Whom did the old man send north, and with whom? He sent my brother, and my brother went with two other young men; they carry the message-stick to the clans.

Wanya mukul-dingkarangka kuwa-nka yungan, wanyanji? Nyulu ngayku yaba yungan, ngayku yaba warru jambul yindu-ji dungan; jana duburan-jaba bama-nka wundil.

wanya mukul-dingkar-angka kuwa-nka yunga-ny, wanyanji? nyulu ngayku yaba yunga-ny, ngayku yaba warru jambul yindu-ji dunga-ny; jana duburan-jaba bama-nka wundi-l | whom old-man-ERG NW-side send-PAST, who-COMIT? he my elder.brother send-PAST, my elder.brother young.man two other-COMIT go-PAST; they message-stick clan-side carry-NONPAST

wanya mukul dingkar kuwa yungal wanyanji yaba warru jambul yindu duburan jaba wundil

wanya (whom, O) + wanyanji (with whom) in one question; yunga-l 'send'


When the stranger asked where our camp was, what did you tell him? I told him nothing; I said only that the country was big and the water was far, and I watched which way he went.

Bama yindungku babajin wanjabu ngananga bayan, wanyu yundu nyungunku balkan? Ngayu nyungunku maru-maru balkan; ngayu balkan bubu yalbay, bana kala-kalbay nganga, ngayu nyajin wanjabu nyulu dungan.

bama yindu-ngku babaji-ny wanjabu ngananga bayan, wanyu yundu nyungunku balka-ny? ngayu nyungunku maru-maru balka-ny; ngayu balka-ny bubu yalbay, bana kala-kalbay nganga, ngayu nyaji-ny wanjabu nyulu dunga-ny | person other-ERG ask-PAST where our camp, what you him tell-PAST? I him nothing tell-PAST; I tell-PAST country big, water far only, I see-PAST where he go-PAST

bama yindu babaji wanjabu bayan wanyu yundu balkal maru-maru bubu yalbay bana kala-kalbay nyajil dungay

two embedded questions (where our camp / what you told); wariness with a stranger — tells maru-maru 'nothing'


Who first found this good country? Our old grandfathers found it, long before the white man came; they followed the honey-birds to the water and never left.

Wanyangka nyiku bubu ngulkurr ngadiku milbin? Ngananga kami-karra milbin, waybala ngadiku kada-nya-muny; jana kawar-buyi wukurrin bana-nka, kariku bawan.

wanya-ngka nyiku bubu ngulkurr ngadiku milbi-ny? ngananga kami-karra milbi-ny, waybala ngadiku kada-nya-muny; jana kawar-buyi wukurri-ny bana-nka, kariku bawa-ny | who-ERG this country good first find-PAST? our grandfather-PL find-PAST, whitefella before come-SUB-ABL; they honey-bird follow-PAST water-side, NEG leave-PAST

wanya nyiku bubu ngulkurr ngadiku milbi kami waybala kaday kawar wukurril bana bawal

wanyangka 'who first' (origin question); milbi-l 'find/reveal'; kami-karra 'grandfathers'


What will you do when the old man dies? We will sing his songs, keep his fire, and teach his name to the children; a man does not die while his people remember him.

Wanyu yurra bungay mukul-dingkar wula-ny-muny? Ngana nyungu burri yirrka, nyungu baya karrba, nyungu buri karrkay-karrkayka binal-bunga; dingkar kari wulay, nyungu bama nyunguny milka-nga karrbal.

wanyu yurra bunga-y mukul-dingkar wula-ny-muny? ngana nyungu burri yirrka, nyungu baya karrba, nyungu buri karrkay-karrkay-ka binal-bunga; dingkar kari wula-y, nyungu bama nyunguny milka-nga karrba-l | what you.all do-NONPAST old-man die-PAST-ABL? we his song sing.IMP, his fire mind.IMP, his name child-child-DAT teach-CAUS.IMP; man NEG die-NONPAST, his people him mind-LOC hold-NONPAST

wanyu yurra bungal mukul dingkar wulay ngana burri yirrkay baya karrbal buri karrkay binal bama milka

wanyu 'what (will you do)'; wula-ny-muny 'after he dies'; yirrka-l 'sing (call out) songs'


Whose voice is that calling in the dark? It is only my brother, calling the dogs home; do not be afraid, the spirits do not call your name aloud.

Wanyamba kuku yinya wujurr-ba yirrkay? Nyulu ngayku yaba nganja, kaya bayan-ka yirrkay; kariku kuli-ma, birrungku yunu buri kari yirrkay.

wanyamba kuku yinya wujurr-ba yirrka-y? nyulu ngayku babarr nguba, kaya bayan-ka yirrka-y; kariku kuli-ma, birru-ngku yunu buri kari yirrka-y | whose word(voice) that dark-LOC call-NONPAST? it my elder.brother maybe, dog house-side call-NONPAST; NEG fear-INCHO.IMP, spirit-ERG your name NEG call-NONPAST

wanyamba kuku yinya wujurr yirrkay yaba kaya bayan kuli buri kari

wanyamba 'whose (voice)'; kuku 'word/voice' (kaban=paper, not voice); reassurance about the spirit (birru)


How many days will you be away, and where will you sleep? Three days; I will sleep at my uncle's camp on the first night, then in the open scrub the other nights.

Wanjarrinya wungar yundu kari yinyabu, wanjabu yundu wuna? Wungar kulur; ngayu ngadiku wujurr ngayku kalnga-mu bayan-ba wuna, baja wujurr madja-nga wuna.

wanjarrinya wungar yundu kari yinya-bu, wanjabu yundu wuna? wungar kulur; ngayu ngadiku wujurr ngayku kalnga-mu bayan-ba wuna, baja wujurr madja-nga wuna | how.many day you NEG here, where you sleep? day three; I first night my uncle-POSS house-LOC sleep, other night scrub-LOC sleep

wanjarrinya wungar yundu kari wanjabu wunay kulur ngadiku wujurr kalnga bayan madja

wanjarrinya + wanjabu together (how many days / where sleep); kalnga 'uncle'


What is this white man's thing, and what is it for? It is a hard knife; it cuts faster than a shell, but the old woman says it takes the taste from the fish.

Wanyu nyiku waybala-mu, wanyurringku? Nyiku naybu dandi; nyulu warkal-ngadiku warri yakal, yambada mukulungku balkan nyulu kuyu-mu nganja manil.

wanyu nyiku waybala-mu, wanyurringku? nyiku naybu dandi; nyulu warkal-ngadiku warri yaka-l, yambada mukul-ungku balka-ny nyulu kuyu-mu nganja mani-l | what this whitefella-POSS, what-for? this knife hard; it shell-more fast cut-NONPAST, but old.woman-ERG say-PAST it fish-POSS taste take-NONPAST

wanyu nyiku waybala wanyurringku naybu dandi warkal ngadiku warri yakal mukul kuyu nganja manil

wanyu + wanyurringku (what / what-for) about a contact-era tool; nganja 'taste' (dict)


The old man said: the country answers only those who ask. Ask the water where the fish are, ask the sky when the rain comes, ask the old ones who your people are — a person who never asks walks blind through a country full of knowledge.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan: bubu-ngku babaji-bama nyubun balkal. Bana babaji wanjabu kuyu, jiri babaji wanja-wanja bana kaday, mukul-mukul babaji wanya yunu bama — bama kari babaji-l nyulu miyil-kari bubu binal-wubul-bu jilba.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny: bubu-ngku babaji-bama nyubun balka-l; bana babaji wanjabu kuyu, jiri babaji wanja-wanja bana kada-y, mukul-mukul babaji wanya yunu bama — bama kari babaji-l nyulu miyil-kari bubu binal-wubul-bu jilba-y | old-man-ERG say-PAST: country-ERG ask-person only tell-NONPAST; water ask.IMP where fish, sky ask.IMP when rain come-NONPAST, old-old ask.IMP who your people — person NEG ask-NONPAST he eye-without country knowledge-many-LOC walk-NONPAST

mukul dingkar balkal bubu babaji bama nyubun bana wanjabu kuyu jiri wanja-wanja kaday mukul wanya yunu miyil kari jilbay

the interrogative series as the closing charter — wanjabu/wanja-wanja/wanya; miyil-kari 'blind' (eye-without)


The eagle flies high in the sky, sees a fish in the water below, and drops down fast, catching it in its feet.

Wandi jarra-jarra jiri-nga marra-warri, nyulu kuyu bana-nga bada nyajin, bada daran bila, jina-bu karrban.

wandi jarra-jarra jiri-nga marra-warri, nyulu kuyu bana-nga bada nyaji-ny, bada dara-ny bila, jina-bu karrba-ny | eagle high sky-LOC fly, it fish water-LOC below saw, down fell fast, foot-INST caught

wandi jarra-jarra jiri marra-warri kuyu bana nyajil bada daral bila jina karrbal

bird: wandi 'eagle'; marra-warri 'fly', bila 'fast'


The brolga dances by the swamp, lifting its wings and stepping high, and the other brolgas come and dance too.

Kulbal daburri-nga wurin, nangki wangkar bungan, jina jarra-jarra jilban, kulbal yindu kadan wurin baja.

kulbal daburri-nga wuri-ny, nangki wangkar bunga-ny, jina jarra-jarra jilba-ny, kulbal yindu kada-ny wuri-ny baja | brolga swamp-LOC danced, wing up put, foot high walked, brolga other came danced too

kulbal daburri wuriy nangki wangkar bungal jina jarra-jarra jilbay yindu kaday


The stormbird calls again and again before the wet season, and the old people hear it and say the big rain is close.

Kurri-kurri yirrkan baja-baja bana-wungar ngadiku, bama mukul nyulu nganan, balkan kaba yalbay ngundu.

kurri-kurri yirrka-ny baja-baja bana-wungar ngadiku, bama mukul nyulu ngana-ny, balka-ny kaba yalbay ngundu | stormbird called again-again wet-season before, person old it heard, said rain big near

kurri-kurri yirrkal baja bana wungar ngadiku bama mukul nganay balkal kaba yalbay ngundu

bird: kurri-kurri 'stormbird' as a wet-season sign


The bush curlew cries in the dark night, and the children are afraid and lie close to the fire.

Kuyir wujurr-ba yirrkan, karrkay yinilman, baya ngundu wunan.

kuyir wujurr-ba yirrka-ny, karrkay yinil-ma-ny, baya ngundu wuna-ny | bush.curlew night-LOC called, child feared, fire near lay

kuyir wujurr yirrkal karrkay yinilmal baya ngundu wunay

bird: kuyir 'bush curlew', its night cry feared


The scrub hen makes a big home of leaves and dirt on the ground, and the warmth of the leaves warms its young.

Jarruka bayan yalbay bungan juku-birra-ji bubu-ji, birra-bu nyungu karrkay ngiki-kari bungan.

jarruka bayan yalbay bunga-ny juku-birra-ji bubu-ji, birra-bu nyungu karrkay ngiki-kari bunga-ny | scrub.hen home big made tree-leaf-COMIT ground-COMIT, leaf-INST its child cold-without(warm) made

jarruka bayan yalbay bungal juku birra bubu karrkay ngiki

bird: jarruka 'scrub hen'; no 'mound/nest/egg' lexeme -> bayan 'home'


The black cockatoos fly over calling in the day, and the old man says the rain is not far behind them.

Kadanji wangkar marra-warri yirrkan wungar-a, mukul-dingkar balkan kaba jana wukurrin ngundu.

kadanji wangkar marra-warri yirrka-ny wungar-a, mukul-dingkar balka-ny kaba jana wukurri-ny ngundu | black.cockatoo up fly called day-LOC, old-man said rain them follows near

kadanji wangkar marra-warri yirrkal wungar mukul dingkar balkal kaba wukurril ngundu

bird: kadanji 'black cockatoo' as a rain sign


The kingfisher sits on a low branch above the creek, watches the water, and drops down to catch a small fish.

Milman juku-buban wawubaja wangkar wunan, bana nyajin, bada daran kuyu buban karrban.

milman juku-buban wawubaja wangkar wuna-ny, bana nyaji-ny, bada dara-ny kuyu buban karrba-ny | kingfisher branch-small creek above sat, water watched, down fell fish small caught

milman juku buban wawubaja wangkar wunay bana nyajil bada daral kuyu karrbal


The crow comes to the camp when the people are away, takes the meat left in the sun, and flies off to a high tree.

Waja bayan-ba kadan bama maru-maru, minya wungar-a bawan manin, juku jarra-jarra marra-warri.

waja bayan-ba kada-ny bama maru-maru, minya wungar-a bawa-ny-nga mani-ny, juku jarra-jarra marra-warri | crow camp-LOC came person nothing(absent), meat sun-LOC left-LOC took, tree high fly

waja bayan kaday bama maru-maru minya wungar bawal manil juku jarra-jarra marra-warri


In the morning the kookaburra calls loudly from the tree, and the whole camp wakes and knows the sun is coming.

Kururrungka wunkuwingku juku-ngu yirrkan yalbay, bama wubul dakan, binalman wungar kada.

kururrungka wunkuwingku juku-ngu yirrka-ny yalbay, bama wubul daka-ny, binal-ma-ny wungar kada | kookaburra morning tree-LOC called big(loud), person all rose, knew sun come

kururrungka wunkuwingku juku yirrkal yalbay bama wubul dakal binalmal wungar kaday

bird: kururrungka 'kookaburra'; wunkuwingku 'morning'


The pigeons come down to the ground in the morning to eat the fallen seeds, and they fly up together when the hawk comes.

Bakamu bubu-ngu bada kadan wunkuwingku, diburr daran nukan, jana wangkar marra-warri kalin-kalin kada-nyaku.

bakamu bubu-ngu bada kada-ny wunkuwingku, diburr dara-ny-nga nuka-ny, jana wangkar marra-warri kalin-kalin kada-nyaku | pigeon ground-LOC down came morning, seed fallen-LOC ate, they up fly hawk come-when

bakamu bubu kaday wunkuwingku diburr daral nukal wangkar marra-warri kalin-kalin

bird: bakamu 'pigeon'; kalin-kalin 'hawk'


The lorikeets fill the flowering tree, eating and calling all at once, and the noise carries far across the country.

Birrbirr juku-nganka-nga wubul, nukan yirrkan wubul muru, kuku-yalbay bubu kalbay-mba dungan.

birrbirr juku-nganka-nga wubul, nuka-ny yirrka-ny wubul muru, kuku-yalbay bubu kalbay-mba dunga-ny | lorikeet tree-flower-LOC many, ate called all one-LOC(at.once), loud-noise country far-LOC went

birrbirr juku nganka wubul nukal yirrkal nyubun kuku yalbay bubu kalbay dungay

bird: birrbirr 'lorikeet'; nganka 'flower'


The seagulls follow the men who are fishing at the sea, and when a fish is thrown they drop down and take it.

Dirrmbay dingkar wukurrin kuyu-balbi jalun-ba, kuyu bawan jana bada daran manin.

dirrmbay dingkar wukurri-ny kuyu-balbi jalun-ba, kuyu bawa-ny-nga jana bada dara-ny mani-ny | seagull man followed fish-hunt sea-LOC, fish thrown-LOC they down fell took

dirrmbay dingkar wukurril kuyu balbi jalun bawal bada daral manil

bird: dirrmbay 'seagull' following fishermen


The duck swims on the still water of the swamp with its little ones behind it, and goes under when a shadow passes.

Nili-nili daburri bana-nga maraji, karrkay buban nyungu banda-nga, bana bada-bada dungan ngurrban dunganya.

nili-nili daburri bana-nga maraji, karrkay buban nyungu banda-nga, bana bada-bada dunga-ny ngurrban dunga-y-nga | duck swamp water-LOC swims, child small its tail-LOC(behind), water below went shadow pass-LOC

nili-nili daburri bana maraji karrkay buban banda bada-bada dungay ngurrban

bird: nili-nili 'duck'; maraji 'swim', bada-bada 'below'


The cassowary walks alone in the deep rainforest and eats the fallen fruit, and a person keeps away for it can kick hard.

Kurranji ngalkal-bubu-ngu nyubun jilban, mayi daran nukan, bama kaba jilban, nyulu jina-bu yalbay jabil.

kurranji ngalkal-bubu-ngu nyubun jilba-ny, mayi dara-ny-nga nuka-ny, bama kaba jilba-ny, nyulu jina-bu yalbay jabi-l | cassowary rainforest-LOC alone walked, fruit fallen-LOC ate, person far walked, it foot-INST big kicks

kurranji ngalkal bubu nyubun jilbay mayi daral nukal bama jina yalbay jabil

bird: kurranji 'cassowary'; jabi-l 'kick'


The swallows fly low and fast over the water before the rain, catching the small flying things in the air.

Mabal bana wangkar bada bila marra-warri kaba ngadiku, minya-buban jiri-nga karrban.

mabal bana wangkar bada bila marra-warri kaba ngadiku, minya-buban jiri-nga karrba-ny | swallow water above low fast fly rain before, creature-small air-LOC caught

mabal bana wangkar bada bila marra-warri kaba ngadiku minya buban jiri karrbal


The owl sits quiet in the dark tree at night, its big head turning, and it sees the little mouse on the ground.

Kalkuy juku-ngu wujurr-ba janka wunan, dukul yalbay muru-manin, nyulu minya-buban bubu-ngu nyajin.

kalkuy juku-ngu wujurr-ba janka wuna-ny, dukul yalbay muru-ma-ni-ny, nyulu minya-buban bubu-ngu nyaji-ny | owl tree-LOC night-LOC quiet sat, head big turned, it creature-small ground-LOC saw

kalkuy juku wujurr janka wunay dukul yalbay muru minya buban bubu nyajil


The white crane stands quiet in the shallow water of the swamp, then spears a fish with its long head.

Dulku daburri bana-buban-ba janan, janka wubul, yalada kuyu dukul-kalbay-bu daman.

dulku daburri bana-buban-ba jana-ny, janka wubul, yala-da kuyu dukul-kalbay-bu dama-ny | white.crane swamp water-shallow-LOC stood, quiet very, then fish head-long-INST speared

dulku daburri bana buban janay janka wubul kuyu dukul kalbay damal

bird: dulku 'white crane'; no 'beak' -> dukul-kalbay 'long head'


The magpie sings a beautiful song in the morning tree, and the old woman says its voice belongs to the country itself.

Dawa-dawa juku-ngu wunkuwingku wulngku-badil ngulkurr, wulbuman balkan nyungu kuku bubu-mu.

dawa-dawa juku-ngu wunkuwingku wulngku-badi-l ngulkurr, wulbuman balka-ny nyungu kuku bubu-mu | magpie tree-LOC morning sings good, old.woman said its voice country-POSS

dawa-dawa juku wunkuwingku wulngku badil ngulkurr wulbuman balkal kuku bubu

bird: dawa-dawa 'magpie'; wulngku badi-l 'sing'


The king parrot is red and eats the seeds of the scrub trees, and it flies quietly from one tree to the next.

Karrambil ngala-ngala, juku ngalkal-bubu-mu diburr nukan, juku-ngu juku-ngu marra-warri janka.

karrambil ngala-ngala, juku ngalkal-bubu-mu diburr nuka-ny, juku-ngu juku-ngu marra-warri janka | king.parrot red, tree rainforest-POSS seed ate, tree-LOC tree-LOC fly quiet

karrambil ngala-ngala juku ngalkal bubu diburr nukal marra-warri janka

bird: karrambil 'king parrot'; ngala-ngala 'red'


The old man said the birds each have their own time to call: the kookaburra in the morning, the magpie in the day, the curlew at night.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan buyi nyubun-nyubun nyungu-nyungu wungar yirrkanka: kururrungka wunkuwingku, dawa-dawa wungar-a, kuyir wujurr-ba.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny buyi nyubun-nyubun nyungu-nyungu wungar yirrka-nka: kururrungka wunkuwingku, dawa-dawa wungar-a, kuyir wujurr-ba | old-man-ERG said bird each their-own time call-DAT: kookaburra morning, magpie day-LOC, bush.curlew night-LOC

mukul dingkar balkal buyi nyubun wungar yirrkal kururrungka wunkuwingku dawa-dawa kuyir wujurr


The eagle builds its big home high in a dead tree and comes back to the same place every year.

Wandi bayan yalbay bungan juku-wulan jarra-jarra, yinya bubu-ngu baja kadan wungar-kadal wubulku.

wandi bayan yalbay bunga-ny juku-wulan jarra-jarra, yinya bubu-ngu baja kada-ny wungar-kadal wubul-ku | eagle home big made tree-dead high, that place-LOC again came year all

wandi bayan yalbay bungal juku wulay jarra-jarra bubu kaday wungar kadal wubul

bird: wandi 'eagle' nest-tree fidelity; juku-wulan 'dead tree'


The rainbow bird digs a long home in the sandy bank and lays its young deep inside where the snake cannot reach.

Biru-biru jukar-a baka-l bayan kalbay, karrkay dukurr-ba wunan wanja jarba kari kadanka.

biru-biru jukar-a baka-l bayan kalbay, karrkay dukurr-ba wuna-ny wanja jarba kari kada-nka | rainbow.bird sand-LOC digs home long, child deep-LOC lay where snake NEG reach-DAT

biru-biru jukar bakal bayan kalbay karrkay dukurr wunay jarba kadal

bird: biru-biru 'rainbow bird'; jukar 'sand', jarba 'snake'


The scrub turkey scratches the ground all day looking for food, and the old people follow its scratchings to find the yams.

Diwan bubu yirrbajin wungar wubulku mayi-nka, bama mukul nyungu jina wukurrin bunkuny milbinka.

diwan bubu yirrba-ji-ny wungar wubul-ku mayi-nka, bama mukul nyungu jina wukurri-ny bunkuny milbi-nka | scrub.turkey ground scratched day all food-DAT, person old its track followed yam find-PURP

diwan bubu yirrbaji wungar wubul mayi bama mukul jina wukurril bunkuny milbil

bird: diwan 'scrub turkey'; yirrba-ji-l 'scratch'


The parrot cracks the hard seed with its strong head, drops the shell, and eats the soft inside.

Yinjul diburr dandi dukul-bu kunbayn, milbar daran bawan, mayi maru-maru nukan.

yinjul diburr dandi dukul-bu kunbayn, milbar dara-ny bawa-ny, mayi maru-maru nuka-ny | parrot seed hard head-INST finished(cracked), shell fell left, food soft ate

yinjul diburr dandi dukul kunbayn milbar daral bawal mayi nukal


The waterhen walks in the grass at the swamp edge, stepping quietly, hunting for little creatures in the mud.

Ngarkay jikan daburri-nga jilban, janka jina bungan, minya-buban kambal-kambal-ba balbin.

ngarkay jikan daburri-nga jilba-ny, janka jina bunga-ny, minya-buban kambal-kambal-ba balbi-ny | waterhen grass swamp-LOC walked, quiet foot put, creature-small mud-LOC hunted

ngarkay jikan daburri jilbay janka jina bungal minya buban kambal-kambal balbi

bird: ngarkay 'waterhen'; jikan 'grass', kambal-kambal 'mud'


The friarbird takes the honey from the flowering tree, chasing the smaller birds away so it can have the sweetness alone.

Jaka juku-nganka-nga kawar manin, buyi buban jirrku-mal, nyubun kawar karrbanka.

jaka juku-nganka-nga kawar mani-ny, buyi buban jirrku-ma-l, nyubun kawar karrba-nka | friarbird tree-flower-LOC honey took, bird small chased, alone honey hold-DAT

jaka juku nganka kawar manil buyi buban jirrkumal nyubun karrbal

bird: jaka 'friarbird'; kawar 'honey', jirrku-ma-l 'chase'


The children asked the old woman why the crow is black, and she told an old story of a fire long ago.

Karrkayangka wulbuman nganan wanyurringku waja ngumbu, nyulu balkan kuku-ngadiku baya ngadiku-muny.

karrkay-angka wulbuman ngana-ny wanyurringku waja ngumbu, nyulu balka-ny kuku-ngadiku baya ngadiku-muny | child-ERG old.woman asked why crow black, she told story-old fire long.ago-ABL

karrkay wulbuman nganay wanyurringku waja ngumbu balkal kuku ngadiku baya

teaching: crow's blackness story; ngumbu 'black'


The cockatoos tore the ripe fruit from the tree and dropped half of it on the ground uneaten.

Kumurbina mayi kulbul juku-muny manin, jambul bubu-ngu daran nuka-kari.

kumurbina mayi kulbul juku-muny mani-ny, jambul bubu-ngu dara-ny nuka-kari | black.cockatoo fruit ripe tree-ABL took, half ground-LOC dropped eat-without

kumurbina mayi kulbul juku manil jambul bubu daral nukal

bird: kumurbina 'black cockatoo'; kulbul 'ripe'


When the dove calls quietly in the day the old people say a visitor is coming from far away.

Kuludu wungar-a yirrkan janka, bama mukul balkan bama-yindu kada kalbay-muny.

kuludu wungar-a yirrka-ny janka, bama mukul balka-ny bama-yindu kada kalbay-muny | dove day-LOC called quiet, person old said person-other come far-ABL

kuludu wungar yirrkal janka bama mukul balkal yindu kaday kalbay


The old man showed the boy how to know each bird by its call alone, without seeing it in the tree.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-bungan buyi nyubun-nyubun kuku-bu binalka, juku-ngu nyaji-kari.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-bunga-ny buyi nyubun-nyubun kuku-bu binal-ka, juku-ngu nyaji-kari | old-man-ERG boy taught bird each call-INST know-DAT, tree-LOC see-without

mukul dingkar karrkay binal bungal buyi nyubun kuku binalka juku nyajil


The seagull flew far out over the open sea, then turned and came back to the sea-shore when the wind grew strong.

Kurranday jalun-yalbay wangkar kalbay-mba marra-warri, yalada muru-manin jalun-ba kadan muyar yaykarr-manda.

kurranday jalun-yalbay wangkar kalbay-mba marra-warri, yala-da muru-ma-ni-ny jalun-ba kada-ny muyar yaykarr-ma-nda | seagull open-sea above far-LOC flew, then turned sea-LOC came wind strong-become-when

kurranday jalun yalbay wangkar kalbay marra-warri muru kaday muyar yaykarr

bird: kurranday 'seagull'; yaykarr 'strong'


The night messenger bird flew past the camp calling, and the old woman said someone in another camp had died.

Jiway bayan-ba wangkar dungan yirrkan, wulbuman balkan bama bayan-yindu-ngu wulan.

jiway bayan-ba wangkar dunga-ny yirrka-ny, wulbuman balka-ny bama bayan-yindu-ngu wula-n | messenger.bird camp-LOC over went called, old.woman said person camp-other-LOC died

jiway bayan wangkar dungay yirrkal wulbuman balkal bama yindu wulay

bird: jiway 'night messenger bird' as a death omen


The kingfisher and the rainbow bird both dig their homes in the same steep bank, but they never fight over it.

Milman biru-biru jambul bayan baka-l jukar-a nyubun, jana kari kuli-ma yinya-nka.

milman biru-biru jambul bayan baka-l jukar-a nyubun, jana kari kuli-ma yinya-nka | kingfisher rainbow.bird two home dig sand-LOC one-LOC, they NEG fight that-DAT

milman biru-biru jambul bayan bakal jukar nyubun kuli-mal yinya

bird: two bank-nesters sharing; kuli-ma-l 'fight'


The turkey ran fast along the ground when the dog chased it, and then flew heavily up into a low tree.

Wungku bubu warri kayangka jirrku-manya, yalada wangkar juku-buban marra-warri kulngkul.

wungku bubu warri kaya-ngka jirrku-ma-l-nga, yala-da wangkar juku-buban marra-warri kulngkul | turkey ground ran dog-ERG chase-LOC, then up tree-low flew heavy

wungku bubu warri kaya jirrkumal wangkar juku buban marra-warri kulngkul

bird: wungku 'turkey'; jirrku-ma-l 'chase', kulngkul 'heavy'


The old woman said the eagle is the boss of all the birds, for it flies the highest and sees the whole country at once.

Wulbumanangka balkan wandi buyi wubul-mu maja, nyulu jarra-jarra-baja marra-warri, bubu wubulku muru nyajil.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny wandi buyi wubul-mu maja, nyulu jarra-jarra-baja marra-warri, bubu wubul-ku muru nyaji-l | old.woman said eagle bird all-POSS boss, it high-more fly, country all one-LOC(at.once) sees

wulbuman balkal wandi buyi wubul maja jarra-jarra marra-warri bubu nyubun nyajil

teaching: eagle as boss-bird; maja 'boss'


The little rainbow bird sat on the dead branch, its red wings shining in the sun.

Biru-biru buban juku-wulan-ba wunan, nangki nyungu ngala-ngala wungar-bu balbal.

biru-biru buban juku-wulan-ba wuna-ny, nangki nyungu ngala-ngala wungar-bu balbal | rainbow.bird small dead.branch-LOC sat, wing its red sun-INST shining

biru-biru buban juku wulay wunay nangki ngala-ngala wungar balbal

bird: biru-biru colour; balbal 'shine', ngala-ngala 'red'


The ducks flew up all together off the swamp with a great noise when the eagle came over them.

Nili-nili wubul daburri-muny wangkar muru marra-warri kuku-yalbay-bu, wandi jana wangkar kada-nya.

nili-nili wubul daburri-muny wangkar muru marra-warri kuku-yalbay-bu, wandi jana wangkar kada-nya | duck many swamp-ABL up one-LOC(together) flew noise-INST, eagle them over come-SUB

nili-nili wubul daburri wangkar nyubun marra-warri kuku yalbay wandi kaday

bird: flushed ducks; daburri-muny 'off the swamp'


The kingfisher shone as it flew low and fast straight down the middle of the creek.

Milman balbal, nyulu wawubaja-jina bada bila marra-warri.

milman balbal, nyulu wawubaja-jina bada bila marra-warri | kingfisher shining, it creek-middle low fast flew

milman balbal wawubaja jina bada bila marra-warri

bird: milman; balbal 'shine' (no 'blue' lexeme)


The old man taught the boys never to kill the little birds for no reason, only to take what the family will eat.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay balkan buyi buban kari yarkin-bungalka, minya jawun-karra nuka-nka nyubun maninka.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balka-ny buyi buban kari yarkin-bunga-nka, minya jawun-karra nuka-nka nyubun mani-nka | old-man-ERG child told bird small NEG kill-DAT, meat family eat-DAT one take-DAT

mukul dingkar karrkay balkal buyi buban yarkin-bungal minya jawun nukal manil

teaching: only take what you eat; yarkin-bunga-l 'kill'


When the black cockatoos fly north the old people know the cold weather is coming to the country.

Kadanji kuwa-nka marra-warri-manda, bama mukul binal ngiki-wungar bubu-ngu kada.

kadanji kuwa-nka marra-warri-ma-nda, bama mukul binal ngiki-wungar bubu-ngu kada | black.cockatoo north-DAT fly-when, person old know cold-season country-LOC come

kadanji kuwa marra-warri bama mukul binal ngiki wungar bubu kaday

bird: cockatoo migration as a season sign


The brolga and the native companion look almost the same, but the old woman knows them apart by their dance and their call.

Kulbal kurrbal jambul nyubun yala nyajil, yambada wulbuman binal jana-nya nyungu wuri kuku baja.

kulbal kurrbal jambul nyubun yala nyaji-l, yambada wulbuman binal jana-nya nyungu wuri kuku baja | brolga native.companion two like one look, but old.woman knows them-ACC their dance call too

kulbal kurrbal jambul nyubun yala nyajil wulbuman binal wuriy kuku


The parrots came down to the water in the day to drink, watching the sky for the hawk all the while.

Yinjul bana-nka bada kadan wungar-a, bana nukanka, jiri nyajil kalin-kalin-ka wubulku.

yinjul bana-nka bada kada-ny wungar-a, bana nuka-nka, jiri nyaji-l kalin-kalin-ka wubul-ku | parrot water-DAT down came day-LOC, water drink-DAT, sky watch hawk-DAT all

yinjul bana kaday wungar nukal jiri nyajil kalin-kalin wubul


The scrub hen's young rise alone in the warm ground and must find their own food from the very first day.

Jarruka nyungu karrkay bubu ngiki-kari-nga nyubun daka-l, nyungu-nyungu mayi milbinka wungar-nyubunmuny.

jarruka nyungu karrkay bubu ngiki-kari-nga nyubun daka-l, nyungu-nyungu mayi milbi-nka wungar-nyubun-muny | scrub.hen its child ground-warm-LOC alone rise, their-own food find-PURP day-first-ABL

jarruka karrkay bubu ngiki nyubun dakal mayi milbil wungar


The crows gathered in the tall tree and called together, and the old man said they had found a dead animal nearby.

Waja wubul juku-kalbay-mba muru-manin yirrkan muru, mukul-dingkar balkan jana minya-wulan milbin ngundu.

waja wubul juku-kalbay-mba muru-ma-ni-ny yirrka-ny muru, mukul-dingkar balka-ny jana minya-wulan milbi-ny ngundu | crow many tree-tall-LOC gathered called together, old-man said they animal-dead found near

waja wubul juku kalbay muru yirrkal nyubun mukul dingkar balkal minya wulay milbil ngundu


The little swallows built their small homes of mud below the rock ledge and came back to them every wet season.

Mabal buban bayan buban bungan kambal-kambal-bu kulji bada-bada, yinya-nga baja kadan bana-wungar wubulku.

mabal buban bayan buban bunga-ny kambal-kambal-bu kulji bada-bada, yinya-nga baja kada-ny bana-wungar wubul-ku | swallow small home small made mud-INST rock below, that-LOC again came wet-season all

mabal buban bayan bungal kambal-kambal kulji bada-bada kaday bana wungar wubul

bird: mabal 'swallow'; kambal-kambal 'mud', bada-bada 'below'


The old woman said a person who listens well to the birds will never be lost or hungry in the country.

Wulbumanangka balkan bama nyulu buyi ngulkurr ngananka nyulu kariku bubu-ngu milka-wula, kariku dakwuy.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny bama nyulu buyi ngulkurr ngana-nka nyulu kariku bubu-ngu milka-wula, kariku dakwuy | old.woman said person he bird well listen-DAT he never country-LOC lost(ear-die), never hungry

wulbuman balkal bama buyi ngulkurr nganay kariku bubu milka wulay dakwuy


The king parrot carried food to its young in the tree all the long day, back and forth without stopping.

Karrambil mayi wundil nyungu karrkay-nka juku-ngu, wungar kalbay wubulku kada-kada, kari kunbayn.

karrambil mayi wundi-l nyungu karrkay-nka juku-ngu, wungar kalbay wubul-ku kada-kada, kari kunbayn | king.parrot food carried its child-DAT tree-LOC, day long all come-come(back.forth), NEG finished

karrambil mayi wundil karrkay juku wungar kalbay wubul kaday kunbayn

bird: karrambil feeding young (no 'hollow'/'feed' lexeme -> mayi wundil)


The eagle caught a big snake in the grass, held it hard in its feet, and carried it up to the high tree to eat.

Wandi jarba yalbay bilanji-nga karrban, jina-bu dandi karrban, juku jarra-jarra wangkar wundil nukanka.

wandi jarba yalbay bilanji-nga karrba-ny, jina-bu dandi karrba-ny, juku jarra-jarra wangkar wundi-l nuka-nka | eagle snake big grass-LOC caught, foot-INST hard held, tree high up carried eat-DAT

wandi jarba yalbay bilanji karrbal jina dandi juku jarra-jarra wangkar wundil nukal

bird: wandi 'eagle'; jarba 'snake', bilanji 'grass'


The doves and the pigeons ate the fallen seeds together on the open ground, and none of them fought.

Kuludu bakamu diburr daran nukan muru bubu-yaral-ba, jana kari kuli-ma nyubun baja.

kuludu bakamu diburr dara-ny-nga nuka-ny muru bubu-yaral-ba, jana kari kuli-ma nyubun baja | dove pigeon seed fallen-LOC ate together open-ground-LOC, they NEG fight one too

kuludu bakamu diburr daral nukal nyubun bubu yaral kuli-mal


The old man said long ago the birds were people, and that is why each bird still has its own name, its own song, and its own country.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan ngadiku-baja buyi bama, yinya-nka buyi nyubun-nyubun nyungu-nyungu kuku, nyungu-nyungu wulngku, nyungu-nyungu bubu baja karrbal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny ngadiku-baja buyi bama, yinya-nka buyi nyubun-nyubun nyungu-nyungu kuku, nyungu-nyungu wulngku, nyungu-nyungu bubu baja karrba-l | old-man-ERG said long.ago bird person, that-DAT bird each their-own name, their-own song, their-own country too holds

mukul dingkar balkal ngadiku buyi bama yinya nyubun kuku wulngku bubu karrbal

teaching: birds-were-people origin; wulngku 'song'


The water in the creek is rather cold this morning, so the children do not want to swim yet.

Bana wawubaja-nga jarra-ngiki nyiku wunkuwingku, karrkay kari maraji wawu.

bana wawubaja-nga jarra-ngiki nyiku wunkuwingku, karrkay kari maraji wawu | water creek-LOC rather-cold this morning, child NEG swim want

bana wawubaja jarra ngiki nyiku wunkuwingku karrkay kari maraji wawu


This spear my grandfather made is rather long, so a short man cannot throw it well.

Nyiku kalka ngayku kami-ngka bungan jarra-kalbay, dingkar buban kari ngulkurr bawanka.

nyiku kalka ngayku kami-ngka bunga-ny jarra-kalbay, dingkar buban kari ngulkurr bawa-nka | this spear my grandfather-ERG made rather-long, man short NEG well throw-DAT

nyiku kalka kami bungal jarra kalbay dingkar buban kari ngulkurr bawal


That old man is rather sick today, so his sons are bringing the meat to his camp.

Yinya mukul-dingkar jarra-bambay nyiku wungar, nyungu kangkal minya bayan-ka wundil.

yinya mukul-dingkar jarra-bambay nyiku wungar, nyungu kangkal minya bayan-ka wundi-l | that old-man rather-sick this day, his son meat camp-DAT carries

yinya mukul dingkar jarra bambay nyiku wungar kangkal minya bayan wundil


The fruit on this tree is rather ripe now, but the old woman says we should wait two more days.

Mayi nyiku juku-ngu jarra-kulbul nyiku, yambada wulbuman balkan ngali wungar jambul baja karrbanka.

mayi nyiku juku-ngu jarra-kulbul nyiku, yambada wulbuman balka-ny ngali wungar jambul baja karrba-nka | fruit this tree-LOC rather-ripe now, but old.woman said we day two more wait-DAT

mayi nyiku juku jarra kulbul wulbuman balkal ngali wungar jambul baja karrbal


This dog is rather tame and will not bite the children, but that other one is still wild.

Nyiku kaya jarra-minday, kari karrkay baykanka, yambada yinya yindu kari-baja minday.

nyiku kaya jarra-minday, kari karrkay bayka-nka, yambada yinya yindu kari-baja minday | this dog rather-tame, NEG child bite-DAT, but that other not-yet tame

nyiku kaya jarra minday kari karrkay baykal yindu baja


The path along the river is rather long, so we will sleep one night on the way.

Bubu-jina wawubaja-nga jarra-kalbay, ngali wujurr nyubun wunay bubu-dukurr.

bubu-jina wawubaja-nga jarra-kalbay, ngali wujurr nyubun wuna-y bubu-dukurr | path river-LOC rather-long, we night one sleep way-inside

bubu jina wawubaja jarra kalbay ngali wujurr nyubun wunay dukurr


The fire is rather small now, so put more wood on it before the cold night comes.

Baya jarra-buban nyiku, juku baja bungan wujurr ngiki kada ngadiku.

baya jarra-buban nyiku, juku baja bunga-ny wujurr ngiki kada ngadiku | fire rather-small now, wood more put night cold come before

baya jarra buban juku baja bungal wujurr ngiki kaday ngadiku


The old woman said this young man is rather experienced already, though he has hunted only two wet seasons.

Wulbumanangka balkan nyiku warru jarra-juburr baja, yambada nyulu bana-wungar jambul balbin.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny nyiku warru jarra-juburr baja, yambada nyulu bana-wungar jambul balbi-ny | old.woman-ERG said this young.man rather-experienced already, but he wet-season two hunted

wulbuman balkal nyiku warru jarra juburr bana wungar jambul balbi


Sea-turtle meat is softer than fish, so the old people give it to the ones who have lost their teeth.

Minya ngawuya jarra-kima kuyu-ka, bama mukul yinya dajin dirra maru-maru-nka.

minya ngawuya jarra-kima kuyu-ka, bama mukul yinya daji-ny dirra maru-maru-nka | meat sea.turtle rather-soft fish-DAT, person old that gave tooth nothing-DAT(=toothless)

minya ngawuya jarra kima kuyu bama mukul dajil dirra maru-maru

comparative: jarra-kima + DAT 'softer than' (grammar ex.81)


The eagle is bigger than the crow, and it can carry a snake up to its high home.

Wandi jarra-yalbay waja-ka, nyulu jarba wangkar bayan-ka wundil.

wandi jarra-yalbay waja-ka, nyulu jarba wangkar bayan-ka wundi-l | eagle rather-big crow-DAT(=bigger.than), it snake up home-DAT carries

wandi jarra yalbay waja jarba wangkar bayan wundil


You are stronger than me, so you carry the big log and I will carry the small one.

Yundu jarra-yaykarr ngaykunku, yundu juku yalbay wundil, ngayu buban wundil.

yundu jarra-yaykarr ngaykunku, yundu juku yalbay wundi-l, ngayu buban wundi-l | you rather-strong me-DAT(=stronger.than), you log big carry, I small carry

yundu jarra yaykarr ngaykunku juku yalbay wundil ngayu buban

comparative: 'stronger than me' (pronoun DAT -nku)


The sea is deeper than the creek, so we do not let the little children swim there.

Jalun jarra-dukurr wawubaja-ka, ngali kari karrkay buban maraji-bungan yinya-bu.

jalun jarra-dukurr wawubaja-ka, ngali kari karrkay buban maraji-bunga-ny yinya-bu | sea rather-deep creek-DAT(=deeper.than), we NEG child small swim-let that-LOC

jalun jarra dukurr wawubaja ngali kari karrkay buban maraji yinya

comparative: 'deeper than the creek'; dukurr 'deep'


Stone is harder than wood, so the old people made the best axe-heads from stone.

Kulji jarra-dandi juku-ka, bama mukul kalka ngulkurr-baja-ku kulji-muny bungan.

kulji jarra-dandi juku-ka, bama mukul kalka ngulkurr-baja-ku kulji-muny bunga-ny | stone rather-hard wood-DAT(=harder.than), person old spear very-good stone-ABL made

kulji jarra dandi juku bama mukul kalka ngulkurr baja bungal

comparative: 'harder than wood' + very-good


The cassowary is heavier than the brolga, so two men are needed to carry it back to the camp.

Kurranji jarra-kulngkul kulbal-ka, dingkar jambul wawu nyulu bayan-ka wundinka.

kurranji jarra-kulngkul kulbal-ka, dingkar jambul wawu nyulu bayan-ka wundi-nka | cassowary rather-heavy brolga-DAT(=heavier.than), man two needed it camp-DAT carry-DAT

kurranji jarra kulngkul kulbal dingkar jambul wawu bayan wundil


This child is taller than that one, though they were both born in the same wet season.

Nyiku karrkay jarra-kalbay yinya-nka, yambada jana jambul bana-wungar nyubun-ba dakan.

nyiku karrkay jarra-kalbay yinya-nka, yambada jana jambul bana-wungar nyubun-ba daka-ny | this child rather-tall that-DAT(=taller.than), but they two wet-season one-LOC(same) born

nyiku karrkay jarra kalbay yinya jana jambul bana wungar nyubun dakal


The wet season is hotter than the cold season, and then the mosquitoes come thick along the river.

Bana-wungar jarra-wumbul ngiki-wungar-ka, yalada kamu wubul kadan wawubaja-nga.

bana-wungar jarra-wumbul ngiki-wungar-ka, yala-da kamu wubul kada-ny wawubaja-nga | wet-season rather-hot cold-season-DAT(=hotter.than), then mosquito many came river-LOC

bana wungar jarra wumbul ngiki kamu wubul kaday wawubaja

comparative: 'hotter than the cold season'


Honey is sweeter than the ripe fruit, so the children always run to the flowering tree first.

Kawar jarra-ngulkurr mayi kulbul-ka, karrkay wubulku juku-nganka-ka warri wungar-nyubunmuny.

kawar jarra-ngulkurr mayi kulbul-ka, karrkay wubul-ku juku-nganka-ka warri wungar-nyubun-muny | honey rather-good(=sweeter) fruit ripe-DAT, child all tree-flower-DAT run first

kawar jarra ngulkurr mayi kulbul karrkay wubul juku nganka warri

comparative: honey 'sweeter/better than' ripe fruit


The old woman knows more than the young man, for she has walked this country many more wet seasons.

Wulbuman jarra-binal warru-nka, nyulu nyiku bubu bana-wungar wubul-baja jilban.

wulbuman jarra-binal warru-nka, nyulu nyiku bubu bana-wungar wubul-baja jilba-ny | old.woman rather-knowing young.man-DAT(=knows.more.than), she this country wet-season many-more walked

wulbuman jarra binal warru nyiku bubu bana wungar wubul baja jilbay

comparative: 'knows more than'; wubul-baja 'more(many)'


That mountain is far higher than the hills around it, and the cloud sits on its top even in the dry.

Yinya jarra-jarra-baja bubu-yalbay yindu-ka, ngurrban nyungu dukul-bu wunay dukurr-wungar-a baja.

yinya jarra-jarra-baja bubu-yalbay yindu-ka, ngurrban nyungu dukul-bu wuna-y dukurr-wungar-a baja | that far-higher hill other-DAT, cloud its top-LOC lies dry-season-LOC too

yinya jarra-jarra baja bubu yalbay yindu ngurrban dukul wunay dukurr wungar

comparative: 'far higher than'; jarra-jarra-baja


The dry-country goanna runs faster than the dog, so it always reaches the tree first.

Minya bubu-dukurr-mu jarra-jinbal kaya-ka, nyulu juku-ka warri wungar-nyubunmuny kadal.

minya bubu-dukurr-mu jarra-jinbal kaya-ka, nyulu juku-ka warri wungar-nyubun-muny kada-l | animal dry.country-POSS rather-fast dog-DAT(=faster.than), it tree-DAT runs first reaches

minya bubu dukurr jarra jinbal kaya juku warri wungar kadal


The old man's spear is harder and straighter than the young man's, for he chose the wood with care.

Mukul-dingkar-mu kalka jarra-dandi warru-mu-ka, nyulu juku ngulkurr milbin bunganka.

mukul-dingkar-mu kalka jarra-dandi warru-mu-ka, nyulu juku ngulkurr milbi-ny bunga-nka | old-man-POSS spear rather-hard young.man-POSS-DAT(=harder.than), he wood good found make-DAT

mukul dingkar kalka jarra dandi warru juku ngulkurr milbil bungal

comparative: possessor standard 'than the young man's'


I am very hungry, for I have eaten nothing since the sun came up this morning.

Ngayu dakwuy-baja-ku, ngayu maru-maru nukan wungar dakan-muny nyiku wunkuwingku.

ngayu dakwuy-baja-ku, ngayu maru-maru nuka-ny wungar daka-ny-muny nyiku wunkuwingku | I hungry-very, I nothing ate sun rose-ABL this morning

ngayu dakwuy baja maru-maru nukal wungar dakal nyiku wunkuwingku

ADJ-baja-ku 'very hungry' (grammar ex.82)


The infant is very small, so its mother carries it everywhere in a soft bark cradle.

Ngawa buban-baja-ku, nyungu ngamu-ngka nyulu juku-kambi kima-nga wubulku wundil.

ngawa buban-baja-ku, nyungu ngamu-ngka nyulu juku-kambi kima-nga wubul-ku wundi-l | infant small-very, its mother-ERG it bark-cover soft-LOC everywhere carries

ngawa buban baja ngamu juku kima wubul wundil


This stone is very heavy, so we cannot carry it far and must break it here.

Nyiku kulji kulngkul-baja-ku, ngali kari kala-kalbay wundinka, nyiku-bu dumbarrinka.

nyiku kulji kulngkul-baja-ku, ngali kari kala-kalbay wundi-nka, nyiku-bu dumbarri-nka | this stone heavy-very, we NEG far carry-DAT, here break-DAT

nyiku kulji kulngkul baja ngali kari kala-kalbay wundil dumbarril


The rain today is very cold, so everyone stays close to the fire in the camp.

Kaba nyiku wungar ngiki-baja-ku, bama wubul baya ngundu wunay bayan-ba.

kaba nyiku wungar ngiki-baja-ku, bama wubul baya ngundu wuna-y bayan-ba | rain this day cold-very, person all fire near stays camp-LOC

kaba nyiku wungar ngiki baja bama wubul baya ngundu wunay bayan


That old woman is very experienced, for she has watched the plants and the birds all her long life.

Yinya wulbuman juburr-baja-ku, nyulu mayi buyi nyajin nyungu wungar-kadal wubulku kalbay.

yinya wulbuman juburr-baja-ku, nyulu mayi buyi nyaji-ny nyungu wungar-kadal wubul-ku kalbay | that old.woman experienced-very, she plant bird watched her years all long

yinya wulbuman juburr baja mayi buyi nyajil kalbay wubul wungar kadal


The sun is very hot in the middle of the day, so the old people rest in the shade of the big tree.

Wungar wumbul-baja-ku wungar-jarra-jarra, bama mukul mara-kunbay juku-yalbay ngurrban-ba.

wungar wumbul-baja-ku wungar-jarra-jarra, bama mukul mara-kunbay juku-yalbay ngurrban-ba | sun hot-very midday, person old rest big-tree shade-LOC

wungar wumbul baja bama mukul mara-kunbay juku yalbay ngurrban

ADJ-baja-ku 'very hot'; mara-kunbay 'rest'


The very big man's spear broke when he threw it at the running pig.

Dingkar yalbay-baja-mu-ku kalka dumbarrin, nyulu minya warri-nga bawan.

dingkar yalbay-baja-mu-ku kalka dumbarri-ny, nyulu minya warri-nga bawa-ny-nga | man big-very-POSS spear broke, he animal running-LOC threw-LOC

dingkar yalbay baja kalka dumbarril minya warri bawal

ADJ-baja-mu-ku 'very big-POSS' (grammar ex.94)


He went hunting with a very old dog that could no longer run fast but still knew every track.

Nyulu balbin kaya mukul-baja-ji-ku, kari-baja jinbal warri, yambada jina wubulku binal.

nyulu balbi-ny kaya mukul-baja-ji-ku, kari-baja jinbal warri, yambada jina wubul-ku binal | he hunted dog old-very-COMIT, not-anymore fast run, but track all knows

nyulu balbi kaya mukul baja kari jinbal warri jina wubul binal

ADJ-baja-ji-ku 'very old-COMIT' (grammar ex.95)


I feel sorry for the very sick child, so I will take some soft food to its camp tonight.

Ngayu jiba-badil karrkay bambay-baja-nka-ku, ngayu mayi kima bayan-ka wundil nyiku wujurr.

ngayu jiba-badi-l karrkay bambay-baja-nka-ku, ngayu mayi kima bayan-ka wundi-l nyiku wujurr | I sorry(liver-cry) child sick-very-DAT, I food soft camp-DAT carry this night

ngayu jiba-badil karrkay bambay baja mayi kima bayan wundil wujurr

ADJ-baja-nka-ku 'very sick-DAT' (grammar ex.85)


The eagle flies higher than all the other birds and sees the whole country from the top of the sky.

Wandi jarra-jarra-baja marra-warri buyi yindu wubul-ku, bubu wubulku jiri-dukul-muny nyajil.

wandi jarra-jarra-baja marra-warri buyi yindu wubul-ku, bubu wubul-ku jiri-dukul-muny nyaji-l | eagle far-higher fly bird other all-DAT, country all sky-top-ABL sees

wandi jarra-jarra baja marra-warri buyi yindu wubul bubu jiri dukul nyajil


This water from the mountain spring is the best of all, sweeter and colder than the river water.

Nyiku bana bubu-yalbay-mu ngulkurr-baja-ku wubul-ku, jarra-kawar jarra-ngiki wawubaja-bana-ka.

nyiku bana bubu-yalbay-mu ngulkurr-baja-ku wubul-ku, jarra-kawar jarra-ngiki wawubaja-bana-ka | this water mountain-POSS good-very all-DAT(=best), sweeter colder river-water-DAT

nyiku bana bubu yalbay ngulkurr baja wubul jarra kawar ngiki wawubaja

superlative: 'best of all' + double comparative


The old man said the cassowary is the most feared of all the animals in the deep scrub.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan kurranji jarra-yinil minya wubul-ku ngalkal-bubu-ngu.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny kurranji jarra-yinil minya wubul-ku ngalkal-bubu-ngu | old-man-ERG said cassowary most-feared animal all-DAT rainforest-LOC

mukul dingkar balkal kurranji jarra yinil minya wubul ngalkal bubu

superlative: 'most dangerous of all animals'


That old woman is the oldest person in the camp, and she remembers the names of the ancient country.

Yinya wulbuman jarra-mukul bama wubul-ku bayan-ba, nyulu bubu-ngadiku kuku wubul karrbal milka-nga.

yinya wulbuman jarra-mukul bama wubul-ku bayan-ba, nyulu bubu-ngadiku kuku wubul karrba-l milka-nga | that old.woman rather-old person all-DAT(=oldest) camp-LOC, she country-ancient name many holds memory-LOC

yinya wulbuman jarra mukul bama wubul bayan bubu ngadiku kuku karrbal milka

superlative: 'oldest person in the camp'


This is the best fishing place of all, for the water is deep and the fish are many and big.

Nyiku kuyu-balbi bubu ngulkurr-baja-ku wubul-ku, bana dukurr, kuyu wubul yalbay baja.

nyiku kuyu-balbi bubu ngulkurr-baja-ku wubul-ku, bana dukurr, kuyu wubul yalbay baja | this fish-hunt place good-very all-DAT(=best), water deep, fish many big too

nyiku kuyu balbi bubu ngulkurr baja wubul bana dukurr yalbay

superlative: 'best fishing place of all'


The brolga and the native companion look alike, but their dance and their call are not the same.

Kulbal kurrbal nyubun yala nyajil, yambada nyungu wuri kuku kari nyubun yala.

kulbal kurrbal nyubun yala nyaji-l, yambada nyungu wuri kuku kari nyubun yala | brolga native.companion like one look, but their dance call NEG like one

kulbal kurrbal nyubun yala nyajil wuri kuku kari

equality: 'look alike'; nyubun yala 'like one'


This spear is like that one, for the same old man made them both from the one straight tree.

Nyiku kalka yinya yala, mukul-dingkar nyubun-angka jambul bungan juku nyubun ngulkurr-muny.

nyiku kalka yinya yala, mukul-dingkar nyubun-angka jambul bunga-ny juku nyubun ngulkurr-muny | this spear that like, old-man one-ERG two made tree one straight-ABL

nyiku kalka yinya yala mukul dingkar nyubun jambul bungal juku ngulkurr


The young man is now as strong as his father, and the two hunt the big animals together.

Warru nyiku yaykarr nyungu nganjan yala, jana jambul minya yalbay muru balbil.

warru nyiku yaykarr nyungu nganjan yala, jana jambul minya yalbay muru balbi-l | young.man now strong his father like, they two animal big together hunt

warru nyiku yaykarr nganjan yala jana jambul minya yalbay muru balbi


The little kingfisher is much smaller than the crow, but it dives faster than any other bird.

Milman buban jarra-buban-baja waja-ka, yambada nyulu jarra-jinbal buyi yindu wubul-ku bada daran.

milman buban jarra-buban-baja waja-ka, yambada nyulu jarra-jinbal buyi yindu wubul-ku bada dara-ny | kingfisher small much-smaller crow-DAT, but it faster bird other all-DAT down dives

milman buban jarra baja waja jinbal buyi yindu wubul bada daral

comparative + superlative: 'smaller than' + 'faster than any'


The old man said a quiet child learns more than a noisy one, for it listens instead of talking.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan karrkay janka jarra-binal karrkay kuku-yalbay-ka, nyulu nganay kari balkal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny karrkay janka jarra-binal karrkay kuku-yalbay-ka, nyulu ngana-y kari balka-l | old-man-ERG said child quiet rather-knowing(learns.more) child noisy-DAT, it listens NEG talks

mukul dingkar balkal karrkay janka jarra binal kuku yalbay nganay kari

comparative: 'learns more than a noisy one'


The wet-season river is far wider and faster than the dry-season one, and it carries whole trees to the sea.

Bana-wungar wawubaja jarra-yalbay jarra-jinbal-baja ngiki-wungar-mu-ka, nyulu juku wubul jalun-ka wundil.

bana-wungar wawubaja jarra-yalbay jarra-jinbal-baja ngiki-wungar-mu-ka, nyulu juku wubul jalun-ka wundi-l | wet-season river rather-big much-faster dry-season-POSS-DAT, it tree many sea-DAT carries

bana wungar wawubaja jarra yalbay jinbal baja ngiki juku wubul jalun wundil

comparative: river 'wider and faster than' the dry one


This road is harder to walk than that one, for the stones are many and the way is steep.

Nyiku bubu-jina jarra-dandi jilbanka yinya-ka, kulji wubul, bubu jarra-jarra.

nyiku bubu-jina jarra-dandi jilba-nka yinya-ka, kulji wubul, bubu jarra-jarra | this path rather-hard walk-DAT that-DAT, stone many, ground high(steep)

nyiku bubu jina jarra dandi jilbay yinya kulji wubul jarra-jarra


The old woman's fire is always smaller than the young people's, but hers never goes out in the night.

Wulbuman-mu baya wubulku jarra-buban warru-warru-mu-ka, yambada nyungu kari wujurr-ba kunbayn.

wulbuman-mu baya wubul-ku jarra-buban warru-warru-mu-ka, yambada nyungu kari wujurr-ba kunbayn | old.woman-POSS fire always rather-small young-people-POSS-DAT, but hers NEG night-LOC finishes(goes.out)

wulbuman baya wubul jarra buban warru kari wujurr kunbayn

comparative: 'smaller than the young people's'


That snake is far more to be feared than this one, so the children must never go near the long grass.

Yinya jarba jarra-yinil-baja nyiku-ka, karrkay kariku bilanji-kalbay ngundu dunganka.

yinya jarba jarra-yinil-baja nyiku-ka, karrkay kariku bilanji-kalbay ngundu dunga-nka | that snake much-more-feared this-DAT, child never grass-long near go-DAT

yinya jarba jarra yinil baja nyiku karrkay kariku bilanji kalbay ngundu dungay


The old man is a better hunter than his sons, though his eyes are now rather weak.

Mukul-dingkar jarra-juburr balbi-bama nyungu kangkal-ka, yambada nyungu miyil nyiku kari-baja yaykarr.

mukul-dingkar jarra-juburr balbi-bama nyungu kangkal-ka, yambada nyungu miyil nyiku kari-baja yaykarr | old-man rather-experienced hunt-person his son-DAT(=better.hunter.than), but his eye now not-anymore strong(weak)

mukul dingkar jarra juburr balbi bama kangkal miyil nyiku yaykarr

comparative: 'better hunter than his sons'


This day is much hotter than yesterday, and the old people say the big rain will come very soon.

Nyiku wungar jarra-wumbul-baja ngadiku-wungar-ka, bama mukul balkan kaba yalbay ngundu-baja kada.

nyiku wungar jarra-wumbul-baja ngadiku-wungar-ka, bama mukul balka-ny kaba yalbay ngundu-baja kada | this day much-hotter yesterday-DAT, person old said rain big very-soon come

nyiku wungar jarra wumbul baja ngadiku bama mukul balkal kaba yalbay ngundu

comparative: 'much hotter than yesterday'


The old woman said the strongest man is not the one who fights, but the one who keeps the peace.

Wulbumanangka balkan dingkar jarra-yaykarr wubul-ku kari nyulu kuli-mal, yambada nyulu bubu janka karrbal.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny dingkar jarra-yaykarr wubul-ku kari nyulu kuli-ma-l, yambada nyulu bubu janka karrba-l | old.woman-ERG said man strongest all-DAT NEG he fights, but he country quiet holds

wulbuman balkal dingkar jarra yaykarr wubul kari kuli-mal bubu janka karrbal

superlative + teaching: 'the strongest man'


The honey from the top of the tall tree is sweeter than the honey low down, but it is far harder to reach.

Kawar juku-kalbay-mba wangkar-mu jarra-ngulkurr kawar bada-mu-ka, yambada jarra-dandi kadanka.

kawar juku-kalbay-mba wangkar-mu jarra-ngulkurr kawar bada-mu-ka, yambada jarra-dandi kada-nka | honey tall-tree-LOC up-POSS sweeter honey down-POSS-DAT, but harder reach-DAT

kawar juku kalbay wangkar jarra ngulkurr bada dandi kadal

comparative: 'sweeter than the honey low down'


This young dog is faster than the old one, but the old one is much better at finding the pig.

Nyiku kaya warru jarra-jinbal kaya mukul-ka, yambada mukul jarra-juburr-baja minya milbinka.

nyiku kaya warru jarra-jinbal kaya mukul-ka, yambada mukul jarra-juburr-baja minya milbi-nka | this dog young rather-fast dog old-DAT, but old much-better animal find-DAT

nyiku kaya warru jarra jinbal mukul juburr baja minya milbil

comparative: 'faster than the old one' + 'much better at'


The old man said the country itself is the greatest teacher of all, greater than any person, for it never lies.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan bubu nyulu-bu binal-bunga-bama jarra-yalbay wubul-ku, jarra-yalbay bama wubul-ku, nyulu kariku kuku-kari balkal.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bubu nyulu-bu binal-bunga-bama jarra-yalbay wubul-ku, jarra-yalbay bama wubul-ku, nyulu kariku kuku-kari balka-l | old-man-ERG said country it-ERG teach-person greatest all-DAT, greater person all-DAT, it never word-false speaks(lies)

mukul dingkar balkal bubu binal bunga bama jarra yalbay wubul kari kuku

superlative + teaching: 'the greatest teacher of all'


At dawn the men speared barramundi in the deep part of the river, standing very still on the sand bank.

Wunkuwingku dingkar judi daman wawubaja dukurr-ba, jukar-a janka janan.

wunkuwingku dingkar judi dama-ny wawubaja dukurr-ba, jukar-a janka jana-ny | morning man barramundi speared creek deep-LOC, sand-LOC still stood

wunkuwingku dingkar judi damal wawubaja dukurr jukar janka janay


When the tide goes out the women walk far onto the reef and gather oysters and clams among the stones.

Yira dunga-nya jalbu kulji-nga kala-kalbay jilban, julul darkay kulji-nga manin.

yira dunga-nya jalbu kulji-nga kala-kalbay jilba-ny, julul darkay kulji-nga mani-ny | tide go-SUB(=when.goes.out) woman reef-LOC far walked, oyster clam stone-LOC gathered

yira dungay jalbu kulji kala-kalbay jilbay julul darkay manil

marine: yira 'tide', julul 'oyster', darkay 'clam'


The mudcrab hides in the mangrove mud, and you must be quick and hold it from behind.

Kiju kajul kambal-kambal-ba ngakijin, yundu bila kudamundu karrban.

kiju kajul kambal-kambal-ba ngakiji-ny, yundu bila kudamundu karrba-ny | mudcrab mangrove mud-LOC hides, you fast behind hold

kiju kajul kambal-kambal ngakijil yundu bila kudamundu karrbal

crab: kiju 'mudcrab'; ngakiji-y 'hide'; kudamundu 'behind'


The stingray lies buried in the sand of the shallow water, and its tail can hurt a person badly.

Yawu jukar-a bana-buban-ba wunay, nyungu banda-bu bama yalbay bambay-bungan.

yawu jukar-a bana-buban-ba wuna-y, nyungu banda-bu bama yalbay bambay-bunga-ny | stingray sand-LOC water-shallow-LOC lies, its tail-INST person big sick-CAUS(hurt)

yawu jukar bana buban wunay banda bama yalbay bambay bungal

ray: yawu 'stingray'; banda 'tail'; bambay-bungal 'hurt'


The eel lives in the deep waterhole and comes out only at night to feed on the small fish.

Mawul bana-dukurr-ba wunay, wujurr-ba nyulu kadan kuyu buban nukanka.

mawul bana-dukurr-ba wuna-y, wujurr-ba nyulu kada-ny kuyu buban nuka-nka | eel water-deep-LOC lives, night-LOC it comes fish small eat-DAT

mawul bana dukurr wunay wujurr kaday kuyu buban nukal


The old man's fish net was strong, and he caught many mullet at the mouth of the creek.

Mukul-dingkar-mu makarr yaykarr, nyulu kalngkan wubul karrban wawubaja-ngandal-ba.

mukul-dingkar-mu makarr yaykarr, nyulu kalngkan wubul karrba-ny wawubaja-ngandal-ba | old-man-POSS net strong, he mullet many caught creek-mouth-LOC

mukul dingkar makarr yaykarr kalngkan wubul karrbal wawubaja ngandal

gear: makarr 'fish net'; ngandal 'mouth'


The children caught small fish with a hook and bait in the still water of the creek all afternoon.

Karrkay kuyu buban karrban badur-bu mandurr-ji wawubaja bana-janka-nga wungar wubulku.

karrkay kuyu buban karrba-ny badur-bu mandurr-ji wawubaja bana-janka-nga wungar wubul-ku | child fish small caught hook-INST bait-COMIT creek water-still-LOC day all

karrkay kuyu buban karrbal badur mandurr wawubaja bana janka wungar wubul


The sea turtle comes up onto the beach at night and digs down deep into the warm sand.

Ngawiya jalun-muny yalmba-nga daka-l wujurr-ba, jukar-wumbul dukurr-ba bakan.

ngawiya jalun-muny yalmba-nga daka-l wujurr-ba, jukar-wumbul dukurr-ba baka-ny | sea.turtle sea-ABL beach-LOC rises night-LOC, sand-warm deep-LOC dug

ngawiya jalun yalmba dakal wujurr jukar wumbul dukurr bakal

turtle: ngawiya 'sea turtle'; baka-l 'dig'


The dugong feeds on the sea grass in the shallow water of the bay, and the old people hunt it in the shallows.

Biwuy bilanji jalun-mu bana-buban-ba nukal, bama mukul nyulu bana-buban-ba balbil.

biwuy bilanji jalun-mu bana-buban-ba nuka-l, bama mukul nyulu bana-buban-ba balbi-l | dugong grass sea-POSS water-shallow-LOC eats, person old it water-shallow-LOC hunts

biwuy bilanji jalun bana buban nukal bama mukul balbil


The shark follows the school of mullet close to the shore, and the birds reveal where the fish are.

Yaburr kalngkan wubul wukurrin yalmba karangkal, buyi nyulu milbin wanja kuyu wunay.

yaburr kalngkan wubul wukurri-ny yalmba karangkal, buyi nyulu milbi-ny wanja kuyu wuna-y | shark mullet many followed shore alongside, bird it reveals where fish lie

yaburr kalngkan wubul wukurril yalmba karangkal buyi milbil wanja kuyu wunay

shark: yaburr; karangkal 'alongside'; milbi-l 'reveal'


The women cooked the big fish on the hot coals, and then they shared it among all the families.

Jalbu kuyu yalbay dindan baya wumbul-ba, yalada jana daji-way jawun-karra wubulku.

jalbu kuyu yalbay dinda-ny baya wumbul-ba, yala-da jana daji-way jawun-karra wubul-ku | woman fish big roasted fire hot-LOC, then they shared kin all-DAT

jalbu kuyu yalbay dindal baya wumbul daji jawun wubul


The catfish has sharp fins, so you take it off the hook carefully or it will hurt your hand.

Julaji kanya dandi, yundu badur-muny janka manil, kari manin nyulu nyungu mara bambay-bungan.

julaji kanya dandi, yundu badur-muny janka mani-l, kari mani-ny nyulu nyungu mara bambay-bunga-ny | catfish fin hard, you hook-ABL careful take, NEG take(else) it your hand sick-CAUS(hurt)

julaji kanya dandi yundu badur janka manil mara bambay bungal


The tide rose and the prawns came up the creek, and we caught them with a net in the dark night.

Yira dakan, wakal wawubaja wangkar kadan, ngana makarr-bu karrban wujurr ngumbu-ngu.

yira daka-ny, wakal wawubaja wangkar kada-ny, ngana makarr-bu karrba-ny wujurr ngumbu-ngu | tide rose, prawn creek up came, we net-INST caught night black-LOC

wakal wawubaja wangkar kaday yira dakal makarr karrbal wujurr ngumbu


The octopus hides in a hole among the reef stones and grabs the small fish that swim past it.

Kurrija kulji-nga janku-ngu ngakijin, kuyu buban maraji-nya nyulu karrban.

kurrija kulji-nga janku-ngu ngakiji-ny, kuyu buban maraji-nya nyulu karrba-ny | octopus reef-LOC hole-LOC hides, fish small swim-SUB it grabbed

kurrija kulji janku ngakijil kuyu buban maraji karrbal


The old man knows the best fishing places, the deep holes in the river where the big cod lie all day.

Mukul-dingkar binal kuyu-balbi bubu ngulkurr-baja-ku, wawubaja bana-dukurr wanja wara yalbay wungar wubulku wunay.

mukul-dingkar binal kuyu-balbi bubu ngulkurr-baja-ku, wawubaja bana-dukurr wanja wara yalbay wungar wubul-ku wuna-y | old-man knows fish-hunt place very-good, creek water-deep where rock.cod big day all lie

mukul dingkar binal kuyu balbi bubu ngulkurr wawubaja bana dukurr wara yalbay wunay

fish: wara 'rock cod'; deep-hole knowledge


The freshwater turtle sleeps in the mud at the bottom of the waterhole through the cold dry season.

Ngujay kambal-kambal-ba bana-jina-nga wunay ngiki dukurr-wungar-a wubulku.

ngujay kambal-kambal-ba bana-jina-nga wuna-y ngiki dukurr-wungar-a wubul-ku | freshwater.turtle mud-LOC water-bottom-LOC sleeps cold dry-season-LOC all

ngujay kambal-kambal bana jina wunay ngiki dukurr wungar wubul


When the wet season rain comes the water rises, and the salmon come into the river mouth in a great school.

Bana-wungar kaba kada-nya bana yalbay-mal, jalkay wawubaja-ngandal-ba wubul kadan.

bana-wungar kaba kada-nya bana yalbay-ma-l, jalkay wawubaja-ngandal-ba wubul kada-ny | wet-season rain come-SUB water big-becomes, salmon creek-mouth-LOC many came

bana wungar kaba kaday yalbay jalkay wawubaja ngandal wubul


The women dug the mussels from the sand with sticks and laid them in their paperbark before the tide turned.

Jalbu mukirr jukar-muny bakan juku-bu, nyungu buyku-ngu wunan yira jurrkin ngadiku.

jalbu mukirr jukar-muny baka-ny juku-bu, nyungu buyku-ngu wuna-ny yira jurrki-ny ngadiku | woman mussel sand-ABL dug stick-INST, their paperbark-LOC laid tide turned before

jalbu mukirr jukar bakal juku buyku wunay yira jurrkil ngadiku

shellfish: mukirr 'mussel'; baka-l 'dig'; jurrki-l 'turn'


The old man threw the many-pronged fish spear and held the big flathead down against the sandy bottom.

Mukul-dingkarangka yinba daman, dalmbal yalbay jukar-jina-nga bada karrban.

mukul-dingkar-angka yinba dama-ny, dalmbal yalbay jukar-jina-nga bada karrba-ny | old-man-ERG fish.spear speared, flathead big sand-bottom-LOC down held

mukul dingkar yinba damal dalmbal yalbay jukar jina bada karrbal

gear: yinba 'fish spear'; dalmbal 'flathead'


The old woman said the crayfish walks backward into its hole, so you must block the way behind it first.

Wulbumanangka balkan ngajay muku-mundu janku-ka jilban, yundu nyungu bubu kudamundu nanda-l wungar-nyubunmuny.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny ngajay muku-mundu janku-ka jilba-ny, yundu nyungu bubu kudamundu nanda-l wungar-nyubun-muny | old.woman-ERG said crayfish back-ABESS(backward) hole-DAT walked, you its path behind block first

wulbuman balkal ngajay muku janku jilbay bubu kudamundu nandal

crustacean: ngajay 'crayfish'; nanda-l 'block/shut'


When the sand crabs rise out of the sand at low tide the children chase them and put them in the paperbark.

Ngalngal jukar-muny dakan yira buban-ba, karrkay jana jirrku-mal, buyku-ngu wunan.

ngalngal jukar-muny daka-ny yira buban-ba, karrkay jana jirrku-ma-l, buyku-ngu wuna-ny | sand.crab sand-ABL rose tide low(small)-LOC, child them chased, paperbark-LOC put

ngalngal jukar dakal yira buban karrkay jirrkumal buyku wunay

crab: ngalngal 'sand crab'; jirrku-ma-l 'chase'


The dugong and the sea turtle both eat the sea grass, so the old people find them in the same shallow bays.

Biwuy ngawiya jambul bilanji jalun-mu nukal, bama mukul jana bana-buban nyubun-ba milbil.

biwuy ngawiya jambul bilanji jalun-mu nuka-l, bama mukul jana bana-buban nyubun-ba milbi-l | dugong sea.turtle two grass sea-POSS eat, person old them water-shallow same-LOC find

biwuy ngawiya jambul bilanji jalun nukal bama mukul bana buban nyubun milbil


The catfish and the eel both have no scales, so the old people know them by their smooth soft body.

Julaji mawul jambul jindi-kari, bama mukul jana binal nyungu bangkarr kima-muny.

julaji mawul jambul jindi-kari, bama mukul jana binal nyungu bangkarr kima-muny | catfish eel two scale-PRIV(without), person old them know their body soft-ABL

julaji mawul jambul jindi kari bama mukul binal bangkarr kima

fish: jindi 'scale'; bangkarr 'body'; scaleless fish


The old man cooked the whole barramundi in paperbark on the coals, and its soft flesh came off the bones.

Mukul-dingkarangka judi wubul wayjun buyku-ngu baya-nga, nyungu minya kima dumbarrin.

mukul-dingkar-angka judi wubul wayju-ny buyku-ngu baya-nga, nyungu minya kima dumbarri-ny | old-man-ERG barramundi whole cooked paperbark-LOC fire-LOC, its flesh soft came.off

mukul dingkar judi wubul wayjul buyku baya minya kima dumbarril


The tadpoles fill the little rock pools after the rain, and later they become the frogs that call at night.

Kubu-kubu kulji-bana buban-ba wubul kaba-muny, yalada yuday-mal, wujurr-ba yirrkanka.

kubu-kubu kulji-bana buban-ba wubul kaba-muny, yala-da yuday-ma-l, wujurr-ba yirrka-nka | tadpole rock-pool small-LOC many rain-ABL, then frog-become, night-LOC call-DAT

kubu-kubu kulji bana buban wubul kaba yuday wujurr yirrkal

amphibian: kubu-kubu 'tadpole' -> yuday 'frog'


The women wade in the shallow creek and feel for the mussels in the mud with their feet.

Jalbu wawubaja bana-buban-ba jilban, mukirr kambal-kambal-ba jina-bu milbil.

jalbu wawubaja bana-buban-ba jilba-ny, mukirr kambal-kambal-ba jina-bu milbi-l | woman creek water-shallow-LOC walked, mussel mud-LOC foot-INST find

jalbu wawubaja bana buban jilbay mukirr kambal-kambal jina milbil


The old man said never spear a small fish, for it will grow big and feed the family many times over.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan kuyu buban kari damanka, nyulu yalbay-mal, jawun-karra dajinka wungar wubulku.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny kuyu buban kari dama-nka, nyulu yalbay-ma-l, jawun-karra daji-nka wungar wubul-ku | old-man-ERG said fish small NEG spear-DAT, it big-becomes, kin feed-DAT time all

mukul dingkar balkal kuyu buban kari damal yalbay jawun dajil wungar wubul


The big mudcrab fights hard, its claws up in the air, so you hold it firmly from behind.

Kiju yalbay kuli-mal, nyungu mara yalbay wangkar, yundu dandi karrbal kudamundu.

kiju yalbay kuli-ma-l, nyungu mara yalbay wangkar, yundu dandi karrba-l kudamundu | big mudcrab fights, its claw big up, you firm hold behind

kiju kuli-mal yundu karrbal mara yalbay wangkar dandi kudamundu


The old people watched the tide and the moon, for the biggest tides come at the full moon and the new.

Bama mukul yira kija baja nyajin, yira yalbay-baja kija yalbay-mba kija maru-maru-ngu baja kadan.

bama mukul yira kija baja nyaji-ny, yira yalbay-baja kija yalbay-mba kija maru-maru-ngu baja kada-ny | person old tide moon too watched, tide biggest moon big-LOC moon none-LOC too came

bama mukul yira kija nyajil yalbay baja maru-maru kaday


The little archerfish spits water at the insects on the mangrove leaves and drops them into the creek.

Kuyu buban dalku bana bawal minya-buban kajul-birra-nga, wawubaja-ka daray-manil.

kuyu buban dalku bana bawa-l minya-buban kajul-birra-nga, wawubaja-ka dara-y-mani-l | fish small archerfish water throws creature-small mangrove-leaf-LOC, creek-DAT fall-CAUS(drops)

kuyu buban dalku bana bawal minya kajul birra wawubaja daray

fish: dalku 'archerfish'; daray-manil 'drop'


The men went out past the reef to spear the big turtle in the deep blue water.

Dingkar jalun-ka dungay kulji-muny, ngawiya yalbay damanka bana-dukurr-ba.

dingkar jalun-ka dunga-y kulji-muny, ngawiya yalbay dama-nka bana-dukurr-ba | man sea-DAT went reef-ABL, sea.turtle big spear-DAT water-deep-LOC

dingkar jalun dungay kulji ngawiya yalbay damal bana dukurr


The old woman said the oyster holds its meat behind a hard shell, so you break it open on a stone.

Wulbumanangka balkan julul nyungu minya milbar dandi dukurr-ba karrbal, yundu kulji-nga dumbarril.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny julul nyungu minya milbar dandi dukurr-ba karrba-l, yundu kulji-nga dumbarri-l | old.woman-ERG said oyster its meat shell hard inside holds, you stone-LOC break

wulbuman balkal julul minya milbar dandi dukurr karrbal kulji dumbarril

shellfish: julul 'oyster'; milbar 'shell'; dumbarri-l 'break'


The freshwater prawns hide under the stones in the running creek, and the children turn the stones to find them.

Wakal kulji bada-bada wawubaja warri-nga ngakijin, karrkay kulji jurrkil jana milbinka.

wakal kulji bada-bada wawubaja warri-nga ngakiji-ny, karrkay kulji jurrki-l jana milbi-nka | prawn stone below running.creek-LOC hides, child stone turns them find-PURP

wakal kulji bada-bada wawubaja warri ngakijil karrkay jurrkil milbil

crustacean: prawns under stones; jurrki-l 'turn'


The old man taught the boy to read the water: where the mullet feed, and the swirl where the cod turns.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-bungan bana ngaranka: wanja kalngkan nukal, bana-jurrki wanja wara jurrkin.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-bunga-ny bana ngara-nka: wanja kalngkan nuka-l, bana-jurrki wanja wara jurrki-ny | old-man-ERG boy teach(CAUS) water read-DAT: where mullet feeds, water-swirl where rock.cod turns

mukul dingkar karrkay binal bungal bana ngaray kalngkan nukal wara jurrkil

teaching: reading the water; binal-bungal 'teach'


The squid changes when it is afraid, going from pale to dark red in a single moment.

Nuwi yindu-mal yinil-manya, ngumbu-kari-muny ngala-ngala-ka wungar-nyubunmuny.

nuwi yindu-ma-l yinil-ma-nya, ngumbu-kari-muny ngala-ngala-ka wungar-nyubun-muny | squid other-becomes(changes) fear-SUB, black-without(pale)-ABL red-DAT in.one.moment

nuwi yindumal yinilmal ngumbu kari ngala-ngala wungar nyubun

marine: nuwi 'squid'; ngumbu-kari 'pale', ngala-ngala 'red'


The women roasted the crayfish on the coals until its shell turned red, and the children waited alongside.

Jalbu ngajay dindan baya-nga milbar ngala-ngala-mal ngadiku, karrkay karangkal karrban.

jalbu ngajay dinda-ny baya-nga milbar ngala-ngala-ma-l ngadiku, karrkay karangkal karrba-ny | woman crayfish roasted fire-LOC shell red-becomes until, child alongside waited

jalbu ngajay dindal baya milbar ngala-ngala karrkay karangkal karrbal

cook: roasting crayfish; karangkal 'alongside'


The eel is long and strong and hard to hold, so the old man spears it against the bottom of the hole.

Mawul kalbay yaykarr, karrbal dandi, mukul-dingkarangka yinba-bu daman bana-jina-nga.

mawul kalbay yaykarr, karrba-l dandi, mukul-dingkar-angka yinba-bu dama-ny bana-jina-nga | eel long strong, hold hard, old-man-ERG fish.spear-INST speared water-bottom-LOC

mawul kalbay yaykarr karrbal dandi mukul dingkar yinba damal bana jina


The sand crabs dig many little holes along the beach, and the old woman knows a crab lives in each one.

Ngalngal janku buban wubul bakan yalmba-nga, wulbuman binal ngalngal nyubun-nyubun-ba wunay.

ngalngal janku buban wubul baka-ny yalmba-nga, wulbuman binal ngalngal nyubun-nyubun-ba wuna-y | sand.crab hole small many dug beach-LOC, old.woman knows crab each-LOC lives

ngalngal janku buban wubul bakal yalmba wulbuman binal nyubun wunay

crab: crab-holes on the beach; baka-l 'dig'


The old man said the shark is the boss of the sea, stronger than all the fish and afraid of nothing.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan yaburr jalun-mu maja, jarra-yaykarr kuyu wubulku, kariku junjuy-nka yinil.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny yaburr jalun-mu maja, jarra-yaykarr kuyu wubul-ku, kariku junjuy-nka yinil | old-man-ERG said shark sea-POSS boss, stronger fish all-DAT, never something-DAT fears

mukul dingkar balkal yaburr jalun maja jarra yaykarr kuyu wubul junjuy yinil

shark as the sea-boss (comparative rule 41)


When the wet season comes the barramundi go down the flooded river to the sea, and all of them travel together.

Bana-wungar kada-nya judi wawubaja bada dungay jalun-ka, jana wubulku muru dungan.

bana-wungar kada-nya judi wawubaja bada dunga-y jalun-ka, jana wubul-ku muru dunga-ny | wet-season come-SUB barramundi creek down go sea-DAT, they all together went

bana wungar judi wawubaja bada dungay jalun wubul muru

fish: barramundi wet-season run; muru 'together'


The children learned to clean the fish by the water, scraping off the scales and then cutting the fish.

Karrkay binalman kuyu ngulkurr-bungalka bana karangkal, jindi yakal, yalada kuyu yakan.

karrkay binal-ma-ny kuyu ngulkurr-bunga-nka bana karangkal, jindi yaka-l, yala-da kuyu yaka-ny | child learned fish good-CAUS(clean)-DAT water alongside, scale scrapes, then fish cut

karrkay binalmal kuyu ngulkurr bungal bana karangkal jindi yakal

processing: ngulkurr-bungal 'clean'; yaka-l 'scrape/cut'


The dugong hunter waited very still by the water for a long time, watching the sea grass move.

Biwuy-balbi-bama bana karangkal dandi wunay wungar kalbay, bilanji-jalun nyajin, wanja bilanji warrin.

biwuy-balbi-bama bana karangkal dandi wuna-y wungar kalbay, bilanji-jalun nyaji-ny, wanja bilanji warri-ny | dugong-hunter water alongside still lay time long, sea-grass watched, where grass moved

biwuy balbi bama bana karangkal dandi wunay kalbay bilanji jalun nyajil warri


The little mudskippers climb out of the water onto the mangrove roots when the tide goes down.

Kuyu buban jalil-jalil bana-muny daka-l kajul-jina-nga yira bada dunga-nya.

kuyu buban jalil-jalil bana-muny daka-l kajul-jina-nga yira bada dunga-y-nga | fish small mudskipper water-ABL climb mangrove-root-LOC tide down go-SUB

kuyu buban jalil-jalil bana dakal kajul jina yira bada dungay


The old woman said the clam shuts its two shells hard, so you push a knife to the two shells and take the meat.

Wulbumanangka balkan darkay nyungu milbar jambul dandi nanda-l, yundu naybu milbar jambul-ka bungay, minya manin.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny darkay nyungu milbar jambul dandi nanda-l, yundu naybu milbar jambul-ka bunga-y, minya mani-ny | old.woman-ERG said clam its shell two hard shuts, you knife shell two-DAT push, meat took

wulbuman balkal darkay milbar jambul dandi nandal naybu minya manil

shellfish: darkay 'clam'; nanda-l 'shut'


The men speared the mullet from the rocks at the river mouth, and the fish jumped up as the sun went down.

Dingkar kalngkan daman kulji-muny wawubaja-ngandal-ba, kuyu wangkar dakan wungar bada dungan.

dingkar kalngkan dama-ny kulji-muny wawubaja-ngandal-ba, kuyu wangkar daka-ny wungar bada dunga-ny | man mullet speared rock-ABL creek-mouth-LOC, fish up jumped sun down went(=evening)

dingkar kalngkan damal kulji wawubaja ngandal kuyu wangkar dakal wungar bada


The stingray buries itself so well in the sand that a person can put a foot on it without seeing it at all.

Yawu jukar-a nyungu-nyungu ngulkurr-baja-ku ngakijin, bama nyulu jina yinya-nga wunan nyaji-kari.

yawu jukar-a nyungu-nyungu ngulkurr-baja-ku ngakiji-ny, bama nyulu jina yinya-nga wuna-ny nyaji-kari | stingray sand-LOC itself very-well hides, person foot that-LOC put see-without

yawu jukar ngulkurr baja ngakijil bama jina yinya wunay nyajil kari


The old man kept the best turtle-spear point sharp on a stone and gave it to his grandson.

Mukul-dingkarangka kurrajan ngulkurr-baja-ku dandi karrban kulji-nga, nyungu jija-nka dajin.

mukul-dingkar-angka kurrajan ngulkurr-baja-ku dandi karrba-ny kulji-nga, nyungu jija-nka daji-ny | old-man-ERG turtle.spear.point very-good sharp kept stone-LOC, his grandchild-DAT gave

mukul dingkar kurrajan ngulkurr baja dandi karrbal kulji jija dajil


The children watched the little crabs fight over a dead fish on the sand, pulling it this way and that.

Karrkay ngalngal buban nyajin kuyu-wulan-ka kuli-mal jukar-a, jana yindu-yindu-ka wundil.

karrkay ngalngal buban nyaji-ny kuyu-wulan-ka kuli-ma-l jukar-a, jana yindu-yindu-ka wundi-l | child sand.crab small watched dead.fish-DAT fight sand-LOC, they this.way.that pull

karrkay ngalngal buban nyajil kuyu wulay kuli-mal jukar yindu wundil


When the big tide comes into the mangroves the fish swim in among the roots to feed, and the crocodile waits there.

Yira yalbay kajul-ka kadan, kuyu kajul-jina-nga maraji nukanka, bilngkumu yinya-nga karrban.

yira yalbay kajul-ka kada-ny, kuyu kajul-jina-nga maraji nuka-nka, bilngkumu yinya-nga karrba-ny | tide big mangrove-DAT came, fish mangrove-root-LOC swim eat-DAT, crocodile that-LOC waited

yira yalbay kajul kaday kuyu jina maraji nukal bilngkumu

marine: bilngkumu 'crocodile' in the flooded mangrove


The old man said the sea gives food to those who know its ways, but takes the life of those who do not.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan jalun mayi dajil bama nyungu kuku binal-bama-nka, yambada bama kari-binal-nka nyulu wula-bungan.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny jalun mayi daji-l bama nyungu kuku binal-bama-nka, yambada bama kari-binal-nka nyulu wula-bunga-ny | old-man-ERG said sea food gives person its way know-person-DAT, but person NEG-know-DAT it die-CAUS(kills)

mukul dingkar balkal jalun mayi dajil bama kuku binal kari wula bungal

teaching: the sea rewards knowledge; wula-bungal 'kill'


The young man took his spear to hunt game in the early morning.

Warru-ngku kalka manin, nyulu minya balbi-nka wunkuwingku.

warru-ngku kalka mani-ny, nyulu minya balbi-nka wunkuwingku | young.man-ERG spear got, he game hunt-PURP early.morning

warru kalka manil minya balbi wunkuwingku

PURP: balbi-nka 'to hunt' (-nka after i)


I want to cook some food, so I am gathering firewood by the creek.

Ngayu mayi waju-nku, yala-nji ngayu baya bangkal wawubaja karangkal.

ngayu mayi waju-nku, yala-nji ngayu baya bangka-l wawubaja karangkal | 1sg food cook-PURP, therefore 1sg firewood gather creek alongside

ngayu mayi wajul baya bangkal wawubaja karangkal

PURP: waju-nku 'want to cook' (-nku after u; ex.160)


He knows how to spear fish in the deep water of the river.

Nyulu binal kuyu dama-nka wawubaja bana-dukurr-ba.

nyulu binal kuyu dama-nka wawubaja bana-dukurr-ba | 3sg know fish spear-PURP creek water-deep-LOC

nyulu binal kuyu damal wawubaja bana dukurr

PURP w/ binal 'know how to' (ex.161 dama-nka)


They took a net to catch a lot of fish at the mouth of the creek.

Jana makarr wundin, kuyu wubul karrba-nka wawubaja-ngandal-ba.

jana makarr wundi-ny, kuyu wubul karrba-nka wawubaja-ngandal-ba | 3pl net took, fish many catch-PURP creek-mouth-LOC

jana makarr wundil kuyu wubul karrbal wawubaja ngandal


The old woman sat down by the fire to warm her cold hands.

Wulbuman baya karangkal bundan, nyungu mara ngiki wumbul-bunga-nka.

wulbuman baya karangkal bunda-ny, nyungu mara ngiki wumbul-bunga-nka | old.woman fire alongside sat, her hand cold hot-CAUS-PURP(warm)

wulbuman baya karangkal bunday mara ngiki wumbul bungal


The children went to the waterhole to swim in the afternoon.

Karrkay-karrkay bana-ka dungan, maraji-nka wungar bada.

karrkay-karrkay bana-ka dunga-ny, maraji-nka wungar bada | children water-DAT went, swim-PURP sun down(=afternoon)


The man sharpened his knife to cut up the turtle meat.

Dingkarangka naybu nyurrban, ngawiya-minya yaka-nka.

dingkar-angka naybu nyurrba-ny, ngawiya-minya yaka-nka | man-ERG knife sharpened, turtle-meat cut-PURP

dingkar naybu nyurrbal ngawiya minya yakal

PURP: yaka-nka 'to cut'; nyurrba-ny 'sharpened' (ex.146)


We went to the reef to gather oysters and mussels at low tide.

Ngana kulji-ka dungan, julul mukirr bangka-nka yira buban-ba.

ngana kulji-ka dunga-ny, julul mukirr bangka-nka yira buban-ba | 1pl reef-DAT went, oyster mussel gather-PURP tide low-LOC

ngana kulji dungay julul mukirr bangkal yira buban


The hunter waited quietly to spear the game at the waterhole.

Balbi-bama janka karrban, nyulu minya dama-nka bana karangkal.

balbi-bama janka karrba-ny, nyulu minya dama-nka bana karangkal | hunter quiet waited, he game spear-PURP water alongside

balbi bama janka karrbal minya damal bana karangkal


The old man wants to teach the boy the names of all the birds.

Mukul-dingkar karrkay binal-bunga-nka, nyungu buyi wubul-mu burri.

mukul-dingkar karrkay binal-bunga-nka, nyungu buyi wubul-mu burri | old-man boy teach-PURP, its bird all-POSS name

mukul dingkar karrkay binal bungal buyi wubul burri

PURP on CAUS: binal-bunga-nka 'to teach'; burri 'name'


The women dug many yams to feed the whole camp.

Jalbu mayi wubul bakan, bama bayan daji-nka wubulku.

jalbu mayi wubul baka-ny, bama bayan daji-nka wubul-ku | woman food many dug, person camp feed-PURP all-DAT

jalbu mayi wubul bakal bama bayan dajil wubul


I will go fishing at dawn to get fish for my children.

Ngayu wunkuwingku wawubaja-ka dunga-y, kuyu mani-nka ngayku karrkay-nka.

ngayu wunkuwingku wawubaja-ka dunga-y, kuyu mani-nka ngayku karrkay-nka | 1sg dawn creek-DAT go, fish get-PURP my child-DAT

ngayu wunkuwingku wawubaja dungay kuyu manil karrkay


If you hit that dog with a stick, it will bite you.

Kaki yundu yinya kaya juku-bu kunil, nyulu yununy baykal.

kaki yundu yinya kaya juku-bu kuni-l, nyulu yununy bayka-l | if 2sg that dog stick-INST hit, it 2sg.ACC bite

kaki yundu yinya kaya juku kunil yununy baykal

CONDITIONAL kaki (ex.393); yununy 2sg.ACC


If I have a cold, I break up green ants and eat them.

Kaki ngayu ngiki-ji, ngayu yangka dumbarril, nukal.

kaki ngayu ngiki-ji, ngayu yangka dumbarri-l, nuka-l | if 1sg cold-COMIT, 1sg green.ant break, eat

CONDITIONAL kaki (ex.394); yangka 'green ant'


Nyulu warngku-wunay, kaki nyungu bangkarr baja-burray.

nyulu warngku-wuna-y, kaki nyungu bangkarr baja-burray | 3sg sleep-lie, if his body tired

nyulu warngku wunay kaki bangkarr baja-burray

CONDITIONAL kaki 2nd position (ex.395); baja-burray 'tired'


If the thunderstorm comes, we will run to the camp quickly.

Kaki jarramali kaday, ngana bayan-ka warri bila.

kaki jarramali kada-y, ngana bayan-ka warri bila | if thunderstorm come, 1pl camp-DAT run fast

kaki jarramali kaday ngana bayan warri bila


If the water is too cold, the children will not swim in the creek.

Kaki bana ngiki-baja, karrkay kari wawubaja-nga maraji.

kaki bana ngiki-baja, karrkay kari wawubaja-nga maraji | if water cold-very, child NEG creek-LOC swim

kaki bana ngiki karrkay kari wawubaja maraji


If you see the crocodile, do not go down to the water.

Kaki yundu bilngkumu nyajil, yundu kari bana-ka bada dunga-y.

kaki yundu bilngkumu nyaji-l, yundu kari bana-ka bada dunga-y | if 2sg crocodile see, 2sg NEG water-DAT down go

kaki yundu bilngkumu nyajil kari bana bada dungay


If the fish are many, the old man shares them with all the families.

Kaki kuyu wubul, mukul-dingkar jawun-karra daji-way wubulku.

kaki kuyu wubul, mukul-dingkar jawun-karra daji-way wubul-ku | if fish many, old-man kin share all-DAT

kaki kuyu wubul mukul dingkar jawun dajil


If the child is sick, the old woman warms him by the fire.

Kaki karrkay bambay, wulbuman nyungu baya-nga wumbul-bungal.

kaki karrkay bambay, wulbuman nyungu baya-nga wumbul-bunga-l | if child sick, old.woman him fire-LOC hot-CAUS(warms)

kaki karrkay bambay wulbuman baya wumbul bungal


If you follow the wallaby's tracks, you will find where it feeds.

Kaki yundu minya jina wukurril, yundu milbil wanja nyulu nukal.

kaki yundu minya jina wukurri-l, yundu milbi-l wanja nyulu nuka-l | if 2sg game track follow, 2sg find where it feeds

kaki yundu minya jina wukurril milbil wanja nukal


If the tide goes out, the women go onto the reef to gather shells.

Kaki yira dungay, jalbu kulji-ka dungay, milbar bangka-nka.

kaki yira dunga-y, jalbu kulji-ka dunga-y, milbar bangka-nka | if tide go(out), woman reef-DAT go, shell gather-PURP

kaki yira dungay jalbu kulji milbar bangkal


If a man has no dog, he finds no pigs in the scrub.

Kaki dingkar kaya-kari, nyulu biki kari milbil madja-nga.

kaki dingkar kaya-kari, nyulu biki kari milbi-l madja-nga | if man dog-without, he pig NEG find scrub-LOC

kaki dingkar kaya kari biki milbil madja

CONDITIONAL + PRIV kaya-kari (cf ex.57); biki 'pig'


If the moon is full, the biggest tides come into the mangroves.

Kaki kija yalbay, yira yalbay-baja kajul-ka kaday.

kaki kija yalbay, yira yalbay-baja kajul-ka kada-y | if moon big(full), tide biggest mangrove-DAT come


Ngayu jawun-ji dunga-y, jirrbu-jirrbu-ma-nyji.

ngayu jawun-ji dunga-y, jirrbu-jirrbu-ma-nyji | 1sg friend-COMIT go, lonely-INCHO-PRECAUT


Burn some wood to stop the thunderstorm from coming.

juku waju, jarramali kada-nyji | wood burn(IMP), thunderstorm come-PRECAUT


Hold the child's hand lest he fall into the deep water.

Karrkay-mu mara karrba, nyulu bana-dukurr-ba dara-nyji!

karrkay-mu mara karrba, nyulu bana-dukurr-ba dara-nyji | child-POSS hand hold(IMP), he water-deep-LOC fall-PRECAUT


Do not leave the meat in the sun, lest it go rotten.

Kari minya wungar-a bawa, nyulu kabu-ma-nyji!

kari minya wungar-a bawa, nyulu kabu-ma-nyji | NEG meat sun-LOC leave(IMP), it rotten-INCHO-PRECAUT

PRECAUT: kabu-ma-nyji 'lest rotten' (kabu ex.159)


Hold the mudcrab from behind lest it bite your hand.

Kiju kudamundu karrba, nyulu yununy mara bayka-nyji!

kiju kudamundu karrba, nyulu yununy mara bayka-nyji | mudcrab behind hold(IMP), it 2sg.ACC hand bite-PRECAUT

kiju kudamundu karrbal yununy mara baykal


Put sand on the fire lest it burn the grass.

Baya-nga jukar wuna, baya bilanji waju-nyji!

baya-nga jukar wuna, baya bilanji waju-nyji | fire-LOC sand put(IMP), fire grass burn-PRECAUT


Walk carefully on the sand, lest the stingray hurt your foot.

Jukar-a janka jilba, yawu yununy jina bambay-bunga-nyji!

jukar-a janka jilba, yawu yununy jina bambay-bunga-nyji | sand-LOC careful walk(IMP), stingray 2sg.ACC foot sick-CAUS-PRECAUT

jukar janka jilbay yawu yununy jina bambay bungal

PRECAUT on CAUS: bambay-bunga-nyji 'lest hurt'


Keep the children close, lest they wander far into the big scrub.

Karrkay karangkal karrba, jana madja yalbay-mba kala-kalbay dunga-nyji!

karrkay karangkal karrba, jana madja yalbay-mba kala-kalbay dunga-nyji | child alongside hold(IMP), they scrub big-LOC far go-PRECAUT

karrkay karangkal karrbal madja yalbay kala-kalbay dungay


Cook the fish well, lest the little ones get sick.

Kuyu ngulkurr-baja waju, karrkay buban bambay-ma-nyji!

kuyu ngulkurr-baja waju, karrkay buban bambay-ma-nyji | fish very-good cook(IMP), child small sick-INCHO-PRECAUT

kuyu ngulkurr baja wajul karrkay buban bambay


Come back to the shore, lest the thunderstorm catch you on the water.

Yalmba-ka kada-baja, jarramali yununy bana-nga karrba-nyji!

yalmba-ka kada-baja, jarramali yununy bana-nga karrba-nyji | shore-DAT come-back(IMP), thunderstorm 2sg.ACC water-LOC catch-PRECAUT

yalmba kaday jarramali yununy bana karrbal


I would go fishing, but I have no fishing line.

Ngayu badur-ji dunga-nyaku, yambada ngayu badur-kari.

ngayu badur-ji dunga-nyaku, yambada ngayu badur-kari | 1sg hook-COMIT go-IRR, but 1sg hook-without


I would have eaten that meat, but it was rotten.

Ngayu yinya minya nuka-nyaku, yambada minya kabu.

ngayu yinya minya nuka-nyaku, yambada minya kabu | 1sg that meat eat-IRR, but meat rotten


The old man would have speared the barramundi, but the water was too muddy.

Mukul-dingkar judi dama-nyaku, yambada bana kambal-kambal-baja.

mukul-dingkar judi dama-nyaku, yambada bana kambal-kambal-baja | old-man barramundi spear-IRR, but water mud-very(muddy)

mukul dingkar judi damal yambada bana kambal-kambal


We would have hunted the dugong, but the sea was too rough.

Ngana biwuy balbi-nyaku, yambada jalun mulngku-baja.

ngana biwuy balbi-nyaku, yambada jalun mulngku-baja | 1pl dugong hunt-IRR, but sea wave-very(rough)


She would have gathered the oysters, but the tide had already come in.

Nyulu julul bangka-nyaku, yambada yira yalada kadan.

nyulu julul bangka-nyaku, yambada yira yala-da kada-ny | 3sg oyster gather-IRR, but tide already came


The children would have swum in the creek, but they saw the crocodile.

Karrkay wawubaja-nga maraji-nyaku, yambada jana bilngkumu nyajin.

karrkay wawubaja-nga maraji-nyaku, yambada jana bilngkumu nyaji-ny | child creek-LOC swim-IRR, but they crocodile saw

karrkay wawubaja maraji yambada jana bilngkumu nyajil


I would have caught many fish, but my net was broken.

Ngayu kuyu wubul karrba-nyaku, yambada ngayku makarr dumbarrin.

ngayu kuyu wubul karrba-nyaku, yambada ngayku makarr dumbarri-ny | 1sg fish many catch-IRR, but my net broke

ngayu kuyu wubul karrbal yambada makarr dumbarril


The old woman would have cooked the crayfish, but there was no fire.

Wulbuman ngajay waju-nyaku, yambada baya-kari.

wulbuman ngajay waju-nyaku, yambada baya-kari | old.woman crayfish cook-IRR, but fire-without


They had finished the food before their father woke up.

Jana mayi kunbay-manin, nganjan wandi-nyjiku.

jana mayi kunba-y-mani-ny, nganjan wandi-nyjiku | 3pl food finish-CAUS-PAST, father wake-SUCC

SUCC: wandi-nyjiku 'before woke' (ex.165)


nyulu yirrka-ny, wula-nyjiku | 3sg cry.out-PAST, die-SUCC

SUCC: wula-nyjiku 'before died' (ex.166)


The women had gathered all the mussels before the tide turned.

Jalbu mukirr wubul bangkan, yira jurrki-nyjiku.

jalbu mukirr wubul bangka-ny, yira jurrki-nyjiku | woman mussel all gathered, tide turn-SUCC


The men had speared the sea turtle before the sun went down.

Dingkar ngawiya daman, wungar bada dunga-nyjiku.

dingkar ngawiya dama-ny, wungar bada dunga-nyjiku | man sea.turtle speared, sun down go-SUCC

dingkar ngawiya damal wungar bada dungay


The old man had told the story before the children fell asleep.

Mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay warngku-wuna-nyjiku.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay warngku-wuna-nyjiku | old-man told, child sleep-lie-SUCC

mukul dingkar balkal karrkay warngku wunay

SUCC: warngku-wuna-nyjiku 'before slept'


The hunter had come back to camp before the thunderstorm arrived.

Balbi-bama bayan-ka kadan, jarramali kada-nyjiku.

balbi-bama bayan-ka kada-ny, jarramali kada-nyjiku | hunter camp-DAT came, thunderstorm come-SUCC


She had covered the fire with sand before she lay down to sleep.

Nyulu baya jukar-bu nandan, warngku-wuna-nyjiku.

nyulu baya jukar-bu nanda-ny, warngku-wuna-nyjiku | 3sg fire sand-INST covered(shut), sleep-lie-SUCC

SUCC: warngku-wuna-nyjiku; nanda-l 'cover'


The children had learned all the bird names before the old man died.

Karrkay buyi wubul-mu burri binalman, mukul-dingkar wula-nyjiku.

karrkay buyi wubul-mu burri binal-ma-ny, mukul-dingkar wula-nyjiku | child bird all-POSS name learned, old-man die-SUCC

karrkay buyi wubul burri binalmal mukul dingkar wulay

SUCC: wula-nyjiku 'before died'; burri 'name'


The women dug the wild yams from the hard ground with their digging sticks all morning.

Jalbu banjay bakan bubu dandi-muny juku-bu, wunkuwingku wubulku.

jalbu banjay baka-ny bubu dandi-muny juku-bu, wunkuwingku wubul-ku | woman wild.yam dug ground hard-ABL stick-INST, morning all

jalbu banjay bakal bubu dandi juku wunkuwingku wubul


The little yams grow deep, so you must dig a long way down with a strong stick.

Bambayal buban bubu-dukurr-ba yalbay-mal, yundu juku yaykarr-bu kalbay bada bakal.

bambayal buban bubu-dukurr-ba yalbay-ma-l, yundu juku yaykarr-bu kalbay bada baka-l | yam small ground-deep-LOC grow-big, you stick strong-INST long down dig

bambayal buban bubu dukurr yalbay juku yaykarr kalbay bada bakal


When the yam's leaf dies back in the dry season, the women know the yam below is ripe.

Bambayal-mu birra wula-nya dukurr-wungar-a, jalbu binal bambayal bada kulbul.

bambayal-mu birra wula-nya dukurr-wungar-a, jalbu binal bambayal bada kulbul | yam-POSS leaf die-SUB dry-season-LOC, woman know yam below ripe

bambayal birra wulay dukurr wungar jalbu binal bada kulbul

plant sign: leaf-death -> ripe yam; kulbul 'ripe'


The old woman washed the yams in the running creek before she cooked them.

Wulbuman bambayal janjin wawubaja warri-nga, waju-nyjiku.

wulbuman bambayal janji-ny wawubaja warri-nga, waju-nyjiku | old.woman yam washed creek running-LOC, cook-SUCC(before cooking)

wulbuman bambayal janjil wawubaja warri wajul

process: janji-l 'wash/leach'; SUCC -nyjiku


The sweet potato grows near the creek, and the children dig them up after the rain.

Bangkamu wawubaja karangkal yalbay-mal, karrkay bakan kaba-muny.

bangkamu wawubaja karangkal yalbay-ma-l, karrkay baka-ny kaba-muny | sweet.potato creek alongside grows, child dug rain-ABL(after)

bangkamu wawubaja karangkal yalbay karrkay bakal kaba


The men roasted the big yams in the hot coals until they were soft.

Dingkar bambayal yalbay dindan baya wumbul-ba, kima-mal ngadiku.

dingkar bambayal yalbay dinda-ny baya wumbul-ba, kima-ma-l ngadiku | man yam big roasted fire hot-LOC, soft-becomes until

dingkar bambayal yalbay dindal baya wumbul kima


The old woman said a good yam ground feeds the family for many seasons.

Wulbumanangka balkan bambayal-bubu ngulkurr jawun-karra daji-l wungar wubulku.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny bambayal-bubu ngulkurr jawun-karra daji-l wungar wubul-ku | old.woman-ERG said yam-ground good kin feeds season all

wulbuman balkal bambayal bubu ngulkurr jawun dajil wungar wubul


The women put the yams in their bags and carried them back to the camp.

Jalbu bambayal balji-nga wunan, bayan-ka wundin baja.

jalbu bambayal balji-nga wuna-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny baja | woman yam bag-LOC put, camp-DAT carried back


The wild yam is long and thin and hides among the tree roots.

Banjay kalbay buban, juku-bangkan-ba ngakijin.

banjay kalbay buban, juku-bangkan-ba ngakiji-ny | wild.yam long thin(small), tree-root-LOC hides

banjay kalbay buban juku bangkan ngakijil


The children learned which yam is good to eat and which one makes you sick.

Karrkay binalman wanya bambayal ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanya nyulu bama bambay-bungal.

karrkay binal-ma-ny wanya bambayal ngulkurr nuka-nka, wanya nyulu bama bambay-bunga-l | child learned which yam good eat-PURP, which it person sick-CAUS

karrkay binalmal wanya bambayal ngulkurr nukal bama bambay bungal


The figs on the big fig tree ripen in the wet season, and the birds eat them first.

Binanji dukal-juku yalbay-mba kulbul-mal bana-wungar-a, buyi nukal ngadiku.

binanji dukal-juku yalbay-mba kulbul-ma-l bana-wungar-a, buyi nuka-l ngadiku | fig fig-tree big-LOC ripen wet-season-LOC, bird eats first

binanji dukal juku yalbay kulbul bana wungar buyi nukal

fruit: binanji/dukal 'fig'; kulbul-mal 'ripen'


The old man climbed the fig tree to get the ripe fruit at the very top.

Mukul-dingkar dukal-juku-ngu dakan, mayi kulbul mani-nka wangkar-a.

mukul-dingkar dukal-juku-ngu daka-ny, mayi kulbul mani-nka wangkar-a | old-man fig-tree-LOC climbed, food ripe get-PURP up-LOC(top)

mukul dingkar dukal juku dakal mayi kulbul manil wangkar


The five-corner nut falls to the ground when it is ripe, and the women gather them.

Bijalabay bubu-ka daray kulbul-nya, jalbu bangkal.

bijalabay bubu-ka dara-y kulbul-nya, jalbu bangka-l | five.corner.nut ground-DAT falls ripe-SUB, woman gathers

bijalabay bubu daray kulbul jalbu bangkal


The black bean tree's nuts make you sick, so the women leach them in water for many days.

Baway-juku-mu darka bama bambay-bungal, jalbu bana-nga janjin wungar wubulku.

baway-juku-mu darka bama bambay-bunga-l, jalbu bana-nga janji-ny wungar wubul-ku | black.bean-tree-POSS nut person sick-CAUS, woman water-LOC leached day all(many)

baway juku darka bama bambay bungal jalbu bana janjil wungar

tree: baway 'black bean'; leaching toxic nuts


The children cracked the nuts open on a flat stone by the fire.

Karrkay darka dumbarrin kulji-nga baya karangkal.

karrkay darka dumbarri-ny kulji-nga baya karangkal | child nut cracked stone-LOC fire alongside

karrkay darka dumbarril kulji baya karangkal


The breadfruit is big and heavy, and one tree feeds the whole camp.

Burrin-burrin yalbay kulngkul, juku nyubun bayan wubul daji-l.

burrin-burrin yalbay kulngkul, juku nyubun bayan wubul daji-l | breadfruit big heavy, tree one camp whole feeds

burrin-burrin yalbay kulngkul juku nyubun bayan wubul dajil


The women pounded the nuts into food and cooked flat cakes on the coals.

Jalbu darka nyurrban mayi-ka, mayi-buban wajun baya-nga.

jalbu darka nyurrba-ny mayi-ka, mayi-buban waju-ny baya-nga | woman nut ground(pounded) food-DAT(into), food-flat cooked fire-LOC

jalbu darka nyurrbal mayi buban wajul baya


The apple tree grows near the water, and its small red fruit is sweet.

Bulngkar-juku bana karangkal yalbay-mal, nyungu mayi buban ngala-ngala jiba-wula-wula.

bulngkar-juku bana karangkal yalbay-ma-l, nyungu mayi buban ngala-ngala jiba-wula-wula | apple-tree water alongside grows, its fruit small red sweet

bulngkar juku bana karangkal yalbay mayi buban ngala-ngala

fruit: bulngkar 'apple'; jiba-wula-wula 'sweet'


The old woman knows every fruit tree in the country and when each one ripens.

Wulbuman binal mayi-juku wubul bubu-ngu, wanja-wanja nyubun-nyubun kulbul-mal.

wulbuman binal mayi-juku wubul bubu-ngu, wanja-wanja nyubun-nyubun kulbul-ma-l | old.woman knows food-tree many country-LOC, when each ripens

wulbuman binal mayi juku wubul bubu wanja-wanja nyubun kulbul


The bees put their honey in the hollow tree, and the old man takes it out with his tool.

Dabu wunba juku-janku-ngu wunan, mukul-dingkar kalka-bu manin.

dabu wunba juku-janku-ngu wuna-ny, mukul-dingkar kalka-bu mani-ny | bee honey tree-hole-LOC put, old-man tool-INST got

dabu wunba juku janku wunay mukul dingkar kalka manil


The children found the sweet honey and ate it happily by the fire.

Karrkay wunba jiba-wula-wula milbin, nukal ngulkurr baya karangkal.

karrkay wunba jiba-wula-wula milbi-ny, nuka-l ngulkurr baya karangkal | child honey sweet found, ate well fire alongside

karrkay wunba jiba-wula-wula milbil nukal ngulkurr baya karangkal


When the fruit is not yet ripe, you leave it on the tree for the sun to redden it.

Mayi kulbul-kari-nya, yundu juku-ngu bawal, wungar-bu ngala-ngala-bunga-nka.

mayi kulbul-kari-nya, yundu juku-ngu bawa-l, wungar-bu ngala-ngala-bunga-nka | fruit ripe-without-SUB, you tree-LOC leave, sun-INST red-CAUS-PURP

mayi kulbul kari yundu juku bawal wungar ngala-ngala bungal


The bloodwood has very hard wood, and people got spears and digging sticks from it.

Babajaka-mu juku dandi-baja, bama kalka juku-baka manin juku-muny.

babajaka-mu juku dandi-baja, bama kalka juku-baka mani-ny juku-muny | bloodwood-POSS wood hard-very, person spear digging-stick got wood-ABL

babajaka juku dandi baja bama kalka bakal manil


The paperbark tree gives soft bark, for the food and for the camp.

Buyku-juku nyungu birra kima dajil, mayi-ka bayan-ka.

buyku-juku nyungu birra kima daji-l, mayi-ka bayan-ka | paperbark-tree its bark soft gives, food-DAT camp-DAT


The tea tree grows in the swamp, and its leaves make a good remedy for a cold.

Bijin-juku daburri-nga yalbay-mal, nyungu birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki-ka.

bijin-juku daburri-nga yalbay-ma-l, nyungu birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki-ka | tea.tree swamp-LOC grows, its leaf good remedy cold-DAT

bijin juku daburri yalbay birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki


The old man took a long piece of paperbark from the tree in one strip.

Mukul-dingkar buyku manin juku-muny, nyubun kalbay.

mukul-dingkar buyku mani-ny juku-muny, nyubun kalbay | old-man paperbark got tree-ABL, one long

mukul dingkar buyku manil juku nyubun kalbay