG fish man-of other-of counts, fire own leaves die-PURP


The old woman sorted anger into three baskets: dukul-wuri the hot head, jakay-jakay the prickling skin, kana-baykal the slow rising — name the basket, she said, and you are already halfway out of it.

Wulbumanangka kuli yijarrin baljinga kulura: dukul-wuri dukul wumbul, jakay-jakay bangkarr jakay, kana-baykal wandil buban-buban: kunja wanjaku balji, nyulu balkan, yundu baralba ngalkalku ngadiku.

wulbuman-angka kuli yijarri-ny balji-nga kulur-a: dukul-wuri dukul wumbul, jakay-jakay bangkarr jakay, kana-bayka-l wandi-l buban-buban: kunja wanjaku balji, nyulu balka-ny, yundu baral-ba ngalkal-ku ngadiku | old.woman anger sorted basket-LOC three-LOC: hot-head head hot, prickle skin prickling, slow-anger rises slowly: name! which basket, she said, you road-LOC out-DAT already

anger taxonomy; kulur-a single-r LOC (scan catch)


Say sorry with your hands too — mend what you broke, and pick up what you dropped.

Balka dukul-kulnkul marabu baja: murni wanyu yundu dumbarrin, mana wanyu yundu bawan.

balka dukul-kulnkul mara-bu baja: murni wanyu yundu dumbarri-ny, mana wanyu yundu bawa-ny | say! sorry hand-INST too: mend! what you broke, take! what you dropped


The dog is tame; the boy's temper is not — train the more dangerous one first.

Kaya minday: kuli bubanmuny kari: binal-bunga yinya yinil-baja ngadiku-ngurr.

kaya minday: kuli buban-muny kari: binal-bunga yinya yinil-baja ngadiku-ngurr | dog tame: temper boy-of NEG: train! that dangerous-DEG2 first-TEMP3


Homesickness came for grandfather in the hospital, and he took as medicine the country names the visitors brought.

Bilamal kadan kaminka hospital-ba, nyulu kalbal manin: burri bubumuny, bama kadanmunybu wundinmuny.

bilamal kada-ny kami-nka hospital-ba, nyulu kalbal mani-ny: burri bubu-muny, bama kada-ny-muny-bu wundi-ny-muny | homesickness came grandfather-DAT hospital-LOC, he medicine took: names country-of, visitors-ERG brought-of


Don't tease the jealous one; that fire eats teasing like dry grass.

Kari yajarr-bunga bama ngujan-ji: bayabu yinyabu yajarr nukal yala jikan marral.

kari yajarr-bunga bama ngujan-ji: baya-bu yinya-bu yajarr nuka-l yala jikan marral | NEG tease! person jealousy-COMIT: fire-ERG that-ERG teasing eats like grass dry


Surprise made the hunter young again: he laughed like a boy when the turtle surfaced under his hand.

Ngangkaybu balbi-bama warru-bungan baja: nyulu yajarr-man yala buban, ngawiya wandinya mara badabada nyungu.

ngangkay-bu balbi-bama warru-bunga-ny baja: nyulu yajarr-ma-ny yala buban, ngawiya wandi-nya mara badabada nyungu | surprise-ERG hunter young-made again: he laughed like boy, turtle rise-SUB hand beneath his


Kind is a doing-word here, the old woman said: manun-manun is as manun-manun does — bring wood, sit with the sick one, wait for the ones who are not fast.

Manun-manun nyulu murni yanyaba, wulbumanangka balkan: manun-manun nyulu wanyu manun-manun murnil: juku mana, bunda bambaynji, janay bamanka warri-karinka.

manun-manun nyulu murni yanya-ba, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: manun-manun nyulu wanyu manun-manun murni-l: juku mana, bunda bambay-nji, jana-y bama-nka warri-kari-nka | kind it doing this-LOC, old.woman said: kind it what kind does: wood get!, sit! sick-COMIT:pt, wait! people-DAT fast-less-DAT


The sea is calm this morning — marrka, the old people called it: the sea remembering its breath.

Jalun wunbu muduwajuny: 'marrka', bama mukulbu kunjan: jalun wawu nyungu milka-binalnya.

jalun wunbu muduwajuny: 'marrka', bama mukul-bu kunja-ny: jalun wawu nyungu milka-binal-nya | sea quiet morning-at: marrka, people old-ERG named: sea breath its remember-SUB


Hate is heavy luggage for a walking people — set it down when each new season comes.

Wawu-kari-bajaku nyulu yamba dandi bajaku bama jilbalmunyka: yijarri nyulu bubungu, bana-wungar kadanya.

wawu-kari-bajaku nyulu yamba dandi bajaku bama jilba-l-muny-ka: yijarri nyulu bubu-ngu, bana-wungar kada-nya | hate it thing heavy most people walking-of-DAT: set! it ground-LOC, wet.season come-SUB


Ashamed eyes look at feet; released eyes look at faces — help in the lifting of the head.

Miyil milka-murruji-ji nyajil jina, miyil bawanmuny-ji nyajil walu: mara-daji dukul wandi-bunganka.

miyil milka-murruji-ji nyaji-l jina, miyil bawa-ny-muny-ji nyaji-l walu: mara-daji dukul wandi-bunga-nka | eye ashamed-COMIT looks feet, eye released-of-COMIT looks faces: help! head raise-PURP


Why does shame come hardest to good people? — Because they open the door for it themselves.

Wanyurrinku murru-kaday kadal bamanka yukilanka dandi bajaku? Jana baral-ngandal ngalkal-bungal nyulu-nyulubu.

wanyurrinku murru-kada-y kada-l bama-nka yukil-anka dandi bajaku? jana baral-ngandal ngalkal-bunga-l nyulu-nyulu-bu | why shame comes people-DAT good-DAT hard most? they door open-CAUS themselves-ERG

conscience paradox; correct murru- spelling


Generous is remembered longer than clever.

Jaway milka-binalmuny kalbay-baja binalmuny.

jaway milka-binal-muny kalbay-baja binal-muny | generous remembered-of longer-DEG2 clever-from


The worried mother counted the swimmers seven times, and the river forgave her all seven.

Ngamu wawu-buyunbu maraji-bama kunjan wubulkubu, wawubajabu nyulu bawan wubulku baja.

ngamu wawu-buyun-bu maraji-bama kunja-ny wubul-ku-bu, wawubaja-bu nyulu bawa-ny wubul-ku baja | mother worried-ERG swimmers counted many-INST, river-ERG her forgave all too


Feelings are visitors, the old man said: feed them, hear their news, and walk them to the door.

Wawu-yamba jana ngarrbal, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: mayi-daya jana, kuku janamuny milka-janay, jilba-bunga jana baral-ngandalka.

wawu-yamba jana ngarrbal, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: mayi-daya jana, kuku jana-muny milka-jana-y, jilba-bunga jana baral-ngandal-ka | feelings they visitors, old man said: feed! them, news their hear!, walk-CAUS! them door-DAT


The tame one envies the bush one on calm days, and pities her in the storm.

Minya munabu ngura-nyajil minya bubumuny wungara wunbuba, dukul-kulnkul-mal jarramaliba.

minya muna-bu ngura-nyaji-l minya bubu-muny wungar-a wunbu-ba, dukul-kulnkul-ma-l jarramali-ba | animal tame-ERG envies animal bush-of day-LOC calm-LOC, sorry-becomes storm-LOC

muna + ngura-nyaji-l FIRST USES; wungar-a LOC (scan catch)


Frighten the birds away from the drying fish, not the children away from the fire.

Yinyil-kanga waja kuyumuny marralmuny, kari karrkay bayamuny.

yinyil-kanga waja kuyu-muny marral-muny, kari karrkay baya-muny | frighten! crow fish-from drying-from, NEG children fire-from


Lonely and alone are different countries: he walked alone all day and arrived home un-lonely.

Jirrbu-jirrbu nyubunji jambul bubu yindu-yindu: nyulu jilban nyubunji wungar wubulku, kadan bayanka jirrbu-jirrbu-kari.

jirrbu-jirrbu nyubun-ji jambul bubu yindu-yindu: nyulu jilba-ny nyubun-ji wungar wubul-ku, kada-ny bayan-ka jirrbu-jirrbu-kari | lonely alone two country different: he walked alone day whole, came home-DAT lonely-PRIV


Her sadness had a season, like the rains, and the camp built it a shelter instead of an argument — walu-jirrbu-jirrbu, they said gently, and kept her fire fed.

Walu-jirrbu-jirrbu nyungumuny wungar-ji yala kaba, bayanbu nyunguka wabarr bungan, kari kuku-balka-way: 'walu-jirrbu-jirrbu', jana balkan kimabu, baya nyungu mayi-dayan yabarrka.

walu-jirrbu-jirrbu nyungu-muny wungar-ji yala kaba, bayan-bu nyungu-ka wabarr bunga-ny, kari kuku-balka-way: 'walu-jirrbu-jirrbu', jana balka-ny kima-bu, baya nyungu mayi-daya-ny yabarrka | sadness her season-COMIT like rain, camp-ERG her-DAT shade built, NEG argument: sad, they said gently, fire her fed always


Angry words are true the way floodwater is wet — real, and no good for drinking.

Kuku dukul-wuri-ji manubaja yala jalungkarr yaru: manubaja, yambada mumbu nukanka.

kuku dukul-wuri-ji manubaja yala jalungkarr yaru: manubaja, yambada mumbu nuka-nka | words angry-COMIT true like flood wet: true, but bad drink-PURP


Count what made you laugh this week; jealousy dies in that counting.

Kunja wanyu yundu yajarr-bungan wungar yanyaba: ngujan wulay kunjal yinyaba.

kunja wanyu yundu yajarr-bunga-ny wungar yanya-ba: ngujan wula-y kunja-l yinya-ba | count! what you laugh-made week this-LOC: jealousy dies counting that-LOC


Grandfather is not angry at the new net; he is angry that he needs it.

Kami kari dukul-wuri makarrka jirakalka: nyulu dukul-wuri, nyulu wawu-manilnya yinya.

kami kari dukul-wuri makarr-ka jirakal-ka: nyulu dukul-wuri, nyulu wawu-ma-ni-l-nya yinya | grandfather NEG angry net-DAT new-DAT: he angry, he need-SUB that


Homesick in your own camp — that is longing for the people who sat here long ago.

Milka-bujar bayanba yundumunyba: yundu bama wawu-manil, jana yanyaba bundan mukulbu.

milka-bujar bayan-ba yundu-muny-ba: yundu bama wawu-ma-ni-l, jana yanya-ba bunda-ny mukul-bu | homesick camp-LOC own-LOC: you people long.for, they here-LOC sat long.ago-INST


The frightened dog bites first; the frightened man talks loudest — fear has many faces.

Kaya yinil-ji bakal ngadiku-ngurr, bama yinil-ji balkal junkurr bajaku: yinil walu wubul-ji.

kaya yinil-ji baka-l ngadiku-ngurr, bama yinil-ji balka-l junkurr bajaku: yinil walu wubul-ji | dog fear-COMIT bites first-TEMP3, man fear-COMIT talks loud most: fear face many-COMIT


Say it while they are alive. The best words at a burying are the ones already heard.

Balka jana jurannya. Kuku yukil bajaku wulanmunyba jana kuku milka-jananmuny ngadiku.

balka jana juran-nya. kuku yukil bajaku wula-ny-muny-ba jana kuku milka-jana-ny-muny ngadiku | say! them alive-SUB. words best burying-LOC they words heard-of already


The baby's first laugh sent four grown people crawling on the floor to get the second one.

Yajarr ngadiku ngawamuny bama-yalbay jambul-jambul bubungu jilba-bungan jambulku maninka.

yajarr ngadiku ngawa-muny bama-yalbay jambul-jambul bubu-ngu jilba-bunga-ny jambul-ku mani-nka | laugh first baby-of grown.people four ground-LOC crawl-CAUS second-DAT get-PURP


Quiet anger is fishing with no hook: you sit by the water a long time and catch nothing.

Kuli wunbu nyulu kuyu-mani badur-kari: yundu bundal banaba kalbayku, yamba-kari manil.

kuli wunbu nyulu kuyu-mani badur-kari: yundu bunda-l bana-ba kalbay-ku, yamba-kari mani-l | anger quiet it fishing hook-PRIV: you sit water-LOC long-DAT, nothing take


Shame and small-fear are neighbours; greet them differently.

Murru-kaday yinil-buban jambul bayan-jawun: yulmbarri jana yindu-yindubu.

murru-kada-y yinil-buban jambul bayan-jawun: yulmbarri jana yindu-yindu-bu | shame fear-small two neighbours: greet! them differently-INST


Grandmother's calm was not weather; it was built.

Wunbu babimuny kari wungar-yamba: nyulu bunganmuny.

wunbu babi-muny kari wungar-yamba: nyulu bunga-ny-muny | calm grandmother-of NEG weather-thing: it built-of


The generous man's fire is easy to find in the dark — many tracks point at it.

Baya bama jawaymuny ngalkal maninka wujurrba: jina wubulkubu milbil yinyaka.

baya bama jaway-muny ngalkal mani-nka wujurr-ba: jina wubul-ku-bu milbi-l yinya-ka | fire man generous-of easy find-PURP dark-LOC: track many-ERG points that-DAT


Do not make the child afraid of the water; make him respectful of it — one drowns swimmers, the other raises them.

Kari karrkay yinyil-kanga bananka: binal-bunga nyulu yulmbarrinka: nyubunbu maraji-bama bana manil, yindubu jana wandi-bungal.

kari karrkay yinyil-kanga bana-nka: binal-bunga nyulu yulmbarri-nka: nyubun-bu maraji-bama bana mani-l, yindu-bu jana wandi-bunga-l | NEG child frighten! water-DAT: teach! him respect-PURP: one-ERG swimmers water takes, other-ERG them raises


Old anger buried in the camp comes up in the drinking water — dig it out while it is small.

Kuli mukul ngakijinmuny bayanba wandil bana-nukalba: baka nyulu ngalkalku bubannya.

kuli mukul ngakiji-ny-muny bayan-ba wandi-l bana-nuka-l-ba: baka nyulu ngalkal-ku buban-nya | anger old buried-of camp-LOC rises drinking.water-LOC: dig! it out-DAT small-SUB


The jealous one asked the moon why it praised the sun's light — and the moon kept walking.

Bama ngujan-jibu kija babajin wanyurrinku nyulu wungar milbil: kija jilban yabarrka.

bama ngujan-ji-bu kija babaji-ny wanyurrinku nyulu wungar milbi-l: kija jilba-ny yabarrka | person jealous-COMIT-ERG moon asked why it sun praises: moon walked on


Worry is grinding with no seeds, the old man laughed: plenty of motion, no flour, and your arms are tired at dark.

Wawu-buyun nyulu nyurrbal diburr-kari, mukulungku dingkarangka yajarr-man: murni wubul, mayi-kari, wakuy baja-burray wujurrba.

wawu-buyun nyulu nyurrba-l diburr-kari, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yajarr-ma-ny: murni wubul, mayi-kari, wakuy baja-burray wujurr-ba | worry it grinding seed-PRIV, old man laughed: motion much, food-PRIV, arm tired dark-LOC


Tame the morning before it tames you: rise first, and greet it by name.

Muna-bunga muduwaju yundu muna-bunganya ngadiku: wandi ngadiku-ngurr, yulmbarri nyulu burribu.

muna-bunga muduwaju yundu muna-bunga-nya ngadiku: wandi ngadiku-ngurr, yulmbarri nyulu burri-bu | tame-CAUS! morning you tame-CAUS-SUB before: rise! first-TEMP3, greet! it name-INST


Two sorries mend faster than one: the sorry of the mouth, and the sorry of the changed hands.

Dukul-kulnkul jambulbu murnil warri-baja nyubunmuny: dukul-kulnkul ngandalmuny, dukul-kulnkul maramuny yindu-manmuny.

dukul-kulnkul jambul-bu murni-l warri-baja nyubun-muny: dukul-kulnkul ngandal-muny, dukul-kulnkul mara-muny yindu-ma-ny-muny | sorry two-ERG mends faster-DEG2 one-from: sorry mouth-of, sorry hands-of changed-of


He hated the rain until the dry year taught him its full name.

Nyulu kaba wawu-kari-bajaku manin, wungar marralbu nyulu milbin burri nyungu wubulku.

nyulu kaba wawu-kari-bajaku mani-ny, wungar marral-bu nyulu milbi-ny burri nyungu wubul-ku | he rain hated, year dry-ERG him taught name its whole


The child who is surprised by everything is rich; protect that fortune from tired uncles.

Karrkay ngangkay-ji yamba wubulkumuny nyulu yamba-ji: kuji daji yinya kalngamuny baja-burraymuny.

karrkay ngangkay-ji yamba wubul-ku-muny nyulu yamba-ji: kuji daji yinya kalnga-muny baja-burray-muny | child surprise-COMIT everything-from he wealth-COMIT: guard! gift that uncle-from tired-from


Loneliness in a crowd is the deepest kind — go and sit beside it; you are the medicine that walks.

Jirrbu-jirrbu bama-wubulba nyulu dukurr bajaku: dungay bunda ngundu, yundu kalbal jilbalmuny.

jirrbu-jirrbu bama-wubul-ba nyulu dukurr bajaku: dunga-y bunda ngundu, yundu kalbal jilba-l-muny | lonely crowd-LOC it deep most: go! sit! close.by, you medicine walking-of


Anger kept overnight turns to poison or to knowledge; stir it and see which.

Kuli kujinmuny wujurrburr yindu-mal bakulku yambada binalku: murni nyulu, nyaji wanjaku.

kuli kuji-ny-muny wujurr-burr yindu-ma-l bakul-ku yambada binal-ku: murni nyulu, nyaji wanjaku | anger kept-of night-PERL turns poison-DAT or knowledge-DAT: stir! it, see! which


The kind word at the right time weighs nothing and carries everything.

Kuku manun-manun wungara yukilba dandi-kari, nyulu wubulku wundil.

kuku manun-manun wungar-a yukil-ba dandi-kari, nyulu wubul-ku wundi-l | word kind time-LOC right-LOC weight-PRIV, it everything carries

weightless carrier; wungar-a LOC (scan catch)


Homesickness backwards is love — you only ache for what once fed you.

Bilamal muku-jinabu nyulu wawu: yundu kaka manil nganga yambamuny yununy mayi-dayanmuny.

bilamal muku-jina-bu nyulu wawu: yundu kaka mani-l nganga yamba-muny yununy mayi-daya-ny-muny | homesickness back-track-INST it love: you pain take only thing-from you fed-of


Let the angry message sleep one night; send the survivor in the morning.

Bawa yimbal dukul-wuri-ji wunanka wujurr nyubun: yunga muduwajuny wanyu juran.

bawa yimbal dukul-wuri-ji wuna-nka wujurr nyubun: yunga muduwajuny wanyu juran | leave! message angry-COMIT sleep-PURP night one: send! morning-at what alive


Fearless is just fear walking on the right road.

Yinil-kari nyulu yinil baralba yukilba jilbalmuny nganga.

yinil-kari nyulu yinil baral-ba yukil-ba jilba-l-muny nganga | fearless it fear road-LOC right-LOC walking-of only


The camp measures its wealth on cold nights: count the fires, then count who is welcome at every one of them.

Bayanbu yamba-ji nyungu kunjal wujurrba kiway-kiwayba: kunja baya, yalada kunja wanya yulmbarrinmuny baya nyubun-nyubunba.

bayan-bu yamba-ji nyungu kunja-l wujurr-ba kiway-kiway-ba: kunja baya, yala-da kunja wanya yulmbarri-ny-muny baya nyubun-nyubun-ba | camp-ERG wealth its counts night-LOC cold-LOC: count! fire, then count! who welcomed-of fire every-LOC


All the feelings are old, the old woman closed the night: nobody angers a new anger or grieves a new grief — you walk on made roads, and others have walked them home again.

Wawu-yamba wubulku mukul, wulbumanangka wujurr kunbay-manin: bama nyubunbu kariku kuli jirakal kulil, kariku wawu-mumbu jirakal manil: yundu jilbal baral bunganmunyba, bama yindubu jana jilban bayanka baja.

wawu-yamba wubul-ku mukul, wulbuman-angka wujurr kunba-y-mani-ny: bama nyubun-bu kariku kuli jirakal kuli-l, kariku wawu-mumbu jirakal mani-l: yundu jilba-l baral bunga-ny-muny-ba, bama yindu-bu jana jilba-ny bayan-ka baja | feelings all old, old.woman night closed: person one-ERG never anger new angers, never grief new takes: you walk road made-of-LOC, others them walked home-DAT again


Which way did they go? — North, toward the big scrub.

Wanjaburr jana dungan? Kungkarr, juku-yalbayka.

wanjaburr jana dunga-ny? kungkarr, juku-yalbay-ka | which.way they went? north, big.scrub-DAT


The camp looks east and the doorway is wind-without — old knowledge.

Bayan nyajil nakaku, baral-ngandal muyar-mundu: binal mukul.

bayan nyaji-l naka-ku, baral-ngandal muyar-mundu: binal mukul | camp looks east-DAT, doorway wind-ABESS: knowledge old


The compass here is its own, the old man drew it in the sand: kungkarr, kuwa, jibarr, naka — and for the sea there is no compass word: just say jalun-bu, to the sea; the land's words stay with the land.

Kuku-jina bubumuny nyungu-nyungu, mukulungku dingkarangka jukara milbin: kungkarr, kuwa, jibarr, naka: jalunka kari kuku-jina: 'jalunbu' nganga balka, kuku bubumuny bubunka janay.

kuku-jina bubu-muny nyungu-nyungu, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jukar-a milbi-ny: kungkarr, kuwa, jibarr, naka: jalun-ka kari kuku-jina: 'jalun-bu' nganga balka, kuku bubu-muny bubu-nka jana-y | compass country-of its-own, old man sand-LOC drew: north, west, south, east: sea-DAT NEG compass.word: sea-LOC only say!, words land-of land-DAT stay

compass quartet + sea-exclusion ([A 2424]); kuwa/jibarr FIRST USES


Up went the smoke, down came the rain, and between them the day did its work.

Wangkar dungan kubu, bada kadan kaba, dindarraba wungarbu murni nyungu murnin.

wangkar dunga-ny kubu, bada kada-ny kaba, dindarra-ba wungar-bu murni nyungu murni-ny | up went smoke, down came rain, middle-LOC day-ERG work its did


Look behind you on the way out, and the camp will look familiar on the way home.

Nyaji kudamundu dunganya, bayan nyulu binal-nyajil kadanya baja.

nyaji kudamundu dunga-nya, bayan nyulu binal-nyaji-l kada-nya baja | look! behind go-SUB, camp it familiar-looks come-SUB back


The left hand learns from the right by stealing its work — let it.

Jakujibu binal-mal jurrubijimuny murni manilnya: bawa nyulu.

jakuji-bu binal-ma-l jurrubiji-muny murni mani-l-nya: bawa nyulu | left.hand-ERG learns right.hand-from work take-SUB: leave! it


Everywhere is made of many little somewheres — learn them one by one.

Yiringkurr bunganmuny bubu bubanmuny wubulkumuny: binal-ma jana nyubun-nyubun.

yiringkurr bunga-ny-muny bubu buban-muny wubul-ku-muny: binal-ma jana nyubun-nyubun | everywhere made-of place little-of many-of: learn! them one.by.one


The fish sees you from underwater long before you see it from above — the fish has the better eye-road.

Kuyubu yunu nyajil kuralmuny kalbayku, yundu nyulu wangkar-wangkarmuny nyajinya ngadiku: kuyu miyil-baral yukil-baja karrbal.

kuyu-bu yunu nyaji-l kural-muny kalbay-ku, yundu nyulu wangkar-wangkar-muny nyaji-nya ngadiku: kuyu miyil-baral yukil-baja karrba-l | fish-ERG you sees underwater-from long-DAT, you it above-from see-SUB before: fish eye-road better-DEG2 holds


Straighten the crooked spear at the fire, and straighten the crooked story at the fire too.

Kalka kurru-kurru ngura-ngura-ngala bayanga, kuku-jangkar kurru-kurru ngura-ngura-ngala bayanga baja.

kalka kurru-kurru ngura-ngura-ngala baya-nga, kuku-jangkar kurru-kurru ngura-ngura-ngala baya-nga baja | spear crooked straighten! fire-LOC, story crooked straighten! fire-LOC too


Wait on this side; the other side belongs to the flood until the water says otherwise.

Janay ngunduba: ngubar jalungkarrmuny bana yindu balkanyjiku.

jana-y ngundu-ba: ngubar jalungkarr-muny bana yindu balka-nyjiku | wait! this.side-LOC: other.side flood-of water different say-SUCC


Over there, where the sky sits on the hills — that is tomorrow's walk.

Yarra, wanja jiri bundal bubungu wangkara: yinya jilba wunkunymuny.

yarra, wanja jiri bunda-l bubu-ngu wangkar-a: yinya jilba wunkuny-muny | over.there, where sky sits hill-LOC high-LOC: that walk tomorrow-of

yarra FIRST USE; bubu-ngu + wangkar-a LOCs (scan catches)


The middle child slept in the middle, and kept the peace just by lying there.

Karrkay dindarramuny wunan dindarraba, nyulu kaka-kari karrban wunanybu nganga.

karrkay dindarra-muny wuna-ny dindarra-ba, nyulu kaka-kari karrba-ny wuna-ny-bu nganga | child middle-of slept middle-LOC, he peace kept lying-INST only


Ahead is a direction, not a promise — pack for both.

Jakalba nyulu kuku-jina, kari kuku-dandi: yamba mana jambulka.

jakalba nyulu kuku-jina, kari kuku-dandi: yamba mana jambul-ka | ahead it direction, NEG promise: things take! both-DAT


South wind, a dry week; east wind, wet feet — read the invisible rivers.

Muyar jibarrmuny, wungar marral: muyar nakamuny, jina yaru: nyaji wawubaja nyaji-karimuny.

muyar jibarr-muny, wungar marral: muyar naka-muny, jina yaru: nyaji wawubaja nyaji-kari-muny | wind south-from, week dry: wind east-from, feet wet: read! rivers unseen-of


Come around behind the house; the front is all wind today.

Kaday dimbiku: walu bayanmuny muyar wubulku nyiku.

kada-y dimbi-ku: walu bayan-muny muyar wubul-ku nyiku | come! behind.house-DAT: front house-of wind all today


He knows the country like his own hand: this ridge one finger, that creek another, and the swamp the soft middle.

Nyulu bubu binal yala mara nyungu-nyungu: wangkar yanya birri nyubun, wawubaja yinya birri yindu, daburri dindarra kima.

nyulu bubu binal yala mara nyungu-nyungu: wangkar yanya birri nyubun, wawubaja yinya birri yindu, daburri dindarra kima | he country knows like hand own: ridge this finger one, creek that finger other, swamp middle soft


Underwater the river has its own camps: cold ones, warm ones, and one where the big fish holds its meetings.

Kuralba wawubaja bayan-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji: kiway-kiway, wumbul, nyubunba kuyu yalbaybu kuku-yalbay karrbal.

kural-ba wawubaja bayan-ji nyungu-nyungu-ji: kiway-kiway, wumbul, nyubun-ba kuyu yalbay-bu kuku-yalbay karrba-l | underwater-LOC river camp-COMIT own-COMIT: cold, warm, one-LOC fish big-ERG meeting holds


Left at the split rock, right at the big tree, straight to the water — with a road full of markers you never get lost.

Walmbi kulji dumbarrinmunyba, jurrubiji jukuba yalbayba, yaralbu banaka: baral milbil-ji yundu kariku wulal.

walmbi kulji dumbarri-ny-muny-ba, jurrubiji juku-ba yalbay-ba, yaral-bu bana-ka: baral milbil-ji yundu kariku wula-l | left rock split-of-LOC, right tree-LOC big-LOC, straight-INST water-DAT: road marker-COMIT you never lost


The sea has no compass words, so the old people gave it courtesy ones: to-the-sea, at-the-base, along-the-edge.

Jalun kuku-jina-kari, yalada bama mukulbu kuku yulmbarril dayan: 'jalunbu', 'dingalba', 'yalmba-burr'.

jalun kuku-jina-kari, yala-da bama mukul-bu kuku yulmbarri-l daya-ny: 'jalun-bu', 'dingal-ba', 'yalmba-burr' | sea compass.word-PRIV, so people old-ERG words courtesy gave: sea-LOC, base-LOC, edge-PERL


Everywhere the child looked, someone was working — that is how a camp teaches without one lesson.

Yiringkurr karrkay nyajin, bama murnin: yalabu bayanbu milbil kuku-kari.

yiringkurr karrkay nyaji-ny, bama murni-ny: yala-bu bayan-bu milbi-l kuku-kari | everywhere child looked, someone worked: this.way-INST camp-ERG teaches lesson-PRIV


Above, the water plans; below, it celebrates.

Wangkar-wangkar bana milkabu baykal: bada-bada nyulu yajarr-mal.

wangkar-wangkar bana milkabu bayka-l: bada-bada nyulu yajarr-ma-l | above water thinks: below it laughs


Behind every good camp stands a fire-ground older than the oldest story.

Kudamundu bayan yukilmuny nyubun-nyubunmuny baya-bubu janay, mukul-baja kuku-jangkarmuny mukul bajakumuny.

kudamundu bayan yukil-muny nyubun-nyubun-muny baya-bubu jana-y, mukul-baja kuku-jangkar-muny mukul bajaku-muny | behind camp good-of every-of fire-ground stands, older-DEG2 story-from oldest-from


Go up for the seeing, come down for the water — knowledge walks both roads every day.

Dungay wangkarku nyajinka, kaday badaku bananka: binal jilbal baral jambul wungar nyubun-nyubunba.

dunga-y wangkar-ku nyaji-nka, kada-y bada-ku bana-nka: binal jilba-l baral jambul wungar nyubun-nyubun-ba | go! up-DAT seeing-PURP, come! down-DAT water-PURP: knowledge walks road both day every-LOC


Right hand for the spear, left hand for the shade — both employed, neither jealous.

Jurrubiji kalkanka, jakuji wabarrka: jambul murni-ji, ngujan-kari.

jurrubiji kalka-nka, jakuji wabarr-ka: jambul murni-ji, ngujan-kari | right.hand spear-DAT, left.hand shade-DAT: both work-COMIT, jealousy-PRIV


Across the river is another dialect of the same country — visit politely.

Ngubar-ngubar bubu nyubun kuku yindu-ji buban: dungay yulmbarri-ji.

ngubar-ngubar bubu nyubun kuku yindu-ji buban: dunga-y yulmbarri-ji | across country same word different-COMIT little: go! respect-COMIT


Near, close by, far away — the language walks in three steps: yuba, ngundu, kala-kalbay.

Yuba, ngundu, kala-kalbay: kuku jilbal jina kulurbu.

yuba, ngundu, kala-kalbay: kuku jilba-l jina kulur-bu | near, close.by, far.away: language walks step three-INST


Put the baby inside; the wind has found its evening voice.

Ngawa yijarri kanaka: muyarbu kuku wujurrmuny nyungu manin.

ngawa yijarri kana-ka: muyar-bu kuku wujurr-muny nyungu mani-ny | baby put! inside-DAT: wind-ERG voice evening-of its found


On top of the ridge you own your eyes; down in the gully you borrow your ears.

Wuyara yundu miyil yundumuny karrbal: bada-badaba yundu milka manil.

wuyar-a yundu miyil yundu-muny karrba-l: bada-bada-ba yundu milka mani-l | on.top-LOC you eyes your own: below-LOC you ears borrow


The left-handed one weaves mirror-wise, and her baskets confuse right-handed thieves — every difference locks a door somewhere.

Kalumbabu balji bungal muku-jinabu, balji nyungubu bama manil-bama milka-buyun-bungal: yindu nyubun-nyubun baral-ngandal nandal wanjaba.

kalumba-bu balji bunga-l muku-jina-bu, balji nyungu-bu bama mani-l-bama milka-buyun-bunga-l: yindu nyubun-nyubun baral-ngandal nanda-l wanja-ba | left.hander-ERG basket makes mirror-track-INST, basket her-ERG thief confuses: difference every door shuts somewhere-LOC


Go across at the wide shallow, not at the narrow deep — the river makes its short roads expensive.

Dungay naka-naka dubara yalbayba, kari dukurrba bubanba: wawubajabu baral buban dandi-bungal.

dunga-y naka-naka dubar-a yalbay-ba, kari dukurr-ba buban-ba: wawubaja-bu baral buban dandi-bunga-l | go! across flat-LOC wide-LOC, NEG deep-LOC narrow-LOC: river-ERG road short hard-makes

naka-naka FIRST USE; dubar-a LOC (scan catch)


Everything has a front and a back, the old woman turned the basket: choose which one you show the wind.

Yamba nyubun-nyubun walu-ji muku-ji, wulbumanangka balji murnin: mana wanjaku yundu muyarka milbil.

yamba nyubun-nyubun walu-ji muku-ji, wulbuman-angka balji murni-ny: mana wanjaku yundu muyar-ka milbi-l | thing every face-COMIT back-COMIT, old.woman basket turned: choose! which you wind-DAT show


The trees lean kungkarr on this ridge — the storm wind writes its name on everything that stands still.

Juku murnil kungkarrku wangkara yanyaba: muyarbu jarramalimunybu burri nyungu yijarril yamba janaymunyba.

juku murni-l kungkarr-ku wangkar-a yanya-ba: muyar-bu jarramali-muny-bu burri nyungu yijarri-l yamba jana-y-muny-ba | trees lean north-DAT ridge-LOC this-LOC: wind-ERG storm-of-ERG name its writes thing standing-of-LOC

wind-signature; wangkar-a LOC (scan catch)


Inside the story there is another story, the way the seed sits inside the fruit.

Kana kuku-jangkara kuku-jangkar yindu janay, yala diburr bundal kana junjunba.

kana kuku-jangkar-a kuku-jangkar yindu jana-y, yala diburr bunda-l kana junjun-ba | inside story-LOC story other stands, like seed sits inside fruit-LOC

nested narrative; jangkar-a single-r LOC (scan catch — first LOC of jangkar in corpus)


Which is your fishing spot? — Downstream of the split rock, this side, in the shade after midday.

Wanjaku bana-bubu yundumuny? Bada kuljimuny dumbarrinmunymuny, ngunduba, wabarrba wungar-dindarramuny badaku.

wanjaku bana-bubu yundu-muny? bada kulji-muny dumbarri-ny-muny-muny, ngundu-ba, wabarr-ba wungar-dindarra-muny bada-ku | which fishing.spot your? down rock-from split-of-from, this.side-LOC, shade-LOC midday-from after-DAT


Face the shelter door away from jibarr; the south wind is the one with the cold hands.

Baral-ngandal bayanmuny murni jibarrmuny kala-kalbayku: muyar jibarrmuny mara kiway-kiway-ji.

baral-ngandal bayan-muny murni jibarr-muny kala-kalbay-ku: muyar jibarr-muny mara kiway-kiway-ji | door shelter-of turn! south-from far-DAT: wind south-of hand cold-COMIT


Lost is a place too, the old man calmed the boy: sit down in it, listen, and its roads will introduce themselves.

Wulanmuny nyulu bubu baja, mukulungku dingkarangka buban wunbu-bungan: bunda yinyaba, milka-janay, baralbu nyulu-nyulu milbil.

wula-ny-muny nyulu bubu baja, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka buban wunbu-bunga-ny: bunda yinya-ba, milka-jana-y, baral-bu nyulu-nyulu milbi-l | lost it place too, old man boy calmed: sit! there-LOC, listen!, road-ERG itself shows


The right hand of the river is rocky; the left is kind to canoes — rivers are handed like people.

Jurrubiji wawubajamuny kulji-ji: jakuji kima marrakannka: wawubaja mara-ji yala bama.

jurrubiji wawubaja-muny kulji-ji: jakuji kima marrakan-nka: wawubaja mara-ji yala bama | right.hand river-of stone-COMIT: left soft canoe-DAT: river hand-COMIT like person


Behind the behind there is more behind — the country does not end; only the describing ends.

Kudamundu kudamundumuny kudamundu baja janay: bubu kariku kunbay-mal, kuku nganga kunbay-mal.

kudamundu kudamundu-muny kudamundu baja jana-y: bubu kariku kunba-y-ma-l, kuku nganga kunba-y-ma-l | behind behind-of behind more stands: country never ends, words only end


Climb with three points holding, always — the mountain counts hands and feet, not years.

Daka mara-jina kulur karrbanya yabarrka: bububu kunjal mara jina, kari bana-wungar.

daka mara-jina kulur karrba-nya yabarrka: bubu-bu kunja-l mara jina, kari bana-wungar | climb! hand-foot three hold-SUB always: mountain-ERG counts hands feet, NEG years


Straight talk walks straight; crooked talk walks crooked and arrives tired.

Kuku yaral jilbal yaralbu: kuku kurru-kurru jilbal kurru-kurrubu, kadal baja-burray.

kuku yaral jilba-l yaral-bu: kuku kurru-kurru jilba-l kurru-kurru-bu, kada-l baja-burray | talk straight walks straight-INST: talk crooked walks crooked-INST, arrives tired


This side of the fire is for the story-teller; the other side for the doubters — both seats are honorable.

Ngundu bayamuny balkal-bamanka: ngubar warmbil-bamanka: bunda-bubu jambul yulmbarri-ji.

ngundu baya-muny balka-l-bama-nka: ngubar warmbi-l-bama-nka: bunda-bubu jambul yulmbarri-ji | this.side fire-of teller-DAT: other.side doubter-DAT: seat both honor-COMIT


The sun crosses toward kuwa every evening — even the sky has a favourite road home.

Wungar dungay kuwaku wujurr nyubun-nyubunba: jiribu baja baral bayanka nyungu-nyungu karrbal.

wungar dunga-y kuwa-ku wujurr nyubun-nyubun-ba: jiri-bu baja baral bayan-ka nyungu-nyungu karrba-l | sun goes west-DAT evening every-LOC: sky-ERG even road home-DAT own keeps


Between the two camps runs a track worn deeper than either — the road is the third camp.

Dindarraba bayan-jambulmuny jina warril dukurr-baja jambulmunybu: baral nyulu bayan kulurku.

dindarra-ba bayan-jambul-muny jina warri-l dukurr-baja jambul-muny-bu: baral nyulu bayan kulur-ku | between-LOC camp-two-of track runs deeper-DEG2 both-from: road it camp third-DAT


Ahead of the walker walks his thinking; behind him walks his story — the man himself is just the join.

Jakalba jilba-bamamuny jilbal milkabu-baykal nyungu: kudamundu jilbal kuku-jangkar nyungu: bama nyulu-nyulu nyulu kaja nganga.

jakalba jilba-bama-muny jilba-l milkabu-bayka-l nyungu: kudamundu jilba-l kuku-jangkar nyungu: bama nyulu-nyulu nyulu kaja nganga | ahead walker-of walks thinking his: behind walks story his: man himself he join only


Down at the base of the tree, the ground remembers every season the branches forgot.

Bada dingalba jukumuny bububu milka nyajil bana-wungar nyubun-nyubun dakilbu milka-wulanmuny.

bada dingal-ba juku-muny bubu-bu milka nyaji-l bana-wungar nyubun-nyubun dakil-bu milka-wula-ny-muny | down base-LOC tree-of ground-ERG remembers season every branch-ERG forgotten-of


Everywhere you dig here you find someone's morning — move the camp, not the ground.

Yiringkurr yundu bakal yanyaba, yundu muduwaju bamamuny manil: bayan wundi, kari bubu.

yiringkurr yundu baka-l yanya-ba, yundu muduwaju bama-muny mani-l: bayan wundi, kari bubu | everywhere you dig here-LOC, you morning someone-of find: camp move!, NEG ground


Which way is home? the smallest one asked — and everyone pointed the same way without looking up. That is a camp.

Wanjaburr bayan? bubanbu bajakubu babajin, bama wubulkubu milbin jina nyubunbu nyaji-kari wangkarku: yinya bayan.

wanjaburr bayan? buban-bu bajaku-bu babaji-ny, bama wubul-ku-bu milbi-ny jina nyubun-bu nyaji-kari wangkar-ku: yinya bayan | which.way home? smallest-ERG asked, people all-ERG pointed way one-INST look-PRIV up-DAT: that camp


The path to the water bends around the old tree, out of respect — even geography has manners here.

Baral banaka murnil juku mukul, yulmbarrilmuny: bubu-jina baja murni-jina-ji yanyaba.

baral bana-ka murni-l juku mukul, yulmbarri-l-muny: bubu-jina baja murni-jina-ji yanya-ba | path water-DAT bends tree old, respect-from: geography even manners-COMIT here-LOC


Turn your back to the wind when you open the coals — directions are tools; use the right one.

Muku muyarka murni ngunjil ngalkal-bunganya: kuku-jina jana yamba-murni: mana yinya yukil.

muku muyar-ka murni ngunjil ngalkal-bunga-nya: kuku-jina jana yamba-murni: mana yinya yukil | back wind-DAT turn! coals open-CAUS-SUB: directions they tools: take! that right


The country is the real grammar, the old man ended the lesson: north of the fire, inside the family, ahead of the hunger, behind the promise — live in the right cases, and the sentences look after themselves.

Bubu nyulu kuku-jina manubaja, mukulungku dingkarangka kuku kunbay-manin: kungkarr bayamuny, kana jawun-karramuny, jakalba dakwuymuny, kudamundu kuku-dandimuny: bunda bubungu yukilba, kukubu nyulu-nyulu kujil.

bubu nyulu kuku-jina manubaja, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kuku kunba-y-mani-ny: kungkarr baya-muny, kana jawun-karra-muny, jakalba dakwuy-muny, kudamundu kuku-dandi-muny: bunda bubu-ngu yukil-ba, kuku-bu nyulu-nyulu kuji-l | country it grammar true, old man lesson ended: north fire-of, inside family-of, ahead hunger-of, behind promise-of: sit! place-LOC right-LOC, sentences-ERG themselves look.after

capstone: live in the right cases; bubu-ngu (scan catch)


The big fig tree stands beside the water, and the children climb it every day.

Jarrangkal yalbay janay bananga, karrkay-karrkay dakal jukungu wungar-wungar.

jarrangkal yalbay jana-y bana-nga, karrkay-karrkay daka-l juku-ngu wungar-wungar | fig.tree big stand-NONPAST water-LOC, child-child climb-NONPAST tree-LOC day-day

jarrangkal yalbay janay bana karrkay dakal juku wungar

jarrangkal 'fig tree' dict; daka-l climb (intr) A; bana-nga LOC (a-final -nga, r.21d)


My mother collected the ripe figs from the tree and brought them in the coolamon for the children.

Ngamungku binanji kulbul jukumuny mujan, dubalba wundin karrkay-karrkayka.

ngamu-ngku binanji kulbul juku-muny muja-ny, dubal-ba wundi-ny karrkay-karrkay-ka | mother-ERG fig ripe tree-ABL collect-PAST, coolamon-LOC bring-PAST child-child-DAT

ngamu binanji kulbul juku mujal dubal wundil karrkay

muja-l collect dict; dubal 'coolamon' (NOT bark); dubal-ba LOC (l-final a-vowel -ba)


The child asked: what tree is that? The old man said: that is a bloodwood.

Karrkay balkan: wanya juku yinya? Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: yinya babajaka.

karrkay balka-ny: wanya juku yinya? mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: yinya babajaka. | child say-PAST: what tree that? old-man-ERG say-PAST: that bloodwood.

karrkay balkal wanya juku yinya mukul dingkar babajaka

babajaka 'bloodwood tree' dict; wanya what; yinya that


buyku yaka! dakil nyanda! | paperbark cut.IMP! branch chop.IMP!

buyku 'paperbark' (NOT 'wing'); dakil 'branch'; yaka-l cut, nyanda-l chop (IMP=bare stem)


The old woman dug the roots at the fig tree, cooked them on the fire, and gave the food to the children.

Mukulungku jarrangkalba bangkan bakan, kunjinba wajun, mayi karrkay-karrkay dayan.

mukul-ungku jarrangkal-ba bangkan baka-ny, kunjin-ba waju-ny, mayi karrkay-karrkay daya-ny | old.woman-ERG fig.tree-LOC root dig-PAST, fire-LOC cook-PAST, food child-child give-PAST

mukul jarrangkal bangkan bakal kunjin wajul mayi karrkay daya

bangkan 'root'; baka-l dig; waju-l cook/burn; kunjin 'fire'; kunjin-ba LOC


I climbed the tall black palm to get the ripe fruit at the top, and I brought it down for my mother.

Ngayu duwar kalbay dakan, kulbul mayi maninka, ngamunka wundin.

ngayu duwar kalbay daka-ny, kulbul mayi mani-nka, ngamu-nka wundi-ny | I black.palm tall climb-PAST, ripe food get-PURP, mother-DAT bring-PAST

ngayu duwar kalbay dakal kulbul mayi manil ngamu wundil

duwar 'black palm'; duwar-a LOC (single retroflex r -> -a, r.21d); mani-nka PURP


The bloodwood bark is very dry and hard, so we cooked the meat on that strong fire.

Babajaka julkun marral dandi bajaku; ngali minya wajun kunjinba junkurrji.

babajaka julkun marral dandi bajaku; ngali minya waju-ny kunjin-ba junkurrji | bloodwood bark dry hard very; we.two meat cook-PAST fire-LOC strong

babajaka julkun marral dandi bajaku ngali minya wajul kunjin junkurrji

julkun 'bark'; marral dry; dandi hard; baja too


The old man taught the children: the paperbark gives us bark for the house, and the lawyer cane gives us strong strips for tying.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay binalbungan: buyku ngananda julkun dayal bayanka, kaku ngananda junkurrji dayal kajanka.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-ny: buyku ngana-nda julkun daya-l bayan-ka, kaku ngana-nda junkurrji daya-l kaja-nka. | old-man-ERG child-child teach-PAST: paperbark us-LOC bark give-NONPAST house-DAT, lawyer.cane us-LOC strong give-NONPAST tie-PURP.

mukul dingkar karrkay binal buyku ngana julkun daya bayan kaku junkurrji kajal

kaku 'lawyer cane top'; binal-bunga-l teach (know+CAUS); recipient of give = LOC (ngana-nda)


The man chopped the big log, cut off the dry bark, and carried the wood to the camp.

Dingkarangka walmba yalbay nyandan, julkun marral yakan, juku bayanka wundin.

dingkar-angka walmba yalbay nyanda-ny, julkun marral yaka-ny, juku bayan-ka wundi-ny | man-ERG log big chop-PAST, bark dry cut-PAST, wood house-DAT bring-PAST

dingkar walmba yalbay nyandal julkun marral yakal juku bayan wundil

walmba 'log'; wundi-l bring/take; bayan-ka DAT goal


Did you get the lawyer cane? Yes, I cut it in the scrub by the mangroves.

Yundu kaku manin? Yuwu, ngayu madjanga yakan kajulbu.

yundu kaku mani-ny? yuwu, ngayu madja-nga yaka-ny kajul-bu. | you lawyer.cane get-PAST? yes, I scrub-LOC cut-PAST mangrove-LOC.

yundu kaku manil yuwu ngayu madja yakal kajul

madja 'scrub'; madja-nga LOC; kajul 'mangrove'; kajul-bu LOC (l-final u-vowel -bu, r.21d); yuwu yes


We two cut the black palm; its wood is very hard.

Ngali duwar yakan; nyungu juku dandi bajaku.

ngali duwar yaka-ny; nyungu juku dandi bajaku | we.two black.palm cut-PAST; its wood hard very

ngali duwar yakal nyungu juku dandi bajaku

juku = tree AND wood (dict def); nyungu its; bajaku very


The old woman told the child: this vine is strong; we tie the house with it.

Mukulungku karrkay balkan: mawar junkurrji; ngali bayan kajal mawarbu.

mukul-ungku karrkay balka-ny: mawar junkurrji; ngali bayan kaja-l mawar-bu. | old.woman-ERG child say-PAST: vine strong; we.two house tie-NONPAST vine-INST.

mukul karrkay balkal mawar junkurrji ngali bayan kajal

mawar 'vine'; junkurrji strong; mawar-bu INST 'with the vine'


daka, binanji kulbul munja! | climb.IMP, fig ripe gather.IMP!


Many people sat in the shade of the big fig tree, ate the sweet ripe fruit, and talked.

Bama wubul jarrangkal wabarrba, mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nukan, jana balkan.

bama wubul jarrangkal wabarr-ba, mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nuka-ny, jana balka-ny | people many fig.tree shade-LOC, food ripe sweet eat-PAST, they talk-PAST

bama wubul jarrangkal wabarr mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nukal jana balkal

wabarr 'shade'; wabarr-ba LOC (trill rr a-final -ba [A6930]); no copula (existential LOC)


Bring me some paperbark from the scrub. Yes, I will bring it to you.

Buyku ngayku wundi madjamuny. Yuwu, ngayu yundunka wundil.

buyku ngayku wundi madja-muny. yuwu, ngayu yundu-nka wundi-l. | paperbark me-DAT bring.IMP scrub-ABL. yes, I you-DAT bring-NONPAST.

buyku ngayku wundil madja yuwu ngayu yundu

ngayku me-DAT/my; wundi-l bring (IMP=wundi)


We cooked the meat on a fire made from dry ti-tree bark.

Ngali minya wajun kunjinba; kunjin bikarrakul dumbulmuny marralmuny.

ngali minya waju-ny kunjin-ba; kunjin bikarrakul dumbul-muny marral-muny | we.two meat cook-PAST fire-LOC; fire ti.tree bark-ABL dry-ABL

ngali minya wajul kunjin bikarrakul dumbul marral

bikarrakul 'ti tree'; dumbul 'bark'; ABL -muny (from); minya meat


The mangrove trees stand in the river, and their strong roots hold together in the water.

Kajul wawubajanga janay; nyungu ngara junkurrji, bananga muru.

kajul wawubaja-nga jana-y; nyungu ngara junkurrji, bana-nga muru | mangrove river-LOC stand-NONPAST; its root strong, water-LOC together

kajul wawubaja janay nyungu ngara junkurrji bana muru

kajul 'mangrove tree'; ngara 'root' (2nd root word beside bangkan)


The grandmother said: we gathered that vine and tied it.

Babingka balkan: ngana wangay munjan, jana kajan.

babi-ngka balka-ny: ngana wangay munja-ny, jana kaja-ny. | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: we vine gather-PAST, them tie-PAST.

babi balkal ngana wangay munjal jana kajal

wangay 'vine'; babi-ngku ERG; jana 'them'


The big old tree fell in the night, its branches broke on the ground, and the children climbed on it.

Juku yalbay daran wujurrbu, dakil bubungu daran, karrkay-karrkay dakan.

juku yalbay dara-ny wujurr-bu, dakil bubu-ngu dara-ny, karrkay-karrkay daka-ny | tree big fall-PAST dark-LOC, branch ground-LOC fall-PAST, child-child climb-PAST

juku yalbay daray wujurr dakil bubu karrkay dakal

daray fall (intr, y-conj); PAST dara-ny -> daran


I saw a grass tree and a fern beside the path, and I picked the flowers.

Ngayu nganjirr malari baja nyajin, nganka munjan.

ngayu nganjirr malari baja nyaji-ny, nganka munja-ny | I grass.tree fern too see-PAST, flower gather-PAST

ngayu nganjirr malari baja nyajil nganka munjal

nganjirr 'grass tree'; malari 'fern'; nganka 'flower'; nyaji-l see


The women collected mushrooms, pineapple, and shoots in the scrub, and brought them in the coolamon.

Jalbungku madjanga jumbay-jumbay banabul jurrbu baja mujan, dubalba wundin.

jalbu-ngku madja-nga jumbay-jumbay banabul jurrbu baja muja-ny, dubal-ba wundi-ny | woman-ERG scrub-LOC mushroom pineapple shoots too collect-PAST, coolamon-LOC bring-PAST

jalbu madja jumbay-jumbay banabul jurrbu baja mujal dubal wundil

jumbay-jumbay 'mushroom'; banabul 'pineapple'; jalbu-ngku ERG


Gather the paperbark and the strong vine in the scrub, then tie the branches together for the shelter.

Buyku mawar junkurrji baja madjanga munja, dakil muru kaja bayanka.

buyku mawar junkurrji baja madja-nga munja, dakil muru kaja bayan-ka | paperbark vine strong too scrub-LOC gather.IMP, branch together tie.IMP house-DAT

buyku mawar junkurrji baja madja munjal dakil muru kajal bayan


The figs on the tree are not ripe yet; they are still hard, so we will come back another day.

Binanji jukungu kari kulbul; dandi baja; ngali kaday baja wungarmuny.

binanji juku-ngu kari kulbul; dandi baja; ngali kada-y baja wungar-muny | fig tree-LOC NEG ripe; hard too; we.two come-NONPAST again day-ABL

binanji juku kari kulbul dandi baja ngali kaday wungar

kari NEG (not ripe); juku-ngu LOC (u-final -ngu, r.21d)


The old man told the young men: the fig tree gives us food, the paperbark gives us bark, and the vine gives us strong string.

Mukul-dingkarangka bama balkan: jarrangkal ngananda mayi dayal, buyku ngananda julkun dayal, mawar ngananda junkurrji dayal.

mukul-dingkar-angka bama balka-ny: jarrangkal ngana-nda mayi daya-l, buyku ngana-nda julkun daya-l, mawar ngana-nda junkurrji daya-l. | old-man-ERG people say-PAST: fig.tree us-LOC food give-NONPAST, paperbark us-LOC bark give-NONPAST, vine us-LOC strong give-NONPAST.

mukul dingkar bama balkal jarrangkal ngana mayi daya buyku julkun mawar junkurrji

parallel triplet; recipient LOC ngana-nda; daya-l give


The tall white gum stands on the ridge; its branches are dry.

Bajar kalbay bubungu janay; nyungu dakil marral.

bajar kalbay bubu-ngu jana-y; nyungu dakil marral | white.gum tall ground-LOC stand-NONPAST; its branch dry

bajar kalbay bubu janay nyungu dakil marral

bajar 'white gum'; kalbay long/tall; bubu-ngu LOC (u-final -ngu)


The lawyer cane grows in the scrub, and its young shoots make good food for the people.

Kaku madjanga janay wubulku; nyungu jurrbu jirakal mayi bamaku.

kaku madja-nga jana-y wubul-ku; nyungu jurrbu jirakal mayi bama-ku | lawyer.cane scrub-LOC stand-NONPAST many-DAT; its shoots new food person-DAT

kaku madja janay wubul jurrbu jirakal mayi bama

jurrbu 'shoots of plants'; kaku lawyer cane top


What did you gather in the scrub? I gathered fern shoots and a mushroom.

Wanya yundu madjanga munjan? Ngayu malari jurrbu jumbay-jumbay baja munjan.

wanya yundu madja-nga munja-ny? ngayu malari jurrbu jumbay-jumbay baja munja-ny. | what you scrub-LOC gather-PAST? I fern shoots mushroom too gather-PAST.

wanya yundu madja munjal ngayu malari jurrbu jumbay-jumbay baja

malari fern; jurrbu shoots; jumbay-jumbay mushroom


nambarr dumbarri, wundi! | bamboo break.IMP, bring.IMP!

nambarr 'bamboo stick'; dumbarri-l break (IMP=dumbarri)


Many mangrove trees stand by the river: kakan, kurubarr, and mangkurru.

Kajul wubul wawubajanga janay: kakan, kurubarr, mangkurru baja.

kajul wubul wawubaja-nga jana-y: kakan, kurubarr, mangkurru baja | mangrove many river-LOC stand-NONPAST: kakan, kurubarr, mangkurru too

kajul wubul wawubaja janay kakan kurubarr mangkurru baja

kakan/kurubarr/mangkurru all 'mangrove' species; wawubaja 'river' [A37]; wawubaja-nga LOC


I went to the scrub, climbed the fig tree, gathered the ripe figs, and brought them back to my mother in the coolamon.

Ngayu madjanga dungan, jarrangkal dakan, binanji kulbul munjan, ngamunka wundin dubalba.

ngayu madja-nga dunga-ny, jarrangkal daka-ny, binanji kulbul munja-ny, ngamu-nka wundi-ny dubal-ba | I scrub-LOC go-PAST, fig.tree climb-PAST, fig ripe gather-PAST, mother-DAT bring-PAST coolamon-LOC

ngayu madja dungay jarrangkal dakal binanji kulbul munjal ngamu wundil dubal

long clause chain; dunga-y go PAST dungan; ngamu-nka DAT recipient


The oak and the messmate stood together on the ground, and the children were in their shade.

Dalban warka baja muru janan bubungu, karrkay-karrkay wabarrba.

dalban warka baja muru jana-ny bubu-ngu, karrkay-karrkay wabarr-ba | oak messmate too together stand-PAST ground-LOC, child-child shade-LOC

dalban warka baja muru janay bubu karrkay wabarr

dalban 'oak tree'; warka 'messmate'; muru 'together' (NOT shame root); wabarr-ba shade-LOC


The old woman said: the paperbark bark is very soft; the little children lie on it.

Mukulungku balkan: buyku dumbul jika bajaku; karrkay-karrkay dumbulbu wunay.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: buyku dumbul jika bajaku; karrkay-karrkay dumbul-bu wuna-y. | old.woman-ERG say-PAST: paperbark bark soft very; child-child bark-LOC lie-NONPAST.

mukul balkal buyku dumbul jika bajaku karrkay wunay


The ripe pineapple is very sweet, and the hungry children ate it by the fire.

Banabul kulbul jiba-wulay bajaku; karrkay-karrkay dakwuy nukan kunjinba.

banabul kulbul jiba-wulay bajaku; karrkay-karrkay dakwuy nuka-ny kunjin-ba | pineapple ripe sweet very; child-child hungry eat-PAST fire-LOC

banabul kulbul jiba-wulay bajaku karrkay dakwuy nukal kunjin

jiba-wulay 'sweet' (errata vindicated); banabul pineapple


Dig the roots, and do not break the shoots!

ngara baka, kari jurrbu dumbarri! | root dig.IMP, NEG shoots break.IMP!

kari + IMP = prohibitive [A157 'kari daray-mana']


The fern and the fern tree grow by the river, and the mangroves stand together in the water too.

Malari malurri baja wawubajanga janay; kajul baja bananga muru.

malari malurri baja wawubaja-nga jana-y; kajul baja bana-nga muru | fern fern.tree too river-LOC stand-NONPAST; mangrove too water-LOC together

malari malurri baja wawubaja janay kajul bana muru

malurri 'tree' (fern tree); pairs with malari fern


The grandmother taught the girl: we cut the lawyer cane in the scrub and tie the coolamon with it.

Babingka jalbu binalbungan: ngana kaku madjanga yakal, dubal kajal kakubu.

babi-ngka jalbu binal-bunga-ny: ngana kaku madja-nga yaka-l, dubal kaja-l kaku-bu. | grandmother-ERG girl teach-PAST: we lawyer.cane scrub-LOC cut-NONPAST, coolamon tie-NONPAST cane-INST.

babi jalbu binal ngana kaku madja yakal dubal kajal

kaku-bu INST (u-final -bu); jalbu 'female/girl'


The bloodwood, the ti tree, and the white gum are all for the fire.

Babajaka, bikarrakul, bajar baja — jana kunjinku.

babajaka, bikarrakul, bajar baja - jana kunjin-ku | bloodwood, ti.tree, white.gum too - they fire-DAT

babajaka bikarrakul bajar baja jana kunjin


binanji kulbul? kari, dandi baja. | fig ripe? no, hard too.


The woman ground the black bean seeds on the flat stone and then cooked them.

Jalbungku baway diburr kuljinga nyurrban, wajun baja.

jalbu-ngku baway diburr kulji-nga nyurrba-ny, waju-ny baja | woman-ERG black.bean seed stone-LOC grind-PAST, cook-PAST too

jalbu baway diburr kulji nyurrbal wajul baja

baway 'black bean'; diburr 'seed'; nyurrba-l grind (errata vindicated); kulji-nga LOC


I gathered the wattle flowers and the candlenut seeds in the scrub, and brought them home in my coolamon.

Ngayu madjanga yalngkal nganka bilar diburr baja munjan, dubalba wundin bayanka.

ngayu madja-nga yalngkal nganka bilar diburr baja munja-ny, dubal-ba wundi-ny bayan-ka | I scrub-LOC wattle flower candlenut seed too gather-PAST, coolamon-LOC bring-PAST house-DAT

ngayu madja yalngkal nganka bilar diburr baja munjal dubal wundil bayan

yalngkal 'wattle tree'; bilar 'candlenut tree'


The grass tree grows on the dry ground, and its flower is tall.

Nganjirr marral bubungu janay; nyungu nganka kalbay.

nganjirr marral bubu-ngu jana-y; nyungu nganka kalbay | grass.tree dry ground-LOC stand-NONPAST; its flower tall

nganjirr marral bubu janay nyungu nganka kalbay

nganjirr grass tree; nganka flower; kalbay tall


Climb the palm, cut the top, and bring the good food down to us!

Yawarrba daka, kaku yaka, ngananda mayi wundi!

yawarr-ba daka, kaku yaka, ngana-nda mayi wundi! | palm-LOC climb.IMP, cane.top cut.IMP, us-LOC food bring.IMP!

yawarr dakal kaku yakal ngana mayi wundil

yawarr 'palm'; yawarr-ba LOC (trill rr a-final -ba); ngana-nda us-LOC


The old man said: that vine is strong; we tie the vine to the house.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: wangay yinya junkurrji; ngali wangay kajal bayanka.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: wangay yinya junkurrji; ngali wangay kaja-l bayan-ka. | old-man-ERG say-PAST: vine that strong; we.two vine tie-NONPAST house-DAT.

mukul dingkar balkal wangay yinya junkurrji ngali kajal bayan

wangay vine; yinya that; bayan-ka DAT goal


The children found sweet shoots on the vine and ate them all.

Karrkay-karrkay mawara jurrbu jiba-wulay nyajin, nukan wubul.

karrkay-karrkay mawar-a jurrbu jiba-wulay nyaji-ny, nuka-ny wubul | child-child vine-LOC shoots sweet see-PAST, eat-PAST many

karrkay mawar jurrbu jiba-wulay nyajil nukal wubul

mawar-a LOC (single retroflex r -> -a); wubul 'many/all'


The man cut the big tree, took the bark, and carried it to the river for a canoe.

Dingkarangka juku yalbay yakan, julkun manin, wawubajanga wundin marrakanka.

dingkar-angka juku yalbay yaka-ny, julkun mani-ny, wawubaja-nga wundi-ny marrakan-ka | man-ERG tree big cut-PAST, bark get-PAST, river-LOC bring-PAST canoe-PURP

dingkar juku yalbay yakal julkun manil wawubaja wundil marrakan

marrakan 'dugout canoe (red cedar)' dict 2nd sense; yalbay-muny ABL; marrakan-ka PURP


Which bark is the strongest? The messmate bark is the strongest.

Wanya dumbul junkurrji? Warka dumbul junkurrji bajaku.

wanya dumbul junkurrji? warka dumbul junkurrji bajaku. | what bark strong? messmate bark strong very.

warka 'messmate'; junkurrji bajaku = strongest


The leaves of the fig fell to the ground, and later the new shoots came up again.

Jarrangkal birra bubungu daran, jurrbu jirakal janan baja.

jarrangkal birra bubu-ngu dara-ny, jurrbu jirakal jana-ny baja | fig.tree leaf ground-LOC fall-PAST, shoots new stand-PAST too

jarrangkal birra bubu daray jurrbu jirakal janay baja

birra 'leaf'; jirakal 'new'; jurrbu shoots; seasonal cycle


The grandmother told the child: every tree of this country has its name; you will learn them all.

Babingka karrkay balkan: juku wubul bubungu nyungu burri; yundu binal jana wubulku.

babi-ngka karrkay balka-ny: juku wubul bubu-ngu nyungu burri; yundu bina-l jana wubul-ku. | grandmother-ERG child say-PAST: tree many country-LOC its name; you know-NONPAST them all-DAT.

babi karrkay balkal juku wubul bubu nyungu burri yundu binal jana

burri 'name' (errata vindicated noun); bina-l know/learn


The pineapple grows low near the camp, and its fruit is sweet when ripe.

Banabul bayanba janay; nyungu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay.

banabul bayan-ba jana-y; nyungu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay | pineapple house-LOC stand-NONPAST; its food ripe sweet

banabul bayan janay nyungu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay

bayan-ba LOC (n-final a-vowel -ba); jiba-wulay sweet


My grandmother taught me the names of all the trees: the paperbark, the bloodwood, the fig, the palm, and the vine; now I know them and I teach the children too.

Babingka ngayku juku burri binalbungan: buyku, babajaka, jarrangkal, duwar, mawar baja; ngayu binal jana, karrkay-karrkay binalbungal baja.

babi-ngka ngayku juku burri binal-bunga-ny: buyku, babajaka, jarrangkal, duwar, mawar baja; ngayu bina-l jana, karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-l baja | grandmother-ERG me-DAT tree name teach-PAST: paperbark, bloodwood, fig.tree, black.palm, vine too; I know-NONPAST them, child-child teach-NONPAST too

babi ngayku juku burri binal buyku babajaka jarrangkal duwar mawar baja ngayu jana karrkay

closing micro-narrative; transmission theme; burri 'name'


The woman went to the river to get water and to cook the food.

Jalbu wawubajanga dungan, bana maninka mayi wajunku.

jalbu wawubaja-nga dunga-ny, bana mani-nka mayi waju-nku | woman river-LOC go-PAST, water get-PURP food cook-PURP

jalbu wawubaja dungay bana manil mayi wajul

PURP -nka (mani-nka) / u-stem -nku (waju-nku, r.10b)


The men climbed the ridge to see the smoke of the far-off camp.

Dingkar bubungu dakan, kubu bayan kala-kalbay nyajinka.

dingkar bubu-ngu daka-ny, kubu bayan kala-kalbay nyaji-nka | man ground-LOC climb-PAST, smoke house far see-PURP

dingkar bubu dakal kubu bayan kala-kalbay nyajil

kubu 'smoke' (r.29); kala-kalbay 'far' (r.27); nyaji-nka PURP


Bring dry wood to start the fire, and dig a pit to roast the meat!

Juku marral wundi baya jakalambanka, bubu baka minya dindanka!

juku marral wundi baya jakalamba-nka, bubu baka minya dinda-nka | wood dry bring.IMP fire start-PURP, ground dig.IMP meat roast-PURP

juku marral wundil baya jakalambal bubu bakal minya dindal

jakalamba-l 'start a fire', dinda-l 'roast' (r.29); PURP -nka


While the old woman was cooking, the children sat by the fire and wanted the food.

Mukul waju-nya, karrkay-karrkay kunjinba bundan, mayika wawu.

mukul waju-nya, karrkay-karrkay kunjin-ba bunda-ny, mayi-ka wawu | old.woman cook-SUB, child-child fire-LOC sit-PAST, food-DAT want

mukul wajul karrkay kunjin bunday mayi wawu

SUB -nya (waju-nya); object of want = DAT (mayi-ka wawu, r.6)


The man speared the fish as it came close to the rock.

Dingkarangka kuyu daman, nyulu ngundu kada-nya.

dingkar-angka kuyu dama-ny, nyulu ngundu kada-nya | man-ERG fish spear-PAST, it near come-SUB

SUB -nya (kada-nya 'as it came'); ngundu 'this side/near' (r.27)


The old man said: burn the ironwood lest the storm come, and cover the fire lest it spread to the grass.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: juku waju, jarramali kada-nyji; baya nanda, jikanba dunga-nyji.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: juku waju, jarramali kada-nyji; baya nanda, jikan-ba dunga-nyji | old-man-ERG say-PAST: wood burn.IMP, thunder come-PRECAUT; fire close.IMP, grass-LOC go-PRECAUT

mukul dingkar balkal juku wajul jarramali kaday baya nandal jikan dungay

PRECAUT -nyji (kada-nyji, dunga-nyji, r.24); jarramali 'thunder/storm'


Hold the dog tightly lest it chase the wallaby and run away!

Kaya karrba dandi, kadar kanga-nyji, warri-nyji!

kaya karrba dandi, kadar kanga-nyji, warri-nyji | dog hold.IMP tight, wallaby chase-PRECAUT, run-PRECAUT

stacked PRECAUT (kanga-nyji, warri-nyji, r.24)


They came to the water, caught a fish, cooked it on the coals, and then ate it together.

Jana bananga kadan, kuyu manin, ngunjilba wajun, muru nukanda.

jana bana-nga kada-ny, kuyu mani-ny, ngunjil-ba waju-ny, muru nuka-ny-da | they water-LOC come-PAST, fish get-PAST, coals-LOC cook-PAST, together eat-PAST-then

jana bana kaday kuyu manil ngunjil wajul muru nukal

successive TEMP1 -da on final verb (nuka-ny-da->nukanda, r.30)


The woman swept the ground clean before she set up the camp.

Jalbungku bubu kidan, bayan ngara-nyjiku.

jalbu-ngku bubu kida-ny, bayan ngara-nyjiku | woman-ERG ground sweep-PAST, camp set.up-SUCC

SUCC -nyjiku (ngara-nyjiku 'before setting up camp', grammar 449); ngara-l = build/set up (NOT listen)


I went into the scrub, dug the roots, gathered the ripe figs, carried them home, and then my mother cooked them for us.

Ngayu madjanga dungan, bangkan bakan, binanji kulbul munjan, bayanka wundin, ngamungku ngananda wajunda.

ngayu madja-nga dunga-ny, bangkan baka-ny, binanji kulbul munja-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny, ngamu-ngku ngana-nda waju-ny-da | I scrub-LOC go-PAST, root dig-PAST, fig ripe gather-PAST, house-DAT bring-PAST, mother-ERG us-LOC cook-PAST-then

ngayu madja dungay bangkan bakal binanji kulbul munjal bayan wundil ngamu ngana wajul

long successive chain; recipient of cook-for = LOC (ngana-nda)


The old man said: I should have known the old ways, but I was young and I thought I knew everything.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngayu bubu ngadiku bina-nyaku, yambada ngayu warru bajaku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngayu bubu ngadiku bina-nyaku, yambada ngayu warru bajaku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: I country old know-IRR, but I young very

mukul dingkar balkal ngayu bubu ngadiku binal yambada warru

IRR -nyaku (bina-nyaku 'should have known', r.28); yambada 'but' (grammar 5072)


I should have brought more water, but the day was hot and my coolamon was already full.

Ngayu bana wubul wundi-nyaku, yambada wungar wumbul, ngayku dubal yajin baja.

ngayu bana wubul wundi-nyaku, yambada wungar wumbul, ngayku dubal yajin baja | I water much bring-IRR, but sun hot, my coolamon full too

ngayu bana wubul wundil yambada wungar wumbul ngayku dubal yajin baja

IRR regret frame (wundi-nyaku ... yambada ...)


The old man said: if you see the black sky in the north-west, you know the storm is coming, so build the shelter first.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kaki yundu jiri wujurr kuwanga nyaji, yundu binal jarramali kada-nya, yundu bayan ngara ngadiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kaki yundu jiri wujurr kuwa-nga nyaji, yundu binal jarramali kada-nya, yundu bayan ngara ngadiku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: if you sky dark NW-LOC see, you know thunder come-SUB, you house build.IMP first

mukul dingkar balkal kaki yundu jiri wujurr kuwa nyajil binal jarramali kaday bayan ngaral ngadiku

kaki conditional + NONPAST (r.28); jiri 'sky', kuwa 'NW' (r.27)


If the fish does not come, what will we eat? If it does not come, we will dig for roots.

Kaki kuyu kari kaday, wanya ngali nukanka? Kaki kari kaday, ngali bangkan bakanka.

kaki kuyu kari kada-y, wanya ngali nuka-nka? kaki kari kada-y, ngali bangkan baka-nka | if fish NEG come, what we eat-PURP? if NEG come, we root dig-PURP

kaki kuyu kari kaday wanya ngali nukal bangkan bakal


Get the spear to hunt the wallaby, and bring the dog to chase it!

Kalka mana, kadar damanka; kaya wundi, kanganka!

kalka mana, kadar dama-nka; kaya wundi, kanga-nka | spear get.IMP, wallaby spear-PURP; dog bring.IMP, chase-PURP

kalka manil kadar damal kaya wundil kangal

suppletive IMP mana 'get'; PURP dama-nka/kanga-nka


The children shouted when they saw their father coming back with meat.

Karrkay-karrkay yirrkan, jana nganjan nyaji-nya, nyulu minya-ji kada-nya.

karrkay-karrkay yirrka-ny, jana nganjan nyaji-nya, nyulu minya-ji kada-nya | child-child shout-PAST, they father see-SUB, he meat-COMIT come-SUB

karrkay yirrkay nganjan nyajil minya kaday

two SUB clauses (nyaji-nya, kada-nya); nganjan 'father' (r.25); COMIT minya-ji


The young man cut the wood for a spear, hardened it in the fire, and then went to hunt for meat.

Warru juku yakan kalkanka, kunjinba dandi-bungan, minya damanka dunganda.

warru juku yaka-ny kalka-nka, kunjin-ba dandi-bunga-ny, minya dama-nka dunga-ny-da | young.man wood cut-PAST spear-PURP, fire-LOC hard-CAUS-PAST, meat spear-PURP go-PAST-then

warru juku yakal kalka kunjin dandi minya damal dungay

PURP (kalka-nka, dama-nka) + TEMP1 -da; dandi-bunga-l 'harden' (transparent CAUS)


The grandmother taught the girl: if you gather food, leave some, so the country will feed your children.

Babingka jalbu binalbungan: kaki yundu mayi munja, bada baja bawa, bubu nyulu karrkay-karrkay dayanka.

babi-ngka jalbu binal-bunga-ny: kaki yundu mayi munja, bada baja bawa, bubu nyulu karrkay-karrkay daya-nka | grandmother-ERG girl teach-PAST: if you food gather.IMP, some too leave.IMP, country it child-child give-PURP

babi jalbu binal kaki yundu mayi munjal bawal bubu karrkay daya

kaki + IMP result; bawa-l 'leave' (dict 'quit')


Did you go to the river? Yes, I went to catch fish for the old people.

Yundu wawubajanga dungan? Yuwu, ngayu kuyu karrbanka mukulka dungan.

yundu wawubaja-nga dunga-ny? yuwu, ngayu kuyu karrba-nka mukul-ka dunga-ny | you river-LOC go-PAST? yes, I fish catch-PURP old-DAT go-PAST

yundu wawubaja dungay yuwu ngayu kuyu karrbal mukul

PURP karrba-nka; beneficiary DAT mukul-ka


Do not put the fish in the sun lest it spoil; hang it in the shade instead!

Kuyu kari wungara yijarri, buyun-manyji; wabarrba walngka!

kuyu kari wungar-a yijarri, buyun-ma-nyji; wabarr-ba walngka | fish NEG sun-LOC put.IMP, bad-INCHO-PRECAUT; shade-LOC hang.IMP

kuyu kari wungar yijarril buyun wabarr walngkal

PRECAUT on INCHO (buyun-ma-nyji 'lest it go bad'); walngka-l 'hang'


When the sun went down, the people came back from hunting, cooked the meat, and then slept by the warm fire.

Wungar bada dunga-nya, bama minyamuny kadan, minya wajun, kunjin wumbulbu wunanda.

wungar bada dunga-nya, bama minya-muny kada-ny, minya waju-ny, kunjin wumbul-bu wuna-ny-da | sun down go-SUB, people meat-ABL come-PAST, meat cook-PAST, fire hot-LOC sleep-PAST-then

wungar bada dungay bama minya kaday wajul kunjin wumbul wunay

SUB (dunga-nya) opens, TEMP1 -da closes (wuna-ny-da); wumbul-bu LOC (l-final u-vowel)


Gather the dry grass to start the fire, fetch water to boil, and cut the meat to roast on the coals!

Jikan marral munja baya jakalambanka, bana wundi nyamanka, minya yaka ngunjilba dindanka!

jikan marral munja baya jakalamba-nka, bana wundi nyama-nka, minya yaka ngunjil-ba dinda-nka | grass dry gather.IMP fire start-PURP, water bring.IMP boil-PURP, meat cut.IMP coals-LOC roast-PURP

jikan marral munjal baya jakalambal bana wundil nyamal minya yakal ngunjil dindal

triple PURP chain; nyama-l 'boil' (r.29)


Did you go with your brother? No, I stayed in the camp; I should have gone with him.

Yundu yaba-ji dungan? Kari, ngayu bayanba bundan; ngayu yaba-ji dunga-nyaku.

yundu yaba-ji dunga-ny? kari, ngayu bayan-ba bunda-ny; ngayu yaba-ji dunga-nyaku | you brother-COMIT go-PAST? no, I house-LOC sit-PAST; I brother-COMIT go-IRR

yundu yaba dungay kari ngayu bayan bunday

IRR regret (dunga-nyaku); yaba-nji COMIT (potent kin, r.25)


The old man taught the boys: if you catch a big animal, give the best part to the old people first, and then no one in the camp will be hungry.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-warru binalbungan: kaki yundu minya yalbay karrba, minya bada daya mukul-mukulka ngadiku, bama bayanba kariku dakwuy.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru binal-bunga-ny: kaki yundu minya yalbay karrba, minya bada daya mukul-mukul-ka ngadiku, bama bayan-ba kariku dakwuy | old-man-ERG young-young teach-PAST: if you meat big catch.IMP, meat some give.IMP old-old-DAT first, people camp-LOC NEG hungry

mukul dingkar warru binal kaki yundu minya yalbay karrbal daya ngadiku bama bayan kari dakwuy

kaki + IMP + result; the hearth-law (share first); dakwuy 'hungry' (r.29)


The dog barked while the strangers were walking toward the camp in the dark.

Kaya yirrkan, bama-yindu bayan-mundu jilba-nya wujurrbu.

kaya yirrka-ny, bama-yindu bayan-mundu jilba-nya wujurr-bu | dog bark-PAST, stranger house-toward walk-SUB dark-LOC

kaya yirrkay bama yindu bayan jilbay wujurr

SUB jilba-nya; -mundu 'toward' (r.27); bama-yindu 'strangers'


I sat quietly up on the rock to watch the big fish, and when it came close I speared it.

Ngayu kulji wangkara bundan, kuyu yalbay nyajinka; nyulu ngundu kada-nya, ngayu daman.

ngayu kulji wangkar-a bunda-ny, kuyu yalbay nyaji-nka; nyulu ngundu kada-nya, ngayu dama-ny | I stone up-LOC sit-PAST, fish big see-PURP; it near come-SUB, I spear-PAST

ngayu kulji wangkar bunday kuyu yalbay nyajil ngundu kaday damal

PURP (nyaji-nka) + SUB (kada-nya); wangkar-a LOC (single r -> -a)


The two women dug the earth oven, put the food inside, sealed it with earth, and then it cooked well.

Jalbu jambul kurrma bakan, mayi dukurrbu yijarrin, bububu nandan, jani-manda.

jalbu jambul kurrma baka-ny, mayi dukurr-bu yijarri-ny, bubu-bu nanda-ny, jani-ma-nda | woman two oven dig-PAST, food inside-LOC put-PAST, earth-INST close-PAST, cooked-INCHO-then

jalbu kurrma bakal mayi dukurr yijarril bubu nandal jani

kurrma 'earth oven', jani 'well-cooked' (r.29); INCHO+TEMP1 (jani-ma-nda)


Watch the child near the fire lest it fall in, and do not leave the spear where the children play!

Karrkay kunjin ngundu kuji, nyulu kunjinba wala-nyji; kalka kari yijarri karrkay-karrkay bubungu!

karrkay kunjin ngundu kuji, nyulu kunjin-ba wala-nyji; kalka kari yijarri karrkay-karrkay bubu-ngu | child fire near look.after.IMP, it fire-LOC enter-PRECAUT; spear NEG leave.IMP child-child ground-LOC

karrkay kunjin ngundu kujil walal kalka kari yijarril bubu

PRECAUT wala-nyji; kuji-l 'look after'; wala-l 'enter'


If there is no water, we dig in the ground to get it.

Kaki bana kari, ngali bubungu bakal, bana maninka.

kaki bana kari, ngali bubu-ngu baka-l, bana mani-nka | if water NEG, we ground-LOC dig-NONPAST, water get-PURP


The old woman said: we should have taught the young ones the plant names, but we waited too long, and now that knowledge has gone with the old people.

Mukulungku balkan: ngali warru-warru juku burri binal-bunga-nyaku, yambada ngali bada bundan; binal wubul mukul-mukul-ji dunganda.

mukul-ungku balka-ny: ngali warru-warru juku burri binal-bunga-nyaku, yambada ngali bada bunda-ny; binal wubul mukul-mukul-ji dunga-ny-da | old.woman say-PAST: we young-young tree name teach-IRR, but we down sit-PAST; knowledge much old-old-COMIT go-PAST-then

mukul balkal ngali warru juku burri binal yambada bada bunday wubul dungay

IRR (binal-bunga-nyaku 'should have taught'); burri 'name' (vindicated); COMIT mukul-mukul-nji


The man caught a fish first, then dug some roots, gathered ripe fruit, and carried everything back to the camp.

Dingkar kuyu-ngurr manin, bangkan bakan, mayi kulbul munjan, wubul bayanka wundinda.

dingkar kuyu-ngurr mani-ny, bangkan baka-ny, mayi kulbul munja-ny, wubul bayan-ka wundi-ny-da | man fish-first get-PAST, root dig-PAST, food ripe gather-PAST, all house-DAT bring-PAST-then

dingkar kuyu manil bangkan bakal mayi kulbul munjal wubul bayan wundil

TEMP3 -ngurr 'first' (kuyu-ngurr, u-final harmony, r.24) + TEMP1 -da close


Sweep the ground clean, then set up the shelter, and light the fire just before the sun goes down.

Bubu kida, bayan ngara-nyjiku, baya jakalamba wungar bada dunga-nyjiku.

bubu kida, bayan ngara-nyjiku, baya jakalamba wungar bada dunga-nyjiku | ground sweep.IMP, house set.up-SUCC, fire start.IMP sun down go-SUCC

bubu kidal bayan ngaral baya jakalambal wungar bada dungay


If you are hungry, why did you not eat? I was waiting for you, so that we could eat together.

Kaki yundu dakwuy, yundu kari nukan? Ngayu yundunka bundan, ngali muru nukanka.

kaki yundu dakwuy, yundu kari nuka-ny? ngayu yundu-nka bunda-ny, ngali muru nuka-nka | if you hungry, you NEG eat-PAST? I you-DAT sit-PAST, we together eat-PURP

kaki yundu dakwuy kari nukal ngayu bunday ngali muru

kaki + purpose (nuka-nka 'so we may eat'); yundu-nka DAT


The child cried while the mother was digging, so the grandmother held it and sang out.

Karrkay badin, ngamu baka-nya, babingka karrban, yirrkan.

karrkay badi-ny, ngamu baka-nya, babi-ngka karrba-ny, yirrka-ny | child cry-PAST, mother dig-SUB, grandmother-ERG hold-PAST, sing.out-PAST

karrkay badi ngamu bakal babi karrbal yirrkay

SUB baka-nya; badi 'cry', yirrka-y 'sing/call out'


The old man said: if a stranger comes to your fire, you give him water and food first, and you ask his story later, for that is the law of the country.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: kaki bama-yindu yundu bayanka kada, yundu bana mayi daya ngadiku, yundu nyungu kuku babaji baja, yinya bubu nyungu kuku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: kaki bama-yindu yundu bayan-ka kada, yundu bana mayi daya ngadiku, yundu nyungu kuku babaji baja, yinya bubu nyungu kuku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: if stranger your house-DAT come, you water food give.IMP first, you his word ask too, that country its law

mukul dingkar balkal kaki bama yindu yundu bayan kaday bana mayi daya ngadiku nyungu kuku babaji yinya bubu

kaki conditional + hearth-law; babaji 'ask'; kuku 'word/language/law'


I climbed the tall tree to cut out the honey, and I filled the coolamon with sweet honey for the children.

Ngayu juku kalbay dakan, wunba yakanka; ngayu dubal wunbabu yajin-bungan karrkay-karrkayka.

ngayu juku kalbay daka-ny, wunba yaka-nka; ngayu dubal wunba-bu yajin-bunga-ny karrkay-karrkay-ka | I tree tall climb-PAST, honey cut-PURP; I coolamon honey-INST full-CAUS-PAST child-child-DAT

ngayu juku kalbay dakal wunba yakal dubal yajin karrkay

PURP yaka-nka; wunba 'honey' (r.29); yajin-bunga-l 'fill' (transparent CAUS)


The men followed the wallaby's tracks, waited near the trees, threw their spears, and then carried the meat home.

Dingkar kadar jina wukurrin, juku ngundu bundan, kalka yilban, minya bayanka wundinda.

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

dingkar kadar jina wukurril juku ngundu bunday kalka yilbal minya bayan wundil

successive -da; jina 'track', yilba-l 'throw', wukurri-l 'follow' (r.27)


What did you bring the fire-stick for? To start a fire, so we can cook the fish we caught.

Wanya yundu jimal wundin? Baya jakalambanka, ngali kuyu wajunku.

wanya yundu jimal wundi-ny? baya jakalamba-nka, ngali kuyu waju-nku | what you fire.stick bring-PAST? fire start-PURP, we fish cook-PURP

wanya yundu jimal wundil baya jakalambal ngali kuyu wajul

PURP answer (jakalamba-nka, waju-nku); jimal 'fire-stick' (r.29)


The old woman smiled while she watched the children bathe in the cool waterhole.

Mukul yajarrin, nyulu karrkay-karrkay nyaji-nya, jana bana ngundu janji-nya.

mukul yajarri-ny, nyulu karrkay-karrkay nyaji-nya, jana bana ngundu janji-nya | old.woman smile-PAST, she child-child see-SUB, they water in bathe-SUB

mukul yajarr karrkay nyajil jana bana ngundu janjil

two SUB clauses (nyaji-nya, janji-nya); janji-l 'wash/bathe'


If the snake comes near, stand still lest it bite you, and call out so the men come with spears!

Kaki jarba ngundu kada, jana dandi, nyulu bayka-nyji; yirrka, dingkar kalka-ji kadanka!

kaki jarba ngundu kada, jana dandi, nyulu bayka-nyji; yirrka, dingkar kalka-ji kada-nka | if snake near come, stand.IMP firm, it bite-PRECAUT; shout.IMP, man spear-COMIT come-PURP

kaki jarba ngundu kaday janay dandi baykal yirrkay dingkar kalka

kaki + PRECAUT (bayka-nyji) + PURP (kada-nka); COMIT kalka-ji


The young man should have followed the old man's tracks, but he went another way and could not find the camp.

Warru mukul-dingkar jina wukurri-nyaku, yambada nyulu yindu baral dungan, kariku bayan nyajin.

warru mukul-dingkar jina wukurri-nyaku, yambada nyulu yindu baral dunga-ny, kariku bayan nyaji-ny | young.man old-man track follow-IRR, but he other road go-PAST, NEG house see-PAST

warru mukul dingkar jina wukurril yambada nyulu yindu baral dungay kari bayan nyajil

IRR (wukurri-nyaku 'should have followed'); yindu 'other', baral 'road'


The woman lit the fire, boiled the water, put in the roots, and then gave the broth to the sick child.

Jalbungku baya jakalamban, bana nyaman, bangkan mumban, wuynkurr karrkay bambayka dayanda.

jalbu-ngku baya jakalamba-ny, bana nyama-ny, bangkan mumba-ny, wuynkurr karrkay bambay-ka daya-ny-da | woman-ERG fire start-PAST, water boil-PAST, root put.in-PAST, broth child sick-DAT give-PAST-then

jalbu baya jakalambal bana nyamal bangkan mumbal wuynkurr karrkay bambay daya

successive -da; mumba-l 'put in', wuynkurr 'broth', bambay 'sick' (r.29)


The grandmother said: while you are young, learn the songs, because when the old people go, they take what they did not teach.

Babingka balkan: yundu warru bunda-nya, burri kuku binal; mukul-mukul dunga-nya, jana wundil jana kariku milbin.

babi-ngka balka-ny: yundu warru bunda-nya, burri kuku binal; mukul-mukul dunga-nya, jana wundil jana kariku milbi-ny | grandmother-ERG say-PAST: you young sit-SUB, song word know.IMP; old-old go-SUB, they take what they NEG teach-PAST

babi balkal yundu warru bunday burri kuku binal mukul dungay jana wundil kari milbil

SUB backgrounding (bunda-nya, dunga-nya); milbi-l 'show/teach'


If I find honey, I will bring it to you; if not, I will come again another day.

Kaki ngayu wunba nyaji, ngayu yundunka wundil; kaki kari, ngayu wungar yindungu kaday baja.

kaki ngayu wunba nyaji, ngayu yundu-nka wundil; kaki kari, ngayu wungar yindu-ngu kada-y baja | if I honey see, I you-DAT bring; if NEG, I day other-LOC come again

kaki ngayu wunba nyajil yundu wundil kari wungar yindu kaday

kaki ... kaki kari (positive & negative conditional)


The mother held the child close to the fire lest it grow cold in the night.

Ngamungku karrkay kunjin ngundu karrban, nyulu wujurrbu kiway-manyji.

ngamu-ngku karrkay kunjin ngundu karrba-ny, nyulu wujurr-bu kiway-ma-nyji | mother-ERG child fire near hold-PAST, it dark-LOC cold-INCHO-PRECAUT

ngamu karrkay kunjin ngundu karrbal wujurr kiway

PRECAUT on INCHO (kiway-ma-nyji 'lest it become cold'); kiway 'cold' [A443]


Did you show the young men the way? No, I should have shown them, but I forgot.

Yundu warru-warru baral milbin? Kari, ngayu milbi-nyaku, yambada ngayu kari binalman.

yundu warru-warru baral milbi-ny? kari, ngayu milbi-nyaku, yambada ngayu kari binal-ma-ny | you young-young road show-PAST? no, I show-IRR, but I NEG remember

yundu warru baral milbil kari ngayu yambada binal

IRR (milbi-nyaku 'should have shown'); binal-ma-ny 'remembered'


The young man climbed the tree first, knocked the ripe fruit down, the others gathered it below, and then they all shared it by the fire.

Warru ngadiku juku dakan, mayi kulbul bada yilban, yindu bada munjan, jana muru daji-wanda kunjinba.

warru ngadiku juku daka-ny, mayi kulbul bada yilba-ny, yindu bada munja-ny, jana muru daji-wa-ny-da kunjin-ba | young.man first tree climb-PAST, food ripe down throw-PAST, other down gather-PAST, they together share-RECIP-PAST-then fire-LOC

warru ngadiku juku dakal mayi kulbul bada yilbal yindu munjal jana muru dajil kunjin

RECIP daji-wa- 'share' (subj ABS, r.26) + TEMP1 -da (daji-wa-ny-da)


Cut the meat, roast it on the coals, and share it among the children just before the old people arrive.

Minya yaka, ngunjilba dinda, karrkay-karrkay daji-way mukul-mukul kada-nyjiku.

minya yaka, ngunjil-ba dinda, karrkay-karrkay daji-way mukul-mukul kada-nyjiku | meat cut.IMP, coals-LOC roast.IMP, child-child share-RECIP.IMP old-old come-SUCC

minya yakal ngunjil dindal karrkay dajil mukul kaday

SUCC kada-nyjiku 'just before [they] come'; RECIP daji-way


If the water is low, the women go to the mangroves to gather food.

Kaki bana bada, jalbu kajulbu dungay, minya munjanka.

kaki bana bada, jalbu kajul-bu dunga-y, minya munja-nka | if water down, woman mangrove-LOC go-NONPAST, meat gather-PURP

kaki bana bada jalbu kajul dungay minya munjal

kaki + NONPAST + PURP (munja-nka); kajul-bu LOC (r.21d)


The old man said: I should have taught you all this while I was still strong, but the days went fast; so learn well, teach your own children, before your own day comes.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: ngayu yundu-yundu yinya wubul binal-bunga-nyaku, ngayu junkurrji jananya, yambada wungar warri-baja dungan; yundu binal, karrkay-karrkay yundu binal-bunga, yundu wungar kada-nyjiku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: ngayu yundu-yundu yinya wubul binal-bunga-nyaku, ngayu junkurrji jana-nya, yambada wungar warri-baja dunga-ny; yundu binal, karrkay-karrkay yundu binal-bunga, yundu wungar kada-nyjiku | old-man-ERG say-PAST: I you-all this much teach-IRR, I strong stand-SUB, but day fast-more go-PAST; you know.IMP, child-child you teach.IMP, your day come-SUCC

mukul dingkar balkal ngayu yinya wubul binal junkurrji janay yambada wungar warri dungay yundu karrkay kaday

IRR + SUB + SUCC in one elder monologue (binal-bunga-nyaku ... jana-nya ... kada-nyjiku)


The dog chased the wallaby into the scrub, but the wallaby was fast and ran off across the river.

Kayangka kadar madjanga kangan, yambada kadar warri, wawubajaburr dungan.

kaya-ngka kadar madja-nga kanga-ny, yambada kadar warri, wawubaja-burr dunga-ny | dog-ERG wallaby scrub-LOC chase-PAST, but wallaby fast, river-PERL go-PAST

kaya kadar madja kangal warri wawubaja dungay

kaya-ngka ERG (a-final -ngka); madja-nga LOC; wawubaja-burr PERL 'across'


The big snake lay on the warm rock in the sun, and the children did not see it.

Jarba yalbay kulji wumbulbu wunan wungara, karrkay-karrkay nyulu kariku nyajin.

jarba yalbay kulji wumbul-bu wuna-ny wungar-a, karrkay-karrkay nyulu kariku nyaji-ny | snake big stone hot-LOC lie-PAST sun-LOC, child-child it NEG see-PAST

jarba yalbay kulji wumbul wunay wungar karrkay nyajil

wumbul-bu LOC (l-final u); wungar-a LOC (single r)