The women wove the string dilly bags to carry the yams and shellfish home.

Jalbu-ngka ngunyin karra-bu bungan, wukay minya baja bayan-ka wundi-nka.

jalbu-ngka ngunyin karra-bu bunga-ny, wukay minya baja bayan-ka wundi-nka | woman-ERG dilly.bag string-INST made, yam shellfish too camp-DAT carry-PURP

jalbu ngunyin karra bungal wukay minya bayan wundil


She filled the big bag with the ripe fruit and carried it slowly back to the camp.

Nyulu balji yalbay mayi kulbul-ji buwan, buban-buban bayan-ka wundin.

nyulu balji yalbay mayi kulbul-ji buwa-ny, buban-buban bayan-ka wundi-ny | 3sg bag big food ripe(kulbul)-COMIT filled, slowly camp-DAT carried

nyulu balji yalbay mayi kadal buwal bayan wundil


The old man made a long strong rope by twisting together thin strips of inner bark.

Mukul-dingkar-angka karra kalbay junkurr bungan, warrur buban-buban kaja-l-kajan.

mukul-dingkar-angka karra kalbay junkurr bunga-ny, warrur buban-buban kaja-l-kaja-ny | old-man-ERG rope long strong made, bark thin(REDUP) twist-REDUP

mukul dingkar karra kalbay junkurr bungal warrur buban kajal


The men set the big fish net across the creek and waited for the tide to go out.

Dingkar-angka makarr yalbay wawubaja-nga bundan, bana bada dunga-nya maku-janan.

dingkar-angka makarr yalbay wawubaja-nga bunda-ny, bana bada dunga-nya maku-jana-ny | man-ERG fish.net big creek-LOC set, water down go-SUB(tide out) waited

dingkar makarr yalbay wawubaja bundal bana bada dungay


The boy caught many little fish on a line with a small sharp bone hook.

Warru-ngku kuyu buban wubul baduri badur buban jinbal-ji karrban.

warru-ngku kuyu buban wubul baduri badur buban jinbal-ji karrba-ny | young.man-ERG fish small many fishing.line hook small sharp-COMIT caught

warru kuyu buban wubul baduri badur jinbal karrbal

baduri 'fishing line' (b088); badur 'hook'


The women carried the heavy dilly bags full of shellfish slowly up the steep beach.

Jalbu-ngka ngunyin kulngkul minya-jirr jukar wangkar-a buban-buban wundin.

jalbu-ngka ngunyin kulngkul minya-jirr jukar wangkar-a buban-buban wundi-ny | woman-ERG dilly.bag heavy shellfish-COMIT beach up-LOC slowly carried

jalbu ngunyin kulngkul minya jukar wangkar wundil


The men built a low bark humpy to keep the whole family dry through the wet season.

Dingkar-angka wurun warrur-bu buban bungan, jawun-karra wubul kaba-muny.

dingkar-angka wurun warrur-bu buban bunga-ny, jawun-karra wubul kaba-muny | man-ERG humpy bark-INST low made, family all rain-ABL(from)

dingkar wurun warrur buban bungal jawun wubul kaba


They put up a windbreak of leafy branches against the cold night wind from the south.

Jana bira dakil birra-jirr bungan, muyar ngiki wujurr-mu yindu-mundu.

jana bira dakil birra-jirr bunga-ny, muyar ngiki wujurr-mu yindu-mundu | 3pl windbreak branch leaf-COMIT made, wind cold night-POSS other-side(against)

jana bira dakil birra bungal muyar ngiki wujurr

bira 'windbreak'; muyar 'wind'; ngiki 'cold'


The old woman spread the soft possum-skin blanket over the sleeping little children.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka bilangkurr kima karrkay-karrkay wuna-nya-nga nandan.

mukul-jalbu-ngka bilangkurr kima karrkay-karrkay wuna-nya-nga nanda-ny | old-woman-ERG blanket soft children sleep-SUB-LOC covered

mukul jalbu bilangkurr kima karrkay wunay nandal

bilangkurr 'blanket'; nanda-l 'cover' (b089)


On the coldest nights the whole family slept close together under the warm blankets.

Wujurr ngiki-baja jawun-karra wubul muru wunan, bilangkurr wumbul bada-ba.

wujurr ngiki-baja jawun-karra wubul muru wuna-ny, bilangkurr wumbul bada-ba | night cold-very family all together slept, blanket warm under-LOC

wujurr ngiki jawun wubul muru wunay bilangkurr wumbul bada


The children lay warm and safe inside the humpy while the big rain fell outside.

Karrkay-karrkay wumbul wurun-ba wunan, kaba yalbay ngalkal-ba dara-nya.

karrkay-karrkay wumbul wurun-ba wuna-ny, kaba yalbay ngalkal-ba dara-nya | children warm humpy-LOC lay, rain big outside-LOC fall-SUB(while)

karrkay wumbul wurun wunay kaba yalbay ngalkal daray


The old man built his small humpy so its mouth would catch the warm morning sun.

Mukul-dingkar-angka wurun buban bungan, wungar wunkuwingku wumbul karrba-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka wurun buban bunga-ny, wungar wunkuwingku wumbul karrba-nka | old-man-ERG humpy small made, sun morning warm catch(hold)-PURP

mukul dingkar wurun buban bungal wungar wunkuwingku wumbul karrbal


The old men prepared the red ochre on the flat stone and mixed it with soft fat.

Mukul-dingkar-angka murbuy kulji jirakal-ba bungan, minya-jirr muru-ma-l.

mukul-dingkar-angka murbuy kulji jirakal-ba bunga-ny, minya-jirr muru-ma-l | old-man-ERG red.ochre stone flat-LOC prepared, fat-COMIT together-INCHO(mixed)

mukul dingkar murbuy kulji jirakal bungal minya muru


The people painted their own bodies with red ochre, yellow ochre and black charcoal for the big dance.

Bama-ngka nyungu-nyungu murbuy makirr ngunjil-ji julngkan, warrma yalbay-ka.

bama-ngka nyungu-nyungu murbuy makirr ngunjil-ji julngka-ny, warrma yalbay-ka | person-ERG themselves red.ochre yellow.ochre charcoal-COMIT painted, dance big-DAT

bama murbuy makirr ngunjil julngkal warrma yalbay

julngka-l 'paint on'; makirr 'yellow ochre'; warrma 'dance'


The old man painted the bright ochre marks on the boy's chest with his own fingers.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru makirr julngkan, nyungu mara-bu jinbal-jinbal.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru makirr julngka-ny, nyungu mara-bu jinbal-jinbal | old-man-ERG boy yellow.ochre painted, his hand-INST line(REDUP)

mukul dingkar warru makirr julngkal mara jinbal


The young woman tied a woven string headband around her forehead for the big dance.

Jalbu-buban-angka jilngarr karra-bu nyungu walu-ngu kajan, warrma yalbay-ka.

jalbu-buban-angka jilngarr karra-bu nyungu walu-ngu kaja-ny, warrma yalbay-ka | young.woman-ERG headband string-INST her face(forehead)-LOC tied, dance big-DAT

jalbu buban jilngarr karra walu kajal warrma

jilngarr 'headband'; walu 'face/forehead'; warrma 'dance'


The old man wore a belt of human hair twisted into a long, strong cord around his waist.

Mukul-dingkar-angka wayarri kalbay junkurr nyungu bada-nga kajan.

mukul-dingkar-angka wayarri kalbay junkurr nyungu bada-nga kaja-ny | old-man-ERG hair.belt long strong his waist(low)-LOC tied

mukul dingkar wayarri kalbay junkurr bada kajal


The children collected the yellow and the red ochre from the special place in the cliff.

Karrkay-karrkay murbuy makirr baja bubu yindu-muny bangkan, kulji kalbay-muny.

karrkay-karrkay murbuy makirr baja bubu yindu-muny bangka-ny, kulji kalbay-muny | children red.ochre yellow.ochre too place special(other)-ABL gathered, cliff tall-ABL

karrkay murbuy makirr bubu yindu bangkal kulji kalbay


Every weapon and every dilly bag in the camp was made by hand from the country itself.

Jarrngkurr ngunyin baja bayan-ba wubul bama-ngka mara-bu bubu-muny bungan.

jarrngkurr ngunyin baja bayan-ba wubul bama-ngka mara-bu bubu-muny bunga-ny | weapon dilly.bag too camp-LOC all person-ERG hand-INST country-ABL made

jarrngkurr ngunyin bayan wubul bama mara bubu bungal


I did not eat that little seed; I ate the other sweet ripe fruit instead.

Ngayu diburr yinya kari nukan, ngayu mayi jiba-wulay kulbul yindu nukan.

ngayu diburr yinya kari nuka-ny, ngayu mayi jiba-wulay kulbul yindu nuka-ny | 1sg seed that NEG ate, 1sg food sweet(jiba-wulay) ripe(kulbul) other ate

ngayu diburr yinya kari nukal mayi jiba kadal yindu


The old man did not see the big snake, for it lay hidden in the long dry grass.

Mukul-dingkar-angka jarba yalbay kari nyajin, nyulu jikan kalbay-ba ngaki-nya wunan.

mukul-dingkar-angka jarba yalbay kari nyaji-ny, nyulu jikan kalbay-ba ngaki-nya wuna-ny | old-man-ERG snake big NEG saw, 3sg grass long-LOC hide-SUB lay

mukul dingkar jarba yalbay kari nyajil jikan kalbay ngakil wunay


The children did not come home last night, and their mother waited all through the dark.

Karrkay-karrkay bayan-ka kari kadan wujurr-muny, ngamu wujurr wubulku maku-janan.

karrkay-karrkay bayan-ka kari kada-ny wujurr-muny, ngamu wujurr wubul-ku maku-jana-ny | children camp-DAT NEG came night-ABL, mother night all waited

karrkay bayan kari kaday wujurr ngamu wubul maku


We did not find any fish at the reef today, for the tide was too high and rough.

Ngana kuyu dulngku-ngu kari warrmba-bungan niji, bana wangkar-baja junkurr-baja.

ngana kuyu dulngku-ngu kari warrmba-bunga-ny niji, bana wangkar-baja junkurr-baja | 1pl fish reef-LOC NEG found today, water high-very rough-very

ngana kuyu dulngku kari warrmba-bungal bana wangkar junkurr


The old woman did not want to walk in the rain, so she stayed in the warm humpy.

Mukul-jalbu kari wawu kaba-nga jilba-dunga-nka, nyulu wurun wumbul-ba bundan.

mukul-jalbu kari wawu kaba-nga jilba-dunga-nka, nyulu wurun wumbul-ba bunda-ny | old-woman NEG want rain-LOC walk-go-PURP, 3sg humpy warm-LOC stayed

mukul jalbu kari wawu kaba jilba dungay wurun wumbul bundal


That man does not know this country, and he cannot find the hidden water holes.

Yinya dingkar bubu yinya kari binal, nyulu bana ngaki-nya kari warrmba-bunga-l.

yinya dingkar bubu yinya kari binal, nyulu bana ngaki-nya kari warrmba-bunga-l | that man country this NEG know, 3sg water hide-SUB NEG find

yinya dingkar bubu kari binal bana ngakil warrmba-bungal


The little boy did not cry when the green ant bit him, for he was very brave.

Warru buban kari banbadin, munjurr-angka nyunguny bayka-nya, nyulu junkurr-baja.

warru buban kari banbadi-ny, munjurr-angka nyunguny bayka-nya, nyulu junkurr-baja | boy small NEG cried, green.ant-ERG 3sg.ACC bite-SUB, 3sg strong-very

warru buban kari banbadi munjurr nyunguny baykal junkurr


The old people did not forget the old stories, and they taught them to every child.

Mukul-bama kuku kalbay kari milka-wula-y, jana karrkay wubul-ka milban.

mukul-bama kuku kalbay kari milka-wula-y, jana karrkay wubul-ka milba-ny | old-people story long NEG forget(ear-die), 3pl child all-DAT taught

mukul bama kuku kalbay kari milka wulal karrkay wubul milbal


I cannot see the high far country today, for the thick grey smoke covers everything.

Ngayu bubu wangkar kalbay kari nyaji-l niji, kubu junkurr ngungul-ngungul wubulku nandan.

ngayu bubu wangkar kalbay kari nyaji-l niji, kubu junkurr ngungul-ngungul wubul-ku nanda-ny | 1sg country high far NEG see today, smoke thick grey(REDUP) all covered

ngayu bubu wangkar kalbay kari nyajil kubu junkurr ngungul nandal


Don't chase that horse; it will kick you hard with its two strong back legs!

Yarraman yinya kari kanga! Nyulu yununy jina-bu kuni-l junkurr-baja!

yarraman yinya kari kanga! nyulu yununy jina-bu kuni-l junkurr-baja | horse that NEG chase.IMP! 3sg 2sg.ACC leg-INST hit strong-very

yarraman yinya kari kanga nyulu yununy jina kunil junkurr

PROHIB kari+IMP (ex.149); kanga 'chase.IMP'


Don't shout so loudly near the camp, or you will frighten the little sleeping children!

Kari yirrka-y yalbay-bu bayan ngundu! Yundu karrkay-karrkay yinil-mani-l!

kari yirrka-y yalbay-bu bayan ngundu! yundu karrkay-karrkay yinil-mani-l | NEG shout.IMP loud-INST camp near! 2sg children afraid-CAUS(frighten)

kari yirrkay yalbay bayan ngundu karrkay yinil manil


Don't go with that drunkard; he only makes trouble for everyone in the whole camp.

Kari dunga-y yinya-nji kamu-baka-nji! Nyulu bama wubul-ka yamba buban-manil.

kari dunga-y yinya-nji kamu-baka-nji! nyulu bama wubul-ka yamba buban-mani-l | NEG go.IMP that-COMIT alcohol-excess-COMIT! 3sg person all-DAT trouble make

kari dungay yinya kamu bama wubul yamba buban manil

PROHIB (ex.90 exact); kamu-baka 'drunkard'


Don't touch the hot red coals with your bare hand, little one; you will hurt yourself!

Kari karrba baya wumbul mara-bu, buban! Yundu nyulu-nyulu kaka-mani-l!

kari karrba baya wumbul mara-bu, buban! yundu nyulu-nyulu kaka-mani-l | NEG touch.IMP fire hot hand-INST, small.one! 2sg yourself sore-CAUS(hurt)

kari karrbal baya wumbul mara buban kaka manil


Don't drink that dirty water from the low swamp; it will make you very sick!

Kari nuka bana buyun janka-muny! Nyulu yununy bambay-mani-l junkurr-baja!

kari nuka bana buyun janka-muny! nyulu yununy bambay-mani-l junkurr-baja | NEG consume.IMP water dirty still-ABL! 3sg 2sg.ACC sick-CAUS very

kari nukal bana buyun janka yununy bambay manil

PROHIB; nuka-l 'consume/drink'; buyun 'dirty'


Never leave the fire burning when you go off to hunt in the far scrub!

Kari bawa baya balbal-nya, yundu balbi-ka madja kalbay-ka dunga-nya!

kari bawa baya balbal-nya, yundu balbi-ka madja kalbay-ka dunga-nya | NEG leave.IMP fire burn-SUB, 2sg hunt-DAT scrub far-DAT go-SUB

kari bawal baya balbal balbi madja kalbay dungay

PROHIB; bawa 'leave.IMP'; balbal 'burning'


Don't take my good knife; leave it inside the dilly bag where I put it away.

Kari mani ngayku naybu ngulkurr! Bawa ngunyin-ba, ngayu yijarri-nya.

kari mani ngayku naybu ngulkurr! bawa ngunyin-ba, ngayu yijarri-nya | NEG take.IMP my knife good! leave.IMP dilly.bag-LOC, 1sg put-SUB(where)

kari manil ngayku naybu ngulkurr bawal ngunyin yijarril

PROHIB; mani 'take.IMP'; yijarri-l 'put'


Don't eat that fruit; it is not yet ripe and it will only hurt you badly.

Kari nuka mayi yinya! Nyulu kayal-baja, yununy kaka-mani-l junkurr.

kari nuka mayi yinya! nyulu kayal-baja, yununy kaka-mani-l junkurr | NEG eat.IMP food that! 3sg unripe-very, 2sg.ACC sore-CAUS(hurt) strong

kari nukal mayi yinya kayal yununy kaka manil


Don't sit near the big crocodile's water; come back up onto the dry white sand!

Kari bunda bilngkumu bana ngundu! Kada-y-baja jukar marral-ka wangkar-a!

kari bunda bilngkumu bana ngundu! kada-y-baja jukar marral-ka wangkar-a | NEG sit.IMP crocodile water near! come.IMP-back sand dry-DAT up-LOC

kari bundal bilngkumu bana ngundu kaday jukar marral wangkar

PROHIB; kada-y-baja 'come back' (ex.151)


Put the sleeping baby down gently on the soft possum-skin blanket beside the fire.

Ngawa wuna-nya bilangkurr kima-ba yijarri-ka ngulkurr, baya karangkal.

ngawa wuna-nya bilangkurr kima-ba yijarri-ka ngulkurr, baya karangkal | baby sleep-SUB blanket soft-LOC put-IMP well, fire alongside

ngawa wunay bilangkurr kima yijarril ngulkurr baya karangkal


Wash your hands well in the clean water before you eat the fresh cooked meat.

Mara julurri-ji-ka bana ngulkurr-ba, minya jani nuka-nyjiku.

mara julurri-ji-ka bana ngulkurr-ba, minya jani nuka-nyjiku | hand wash-REFL-IMP water clean-LOC, meat cooked eat-SUCC(before)

mara julurril bana ngulkurr minya jani nukal

IMP -ka julurri-ji-ka (ex.154); jani 'cooked'


Take your spear and your woomera, and let us two go down to hunt the kangaroo now.

Kalka balur baja mani, ngali mayarriji balbi-ka dunga-y niji!

kalka balur baja mani, ngali mayarriji balbi-ka dunga-y niji | spear woomera too take.IMP, 1du kangaroo hunt-DAT go now(let's)

kalka balur mani ngali mayarriji balbi dungay

IMP mani 'take'; hortative ngali+dunga-y 'let us go'


Bring your two dogs here quickly, and we will follow the kangaroo's fresh tracks.

Kaya jambul yununy ngundu-ka mani jinbal-baja, ngana mayarriji jina wukurri-l!

kaya jambul yununy ngundu-ka mani jinbal-baja, ngana mayarriji jina wukurri-l | dog two your near-DAT bring.IMP quick-very, 1pl kangaroo track follow

kaya jambul yununy ngundu mani jinbal ngana mayarriji jina wukurril


Come and sit down here beside the warm fire and eat this good cooked fish.

Kada-y, baya wumbul karangkal bunda, kuyu ngulkurr jani nuka!

kada-y, baya wumbul karangkal bunda, kuyu ngulkurr jani nuka | come.IMP, fire warm alongside sit.IMP, fish good cooked eat.IMP

kaday baya wumbul karangkal bundal kuyu ngulkurr jani nukal


Give the hungry old man some of that good meat you cooked this morning.

Mukul-dingkar dakwuy-ka minya ngulkurr daji, yundu wunkuwingku wajun-muny!

mukul-dingkar dakwuy-ka minya ngulkurr daji, yundu wunkuwingku waju-ny-muny | old-man hungry-DAT meat good give.IMP, 2sg morning cooked-ABL

mukul dingkar dakwuy minya ngulkurr dajil wunkuwingku wajul


Let us all go down to the sea now to catch the big green turtles beyond the reef.

Ngana wubul jalun-ka dunga-y niji, ngawiya yalbay dulngku-ngu karrba-nka!

ngana wubul jalun-ka dunga-y niji, ngawiya yalbay dulngku-ngu karrba-nka | 1pl all sea-DAT go now(let's), sea.turtle big reef-LOC catch-PURP

ngana wubul jalun dungay ngawiya yalbay dulngku karrbal


Put the baby on the blanket and cover it up well, for the night is very cold.

Ngawa kararr-ba yijarri-ka, ngulkurr nanda, wujurr ngiki-baja!

ngawa kararr-ba yijarri-ka, ngulkurr nanda, wujurr ngiki-baja | baby blanket-LOC put-IMP, well cover.IMP, night cold-very

ngawa kararr yijarril ngulkurr nandal wujurr ngiki

IMP yijarri-ka (ex.153) + nanda; kararr 'blanket'


That old man is completely deaf; he does not hear the children calling out his name.

Yinya mukul-dingkar milka-kari; nyulu karrkay nyungu burri yirrka-nya kari milka-jana-l.

yinya mukul-dingkar milka-kari; nyulu karrkay nyungu burri yirrka-nya kari milka-jana-l | that old-man ear-PRIV(deaf); 3sg child his name call-SUB NEG listen

yinya mukul dingkar milka kari karrkay nyungu burri yirrkay milka-jana

PRIV milka-kari 'deaf' (ex.54); milka-jana-y 'listen'


A person without a dog finds no pigs, the old man said, so keep your dog close.

Bama kaya-kari bikibiki kari warrmba-bunga-l, mukul-dingkar-angka balkan, kaya ngundu karrba!

bama kaya-kari bikibiki kari warrmba-bunga-l, mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny, kaya ngundu karrba | person dog-PRIV pig NEG find, old-man-ERG said, dog near keep.IMP

bama kaya kari bikibiki warrmba-bungal mukul dingkar balkal ngundu karrbal


The dry country without water is only a beautiful grave, the old people always said.

Bubu marral bana-kari nyulu ngulkurr wula-bubu janka, mukul-bama wungar wubulku balkan.

bubu marral bana-kari nyulu ngulkurr wula-bubu janka, mukul-bama wungar wubul-ku balka-ny | country dry water-PRIV 3sg beautiful death-place only, old-people day all said

bubu marral bana kari ngulkurr wula janka mukul bama balkal

PRIV bana-kari 'waterless'; wula-bubu 'grave'


A wordless man is cut off from half of what makes a true person, the old man taught.

Dingkar kuku-kari nyulu bama junkurr-muny jarrba-manda, mukul-dingkar-angka milban.

dingkar kuku-kari nyulu bama junkurr-muny jarrba-manda, mukul-dingkar-angka milba-ny | man word-PRIV 3sg person strong-ABL half-then(cut.off), old-man-ERG taught

dingkar kuku kari bama junkurr jarrba mukul milbal


The little orphan child was left motherless and fatherless, so the whole camp raised him.

Karrkay buban ngamu-kari nganjan-kari baja bawan, bayan wubul-angka nyunguny buban-manin.

karrkay buban ngamu-kari nganjan-kari baja bawa-ny, bayan wubul-angka nyunguny buban-mani-ny | child small mother-PRIV father-PRIV too left, camp all-ERG 3sg.ACC raised

karrkay buban ngamu kari nganjan bawal bayan wubul nyunguny manil


A hunter without a spear and a hunter with one walk the same forest very differently.

Balbi-bama kalka-kari balbi-bama kalka-ji yindu-yindu madja nyubun jilba-dunga-y.

balbi-bama kalka-kari balbi-bama kalka-ji yindu-yindu madja nyubun jilba-dunga-y | hunter spear-PRIV hunter spear-COMIT differently scrub one walk-go

balbi bama kalka kari yindu madja nyubun jilba dungay


That poor old woman is nearly blind now; she walks slowly and feels the path with a stick.

Yinya mukul-jalbu kari ngulkurr nyaji-l niji; nyulu buban-buban jilba-dunga-y, jina juku-bu nyaji-l.

yinya mukul-jalbu kari ngulkurr nyaji-l niji; nyulu buban-buban jilba-dunga-y, jina juku-bu nyaji-l | that old-woman NEG well see now; 3sg slowly walk-go, track stick-INST feel(perceive)

yinya mukul jalbu kari ngulkurr nyajil buban jilba dungay jina juku


A camp without a fire is a cold and cheerless place on a wet winter night.

Bayan baya-kari nyulu bubu ngiki buyun wujurr kaba-muny.

bayan baya-kari nyulu bubu ngiki buyun wujurr kaba-muny | camp fire-PRIV 3sg place cold bad night rain-ABL

bayan baya kari bubu ngiki buyun wujurr kaba


The empty water hole, now without any water at all, could not save the thirsty travellers.

Bana-janku bana-kari niji nyulu jilba-bama bana-dakwuy kari wula-manin.

bana-janku bana-kari niji nyulu jilba-bama bana-dakwuy kari wula-mani-ny | water-hole water-PRIV now 3sg traveller thirsty NEG save(die-CAUS.NEG)

bana janku kari jilba bama dakwuy wula manil


The young man went off to hunt without his spear, and so he came home with no meat.

Warru balbi-ka dungan kalka-mundu, nyulu bayan-ka kadan minya-kari.

warru balbi-ka dunga-ny kalka-mundu, nyulu bayan-ka kada-ny minya-kari | young.man hunt-DAT went spear-ABESS(without), 3sg camp-DAT came meat-PRIV

warru balbi dungay kalka bayan kaday minya kari

ABESS kalka-mundu 'without spear'; PRIV minya-kari


She walked all the way to the far camp without any shoes on her two sore feet.

Nyulu bayan kalbay-ka jilba-dungan jina-kambi-mundu, jina jambul kaka-ji.

nyulu bayan kalbay-ka jilba-dunga-ny jina-kambi-mundu, jina jambul kaka-ji | 3sg camp far-DAT walk-went foot-clothes(shoe)-ABESS, foot two sore-COMIT

nyulu bayan kalbay jilba dungay jina kambi jambul kaka

ABESS jina-kambi-mundu 'shoeless'; kaka 'sore'


The old man sat all alone without his family, thinking of the ones who had died.

Mukul-dingkar nyubun-bu bundan jawun-karra-mundu, bama wula-nya-muny milka-bu bayka-l.

mukul-dingkar nyubun-bu bunda-ny jawun-karra-mundu, bama wula-nya-muny milka-bu bayka-l | old-man alone sat family-ABESS, person die-SUB-ABL think(bite-with-ear)

mukul dingkar nyubun bundal jawun karra bama wula milka baykal

ABESS jawun-karra-mundu; milka-bu bayka-l 'think' (l.2932)


You should never travel through the dry country without water and without fire.

Yundu kari jilba-dunga-y bubu marral-burr bana-mundu baya-mundu!

yundu kari jilba-dunga-y bubu marral-burr bana-mundu baya-mundu | 2sg NEG walk-go country dry-PERL water-ABESS fire-ABESS

yundu kari jilba dungay bubu marral bana baya


The children went out into the cold grey morning without their warm sleeping blankets.

Karrkay-karrkay wunkuwingku ngiki-ka ngalkal-ka dungan bilangkurr wumbul-mundu.

karrkay-karrkay wunkuwingku ngiki-ka ngalkal-ka dunga-ny bilangkurr wumbul-mundu | children morning cold-DAT outside-DAT went blanket warm-ABESS(without)

karrkay wunkuwingku ngiki ngalkal dungay bilangkurr wumbul

ABESS bilangkurr-mundu; ngalkal 'outside' (b090)


Don't go near that drunkard; a man too fond of grog brings trouble to the whole camp.

Kari dunga-y yinya-nji kamu-baka-nji! Dingkar kamu-baka bayan-ka yamba wundi-l.

kari dunga-y yinya-nji kamu-baka-nji! dingkar kamu-baka bayan-ka yamba wundi-l | NEG go.IMP that-COMIT drunkard-COMIT! man alcohol-excess camp-DAT trouble bring

kari dungay yinya kamu dingkar bayan yamba wundil


That greedy man eats far too much and never shares any of the meat with the others.

Yinya dingkar mayi-baka nuka-l wubulku, nyulu minya bama yindu-ka kari daji-l.

yinya dingkar mayi-baka nuka-l wubul-ku, nyulu minya bama yindu-ka kari daji-l | that man food-excess(greedy) eat all, 3sg meat person other-DAT NEG give

yinya dingkar mayi nukal wubul minya bama yindu kari dajil


The old woman said a person too full of anger is a danger to the whole camp.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka balkan bama dukul-wuri-baka nyulu bayan wubul-ka yinil-mani-l.

mukul-jalbu-ngka balka-ny bama dukul-wuri-baka nyulu bayan wubul-ka yinil-mani-l | old-woman-ERG said person angry-excess 3sg camp all-DAT afraid-CAUS(endanger)

mukul jalbu balkal bama dukul wuri bayan wubul yinil manil

EXCESS dukul-wuri-baka; dukul-wuri 'angry' (L6387)


A child who talks too much and never listens learns very little, the old man said.

Karrkay kuku-baka nyulu kari milka-jana-y, nyulu buban binalman, mukul-dingkar-angka balkan.

karrkay kuku-baka nyulu kari milka-jana-y, nyulu buban binal-ma-ny, mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny | child word-excess 3sg NEG listen, 3sg little learn(know-INCHO), old-man-ERG said

karrkay kuku kari milka-jana buban binal mukul dingkar balkal

EXCESS kuku-baka 'talks too much'; kari milka-jana-y


Stop and give up now; leave that heavy log where it lies, it is too big to move.

Balu niji! Bawa juku kulngkul yinya, nyulu yalbay-baja wandi-mani-nka.

balu niji! bawa juku kulngkul yinya, nyulu yalbay-baja wandi-mani-nka | desist(NEG2) now! leave.IMP log heavy that, 3sg big-very lift-CAUS-PURP

balu bawal juku kulngkul yinya yalbay wandil manil


Let it be now; do not do what you are about to do, or it will only bring more trouble.

Baluda niji! Kari buban-mani-l, yamba junkurr-baja kada-y.

baluda niji! kari buban-mani-l, yamba junkurr-baja kada-y | let.it.be now! NEG do(trouble-make), BUT strong-very come

baluda kari buban manil yamba junkurr kaday

baluda 'let it be, don't do what you're about to'


The big rain has not come yet, so the dry creeks are still empty and the country waits.

Kaba yalbay kariku kadan, wawubaja marral janka bana-kari, bubu maku-jana-l.

kaba yalbay kariku kada-ny, wawubaja marral janka bana-kari, bubu maku-jana-l | rain big not.yet came, creek dry still water-PRIV, country wait

kaba yalbay kari kaday wawubaja marral janka bana bubu maku

kariku 'not yet' (kari+ku); PRIV bana-kari


You should have left the dog outside in the yard, not brought it into the house.

Yundu kaya ngalkal-ba bawa-nyaku, kari bayan-ba wundi-nyaku.

yundu kaya ngalkal-ba bawa-nyaku, kari bayan-ba wundi-nyaku | 2sg dog outside-LOC leave-IRR(should.have), NEG house-LOC bring-IRR

yundu kaya ngalkal bawal kari bayan wundil

IRR -nyaku 'should have' (ex.127b); ngalkal 'outside'


We should go back to the camp now, before the big rain comes down in the dark night.

Ngana bayan-ka dunga-nyaku niji, kaba yalbay wujurr-ba dara-nyjiku.

ngana bayan-ka dunga-nyaku niji, kaba yalbay wujurr-ba dara-nyjiku | 1pl camp-DAT go-IRR(should) now, rain big dark-LOC fall-SUCC(before)

ngana bayan dungay kaba yalbay wujurr daray

IRR dunga-nyaku 'should go'; SUCC -nyjiku


The old man said you ought to listen well to the old stories, or you will lose the law.

Mukul-dingkar-angka balkan, yundu kuku kalbay ngulkurr milka-jana-nyaku, yamba yundu kuku-jangkar wula-mani-l.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny, yundu kuku kalbay ngulkurr milka-jana-nyaku, yamba yundu kuku-jangkar wula-mani-l | old-man-ERG said, 2sg story long well listen-IRR(ought), BUT 2sg law lose(die-CAUS)

mukul dingkar balkal yundu kuku kalbay ngulkurr milka-jana jangkar wula

IRR milka-jana-nyaku 'ought to listen'; kuku-jangkar 'law'


This country is our mother; she gives us everything we need to live well.

Bubu yinya ngana-mba ngamu; nyulu ngana-nka yamba wubulku daji wunay-ka.

bubu yinya ngana-mba ngamu; nyulu ngana-nka yamba wubulku daji wunay-ka | country this our mother; 3sg 1pl-DAT thing all give live-DAT

bubu yinya ngana ngamu nyulu yamba wubul dajil wunay


The old people knew every part of their country and its right and proper name.

Mukul-bama-ngka bubu nyungu wubulku binal, nyungu burri ngulkurr baja.

mukul-bama-ngka bubu nyungu wubulku binal, nyungu burri ngulkurr baja | old-people-ERG country their all know, its name good too

mukul bama bubu nyungu wubul binal burri ngulkurr

bubu 'country'; binal 'know'; burri 'name'


A person belongs to the country where they were born, the old man always taught.

Bama nyulu bubu-ka nyungu wandin-muny, mukul-dingkar-angka wungar wubulku milban.

bama nyulu bubu-ka nyungu wandi-ny-muny, mukul-dingkar-angka wungar wubul-ku milba-ny | person 3sg country-DAT his rise-ABL(born), old-man-ERG day all taught

bama bubu nyungu wandil mukul dingkar wungar wubul milbal


We walked all day across the wide open ground, following the old dry river bed.

Ngana wungar wubulku bubu kalbay-burr jilba-dungan, wawubaja marral kalbay wukurri-l.

ngana wungar wubul-ku bubu kalbay-burr jilba-dunga-ny, wawubaja marral kalbay wukurri-l | 1pl day all ground wide-PERL walk-went, river dry long follow

ngana wungar wubul bubu kalbay jilba dungay wawubaja marral wukurril

bubu 'ground'; wawubaja 'river'; wukurri-l 'follow'


The ground here is soft and sandy, but up on the ridge it is hard and stony.

Bubu yaluy kima jukar-ji, yamba wangkar-a jarra-jarra junkurr kulji-ji.

bubu yaluy kima jukar-ji, yamba wangkar-a jarra-jarra junkurr kulji-ji | ground here soft sand-COMIT, BUT up-LOC high hard rock-COMIT

bubu yaluy kima jukar yamba wangkar jarra junkurr kulji


This is a good camping ground with fresh water nearby and plenty of dry firewood.

Yinya bubu ngulkurr bunda-nka, bana ngulkurr ngundu baya-juku marral wubul.

yinya bubu ngulkurr bunda-nka, bana ngulkurr ngundu baya-juku marral wubul | this ground good camp-PURP, water fresh near firewood dry many

yinya bubu ngulkurr bundal bana ngundu baya juku marral wubul


The old woman said the ground itself remembers the feet of all who walked it.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka balkan bubu nyulu-nyulu jina bama wubul jilba-nya milka-bu bayka-l.

mukul-jalbu-ngka balka-ny bubu nyulu-nyulu jina bama wubul jilba-nya milka-bu bayka-l | old-woman-ERG said ground itself foot person all walk-SUB think(remember)

mukul jalbu balkal bubu jina bama wubul jilba milka baykal

bubu; milka-bu bayka-l 'remember' (b092)


The tall blue mountain stands far away to the north, above the winding river.

Manjal kalbay jarra-jarra kungkarr-a janay, wawubaja wangkar-a kala-kalbay.

manjal kalbay jarra-jarra kungkarr-a janay, wawubaja wangkar-a kala-kalbay | mountain tall high north-LOC stand, river above far.away

manjal kalbay jarra kungkarr janay wawubaja wangkar


We climbed slowly up the steep mountain to the high rocky peak at the very top.

Ngana buban-buban manjal jarra-jarra dakan, kulji wangkar-a jalkaraburr-ka.

ngana buban-buban manjal jarra-jarra daka-ny, kulji wangkar-a jalkaraburr-ka | 1pl slowly mountain steep climbed, rock up-LOC peak-DAT

ngana buban manjal jarra dakal kulji wangkar jalkaraburr

manjal; jalkaraburr 'mountain peak'; daka-l 'climb'


The deep green valley lies between the two big mountains, full of thick rainforest.

Kangku dukurr manjal jambul-ba wunay, madja junkurr wubulku.

kangku dukurr manjal jambul-ba wunay, madja junkurr wubul-ku | valley deep mountain two-LOC lie, rainforest thick all

kangku dukurr manjal jambul wunay madja junkurr wubul


The children sat on the big flat rock beside the cool clear mountain stream.

Karrkay-karrkay jalngarr yalbay-ba bundan, wawubaja ngiki manjal-mu karangkal.

karrkay-karrkay jalngarr yalbay-ba bunda-ny, wawubaja ngiki manjal-mu karangkal | children flat.rock big-LOC sat, stream cold mountain-POSS alongside

karrkay jalngarr yalbay bundal wawubaja ngiki manjal karangkal


The smooth grey rocks in the creek bed are very slippery when the water runs high.

Kulji jinali wawubaja-nga julbarr-warri-baja, bana wangkar-nya.

kulji jinali wawubaja-nga julbarr-warri-baja, bana wangkar-nya | rock smooth river-LOC slippery-very, water high-SUB

jinali 'smooth rock'; julbarr-warri 'slippery rock'


The old man showed the boy the high bank where the flood water always reaches.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru jalkar milban, bana yalbay wangkar-a kada-nya.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru jalkar milba-ny, bana yalbay wangkar-a kada-nya | old-man-ERG boy high.bank showed, water big up-LOC come-SUB

mukul dingkar warru jalkar milbal bana yalbay wangkar kaday


They gathered light pumice stones from the beach to grind and smooth the wooden spears.

Jana jundi buban jukar-muny bangkan, kalka juku jinali-mani-nka.

jana jundi buban jukar-muny bangka-ny, kalka juku jinali-mani-nka | 3pl pumice light sand-ABL gathered, spear wood smooth-CAUS-PURP

jana jundi buban jukar bangkal kalka juku jinali manil


A great grey boulder sits all alone in the middle of the wide dry river bed.

Kulji yalbay nyubun-bu wawubaja marral kalbay dindarra-nga bundan.

kulji yalbay nyubun-bu wawubaja marral kalbay dindarra-nga bunda-ny | rock big alone river dry wide middle-LOC sat

kulji yalbay nyubun wawubaja marral kalbay dindarra bundal


The clear fresh water in the deep spring never dries up, even in the long dry season.

Bana ngulkurr jirka dukurr-ba kariku marral-ma-l, wungar marral kalbay-muny.

bana ngulkurr jirka dukurr-ba kariku marral-ma-l, wungar marral kalbay-muny | water fresh spring deep-LOC never dry-INCHO, season dry long-ABL

bana ngulkurr jirka dukurr kari marral wungar kalbay


The women dug in the dry sand of the creek bed to reach the hidden soak water.

Jalbu-ngka jukar marral wawubaja-nga bakan, bana ngaki-nya mani-nka.

jalbu-ngka jukar marral wawubaja-nga baka-ny, bana ngaki-nya mani-nka | woman-ERG sand dry river-LOC dug, water hide-SUB get-PURP

jalbu jukar marral wawubaja bakal bana ngakil manil


The big river runs right down from the high mountains all the way to the salt sea.

Wawubaja yalbay manjal jarra-jarra-muny bada dungan, jalun-ka kalbay-baja.

wawubaja yalbay manjal jarra-jarra-muny bada dunga-ny, jalun-ka kalbay-baja | river big mountain high-ABL down went, sea-DAT far-very

wawubaja yalbay manjal jarra bada dungay jalun kalbay

wawubaja 'river'; jalun 'sea'; bada 'down'


When the tide is high the sea covers the whole reef and the little sandy grounds.

Balar-nya jalun dulngku wubulku nandan, jukar bubu buban baja.

balar-nya jalun dulngku wubul-ku nanda-ny, jukar bubu buban baja | high.tide-SUB sea reef all covered, sand ground small too

balar jalun dulngku wubul nandal jukar bubu buban

balar 'high tide'; jalun 'sea'; dulngku 'reef'


The muddy swamp is full of frogs and water birds in the middle of the wet season.

Daburri buyun karrkurr buyi-bana baja wubul, kaba-wungar dindarra-nga.

daburri buyun karrkurr buyi-bana baja wubul, kaba-wungar dindarra-nga | swamp muddy frog water-bird too many, wet.season middle-LOC

daburri buyun karrkurr buyi bana wubul kaba wungar dindarra

daburri 'swamp'; kaba-wungar 'wet season' (b087)


The children swam in the deep still water of the wide green lagoon all afternoon.

Karrkay-karrkay bana dajali janka wawubaja yalbay-ba janji-l wungar wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay bana dajali janka wawubaja yalbay-ba janji-l wungar wubul-ku | children water deep still lagoon big-LOC swim day all

karrkay bana dajali janka wawubaja yalbay janji wungar wubul


Every family knew the one waterhole that never went dry in the worst of the drought.

Jawun-karra wubul-angka janku nyubun binal, kariku marral-ma-nya wungar marral-baja.

jawun-karra wubul-angka janku nyubun binal, kariku marral-ma-nya wungar marral-baja | family all-ERG waterhole one know, never dry-SUB season dry-very

jawun karra wubul janku nyubun binal kari marral wungar


The old man led them to the hidden soak between the rocks when all the creeks were dry.

Mukul-dingkar-angka jana jirka ngaki-nya kulji-nga wundin, wawubaja wubul marral-nya.

mukul-dingkar-angka jana jirka ngaki-nya kulji-nga wundi-ny, wawubaja wubul marral-nya | old-man-ERG 3pl soak hide-SUB rock-LOC led, creek all dry-SUB

mukul dingkar jirka ngakil kulji wundil wawubaja wubul marral


At low tide the women walked far out on the wide reef to gather the shellfish.

Bana bada-nya jalbu-ngka dulngku kalbay-burr jilba-dungan, minya bangka-nka.

bana bada-nya jalbu-ngka dulngku kalbay-burr jilba-dunga-ny, minya bangka-nka | water down-SUB(low.tide) woman-ERG reef wide-PERL walk-went, shellfish gather-PURP

bana bada jalbu dulngku kalbay jilba dungay minya bangkal


The deep sea beyond the reef is dark blue and full of big fish and green turtles.

Jalun dajali dulngku-muny ngungul-ngungul, kuyu yalbay ngawiya baja wubul.

jalun dajali dulngku-muny ngungul-ngungul, kuyu yalbay ngawiya baja wubul | sea deep reef-ABL dark(REDUP), fish big sea.turtle too many

jalun dajali dulngku ngungul kuyu yalbay ngawiya wubul

jalun 'sea'; dajali 'deep'; ngawiya (b089)


The cold clear water of the mountain stream is the sweetest water in all the country.

Bana ngiki manjal wawubaja-mu nyulu bana jiba-wulay bajaku bubu wubul-ba.

bana ngiki manjal wawubaja-mu nyulu bana jiba-wulay bajaku bubu wubul-ku-nga | water cold mountain stream-POSS 3sg water sweet most country all-LOC(wubul-ba)

bana ngiki manjal wawubaja jiba bubu wubul


The men hunted the kangaroo in the thick dark scrub on the steep mountain side.

Dingkar-angka mayarriji madja junkurr wujurr manjal-ba balbin.

dingkar-angka mayarriji madja junkurr wujurr manjal-ba balbi-ny | man-ERG kangaroo scrub thick dark mountain-LOC hunted

dingkar mayarriji madja junkurr wujurr manjal balbi

madja 'scrub'; manjal 'mountain'; balbi 'hunt'


The open bush country has tall grass and scattered trees where the kangaroos feed.

Duduy bubu kalbay jikan kalbay juku yindu-yindu, mayarriji nuka-nya.

duduy bubu kalbay jikan kalbay juku yindu-yindu, mayarriji nuka-nya | bush country wide grass tall tree scattered, kangaroo eat-SUB

duduy bubu kalbay jikan juku yindu mayarriji nukal


They made their new camp in the freshly cleared scrub near the running creek.

Jana bayan jamar-a bungan, wawubaja warri-nya karangkal.

jana bayan jamar-a bunga-ny, wawubaja warri-nya karangkal | 3pl camp cleared.scrub-LOC(jamar-a) made, creek run-SUB alongside

jana bayan jamar bungal wawubaja warri karangkal


The little birds live in the low scrub trees along the edge of the wide swamp.

Buyi buban julbin buban-ba wunay, daburri kalbay karangkal.

buyi buban julbin buban-ba wunay, daburri kalbay karangkal | bird small scrub.tree low-LOC live, swamp wide alongside

buyi buban julbin wunay daburri kalbay karangkal


The old woman knew every plant of the scrub, the bush, and the open grassland.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka mayi wubul madja duduy jikan-bubu baja binal.

mukul-jalbu-ngka mayi wubul madja duduy jikan-bubu baja binal | old-woman-ERG plant all scrub bush grass-country too know

mukul jalbu mayi wubul madja duduy jikan bubu binal

madja/duduy/jikan-bubu zones; binal 'know'


The big storm cloud is coming up fast from the north over the far mountains.

Kaba-jiri yalbay kungkarr-muny jinbal-baja kada-y, manjal kalbay wangkar-a.

kaba-jiri yalbay kungkarr-muny jinbal-baja kada-y, manjal kalbay wangkar-a | storm.cloud big north-ABL fast come, mountain far up-LOC

kaba jiri yalbay kungkarr jinbal kaday manjal kalbay wangkar

kungkarr 'north'; kaba-jiri 'storm cloud'


We must travel down toward the sea, not up into the high inland country.

Ngana bada jalun-ka dunga-y, kari wangkar jibarr bubu jarra-jarra-ka.

ngana bada jalun-ka dunga-y, kari wangkar jibarr bubu jarra-jarra-ka | 1pl down sea-DAT go, NEG up inland country high-DAT

ngana bada jalun dungay kari wangkar jibarr bubu jarra

bada 'down'/wangkar 'up'; jibarr 'inland'


The old people came from the south, following the coast up to this river mouth.

Mukul-bama naka-muny kadan, jalun karangkal wangkar-a wawubaja-ka.

mukul-bama naka-muny kada-ny, jalun karangkal wangkar-a wawubaja-ka | old-people south-ABL came, sea alongside up-LOC river-DAT

mukul bama naka kaday jalun karangkal wangkar wawubaja


Deep inside the dark rainforest it is cool and quiet even at the hottest midday.

Madja dukurr-ba wujurr-baja ngiki janka, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga baja.

madja dukurr-ba wujurr-baja ngiki janka, wungar wumbul dindarra-nga baja | rainforest inside-LOC dark-very cool quiet, sun hot middle-LOC too

madja dukurr wujurr ngiki janka wungar wumbul dindarra


The children were told never to go far away alone into the deep dark scrub.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka balkan kari kala-kalbay nyubun-bu madja dukurr-ka dunga-y.

karrkay-karrkay-angka balka-ny kari kala-kalbay nyubun-bu madja dukurr-ka dunga-y | children-ERG told NEG far.away alone scrub deep-DAT go

karrkay balkal kari kala-kalbay nyubun madja dukurr dungay


The good water hole is not far; it is just down there below the big flat rock.

Bana janku ngulkurr kari kalbay; nyulu bada-bada yinyay jalngarr yalbay bada-ba.

bana janku ngulkurr kari kalbay; nyulu bada-bada yinyay jalngarr yalbay bada-ba | water waterhole good NEG far; 3sg below there flat.rock big down-LOC

bana janku ngulkurr kari kalbay bada yinyay jalngarr yalbay

bada-bada 'below'; yinyay 'there'; janku 'waterhole'


Come up here to the high dry ground before the flood water rises in the night.

Kada-y wangkar-a yaluy bubu marral-ka, bana yalbay wandi-nyjiku wujurr-ba.

kada-y wangkar-a yaluy bubu marral-ka, bana yalbay wandi-nyjiku wujurr-ba | come up-LOC here ground dry-DAT, water big rise-SUCC(before) night-LOC

kaday wangkar yaluy bubu marral bana yalbay wandil wujurr

wangkar 'up'; yaluy 'here'; wandi-l 'rise'


The hunter followed the tracks far inland, away from the sea and up into the hills.

Balbi-bama jina wukurri-l jibarr kalbay-ka, jalun-muny wangkar manjal-ka.

balbi-bama jina wukurri-l jibarr kalbay-ka, jalun-muny wangkar manjal-ka | hunter track follow inland far-DAT, sea-ABL up mountain-DAT

balbi bama jina wukurril jibarr kalbay jalun wangkar manjal

jibarr 'inland'; jina 'track'; wukurri-l 'follow'


Everything you need is here in the middle of our own good country.

Yamba wubulku yundu wawu yaluy dindarra-nga ngana-mba bubu ngulkurr-ba.

yamba wubulku yundu wawu yaluy dindarra-nga ngana-mba bubu ngulkurr-ba | thing all 2sg want here middle-LOC our country good-LOC

yamba wubul yundu wawu yaluy dindarra ngana bubu ngulkurr


The old man pointed south along the beach to the place where his father was born.

Mukul-dingkar-angka naka milban jukar karangkal, nyungu nganjan wandin-muny.

mukul-dingkar-angka naka milba-ny jukar karangkal, nyungu nganjan wandi-ny-muny | old-man-ERG south pointed beach alongside, his father rise-ABL(born)

mukul dingkar naka milbal jukar nyungu nganjan wandil


It is a long way down from the high mountain top to the river in the valley.

Kalbay-baja bada manjal wangkar-a-muny wawubaja kangku-ba.

kalbay-baja bada manjal wangkar-a-muny wawubaja kangku-ba | far-very down mountain top-ABL river valley-LOC

kalbay bada manjal wangkar wawubaja kangku


The dark clouds gathered over the inland ranges and the big rain came down at last.

Kaba-jiri ngungul-ngungul jibarr manjal-ba muru bundan, kaba yalbay niji-baja daran.

kaba-jiri ngungul-ngungul jibarr manjal-ba muru bunda-ny, kaba yalbay niji-baja dara-ny | storm.cloud dark(REDUP) inland mountain-LOC together gathered, rain big at.last fell

kaba jiri ngungul jibarr manjal muru bundal yalbay daray

jibarr 'inland'; muru 'together'; dara-y 'fall'


From the high bank you can see the whole wide river winding down to the sea.

Jalkar wangkar-a-muny yundu wawubaja kalbay wubulku nyaji-l, jalun-ka bada dunga-nya.

jalkar wangkar-a-muny yundu wawubaja kalbay wubul-ku nyaji-l, jalun-ka bada dunga-nya | high.bank up-ABL 2sg river wide all see, sea-DAT down go-SUB

jalkar wangkar yundu wawubaja kalbay wubul nyajil jalun bada


The clear morning sky is bright and blue, with not one small cloud anywhere.

Jiri wunkuwingku balbal ngulkurr, kaba-jiri nyubun kari wanja.

jiri wunkuwingku balbal ngulkurr, kaba-jiri nyubun kari wanja | sky morning bright good, cloud one NEG anywhere

jiri wunkuwingku balbal ngulkurr kaba nyubun kari wanja


The old man looked at the far blue mountains, and he knew that far distant country.

Mukul-dingkar-angka manjal kala-kalbay nyajin, nyulu bubu kalbay yinya binalman.

mukul-dingkar-angka manjal kala-kalbay nyaji-ny, nyulu bubu kalbay yinya binal-ma-ny | old-man-ERG mountain far.away looked, 3sg country far that knew

mukul dingkar manjal kala-kalbay nyajil bubu kalbay binal

manjal; kala-kalbay 'far away'; binal 'know'


The narrow track winds down through the scrub to the sandy crossing on the creek.

Jina buban madja-burr bada dungan, jukar wawubaja-nga.

jina buban madja-burr bada dunga-ny, jukar wawubaja-nga | track narrow scrub-PERL down went, sand river-LOC

jina buban madja bada dungay jukar wawubaja

jina 'track'; madja-burr 'through scrub'


We followed the old walking track all the way from the sea to the mountain camp.

Ngana jina kalbay-muny wukurri-l, jalun-muny manjal bayan-ka.

ngana jina kalbay-muny wukurri-l, jalun-muny manjal bayan-ka | 1pl track old-ABL follow, sea-ABL mountain camp-DAT

ngana jina kalbay wukurril jalun manjal bayan

jina 'walking track'; wukurri-l 'follow'


Far away to the north the land is flat and dry, but here it is green and steep.

Kala-kalbay kungkarr-a bubu jirakal marral, yamba yaluy jikan-jikan jarra-jarra.

kala-kalbay kungkarr-a bubu jirakal marral, yamba yaluy jikan-jikan jarra-jarra | far.away north-LOC land flat dry, BUT here grassy(green) steep

kala-kalbay kungkarr bubu jirakal marral yamba yaluy jikan jarra


The old people knew this whole country like the flat palm of their own hand.

Mukul-bama-ngka bubu yinya wubulku binal, nyungu mara jirakal yala.

mukul-bama-ngka bubu yinya wubul-ku binal, nyungu mara jirakal yala | old-people-ERG country this all know, their hand flat like

mukul bama bubu yinya wubul binal mara jirakal


The mother's clean clothes were hanging to dry on the branch near the warm fire.

Kambi ngamu-mu jinbal dakil-ba marral-ma-nka nandan, baya wumbul ngundu.

kambi ngamu-mu jinbal dakil-ba marral-ma-nka nanda-ny, baya wumbul ngundu | clothes mother-POSS clean branch-LOC dry-INCHO-PURP hung, fire warm near

kambi ngamu jinbal dakil marral nandal baya wumbul ngundu


The dog's food was in a bark dish beside the old man's little humpy.

Mayi kaya-mu warrur-a bundan, mukul-dingkar-amu wurun buban ngundu.

mayi kaya-mu warrur-a bunda-ny, mukul-dingkar-amu wurun buban ngundu | food dog-POSS bark-LOC(warrur-a) sat, old-man-POSS humpy small near

mayi kaya warrur bundal mukul dingkar wurun buban ngundu


The little girl carried her grandmother's dilly bag, full of sweet ripe yams.

Karrkay buban-angka babi-mu ngunyin wundin, wukay kulbul-jirr wubul.

karrkay buban-angka babi-mu ngunyin wundi-ny, wukay kulbul-jirr wubul | child small-ERG grandmother-POSS dilly.bag carried, yam ripe(kulbul)-COMIT many

karrkay buban babi ngunyin wundil wukay kadal wubul


The young man's spear was longer and straighter than his elder brother's spear.

Warru-mu kalka kalbay jinbal-baja, yaba-mu kalka-muny yindu.

warru-mu kalka kalbay jinbal-baja, yaba-mu kalka-muny yindu | young.man-POSS spear long straight-very, elder.brother-POSS spear-ABL different


The old man's dog followed the kangaroo's fresh tracks deep into the thick scrub.

Mukul-dingkar-amu kaya mayarriji jina wukurri-l, madja junkurr dukurr-ka.

mukul-dingkar-amu kaya mayarriji jina wukurri-l, madja junkurr dukurr-ka | old-man-POSS dog kangaroo track follow, scrub thick deep-DAT

mukul dingkar kaya mayarriji jina wukurril madja junkurr dukurr

ALIENABLE dingkar-amu; INALIEN mayarriji jina


We slept in the old woman's warm humpy while the big rain fell all through the night.

Ngana mukul-jalbu-mu wurun wumbul-ba wunan, kaba yalbay wujurr wubulku dara-nya.

ngana mukul-jalbu-mu wurun wumbul-ba wuna-ny, kaba yalbay wujurr wubul-ku dara-nya | 1pl old-woman-POSS humpy warm-LOC slept, rain big night all fall-SUB

ngana mukul jalbu wurun wumbul wunay kaba yalbay wujurr daray


The children carried the little boy's new spear down to the sandy crossing on the creek.

Karrkay-karrkay warru buban-amu kalka wawubaja jukar-ka wundin.

karrkay-karrkay warru buban-amu kalka wawubaja jukar-ka wundi-ny | children boy small-POSS spear creek sand-DAT carried

karrkay warru buban kalka wawubaja jukar wundil


The hunter's two dogs waited quietly in the shade beside the deep water hole.

Balbi-bama-mu kaya jambul wabarr-ba janka bundan, bana janku dukurr ngundu.

balbi-bama-mu kaya jambul wabarr-ba janka bunda-ny, bana janku dukurr ngundu | hunter-POSS dog two shade-LOC quiet waited, water hole deep near

balbi bama kaya jambul wabarr janka bundal bana janku dukurr


The girl's mother prepared the ground seed food on the flat stone all morning.

Jalbu buban-amu ngamu mayi diburr kulji jirakal-ba bungan wunkuwingku wubulku.

jalbu buban-amu ngamu mayi diburr kulji jirakal-ba bunga-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku | girl small-POSS mother food seed stone flat-LOC prepared morning all

jalbu buban ngamu mayi diburr kulji jirakal bungal wunkuwingku

ALIENABLE buban-amu; jirakal 'flat' (b093)


The old people's stories belong to this country and to no other place at all.

Mukul-bama-mu kuku bubu yinya-ka, bubu yindu-ka kariku.

mukul-bama-mu kuku bubu yinya-ka, bubu yindu-ka kariku | old-people-POSS story country this-DAT, place other-DAT never


The woman's husband shot a big fat pig down in the thick swamp scrub.

Jalbu-ndamun-du dunyu-ngku bikibiki yalbay kunin, daburri madja-nga.

jalbu-ndamun-du dunyu-ngku bikibiki yalbay kuni-ny, daburri madja-nga | woman-POSS-ERG husband-ERG pig big shot, swamp scrub-LOC

jalbu dunyu bikibiki yalbay kunil daburri madja

ALIENABLE non-zero -ndamun-du (ex.44 exact)


I am going to my grandmother's house now to eat the sweet ripe fruit.

Ngayu dunga-y niji bayan-ba babi-ndamun-bu, mayi jiba-wulay kulbul nuka-nka.

ngayu dunga-y niji bayan-ba babi-ndamun-bu, mayi jiba-wulay kulbul nuka-nka | 1sg go now house-LOC grandmother-POSS-LOC, food sweet(jiba-wulay) ripe(kulbul) eat-PURP

ngayu dungay bayan babi mayi jiba kadal nukal

ALIENABLE non-zero -ndamun-bu LOC (ex.45)


The young man carried his father's heavy fighting spear far into the deep scrub.

Warru-ngku nyungu nganjan-amu murrangkal kulngkul madja dukurr kalbay-ka wundin.

warru-ngku nyungu nganjan-amu murrangkal kulngkul madja dukurr kalbay-ka wundi-ny | young.man-ERG his father-POSS fighting.spear heavy scrub deep far-DAT carried

warru nyungu nganjan murrangkal kulngkul madja dukurr wundil


The woman's dog bit the little boy hard on his bare leg beside the fire.

Jalbu-ndamun-du kaya-ngka warru buban jina-nga baykan junkurr-baja, baya ngundu.

jalbu-ndamun-du kaya-ngka warru buban jina-nga bayka-ny junkurr-baja, baya ngundu | woman-POSS-ERG dog-ERG boy small leg-LOC bit hard-very, fire near

jalbu kaya warru buban jina baykal junkurr baya ngundu

ALIENABLE -ndamun-du ERG (ex.44 pattern)


I slept the whole night at my elder brother's camp far up the winding river.

Ngayu wujurr wubulku wunan yaba-ndamun-bu bayan-ba, wawubaja wangkar-a kalbay-ka.

ngayu wujurr wubul-ku wuna-ny yaba-ndamun-bu bayan-ba, wawubaja wangkar-a kalbay-ka | 1sg night all slept elder.brother-POSS-LOC camp-LOC, river up-LOC far-DAT

ngayu wujurr wubul wunay yaba bayan wawubaja wangkar kalbay


The green ant bit the little boy on his bare hand and he cried out loudly.

Munjurr-angka warru buban mara-nga baykan, nyulu yalbay-bu yirrkan.

munjurr-angka warru buban mara-nga bayka-ny, nyulu yalbay-bu yirrka-ny | green.ant-ERG boy small hand-LOC bit, 3sg loud-INST cried

munjurr warru buban mara baykal yalbay yirrkay

INALIEN 'warru mara' boy's hand (juxtaposed)


The old man's eyes are still sharp, and he sees the smallest bird far away.

Mukul-dingkar miyil jinbal-baja niji, nyulu buyi buban kalbay-ba nyaji-l.

mukul-dingkar miyil jinbal-baja niji, nyulu buyi buban kalbay-ba nyaji-l | old-man eye sharp-very still, 3sg bird small far-LOC see

mukul dingkar miyil jinbal buyi buban kalbay nyajil

INALIEN 'dingkar miyil' man's eye; miyil 'eye'


The child badly hurt her foot on the sharp rock in the shallow running water.

Karrkay buban jina kaka-mani-n kulji jinbal-ba, bana buban warri-nya.

karrkay buban jina kaka-mani-ny kulji jinbal-ba, bana buban warri-nya | child small foot sore-CAUS(hurt) rock sharp-LOC, water shallow run-SUB

karrkay buban jina kaka manil kulji jinbal bana warri

INALIEN 'karrkay jina'; kaka-mani-l 'hurt' (b092)


The old woman's long grey hair hung loose down over her thin shoulders.

Mukul-jalbu mungka ngungul-ngungul kalbay bada-baja wunan, wabarr karangkal.

mukul-jalbu mungka ngungul-ngungul kalbay bada-baja wuna-ny, wabarr karangkal | old-woman hair grey(REDUP) long down-very hung, shade alongside

mukul jalbu mungka ngungul kalbay bada wunay nyungu


The big dog opened its wide mouth and showed all its sharp white teeth.

Kaya yalbay ngandal kalbay, dirra jinbal balbal wubul milban.

kaya yalbay ngandal kalbay, dirra jinbal balbal wubul milba-ny | dog big mouth wide, tooth sharp white many showed

kaya yalbay ngandal kalbay dirra jinbal balbal wubul milbal

INALIEN 'kaya ngandal'; ngandal 'mouth', dirra 'tooth'


The little boy's belly was big and round after the great feed of turtle meat.

Warru buban jibar yalbay niji, ngawiya minya wubul nuka-ny-muny.

warru buban jibar yalbay niji, ngawiya minya wubul nuka-ny-muny | boy small stomach big now, sea.turtle meat much eat-ABL(after)

warru buban jibar yalbay ngawiya minya wubul nukal


The old man rubbed the sweet warm fat on his son's sore back leg by the fire.

Mukul-dingkar-angka minya wumbul warru jina kaka-nga julngkan, baya ngundu.

mukul-dingkar-angka minya wumbul warru jina kaka-nga julngka-ny, baya ngundu | old-man-ERG fat warm boy leg sore-LOC rubbed, fire near

mukul dingkar minya wumbul warru jina kaka julngkal baya

INALIEN 'warru jina'; julngka-l 'rub on' (b091)


The child's face was bright and happy when at last she saw her mother return.

Karrkay walu balbal ngulkurr-baja, nyulu ngamu kada-nya-baja nyaji-nya.

karrkay walu balbal ngulkurr-baja, nyulu ngamu kada-nya-baja nyaji-nya | child face bright glad-very, 3sg mother come-back see-SUB

karrkay walu balbal ngulkurr ngamu kaday nyajil


The old woman gently held the sick baby's little head in her own two hands.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka ngawa bambay dukul buban nyungu mara jambul-bu ngulkurr karrban.

mukul-jalbu-ngka ngawa bambay dukul buban nyungu mara jambul-bu ngulkurr karrba-ny | old-woman-ERG baby sick head small her hand two-INST gently held

mukul jalbu ngawa bambay dukul buban nyungu mara jambul karrbal

INALIEN 'ngawa dukul' baby's head; dukul 'head'


The little boy's mother called him home for the evening meal by the fire.

Warru buban ngamu-ngka nyunguny bayan-ka kunjan, mayi wujurr-ka.

warru buban ngamu-ngka nyunguny bayan-ka kunja-ny, mayi wujurr-ka | boy small mother-ERG 3sg.ACC camp-DAT called, food evening-DAT

warru buban ngamu nyunguny bayan kunjal mayi wujurr

INALIEN kin 'warru ngamu' + ERG on head; kunja-l 'call'


My father taught me to make a straight, strong spear when I was still very young.

Ngayku nganjan-angka nganya milban kalka jinbal junkurr bunga-l, ngayu buban-nya.

ngayku nganjan-angka nganya milba-ny kalka jinbal junkurr bunga-l, ngayu buban-nya | my father-ERG 1sg.ACC taught spear straight strong make, 1sg small-SUB(when)

ngayku nganjan nganya milbal kalka jinbal junkurr bungal buban


The old man is the grandfather of all those little children playing over there.

Mukul-dingkar nyulu kami karrkay-karrkay buban yinya wubul-mu.

mukul-dingkar nyulu kami karrkay-karrkay buban yinya wubul-mu | old-man 3sg grandfather child.REDUP small that all-POSS

mukul dingkar kami karrkay buban yinya wubul


His elder brother took a wife from the far southern country a long time ago.

Nyungu yaba manyarr bubu naka kalbay-muny manin, kalbay-muny.

nyungu yaba manyarr bubu naka kalbay-muny mani-ny, kalbay-muny | his elder.brother wife country south far-ABL got(married), long.ago-ABL

nyungu yaba manyarr bubu naka kalbay manil

PRONOUN nyungu 'his'; manyarr 'wife'; naka 'south' (b093)


The young man's wife wove a fine dilly bag from the split lawyer cane.

Warru-mu manyarr ngunyin ngulkurr bungan, kaku kulba-nya-muny.

warru-mu manyarr ngunyin ngulkurr bunga-ny, kaku kulba-nya-muny | young.man-POSS wife dilly.bag fine made, lawyer.cane split-SUB-ABL

warru manyarr ngunyin ngulkurr bungal kaku kulbal

ALIENABLE warru-mu; manyarr 'wife'; kaku 'lawyer cane'


The children love their old grandmother, who tells them the best long stories.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka nyungu babi mukul wawu, nyulu kuku ngulkurr kalbay balka-l.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nyungu babi mukul wawu, nyulu kuku ngulkurr kalbay balka-l | children-ERG their grandmother old love, 3sg story good long tell

karrkay nyungu babi mukul wawu kuku ngulkurr kalbay balkal

PRONOUN nyungu 'their'; babi 'grandmother'; wawu 'love'


The old woman's husband died many years ago, far away in the north country.

Mukul-jalbu-mu dunyu wulan kalbay-muny, kala-kalbay kungkarr bubu-ngu.

mukul-jalbu-mu dunyu wula-ny kalbay-muny, kala-kalbay kungkarr bubu-nga | old-woman-POSS husband died long.ago-ABL, far.away north country-LOC(bubu-ngu)(bubu-ngu)

mukul jalbu dunyu wulal kalbay kala-kalbay kungkarr bubu

ALIENABLE jalbu-mu; dunyu 'husband'; kungkarr 'north'


My spear is sharp and straight, and with it I always spear the fast kangaroo.

Ngayku kalka jinbal junkurr, ngayu mayarriji jinbal wungar wubulku dama-l.

ngayku kalka jinbal junkurr, ngayu mayarriji jinbal wungar wubul-ku dama-l | my spear sharp strong, 1sg kangaroo fast day all spear

ngayku kalka jinbal junkurr mayarriji wungar wubul damal


Your dog is barking loudly at that big black snake down near the water.

Yunu kaya yalbay-bu yirrka-l jarba yalbay bindimu-ka, bana ngundu bada.

yunu kaya yalbay-bu yirrka-l jarba yalbay bindimu-ka, bana ngundu bada | your dog loud-INST bark snake big black.snake-DAT, water near down

yunu kaya yalbay yirrkay jarba bindimu bana ngundu


His country lies far away to the south, beyond the big blue mountains.

Nyungu bubu kala-kalbay naka-nga wunay, manjal yalbay-muny kudamundu.

nyungu bubu kala-kalbay naka-nga wunay, manjal yalbay-muny kudamundu | his country far.away south-LOC lie, mountain big-ABL behind(beyond)

nyungu bubu kala-kalbay naka wunay manjal yalbay

PRONOUN nyungu 'his'; naka 'south' (b093)


I gave my good stone knife to my elder brother, and he was very glad indeed.

Ngayu ngayku naybu ngulkurr yaba-ka dajin, nyulu ngulkurr-ma-n junkurr-baja.

ngayu ngayku naybu ngulkurr yaba-ka daji-ny, nyulu ngulkurr-ma-ny junkurr-baja | 1sg my knife good elder.brother-DAT gave, 3sg glad-INCHO very

ngayu ngayku naybu ngulkurr yaba dajil ngulkurr-ma

PRONOUN ngayku 'my'; ngulkurr-ma-l 'become glad'


Your mother is calling you now; go quickly to her humpy beside the fire.

Yunu ngamu yununy kunja-l niji; jinbal-baja dunga-y nyungu wurun-ka, baya ngundu.

yunu ngamu yununy kunja-l niji; jinbal-baja dunga-y nyungu wurun-ka, baya ngundu | your mother 2sg.ACC call now; quick-very go her humpy-DAT, fire near

yunu ngamu yununy kunjal jinbal dungay nyungu wurun baya


Their camp was down beside the river, but my camp was up on the high bank.

Jana bayan wawubaja karangkal bada, yamba ngayku bayan jalkar wangkar-a.

jana bayan wawubaja karangkal bada, yamba ngayku bayan jalkar wangkar-a | 3pl camp river alongside down, BUT my camp high.bank up-LOC

jana bayan wawubaja karangkal bada yamba ngayku jalkar wangkar

PRONOUN ngayku 'my'; jalkar 'high bank' (b093)


My grandmother's country and my grandfather's country meet at this big river.

Ngayku babi-mu bubu ngayku kami-mu bubu baja wawubaja yalbay yinya-nga muru-ma-l.

ngayku babi-mu bubu ngayku kami-mu bubu baja wawubaja yalbay yinya-nga muru-ma-l | my grandmother-POSS country my grandfather-POSS country too river big this-LOC together-INCHO(meet)

ngayku babi bubu kami wawubaja yalbay yinya muru

PRONOUN ngayku + ALIENABLE babi-mu/kami-mu; muru-ma-l 'meet'


His spear and his woomera lay ready beside him as he slept in the cool shade.

Nyungu kalka nyungu balur baja nyungu ngundu wunan, nyulu wabarr-ba wuna-nya.

nyungu kalka nyungu balur baja nyungu ngundu wuna-ny, nyulu wabarr-ba wuna-nya | his spear his woomera too him near lay, 3sg shade-LOC sleep-SUB

PRONOUN nyungu 'his' (×3); balur 'woomera' (b091)


Everything in this good country belongs to the people, to care for and keep forever.

Yamba wubulku bubu yinya-nga bama-mu, karrba-nka wungar wubulku.

yamba wubulku bubu yinya-nga bama-mu, karrba-nka wungar wubul-ku | thing all country this-LOC person-POSS, keep-PURP day all(forever)

yamba wubul bubu yinya bama karrbal wungar


Whose good hunting dog is that, chasing the kangaroo into the thick dark scrub?

Wanya-mba kaya ngulkurr yinya, mayarriji madja junkurr-ka kanga-nya?

wanya-mba kaya ngulkurr yinya, mayarriji madja junkurr-ka kanga-nya? | who-POSS dog good that, kangaroo scrub thick-DAT chase-SUB?

wanya kaya ngulkurr yinya mayarriji madja junkurr kanga


Whose is that long fighting spear leaning against the old man's little humpy?

Wanya-mba murrangkal kalbay yinya, mukul-dingkar-amu wurun-ba janay-nya?

wanya-mba murrangkal kalbay yinya, mukul-dingkar-amu wurun-ba janay-nya? | who-POSS fighting.spear long that, old-man-POSS humpy-LOC stand-SUB?

wanya murrangkal kalbay yinya mukul dingkar wurun janay


The old man asked the boy whose tracks these were on the sandy river bank.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru babajin, wanya-mba jina yinya wawubaja jukar-a.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru babaji-ny, wanya-mba jina yinya wawubaja jukar-a | old-man-ERG boy asked, who-POSS track this river sand-LOC(jukar-a)

mukul dingkar warru babaji wanya jina wawubaja jukar


Whose country is this? It belongs to the old people who were all born right here.

Wanya-mba bubu yinya? Nyulu mukul-bama-mu, jana wubul yaluy wandin-muny.

wanya-mba bubu yinya? nyulu mukul-bama-mu, jana wubul yaluy wandi-ny-muny | who-POSS country this? 3sg old-people-POSS, 3pl all here rise-ABL(born)

wanya bubu yinya mukul bama jana wubul yaluy wandil


That dilly bag is mine, but the two spears over there belong to my brother.

Yinya ngunyin ngayku, yamba kalka jambul yinyay yaba-mu.

yinya ngunyin ngayku, yamba kalka jambul yinyay yaba-mu | that dilly.bag mine(my), BUT spear two there elder.brother-POSS

yinya ngunyin ngayku yamba kalka jambul yinyay yaba

PRONOUN ngayku 'mine'; ALIENABLE yaba-mu


This good digging stick was once my old grandmother's, before she died long ago.

Juku yinya ngulkurr ngayku babi-mu-muny, nyulu wula-nyjiku kalbay-muny.

juku yinya ngulkurr ngayku babi-mu-muny, nyulu wula-nyjiku kalbay-muny | stick this good my grandmother-POSS-ABL(formerly), 3sg die-SUCC(before) long.ago-ABL

juku yinya ngulkurr ngayku babi wulal kalbay

FORMER POSS babi-mu-muny (ABL='former' l.4441)


That country was once the old people's, before the strangers came and took it away.

Bubu yinya mukul-bama-mu-muny, bama yindu kada-nyjiku manin.

bubu yinya mukul-bama-mu-muny, bama yindu kada-nyjiku mani-ny | country that old-people-POSS-ABL(formerly), person other come-SUCC(before) took


The old man still keeps his dead father's fighting spear, wrapped in soft paperbark.

Mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu nganjan wula-nya-mu murrangkal karrban, warrur kima-ba kajan.

mukul-dingkar-angka nyungu nganjan wula-nya-mu murrangkal karrba-ny, warrur kima-ba kaja-ny | old-man-ERG his father die-SUB-POSS fighting.spear keeps, bark soft-LOC wrapped

mukul dingkar nyungu nganjan wulal murrangkal karrbal warrur kima kajal


This wide country belonged to my old grandfather, and now at last it belongs to me.

Bubu kalbay yinya ngayku kami-mu-muny, niji nyulu ngayku.

bubu kalbay yinya ngayku kami-mu-muny, niji nyulu ngayku | country wide this my grandfather-POSS-ABL(formerly), now 3sg mine

bubu kalbay yinya ngayku kami niji nyulu


The old woman gave her dead husband's good dilly bag to their eldest young son.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka nyungu dunyu wula-nya-mu ngunyin ngulkurr warru jangkar-ka dajin.

mukul-jalbu-ngka nyungu dunyu wula-nya-mu ngunyin ngulkurr warru jangkar-ka daji-ny | old-woman-ERG her husband die-SUB-POSS dilly.bag good young.man eldest-DAT gave

mukul jalbu nyungu dunyu wulal ngunyin ngulkurr warru jangkar dajil


The tall strong tree stands beside the river, its many green leaves catching the light.

Juku kalbay junkurr wawubaja karangkal janay, nyungu birra wubul jikan-jikan balbal.

juku kalbay junkurr wawubaja karangkal janay, nyungu birra wubul jikan-jikan balbal | tree tall strong river alongside stand, its leaf many green bright

juku kalbay junkurr wawubaja janay nyungu birra wubul jikan balbal


The old man chopped a straight piece of hard wood to make a good new fighting spear.

Mukul-dingkar-angka juku jinbal junkurr nyandan, murrangkal ngulkurr bunga-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka juku jinbal junkurr nyanda-ny, murrangkal ngulkurr bunga-nka | old-man-ERG wood straight hard chopped, fighting.spear good make-PURP

mukul dingkar juku jinbal junkurr nyandal murrangkal ngulkurr bungal


The green leaves of the tea tree make a good healing drink for a very sick person.

Bijin birra jikan-jikan bana ngulkurr bunga-l, bama bambay-ka.

bijin birra jikan-jikan bana ngulkurr bunga-l, bama bambay-ka | tea.tree leaf green water good make, person sick-DAT

bijin birra jikan bana ngulkurr bungal bama bambay

bijin 'tea tree'; birra 'leaf'; bambay 'sick' (b094)


The thick bark of that tree is good for carrying water and food back to the camp.

Juku yinya warrur junkurr, ngulkurr bana mayi wundi-nka bayan-ka.

juku yinya warrur junkurr, ngulkurr bana mayi wundi-nka bayan-ka | tree that bark thick, good water food carry-PURP camp-DAT

juku yinya warrur junkurr ngulkurr bana mayi wundil bayan


The long strong roots of the fig tree go deep down into the wet dark ground.

Baril-baril bangkan kalbay junkurr bubu dukurr-ka bada dungan, bubu kima ngungul.

baril-baril bangkan kalbay junkurr bubu dukurr-ka bada dunga-ny, bubu kima ngungul | fig root long strong ground deep-DAT down went, ground wet dark

baril-baril bangkan kalbay junkurr bubu dukurr bada dungay kima ngungul

baril-baril 'Moreton Bay fig'; bangkan 'root'


The children gathered the ripe seeds that had fallen down under the great old tree.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka diburr kulbul bangkan, juku yalbay mukul bada dara-nya-muny.

karrkay-karrkay-angka diburr kulbul bangka-ny, juku yalbay mukul bada dara-nya-muny | children-ERG seed ripe gathered, tree big old down fall-SUB-ABL

karrkay diburr kulbul bangkal juku yalbay mukul bada daray

diburr 'seed'; bangka-l 'gather'; dara-y 'fall'


The candle nut tree flowers white in the wet season, before it gives its rich round nuts.

Bilar nganka balbal, kaba-wungar-a nganka-ma-l, baja diburr yalbay daji.

bilar nganka balbal, kaba-wungar-a nganka-ma-l, baja diburr yalbay daji | candle.nut flower white, wet.season-LOC flower-INCHO, then nut big gives

bilar nganka balbal kaba wungar diburr daji

bilar 'candle nut'; nganka 'flower'; nganka-ma-l 'to flower'


A big branch broke off the old tree and fell down hard in the big storm wind.

Dakil yalbay juku mukul-muny bada dara-n, jarramali yalbay-ba jinbal-baja.

dakil yalbay juku mukul-muny bada dara-ny, jarramali yalbay-ba jinbal-baja | branch big tree old-ABL down fell, thunderstorm big-LOC hard-very

dakil yalbay juku mukul bada daray jarramali jinbal

dakil 'branch'; jarramali 'thunderstorm' (b087)


We sat down in the cool green shade under the wide branches of the great fig tree.

Ngana bundan wabarr ngiki jikan-jikan-ba, baril-baril yalbay dakil-dakil kalbay bada.

ngana bunda-ny wabarr ngiki jikan-jikan-ba, baril-baril yalbay dakil-dakil kalbay bada | 1pl sat shade cool green-LOC, fig big branches wide under

ngana bundal wabarr ngiki jikan baril-baril yalbay dakil kalbay bada


The bark of the paperbark tree is soft, and we use it to wrap the cooked meat.

Buyku warrur kima, ngana minya baya-ba nuka-nya kaja-nka mani-l.

buyku warrur kima, ngana minya baya-ba nuka-nya kaja-nka mani-l | paperbark bark soft, 1pl meat fire-LOC cook(eaten) wrap-PURP take

buyku warrur kima ngana minya baya nukal kajal manil


That old hollow tree trunk is where the little grey possum sleeps all through the long day.

Juku mukul dimbirr yinya, yawa buban wungar wubulku wuna-nya.

juku mukul dimbirr yinya, yawa buban wungar wubul-ku wuna-nya | tree old hollow.trunk that, possum small day all sleep-SUB

juku mukul dimbirr yinya yawa buban wungar wubul wunay


The base of the big tree is wide and strong, and the green ants live all over it.

Juku yalbay dingal kalbay junkurr, munjurr wubul nyungu-ba wunay.

juku yalbay dingal kalbay junkurr, munjurr wubul nyungu-ba wunay | tree big base wide strong, green.ant many it-LOC live

juku yalbay dingal kalbay junkurr munjurr wubul wunay

dingal 'base of tree'; munjurr 'green ant' (b089)


The black bean tree drops big heavy nuts that must be soaked long in the running water.

Baway diburr yalbay kulngkul daran, bana warri-nya-ba kalbay-baja wunay-ka.

baway diburr yalbay kulngkul dara-ny, bana warri-nya-ba kalbay-baja wunay-ka | black.bean nut big heavy drops, water run-SUB-LOC long-very lie-PURP

baway diburr yalbay daray bana warri kalbay wunay


The old people carried the black bean nuts to lie soaking in the creek for many hours.

Mukul-bama-ngka baway diburr wawubaja-nga wunay-ka wundin, wungar kalbay-baja.

mukul-bama-ngka baway diburr wawubaja-nga wunay-ka wundi-ny, wungar kalbay-baja | old-people-ERG black.bean nut river-LOC lie-PURP carried, time long-very

mukul bama baway diburr wawubaja wunay wundil wungar kalbay

baway leaching = soak in creek (grammar l.671)


The Moreton Bay fig tree gives sweet ripe fruit that the children love to eat.

Baril-baril mayi jiba-wulay kulbul daji, karrkay-karrkay wawu nuka-nka.

baril-baril mayi jiba-wulay kulbul daji, karrkay-karrkay wawu nuka-nka | fig fruit sweet ripe gives, children love eat-PURP

baril-baril mayi jiba-wulay kulbul daji karrkay wawu nukal

baril-baril 'fig'; jiba 'sweet'; wawu 'love' (b094)


The straight strong wood of the oak tree makes the very best digging sticks of all.

Dalban juku jinbal junkurr, bubu bakal-nka juku ngulkurr bajaku.

dalban juku jinbal junkurr, bubu bakal-nka juku ngulkurr bajaku | oak wood straight strong, ground dig-PURP stick good most

dalban juku jinbal junkurr bubu bakal ngulkurr bajaku


The tea tree grows thick beside the swamp, and we take its long peeling bark for many things.

Bijin daburri karangkal junkurr janay, ngana nyungu warrur kalbay mani-l yamba wubulku-ka.

bijin daburri karangkal junkurr janay, ngana nyungu warrur kalbay mani-l yamba wubul-ku-ka | tea.tree swamp alongside thick stand, 1pl its bark long take thing all-DAT

bijin daburri karangkal junkurr janay warrur kalbay manil yamba

bijin 'tea tree'; janay (trees STAND, not wandi-l)


The candle nut tree flowers first, and only then does it give the oily nuts we want.

Bilar nganka-ma-l niji, baja-baja diburr yalbay daji, ngana wawu-nya.

bilar nganka-ma-l niji, baja-baja diburr yalbay daji, ngana wawu-nya | candle.nut flower-INCHO already(first), then-then nut big gives, 1pl want-SUB

bilar nganka diburr yalbay daji ngana wawu


The water gum tree grows right at the very edge of the creek in the wet lowland ground.

Dakumbar wawubaja karangkal-baja janay, bubu kima kaba-wungar-a bada.

dakumbar wawubaja karangkal-baja janay, bubu kima kaba-wungar-a bada | water.gum river alongside-very stand, ground wet wet.season-LOC low

dakumbar wawubaja karangkal janay bubu kima kaba wungar bada


The hickory tree gives hard heavy wood that is very good for making strong woomeras.

Dilbal juku junkurr kulngkul, balur junkurr ngulkurr bunga-nka.

dilbal juku junkurr kulngkul, balur junkurr ngulkurr bunga-nka | hickory wood hard heavy, woomera strong good make-PURP

dilbal juku junkurr balur ngulkurr bungal

dilbal 'hickory tree'; balur 'woomera' (b091)


The cherry tree stands full of small red fruit at the beginning of the long dry season.

Banday mayi buban wubul-jirr janay, wungar marral niji-nya.

banday mayi buban wubul-jirr janay, wungar marral niji-nya | cherry.tree fruit small many-COMIT stand, season dry now-SUB

banday mayi buban wubul janay wungar marral


The old woman knew which tree gives good medicine bark for a sick child's bad fever.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka juku binal, wanjinya juku warrur ngulkurr karrkay bambay-ka.

mukul-jalbu-ngka juku binal, wanjinya juku warrur ngulkurr karrkay bambay-ka | old-woman-ERG tree know, which tree bark good child sick-DAT

mukul jalbu juku binal wanjinya warrur ngulkurr karrkay bambay

wanjinya 'which one' (b090); warrur 'bark'


The paperbark tree grows near the water, and we take its soft bark for our warm beds.

Buyku bana ngundu janay, ngana nyungu warrur kima mani-l wunay-ka.

buyku bana ngundu janay, ngana nyungu warrur kima mani-l wunay-ka | paperbark water near stand, 1pl its bark soft take sleep-PURP

buyku bana ngundu janay warrur kima manil wunay


The men cut long straight poles of hard wood to build the strong frame of the humpy.

Dingkar-angka juku jinbal kalbay yakan, wurun junkurr bunga-nka.

dingkar-angka juku jinbal kalbay yaka-ny, wurun junkurr bunga-nka | man-ERG wood straight long cut, humpy strong make-PURP

dingkar juku jinbal kalbay yakal wurun junkurr bungal


That big fig tree has stood beside the crossing since the time of the old, old people.

Baril-baril yalbay yinya wawubaja karangkal janay, mukul-bama mukul wungar-muny.

baril-baril yalbay yinya wawubaja karangkal janay, mukul-bama mukul wungar-muny | fig big that river alongside stand, old-people old time-ABL

baril-baril yalbay wawubaja janay mukul bama wungar


The little birds make their nest high up in the hollow of the old blood wood tree.

Buyi buban bayan bunga-l babajaga mukul dimbirr wangkar-a.

buyi buban bayan bunga-l babajaga mukul dimbirr wangkar-a | bird small nest make blood.wood old hollow.trunk up-LOC

buyi buban bayan bungal babajaga mukul dimbirr wangkar

babajaga 'blood wood tree'; bayan 'nest'; dimbirr 'hollow'


We split the long straight lawyer cane to weave the strong dilly bags and baskets.

Ngana kaku jinbal kalbay kulban, ngunyin junkurr bunga-nka.

ngana kaku jinbal kalbay kulba-ny, ngunyin junkurr bunga-nka | 1pl lawyer.cane straight long split, dilly.bag strong make-PURP

ngana kaku jinbal kalbay kulbal ngunyin junkurr bungal

kaku 'lawyer cane'; kulba-l 'split' (b094)


The strong vine is good for tying the spear head firmly onto the long straight shaft.

Mawar junkurr ngulkurr, kalka dukul juku-ngu karrba-nka.

mawar junkurr ngulkurr, kalka dukul juku-ngu karrba-nka | vine strong good, spear head shaft-LOC fasten-PURP

mawar junkurr ngulkurr kalka dukul juku karrbal


The women dug the sweet yams and the wild ginger roots from the soft creek bank.

Jalbu-ngka wukay jiba bangkan baja bakan, wawubaja jalkar kima-muny.

jalbu-ngka wukay jiba-wulay bangkan baja baka-ny, wawubaja jalkar kima-muny | woman-ERG yam sweet root too dug, river bank soft-ABL

jalbu wukay jiba-wulay bangkan bakal wawubaja jalkar kima

bangkan 'root'; bakal 'dig'; jalkar 'bank' (b093)


The children ate the ripe red fruit of the fig tree until their little bellies were full.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka baril-baril mayi kulbul nukan, nyungu jibar yalbay-baja.

karrkay-karrkay-angka baril-baril mayi kulbul nuka-ny, nyungu jibar yalbay-baja | children-ERG fig fruit ripe ate, their stomach big-very(full)

karrkay baril-baril mayi kulbul nukal nyungu jibar yalbay


We wrapped the fresh fish in broad green leaves and put it down on the hot coals.

Ngana kuyu birra kalbay jikan-jikan-ba kajan, baya ngunjil-ba yijarrin.

ngana kuyu birra kalbay jikan-jikan-ba kaja-ny, baya ngunjil-ba yijarri-ny | 1pl fish leaf broad green-LOC wrapped, fire coal-LOC put

ngana kuyu birra jikan kajal baya ngunjil yijarril

birra 'leaf'; kaja-l 'wrap'; yijarri-l 'put' (b092)


The old man showed the boy which strong wood makes a spear that flies straight and true.

Mukul-dingkar-angka warru milban, wanjinya juku kalka jinbal bunga-l.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru milba-ny, wanjinya juku kalka jinbal bunga-l | old-man-ERG boy showed, which wood spear straight makes

mukul dingkar warru milbal wanjinya juku kalka jinbal bungal

milba-l 'show'; wanjinya 'which'; juku 'wood'


When the bark of that tree becomes soft, we use it well for our fishing and our tying.

Juku yinya warrur kima-ma-nya, ngana nyungu kuyu-nka karrba-nka baja mani-l.

juku yinya warrur kima-ma-nya, ngana nyungu kuyu-nka karrba-nka baja mani-l | tree that bark soft-INCHO-SUB, 1pl its fish-DAT fasten-PURP too take

juku warrur kima ngana kuyu karrbal manil


We gathered dry sticks and dead branches to build up a big fire for the cold night.

Ngana juku marral dakil wula-nya baja bangkan, baya yalbay bunga-nka wujurr ngiki-ka.

ngana juku marral dakil wula-nya baja bangka-ny, baya yalbay bunga-nka wujurr ngiki-ka | 1pl wood dry branch die-SUB too gathered, fire big make-PURP night cold-DAT

ngana juku marral dakil wulal bangkal baya yalbay bungal wujurr

juku 'firewood'; dakil 'branch'; bangka-l 'gather'


The soft inner bark of the fig tree was taken by the old people to make warm blankets.

Baril-baril warrur dukurr kima, kararr wumbul bunga-nka mani-n mukul-bama-ngka.

baril-baril warrur dukurr kima, kararr wumbul bunga-nka mani-ny mukul-bama-ngka | fig bark inside soft, blanket warm make-PURP took old-people-ERG

baril-baril warrur dukurr kima kararr wumbul bungal manil mukul bama


The strong straight saplings make the best light spears for the young boys to throw far.

Juku buban jinbal junkurr, kalka buban ngulkurr bajaku warru buban-mu.

juku buban jinbal junkurr, kalka buban ngulkurr bajaku warru buban-mu | tree small(sapling) straight strong, spear light good most young.man small-POSS

juku buban jinbal junkurr kalka ngulkurr bajaku warru


The women took the long dry leaves of the pandanus to make sleeping mats by the sea.

Jalbu-ngka bajarr marral kalbay mani-n, wunay-ka bunga-nka jalun karangkal.

jalbu-ngka bajarr marral kalbay mani-ny, wunay-ka bunga-nka jalun karangkal | woman-ERG leaf dry long took, sleep-PURP make-PURP sea alongside

jalbu bajarr marral kalbay manil wunay bungal jalun


The old people knew the one tree whose hard wood never rots in the wet dark ground.

Mukul-bama-ngka juku nyubun binal, nyungu juku junkurr bubu kima-ba kariku buyun-ma-l.

mukul-bama-ngka juku nyubun binal, nyungu juku junkurr bubu kima-ba kariku buyun-ma-l | old-people-ERG tree one know, its wood hard ground wet-LOC never bad-INCHO

mukul bama juku nyubun binal junkurr bubu kima kari buyun

buyun-ma-l 'rot(become bad)'; kariku 'never' (b092)


We put the broad green leaves down on the ground first, and then the meat on top of them.

Ngana birra kalbay jikan-jikan bubu-ba yijarrin niji, baja minya wangkar-a.

ngana birra kalbay jikan-jikan bubu-ba yijarri-ny niji, baja minya wangkar-a | 1pl leaf broad green ground-LOC put first, then meat on.top-LOC

ngana birra kalbay jikan bubu yijarril minya wangkar


The ripe fig is the sweetest of all the foods in the whole deep green rainforest.

Baril-baril mayi kulbul nyulu mayi jiba-wulay bajaku, madja dukurr jikan-jikan wubulku-ba.

baril-baril mayi kulbul nyulu mayi jiba-wulay bajaku, madja dukurr jikan-jikan wubul-ku-ba | fig fruit ripe 3sg food sweet most, rainforest deep green all-LOC

baril-baril mayi kulbul jiba-wulay madja dukurr jikan wubul


The old woman knew the name of every tree and plant in all her father's wide country.

Mukul-jalbu-ngka juku mayi wubul burri binal, nyungu nganjan bubu kalbay wubulku-ba.

mukul-jalbu-ngka juku mayi wubul burri binal, nyungu nganjan bubu kalbay wubul-ku-ba | old-woman-ERG tree plant all name know, her father country wide all-LOC

mukul jalbu juku mayi wubul burri binal nganjan bubu kalbay

burri 'name' (b088); juku/mayi 'tree/plant'


When the candle nut tree flowers, the old people know that the big wet season is coming.

Bilar nganka-ma-nya, mukul-bama binal kaba-wungar yalbay kada-nya.

bilar nganka-ma-nya, mukul-bama binal kaba-wungar yalbay kada-nya | candle.nut flower-INCHO-SUB, old-people know wet.season big come-SUB

bilar nganka mukul bama binal kaba wungar kaday

nganka-ma-l 'flower' as SEASONAL SIGN; kaba-wungar (b087)


The rainforest gives food all through the year: fruit and nuts, roots and honey, each in its season.

Madja mayi daji wungar wubulku: mayi diburr, bangkan wunba baja, nyungu wungar ngulkurr-ba.

madja mayi daji wungar wubul-ku: mayi diburr, bangkan wunba baja, nyungu wungar ngulkurr-ba | rainforest food gives time all: fruit nut, root honey too, its season good-LOC

madja mayi daji wungar wubul diburr bangkan wunba ngulkurr

madja 'rainforest'; diburr 'nut'; bangkan 'root'


The children learned which fruit is good to eat and which seed will make you very sick.

Karrkay-karrkay-angka binalman, wanjinya mayi ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanjinya diburr bama bambay-bunga-l.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny, wanjinya mayi ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanjinya diburr bama bambay-bunga-l | children-ERG learned, which fruit good eat-PURP, which seed person sick-CAUS

karrkay binal wanjinya mayi ngulkurr nukal diburr bama bambay bungal

binal-ma-l 'learn'; bambay-bunga-l 'make sick' (STATE caus, b092)


That tall tree with the bright white flowers marks the far edge of the old family country.

Juku kalbay nganka balbal-jirr yinya, bubu mukul-bama-mu karangkal milba-l.

juku kalbay nganka balbal-jirr yinya, bubu mukul-bama-mu karangkal milba-l | tree tall flower white-COMIT that, country old-people-POSS edge show

juku kalbay nganka balbal yinya bubu mukul bama milbal

nganka 'flower'; balbal-jirr 'white-flowered'; -mu POSS (b094)


The great old fig tree by the river crossing is a meeting place for all the river people.

Baril-baril yalbay mukul wawubaja karangkal, bama wubul muru-ma-nka bubu yinya.

baril-baril yalbay mukul wawubaja karangkal, bama wubul muru-ma-nka bubu yinya | fig big old river alongside, people all together-INCHO-PURP place this

baril-baril yalbay mukul wawubaja bama wubul muru bubu


The old man planted no trees at all; the rainforest itself gave the people everything they needed.

Mukul-dingkar-angka juku kari yijarrin; madja nyulu-nyulu yamba wubulku bama-nka dajin.

mukul-dingkar-angka juku kari yijarri-ny; madja nyulu-nyulu yamba wubul-ku bama-nka daji-ny | old-man-ERG tree NEG planted; rainforest itself thing all person-DAT gave

mukul dingkar juku kari yijarril madja yamba wubul bama dajil

kari 'not' (b092); madja 'rainforest'; daji-l 'give'


In the flowering season the whole scrub is bright with red and white and yellow blossoms.

Nganka-wungar-a madja wubulku balbal, nganka wubul yindu-yindu jarra-jarra.

nganka-wungar-ba madja wubul-ku balbal, nganka wubul yindu-yindu jarra-jarra | flower-season-LOC scrub all bright, flower many various(REDUP) high


The women taught the young girls which leaves will heal a bad wound and ease the pain.

Jalbu-ngka jalbu buban milban, wanjinya birra kaka ngulkurr-bunga-l baja kaka-wula-ma-l.

jalbu-ngka jalbu buban milba-ny, wanjinya birra kaka ngulkurr-bunga-l baja kaka-wula-ma-l | woman-ERG girl small showed, which leaf sore good-CAUS(heal) too pain-die-INCHO

jalbu buban milbal wanjinya birra kaka ngulkurr bungal wulal

birra 'leaf'; ngulkurr-bunga-l 'heal(make good)'; kaka 'sore' (b092)


The old people said that every tree in this country has its own true and proper name.

Mukul-bama-ngka balkan, juku wubul bubu yinya-nga nyungu burri ngulkurr baja.

mukul-bama-ngka balka-ny, juku wubul bubu yinya-nga nyungu burri ngulkurr baja | old-people-ERG said, tree all country this-LOC its name good too

mukul bama balkal juku wubul bubu yinya nyungu burri ngulkurr


Her little child is rather small, but he is already very strong and very quick indeed.

Nyungu karrkay jarra-buban, yamba nyulu junkurr-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku niji.

nyungu karrkay jarra-buban, yamba nyulu junkurr-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku niji | her child DEG1-small, BUT 3sg strong-DEG2-EMPH fast-DEG2-EMPH already

nyungu karrkay buban yamba junkurr jinbal niji

DEG1 jarra-buban 'rather small' (cf ex.78); DEG2 -baja-ku


The old man sat down carelessly on a rather ripe mango and got the juice on his clothes.

Mukul-dingkar-angka bundan mayngku-ngu jarra-kulbul-bu, nyungu kambi bana-ji-man.

mukul-dingkar-angka bunda-ny mayngku-ngu jarra-kulbul-bu, nyungu kambi bana-ji-ma-ny | old-man-ERG sat mango-LOC DEG1-ripe-LOC, his clothes water-COMIT-INCHO

mukul dingkar bundal mayngku kulbul nyungu kambi bana

DEG1 jarra-kulbul-bu 'rather ripe-LOC' (ex.79 exact)


A rather wild dog came out of the thick scrub and bit my good hunting dog on the leg.

Kaya-ngka jarra-kuli-ji-ngka madja junkurr-muny ngayku kaya jina-nga baykan.

kaya-ngka jarra-kuli-ji-ngka madja junkurr-muny ngayku kaya jina-nga bayka-ny | dog-ERG DEG1-rage-COMIT-ERG scrub thick-ABL my dog leg-LOC bit

kaya kuli madja junkurr ngayku jina baykal

DEG1 jarra-kuli-ji-ngka 'rather wild-ERG' (ex.80 exact)


That water is rather cold this morning, so let us two carry the baby to the warm fire.

Bana yinya jarra-ngiki wunkuwingku; ngali ngawa baya wumbul-ka wundi-l.

bana yinya jarra-ngiki wunkuwingku; ngali ngawa baya wumbul-ka wundi-l | water that DEG1-cold morning; 1du baby fire warm-DAT carry

bana yinya ngiki wunkuwingku ngali ngawa baya wumbul wundil

DEG1 jarra-ngiki 'rather cold'; ngali 'we two' (b092)


The path up the mountain is rather long, but the old woman climbed it without stopping once.

Jina manjal wangkar-a jarra-kalbay, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngka kari bunda-l dakan.

jina manjal wangkar-a jarra-kalbay, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngka kari bunda-l daka-ny | track mountain up-LOC DEG1-long, BUT old-woman-ERG NEG stop climbed

jina manjal wangkar kalbay yamba mukul jalbu kari dakal

DEG1 jarra-kalbay 'rather long'; daka-l 'climb' (b093)


The young man is rather lazy today; he did not go out hunting with the other men.

Warru jarra-manjarr wungar yinya, nyulu kari dingkar yindu-ji balbi dungan.

warru jarra-manjarr wungar yinya, nyulu kari dingkar yindu-ji balbi dunga-ny | young.man DEG1-lazy day this, 3sg NEG man other-COMIT hunt went

warru manjarr wungar yinya kari dingkar yindu balbi dungay

DEG1 jarra-manjarr 'rather lazy' (manjarr grammar-attest)


The fire is rather small now; put some more dry wood on it before the cold night comes down.

Baya jarra-buban niji; juku marral yindu yijarri baya-ba, wujurr ngiki kada-nyjiku.

baya jarra-buban niji; juku marral yindu yijarri baya-ba, wujurr ngiki kada-nyjiku | fire DEG1-small already; wood dry more put fire-LOC, night cold come-SUCC(before)

baya buban juku marral yindu yijarril wujurr ngiki kaday

DEG1 jarra-buban 'rather small'; yijarri 'put' (b092)


This spear is rather heavy for the little boy; give him the light one over there instead.

Kalka yinya jarra-kulngkul warru buban-ka; nyungu kalka buban yindu yinyay daji.

kalka yinya jarra-kulngkul warru buban-ka; nyungu kalka buban yindu yinyay daji | spear this DEG1-heavy boy small-DAT; him spear light other there give

kalka yinya kulngkul warru buban nyungu yindu yinyay daji

DEG1 jarra-kulngkul 'rather heavy'; kulngkul 'heavy' (b095)


Sea-turtle meat is much softer than the meat of the big scrub-hen, the old man always said.

Minya ngawiya jarra-kima minya jarruka-ka, mukul-dingkar-angka wungar wubulku balkan.

minya ngawiya jarra-kima minya jarruka-ka, mukul-dingkar-angka wungar wubul-ku balka-ny | meat sea.turtle DEG1-soft meat scrub.hen-DAT, old-man-ERG day all said

minya ngawiya kima jarruka mukul dingkar wungar wubul balkal

COMPARATIVE jarra-kima + DAT 'softer than' (ex.81 pattern)


The tall fig tree is much bigger than every other tree in all this wide river country.

Baril-baril jarra-yalbay juku yindu wubulku-ka, bubu wawubaja kalbay yinya-nga.

baril-baril jarra-yalbay juku yindu wubul-ku-ka, bubu wawubaja kalbay yinya-nga | fig DEG1-big tree other all-DAT, country river wide this-LOC

baril-baril yalbay juku yindu wubul bubu wawubaja kalbay

COMPARATIVE jarra-yalbay + DAT 'bigger than'


This good dog is faster than that other one, and it always catches the kangaroo first.

Kaya yinya ngulkurr jarra-jinbal kaya yindu-nka, nyulu mayarriji niji karrban.

kaya yinya ngulkurr jarra-jinbal kaya yindu-nka, nyulu mayarriji niji karrba-ny | dog this good DEG1-fast dog other-DAT, 3sg kangaroo already caught

kaya yinya ngulkurr jinbal yindu mayarriji karrbal

COMPARATIVE jarra-jinbal + DAT 'faster than'; niji 'already'


The deep river water is much colder than the still water in the swamp near the camp.

Bana wawubaja dajali jarra-ngiki bana daburri-nka, bayan ngundu.

bana wawubaja dajali jarra-ngiki bana daburri-nka, bayan ngundu | water river deep DEG1-cold water swamp-DAT, camp near

bana wawubaja dajali ngiki daburri bayan ngundu

COMPARATIVE jarra-ngiki + DAT 'colder than'; dajali 'deep' (b093)


The old man is much older than the young man standing quietly beside him in the shade.

Mukul-dingkar jarra-mukul warru nyungu ngundu janay-nka, wabarr-ba janka.

mukul-dingkar jarra-mukul warru nyungu ngundu janay-nka, wabarr-ba janka | old-man DEG1-old young.man him near stand-DAT, shade-LOC quiet

mukul dingkar warru nyungu ngundu janay wabarr janka

COMPARATIVE jarra-mukul + DAT 'older than'


A green ant bite is much more painful than a small mosquito bite, the old man warned the boy.

Munjurr baykal jarra-kaka kamu baykal-ka, mukul-dingkar-angka warru balkan.

munjurr bayka-l jarra-kaka kamu bayka-l-ka, mukul-dingkar-angka warru balka-ny | green.ant bite DEG1-sore mosquito bite-DAT, old-man-ERG boy warned

munjurr baykal kaka kamu mukul dingkar warru balkal

COMPARATIVE jarra-kaka + DAT 'more painful than'; kamu 'mosquito' (b092)


The wet season is much hotter and wetter than the long dry season up here in the north.

Kaba-wungar jarra-wumbul jarra-kima marral-wungar-ka, yaluy kungkarr-a.

kaba-wungar jarra-wumbul jarra-kima marral-wungar-ka, yaluy kungkarr-a | wet.season DEG1-hot DEG1-wet dry-season-DAT, here north-LOC

kaba wungar wumbul kima marral yaluy kungkarr

double COMPARATIVE jarra-wumbul/jarra-kima + DAT; kungkarr 'north' (b093)


Wild honey is much sweeter than any ripe fruit that grows in the whole deep rainforest.

Wunba jarra-jiba-wulay mayi kulbul wubulku-ka, madja dukurr wubulku-ba.

wunba jarra-jiba-wulay mayi kulbul wubul-ku-ka, madja dukurr wubul-ku-ba | honey DEG1-sweet fruit ripe all-DAT, rainforest deep all-LOC

COMPARATIVE jarra-jiba-wulay 'sweeter'; wunba 'honey'/kulbul 'ripe' (b095)


That flooded river is far more dangerous now than the deep sea out beyond the reef.

Wawubaja bana yalbay-nya jarra-kuli niji jalun dajali-nka, dulngku-muny.

wawubaja bana yalbay-nya jarra-kuli niji jalun dajali-nka, dulngku-muny | river water big-SUB DEG1-fierce now sea deep-DAT, reef-ABL(beyond)

wawubaja bana yalbay kuli jalun dajali dulngku

COMPARATIVE jarra-kuli 'more dangerous' + DAT; dulngku 'reef' (b093)


My grandmother's country is much greener and richer than this dry inland country here.

Ngayku babi-mu bubu jarra-jikan-jikan jarra-ngulkurr bubu jibarr marral yinya-nka.

ngayku babi-mu bubu jarra-jikan-jikan jarra-ngulkurr bubu jibarr marral yinya-nka | my grandmother-POSS country DEG1-green DEG1-good country inland dry this-DAT

ngayku babi bubu jikan ngulkurr jibarr marral yinya

double COMPARATIVE + DAT; babi-mu POSS (b094); jibarr 'inland' (b093)


I am very hungry now; let us two go quickly and find some good fat meat to eat.

Ngayu dakuy-baja-ku niji; ngali jinbal-baja-ku dunga-y minya ngulkurr manin nuka-nka.

ngayu dakuy-baja-ku niji; ngali jinbal-baja-ku dunga-y minya ngulkurr mani-ny nuka-nka | 1sg hungry-DEG2-EMPH now; 1du fast-DEG2-EMPH go meat good get eat-PURP

ngayu dakuy ngali jinbal dungay minya ngulkurr manil nukal

DEG2 dakuy-baja-ku 'very hungry' (ex.82)


The new baby is very small and very cute, and the whole family loves her very much indeed.

Ngawa buban-baja-ku kingkin-baja-ku, jawun-karra wubulku nyunguny wawu jirray.

ngawa buban-baja-ku kingkin-baja-ku, jawun-karra wubul-ku nyunguny wawu jirray | baby small-DEG2-EMPH cute-DEG2-EMPH, family all-ERG 3sg.ACC love much

ngawa buban kingkin jawun karra wubul nyunguny wawu jirray

DEG2 kingkin-baja-ku 'very cute' (ex.83); wawu jirray 'love much' (ex.122)


That very strong man lifted the big fat pig right up onto the high fork of the tree.

Dingkar-angka junkurr-ji-baja-ngka-ku bikibiki yalbay kulban juku dakil wangkar-a.

dingkar-angka junkurr-ji-baja-ngka-ku bikibiki yalbay kulba-ny juku dakil wangkar-a | man-ERG strength-COMIT-DEG2-ERG-EMPH pig big lifted tree branch up-LOC

dingkar junkurr bikibiki yalbay kulbal juku dakil wangkar

DEG2 non-zero: junkurr-ji-baja-ngka-ku 'very strong-ERG' (ex.84 exact)


I feel very sorry for that very sick child lying quietly in the humpy beside the fire.

Ngayu jiba-badi karrkay bambay-baja-nka-ku, nyulu wurun-ba janka wuna-nya baya ngundu.

ngayu jiba-badi-y karrkay bambay-baja-nka-ku, nyulu wurun-ba janka wuna-nya baya ngundu | 1sg liver-cry(sorry) child sick-DEG2-DAT-EMPH, 3sg humpy-LOC quiet lie-SUB fire near

ngayu karrkay bambay wurun janka wunay baya ngundu

DEG2 non-zero: bambay-baja-nka-ku 'very sick-DAT' + jiba-badi-y (ex.85 exact)


The two dogs are very hungry tonight because they caught nothing at all the whole long day.

Kaya jambul dakuy-baja-ku wujurr yinya, jana wungar wubulku yamba kari karrban.

kaya jambul dakuy-baja-ku wujurr yinya, jana wungar wubul-ku yamba kari karrba-ny | dog two hungry-DEG2-EMPH night this, 3pl day all thing NEG caught

kaya jambul dakuy wujurr jana wungar wubul kari karrbal

DEG2 dakuy-baja-ku 'very hungry'; kari 'not' (b092)


This digging stick is very hard and very sharp, so be careful with the pointed end there.

Juku bakal-nka yinya junkurr-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku, yundu dukul jinbal-ka milka-jana.

juku bakal-nka yinya junkurr-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku, yundu dukul jinbal-ka milka-jana | stick dig-PURP this hard-DEG2-EMPH sharp-DEG2-EMPH, 2sg point sharp-DAT mind(listen)

juku bakal junkurr jinbal yundu dukul milka

double DEG2; milka-jana 'mind/be careful' (b092)


The river is very big and very fast after the big rain, so do not go down into the water.

Wawubaja kalbay-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku kaba yalbay-muny; yundu kari bana-ka bada-y.

wawubaja kalbay-baja-ku jinbal-baja-ku kaba yalbay-muny; yundu kari bana-ka bada-y | river big-DEG2-EMPH fast-DEG2-EMPH rain big-ABL; 2sg NEG water-DAT go.down

wawubaja kalbay jinbal kaba yalbay yundu kari bana bada

double DEG2 -baja-ku; PROHIB kari (b092)


The old woman's story was very long and very good, and the children listened all night through.

Mukul-jalbu-mu kuku kalbay-baja-ku ngulkurr-baja-ku, karrkay-karrkay-angka wujurr wubulku milka-janan.

mukul-jalbu-mu kuku kalbay-baja-ku ngulkurr-baja-ku, karrkay-karrkay-angka wujurr wubul-ku milka-jana-ny | old-woman-POSS story long-DEG2-EMPH good-DEG2-EMPH, children-ERG night all listened

mukul jalbu kuku kalbay ngulkurr karrkay wujurr wubul milka

double DEG2; jalbu-mu POSS (b094); milka-jana-y 'listen' (b092)


That country far away to the north is very hot and very dry in the middle of the year.

Bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr-a wumbul-baja-ku marral-baja-ku, wungar dindarra-nga.

bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr-a wumbul-baja-ku marral-baja-ku, wungar dindarra-nga | country far.away north-LOC hot-DEG2-EMPH dry-DEG2-EMPH, year middle-LOC

bubu kala-kalbay kungkarr wumbul marral wungar dindarra

double DEG2; kala-kalbay 'far'/dindarra 'middle' (b093)


Of all the many spears in the camp, this straight hard one is the very best for hunting.

Kalka wubulku bayan-ba, yinya jinbal junkurr nyulu ngulkurr bajaku balbi-nka.

kalka wubul-ku bayan-ba, yinya jinbal junkurr nyulu ngulkurr bajaku balbi-nka | spear all-EMPH camp-LOC, this straight hard 3sg good most hunt-PURP

kalka wubul bayan yinya jinbal junkurr ngulkurr balbi


The wild honey high in the tree is the sweetest of all the foods in the deep rainforest.

Wunba juku wangkar-a nyulu mayi jiba-wulay bajaku, mayi wubulku madja dukurr-ba.

wunba juku wangkar-a nyulu mayi jiba-wulay bajaku, mayi wubul-ku madja dukurr-ba | honey tree up-LOC 3sg food sweet most, food all rainforest deep-LOC

wunba juku wangkar mayi madja dukurr wubul

SUPERLATIVE jiba-wulay bajaku 'sweetest'; wunba 'honey' (b095)


The old grandmother is the oldest and the wisest of all the people in the whole family.

Mukul-babi nyulu bama mukul bajaku binal bajaku, jawun-karra wubulku-ba.

mukul-babi nyulu bama mukul bajaku binal bajaku, jawun-karra wubul-ku-ba | old-grandmother 3sg person old most knowing most, family all-LOC

SUPERLATIVE mukul bajaku 'oldest'; babi 'grandmother' (b094)


That tall blue mountain in the north is the highest of all the mountains in this country.

Manjal kalbay kungkarr-a yinya nyulu manjal jarra-jarra bajaku, bubu yinya wubulku-ba.

manjal kalbay kungkarr-a yinya nyulu manjal jarra-jarra bajaku, bubu yinya wubul-ku-ba | mountain tall north-LOC that 3sg mountain high most, country this all-LOC

manjal kalbay kungkarr jarra bubu yinya wubul

SUPERLATIVE jarra-jarra bajaku 'highest'; manjal 'mountain' (b093)


The deep waterhole under the big fig tree is the best of all in the long dry season.

Janku dukurr baril-baril yalbay bada nyulu ngulkurr bajaku, marral-wungar kalbay-ba.

janku dukurr baril-baril yalbay bada nyulu ngulkurr bajaku, marral-wungar kalbay-ba | waterhole deep fig big under 3sg good most, dry-season long-LOC

janku dukurr baril-baril yalbay bada ngulkurr marral wungar

SUPERLATIVE ngulkurr bajaku 'the best'; janku 'waterhole' (b093)


My father was the strongest and the fastest hunter of all the men of his own time.

Ngayku nganjan nyulu balbi-bama junkurr bajaku jinbal bajaku, dingkar wubulku nyungu wungar-muny.

ngayku nganjan nyulu balbi-bama junkurr bajaku jinbal bajaku, dingkar wubul-ku nyungu wungar-muny | my father 3sg hunter strong most fast most, man all his time-ABL

ngayku nganjan balbi bama junkurr jinbal dingkar wubul wungar

double SUPERLATIVE bajaku; ngayku POSS + balbi 'hunt'


Make the new spear just like this old one here, straight and hard and very sharp.

Kalka bunga-l yala-ku yinya, jinbal junkurr jinbal-baja-ku.

kalka bunga-l yala-ku yinya, jinbal junkurr jinbal-baja-ku | spear make like-ADV this, straight hard sharp-DEG2-EMPH

SIMILATIVE yala-ku 'like this' (ex.201 exact)


That little boy runs just like his own father, fast and light, with his head held high.

Warru buban warri yala nyungu nganjan, jinbal buban dukul wangkar-a.

warru buban warri yala nyungu nganjan, jinbal buban dukul wangkar-a | boy small run like his father, fast light head up-LOC

warru buban warri nyungu nganjan jinbal dukul wangkar

SIMILATIVE yala 'like'; warri 'run'; nganjan 'father'


The still water of the lagoon is smooth and bright, like a big flat shining stone.

Bana daburri janka jinali balbal, yala kulji jirakal kalbay balbal.

bana daburri janka jinali balbal, yala kulji jirakal kalbay balbal | water lagoon still smooth bright, like stone flat big bright

bana daburri janka jinali balbal kulji jirakal kalbay

SIMILATIVE yala 'like'; jinali 'smooth'/jirakal 'flat' (b093/b095)


The old man's face looked exactly like his dead brother's face, the old woman said quietly.

Mukul-dingkar walu yala nyungu yaba wula-nya-mu walu, mukul-jalbu-ngka janka balkan.

mukul-dingkar walu yala nyungu yaba wula-nya-mu walu, mukul-jalbu-ngka janka balka-ny | old-man face like his brother die-SUB-POSS face, old-woman-ERG quiet said

mukul dingkar walu nyungu yaba wulal jalbu janka balkal

SIMILATIVE yala + walu 'face' (appearance, §3.9.2); dead-one's = wula-nya-mu (b094)


This new baby looks exactly like her mother did when she was a very small child long ago.

Ngawa yinya walu yala nyungu ngamu, ngamu karrkay buban-nya kalbay-muny.

ngawa yinya walu yala nyungu ngamu, ngamu karrkay buban-nya kalbay-muny | baby this face like her mother, mother child small-SUB long.ago-ABL

ngawa yinya walu nyungu ngamu karrkay buban kalbay

SIMILATIVE walu yala 'looks like'; kaki='if' avoided (used kalbay-muny)


The little boy sat very quietly, still and silent, like a small grey rock in the hot sun.

Warru buban janka-baja-ku bundan, janka wumbul-ba, yala kulji buban ngungul wungar-a.

warru buban janka-baja-ku bunda-ny, janka wumbul-ba, yala kulji buban ngungul wungar-a | boy small quiet-DEG2-EMPH sat, still hot-LOC, like stone small dark sun-LOC

warru buban janka bundal wumbul kulji ngungul wungar

SIMILATIVE yala 'like'; DEG2 janka-baja-ku 'very quiet'