The men waited quietly in the dark and took only a few turtles, leaving the rest to lay in peace.

Dingkar-dingkar wunbu bundandan wujurrbu, ngawiya kanbal nganga manin, yindu bawan, diburr yijarril yinyay.

dingkar-dingkar wunbu bundanda-ny wujurr-bu, ngawiya kanbal nganga mani-ny, yindu bawa-ny, diburr yijarri-l yinyay | men quiet sat dark-LOC, turtles some only took, rest left, eggs lay-NONPAST there

dingkar wunbu bunday wujurr ngawiya kanbal nganga manil yindu bawal diburr yijarril


Granny cooked the turtle eggs in the coals, and there was food for every family in the camp.

Babingka ngawiyamu diburr wayjun nulungu, mayi janan bayanba jawunkarra wubulku.

babi-ngka ngawiya-mu diburr waju-ny nulu-ngu, mayi jana-ny bayan-ba jawun-karra wubul-ku | granny turtle-POSS eggs cooked coals-LOC, food was camp-LOC families all

babi ngawiya diburr wayjul nulu mayi janay bayan jawun


The children learned that night how to find the turtle tracks and read which way the mother had gone.

Karrkay-karrkayangka yinya kunarangkal binalman ngawiyamu jina nyajinka, wanjabu ngamu dunganya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka yinya kunarangkal binal-ma-ny ngawiya-mu jina nyaji-nka, wanjabu ngamu dunga-nya | children that night learned turtle-POSS tracks find-PURP, where mother going-SUB

karrkay kunarangkal binal ngawiya jina nyajil ngamu dungay


The old man said: take what you need, leave the mother, and there will be turtles for your children's children.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: kanbal mana, ngamu bawa, ngawiya janay karrkaymu karrkayka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: kanbal mana, ngamu bawa-∅, ngawiya jana-y karrkay-mu karrkay-ka | old man said: some take-IMP, mother leave-IMP, turtles will.be child-POSS child-DAT

mukul dingkar balkal kanbal manil ngamu bawal ngawiya janay karrkay


The rains came, just as grandad had said, and the whole country turned green again.

Kaba kadan, yala kamingka balkan, bubu wubulku jirakalmanda baja.

kaba kada-ny, yala kami-ngka balka-ny, bubu wubul-ku jirakal-ma-ny-da baja | rain came, like grandad said, country all green-INCHO-then again

kaba kaday yala kami balkal bubu wubul jirakal


The waterholes filled, the grass grew tall, and the animals came back to the good country.

Bana buray mumbajinda, jikan kalbaymanda, minya-minya kadan baja bubungu ngulkurrbu.

bana buray mumba-ji-ny-da, jikan kalbay-ma-ny-da, minya-minya kada-ny baja bubu-ngu ngulkurr-bu | water spring filled-MID-then, grass tall-INCHO-then, animals came back country-LOC good-LOC

bana buray mumbal jikan kalbay minya kaday bubu ngulkurr


And the people were glad, for the old man had read the clouds truly, as the old people always do.

Jana wubulku wawu-mini, mukulungku dingkarangka ngurrban nyajin nguymal, yala kamba-kamba yabarrka.

jana wubul-ku wawu-mini, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka ngurrban nyaji-ny nguymal, yala kamba-kamba yabarrka | all glad, old man clouds read truly, like elders always

wawu-mini mukul dingkar ngurrban nyajil nguymal yala kamba yabarrka


One hot afternoon a brown snake came into the camp, and the children ran and called out to the old people.

Yilay-yilay wumbulba jinkalmu bayanba walan, karrkay-karrkay warrin, kamba-kambanka yirrkan.

yilay-yilay wumbul-ba jinkalmu bayan-ba wala-ny, karrkay-karrkay warri-ny, kamba-kamba-nka yirrka-ny | afternoon hot-LOC brown.snake camp-LOC entered, children ran, elders-DAT called

yilay-yilay wumbul jinkalmu bayan walal karrkay warri kamba yirrkay


Grandad came quietly with his long stick, hit the snake, and it soon died on the warm ground.

Kami wunbu kadan juku kalbayji, jinkalmu kunin, jinkalmu kalbarrmanda bubungu wumbulba.

kami wunbu kada-ny juku kalbay-ji, jinkalmu kuni-ny, jinkalmu kalbarr-ma-ny-da bubu-ngu wumbul-ba | grandad quiet came stick long-COMIT, snake hit, snake dead-INCHO-then ground-LOC warm-LOC

kami wunbu kaday juku kalbay jinkalmu kunil kalbarr bubu wumbul


The old woman told the children: never touch a snake, even a dead one, and always watch where you put your feet.

Wulbumanangka balkan: kari jarba karrba, kalbarrbu baja; jina wanjabu nyaka yabarrka.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: kari jarba karrba-∅, kalbarr-bu baja; jina wanjabu nyaka yabarrka | old.woman said: NEG snake touch-IMP, dead-one too; foot where look-IMP always

wulbuman balkal jarba karrbal kalbarr jina nyajil yabarrka


In the morning the men went up the rocky hill to hunt goanna among the warm stones.

Wunkuwingku dingkar-dingkar wangkar dungan manjalba, jadika nyajil-nyajin kulji wumbulba.

wunkuwingku dingkar-dingkar wangkar dunga-ny manjal-ba, jadi-ka nyaji-l-nyaji-ny kulji wumbul-ba | morning men up went hill-LOC, goanna-DAT searched-REDUP stone warm-LOC

wunkuwingku dingkar wangkar dungay manjal jadi nyajil kulji wumbul


A big goanna ran up a tree, but the youngest man climbed after it and shook it down to the dogs.

Jadi yalbay jukungu dakan, yabajungku wukurrin dakan, jukumuny yilban kaya-kayanka.

jadi yalbay juku-ngu daka-ny, yabaju-ngku wukurri-ny daka-ny, juku-muny yilba-ny kaya-kaya-nka | goanna big tree-LOC climbed, yB-ERG followed climbed, tree-ABL threw dogs-DAT

jadi yalbay juku dakal yabaju wukurril yilbal kaya


The dogs caught the goanna, the men thanked them, and shared the meat that evening.

Kaya-kayangka jadi karrban, dingkar-dingkarangka kaya-kaya ngulkurr balkan, minya dajin yilay-yilay.

kaya-kaya-ngka jadi karrba-ny, dingkar-dingkar-angka kaya-kaya ngulkurr balka-ny, minya daji-ny yilay-yilay | dogs goanna caught, men dogs thanked, meat shared evening

kaya jadi karrbal dingkar ngulkurr balkal minya dajil yilay-yilay


Goanna is good fat meat, said the old man, but you must cook it well on the coals.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: jadi minya ngulkurr, yambada wayju ngulkurrku nulungu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: jadi minya ngulkurr, yambada waju-∅ ngulkurr-ku nulu-ngu | old man said: goanna meat good, but cook-IMP well coals-LOC

mukul dingkar balkal jadi minya ngulkurr wayjul nulu


The children watched: the old man cut the meat and gave the best parts to the elders first.

Karrkay-karrkay nyajin: mukulungku minya yakan, ngulkurr kamba-kambanka dajinyarr.

karrkay-karrkay nyaji-ny: mukul-ungku minya yaka-ny, ngulkurr kamba-kamba-nka daji-ny ngarr | children watched: old man meat cut, good elders-DAT gave first

karrkay nyajil mukul minya yakal ngulkurr kamba dajil


In the wet season the women went to the swamp to gather water lily roots and seeds for food.

Buluriji jalbu-jalbu walngkanga dungan, kababinamu ngara diburr bangkanka mayika.

bulur-iji jalbu-jalbu walngka-nga dunga-ny, kababina-mu ngara diburr bangka-nka mayi-ka | wet.season women swamp-LOC went, water.lily-POSS root seed gather-PURP food-DAT

jalbu walngka dungay kababina ngara diburr bangkal mayi


The mud was deep and cold, but the women laughed and dug the roots with their hands and long sticks.

Kambal-kambal bada kiway, yambada jalbu-jalbu yajarrin, ngara bakan marabu jukubu.

kambal-kambal bada kiway, yambada jalbu-jalbu yajarri-ny, ngara baka-ny mara-bu juku-bu | mud deep cold, but women laughed, roots dug hand-INST stick-INST

kambal-kambal bada kiway jalbu yajarril ngara bakal mara juku


The children played in the shallow water and caught little frogs, but let them all go again.

Karrkay-karrkay bananga bubanba kinkan, yuday buban karrban, yambada bawan baja wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay bana-nga buban-ba kinka-ny, yuday buban karrba-ny, yambada bawa-ny baja wubul-ku | children water-LOC shallow-LOC played, frogs little caught, but let.go again all

karrkay bana buban kinkay yuday karrbal bawal wubul


By the middle of the day the bags were full of lily roots and the women started for home.

Wungar wangkar janan, balji kababinamu ngaraji mumban, jalbu-jalbu bayanka dungan.

wungar wangkar jana-ny, balji kababina-mu ngara-ji mumba-ny, jalbu-jalbu bayan-ka dunga-ny | sun high stood, bags water.lily-POSS root-COMIT filled, women home-DAT went

wungar wangkar janay balji kababina ngara mumbal jalbu bayan dungay


Granny roasted the lily roots in the coals, the children ate them all, and they were better than damper.

Babingka ngara wajun nulungu, karrkay-karrkay nukan wubulku, damba-mun ngulkurr.

babi-ngka ngara waju-ny nulu-ngu, karrkay-karrkay nuka-ny wubul-ku, damba-mun ngulkurr | granny roots roasted coals-LOC, children ate all, damper-ABL(than) good

babi ngara wayjul nulu karrkay nukal damba ngulkurr


That is women's food, the old woman said, and the swamp always gives it in the wet season.

Wulbumanangka balkan: yanyu jalbumu mayi, walngkabu dajil yabarrka buluriji.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yanyu jalbu-mu mayi, walngka-bu daji-l yabarrka bulur-iji | old.woman said: this women-POSS food, swamp-ERG(neutral) gives always cold.season

wulbuman balkal jalbu mayi walngka dajil yabarrka


The old man spent many days making a big fish net from strong vine, tying every knot with care.

Mukulungku dingkarangka makarr yalbay ngaran wungar wubulku, kalalji junkurrji, kajan ngulkurrku wubulku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka makarr yalbay ngara-ny wungar wubul-ku, kalal-ji junkurr-ji, kaja-ny ngulkurr-ku wubul-ku | old man net big made days many, vine-COMIT strong-COMIT, tied well all

mukul dingkar makarr yalbay ngaral wungar kalal junkurr kajal ngulkurr


When it was finished, the men set the net across the mouth of the creek at low tide.

Makarr ngulkurrmanda, dingkar-dingkarangka makarr yijarrin wawubajanga, jalun dunganya.

makarr ngulkurr-ma-ny-da, dingkar-dingkar-angka makarr yijarri-ny wawubaja-nga, jalun dunga-nya | net finished, men net set river-LOC, tide going-SUB

makarr ngulkurr dingkar yijarril wawubaja walu jalun dungay


As the tide came back in, many fish swam into the net and could not get out again.

Jalun kadanya baja, kuyu wubul makarrba walan, murruji dungay baja.

jalun kada-nya baja, kuyu wubul makarr-ba wala-ny, murruji dunga-y baja | tide coming-SUB again, fish many net-LOC entered, unable go again

jalun kaday kuyu wubul makarr walal murruji dungay


The men pulled the heavy net onto the sand and the whole camp came to help carry the fish.

Dingkar-dingkarangka makarr yalbay kulban jukara, jana wubulku kadan kuyu wundinka.

dingkar-dingkar-angka makarr yalbay kulba-ny jukar-a, jana wubul-ku kada-ny kuyu wundi-nka | men net heavy pulled sand-LOC, all came fish carry-PURP

dingkar makarr yalbay kulbal jukar kaday kuyu wundil


There were more fish than the people could eat, so the women split them and dried them in the sun.

Kuyu wubul bajaku, jana murruji nukal wubulku, jalbu-jalbungku kuyu yakan, wungara marralmanka.

kuyu wubul-baja-ku, jana murruji nuka-l wubul-ku, jalbu-jalbu-ngku kuyu yaka-ny, wungar-a marral-ma-nka | fish very many, people unable eat all, women fish cut, sun-LOC dry-PURP

kuyu wubul murruji nukal jalbu yakal wungar marral


For many days after that the camp had good food, and nobody went hungry in the cold season.

Yinya baja wungar wubulku bayan mayiji ngulkurr, jana kari dakwuy buluriji.

yinya baja wungar wubul-ku bayan mayi-ji ngulkurr, jana kari dakwuy bulur-iji | that after days many camp food-COMIT good, they NEG hungry cold.season


A new baby was born in the camp when the first rains came, and everyone came to see the little one.

Ngawa jirakal bayanba daran kaba kadanyjiku, jana wubulku kadan ngawa nyajinka.

ngawa jirakal bayan-ba dara-ny kaba kada-nyjiku, jana wubul-ku kada-ny ngawa nyaji-nka | baby new camp-LOC born rain come-SUCC, all came baby see-PURP

ngawa jirakal bayan daray kaba kaday nyajil


The old woman held the baby and gave it the name of her own grandmother, who was a strong woman.

Wulbumanangka ngawa karrban, nyungu burri dajin nyungu babimu, babi junkurr jalbu.

wulbuman-angka ngawa karrba-ny, nyungu burri daji-ny nyungu babi-mu, babi junkurr jalbu | old.woman baby held, its name gave her grandmother-POSS, grandmother strong woman

wulbuman ngawa karrbal burri dajil babi junkurr jalbu


The baby's mother was glad and thanked the old people, and there was a big meal that night.

Ngawamu ngamu wawu-mini, kamba-kamba ngulkurr balkan, mayi yalbay yinya kunarangkal.

ngawa-mu ngamu wawu-mini, kamba-kamba ngulkurr balka-ny, mayi yalbay yinya kunarangkal | baby-POSS mother glad, elders thanked, food big that night

ngawa ngamu wawu-mini kamba ngulkurr mayi yalbay kunarangkal


The grandfather made a little carrier for the child and cut his mark into the wood.

Kamingka karrkayka balji buban yakan, nyungu jina jukungu yakan.

kami-ngka karrkay-ka balji buban yaka-ny, nyungu jina juku-ngu yaka-ny | grandad child-DAT carrier little made, his mark wood-LOC cut

kami karrkay balji buban yakal jina juku


May this child grow strong and never forget the country, said the old man, holding the baby to the fire's warmth.

Kamingka balkan: yanyu karrkay junkurrmal, kari bubu milka-wula; nyulu ngawa karrbanya bayanga.

kami-ngka balka-ny: yanyu karrkay junkurr-ma-l, kari bubu milka-wula-∅; nyulu ngawa karrba-nya baya-nga | old man said: this child strong-INCHO, NEG country forget-IMP; he baby holding-SUB fire-LOC

kami balkal karrkay junkurr bubu milka ngawa karrbal baya


The men on the hill saw smoke rising far away in the north and knew visitors were coming.

Dingkar-dingkarangka manjalba kubu nyajin wangkar kalakalbay kungkarrba, binal jawunkarra kadanya.

dingkar-dingkar-angka manjal-ba kubu nyaji-ny wangkar kalakalbay kungkarr-ba, binal jawun-karra kada-nya | men hill-LOC smoke saw up far north-LOC, knew visitors coming-SUB

dingkar manjal kubu nyajil wangkar kalakalbay kungkarr binal jawun


They made their own fire smoke to answer, and by evening the two groups could see each other across the valley.

Jana baya wajun, kubu yijarrin balkanka, yilay-yilay jana jambul nyajilwan bubu badanga.

jana baya waju-ny, kubu yijarri-ny balka-nka, yilay-yilay jana jambul nyaji-l-wa-ny bubu bada-nga | they fire made, smoke put speak-PURP, evening two saw-RECIP country low-LOC

baya wayjul kubu yijarril balkal yilay-yilay jambul nyajil bubu bada


The visitors reached the camp at dark, and the two families sat late by the fire sharing news.

Jawunkarra bayanba kadan wujurrbu, jana jambul baya ngundu bundandan, kuku balkanya kunarangkal.

jawun-karra bayan-ba kada-ny wujurr-bu, jana jambul baya ngundu bundanda-ny, kuku balka-nya kunarangkal | visitors camp-LOC came dark-LOC, they two fire near sat, news telling-SUB night

jawun bayan kaday wujurr jambul baya ngundu bunday kuku balkal


The visitors had walked a long way to trade shell ornaments for good stone from the mountains.

Jawunkarra jilba dungan kalakalbay, bulkiji dajinka, kulji ngulkurr manjalmuny maninka.

jawun-karra jilba dunga-ny kalakalbay, bulkiji daji-nka, kulji ngulkurr manjal-muny mani-nka | visitors walked far, shells give-PURP, stone good mountain-ABL take-PURP

jawun jilba dungay kalakalbay bulkiji dajil kulji ngulkurr manjal manil


The old men talked for a long time and agreed the trade was good for both camps.

Mukul dingkar-dingkar balkan wungar wubulku, jana binal: yanyu ngulkurr jambulka.

mukul dingkar-dingkar balka-ny wungar wubul-ku, jana binal: yanyu ngulkurr jambul-ka | old men talked days many, they agreed: this good two-DAT

mukul dingkar balkal wungar binal ngulkurr jambul


That night a big storm came, and lightning flashed above the whole range of mountains.

Yinya kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kadan, balbay balbajin wangkar manjalba.

yinya kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kada-ny, balbay balbaji-ny wangkar manjal-ba | that night storm big came, lightning flashed above mountain-LOC

kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kaday balbay wangkar manjal


The little children were frightened and cried, but grandad told them the storm would pass by morning.

Karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini, badin, yambada kamingka balkan: jarramali dungay wunkuwingkuku.

karrkay-karrkay buban yini-yini, badi-ny, yambada kami-ngka balka-ny: jarramali dunga-y wunkuwingku-ku | children little frightened, cried, but grandad said: storm will.go morning-DAT

karrkay buban badi kami balkal jarramali dungay wunkuwingku


The rain fell hard all night, and in the morning the creek was running fast.

Kaba daran junkurrku kunarangkal wubulku, wunkuwingku wawubaja warrin jinbalku.

kaba dara-ny junkurr-ku kunarangkal wubul-ku, wunkuwingku wawubaja warri-ny jinbal-ku | rain fell hard night all, morning river ran fast

kaba daray junkurr kunarangkal wunkuwingku wawubaja warri jinbal


A big tree had fallen across the path in the night, and the men cut it up for firewood.

Juku yalbay daran jinanga kunarangkal, dingkar-dingkarangka juku yakan bayaka wubulku.

juku yalbay dara-ny jina-nga kunarangkal, dingkar-dingkar-angka juku yaka-ny baya-ka wubul-ku | tree big fell path-LOC night, men tree cut fire-DAT all

juku yalbay daray jina kunarangkal dingkar yakal baya


By midday the sun was warm again and the children ran out to play in the fresh clean country.

Wungar wangkar wumbul baja, karrkay-karrkay warrin ngalkalba, kinkan bubungu jirakalba.

wungar wangkar wumbul baja, karrkay-karrkay warri-ny ngalkal-ba, kinka-ny bubu-ngu jirakal-ba | sun high warm again, children ran outside, played country-LOC fresh-LOC

wungar wangkar wumbul karrkay warri ngalkal kinkay bubu jirakal


The old man gathered the children and said: the country talks to us in the clouds, the wind, and the birds.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay bangkan, balkan: bububu ngananda balkal ngurrbanji, muyarji, buyiji.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay bangka-ny, balka-ny: bubu-bu ngana-nda balka-l ngurrban-ji muyar-ji buyi-ji | old man children gathered, said: country-ERG us-LOC talks cloud-COMIT wind-COMIT bird-COMIT

mukul dingkar karrkay bangkal balkal bubu ngurrban muyar buyi


Watch and listen, he said, and the country will always show you where the food and water are.

Nyaka, milka-jana, nyulu balkan: bububu yununda milbil yabarrka mayi bana wanjabu.

nyaka, milka-jana-∅, nyulu balka-ny: bubu-bu yunu-nda milbi-l yabarrka mayi bana wanjabu | look-IMP, listen-IMP, he said: country-ERG you-LOC show always food water where

nyajil milka balkal bubu milbil yabarrka mayi bana


The children listened well and did not forget, for the old people's words are the country's own words.

Karrkay-karrkayangka milka-janan ngulkurrku, kari milka-wulan, kamba-kambamu kuku bubumu kuku.

karrkay-karrkay-angka milka-jana-ny ngulkurr-ku, kari milka-wula-ny, kamba-kamba-mu kuku bubu-mu kuku | children listened well, NEG forgot, elders-POSS words country-POSS words


That is how the young ones learn the old way, one story and one season at a time.

Yalaku karrkay-karrkay binalmal yala ngadiku, nyubun kuku nyubun buluriji.

yala-ku karrkay-karrkay binal-ma-l yala ngadiku, nyubun kuku nyubun bulur-iji | like.this children learn way old, one story one cold.season


And so the country and its people go on together, as they have since the very first morning.

Yalaku bubu bamaji dungay baja, yala ngadiku muduwajuny nyubunmuny.

yala-ku bubu bama-ji dunga-y baja, yala ngadiku muduwaju-ny nyubun-muny | like.this country people-COMIT goes.on, like long.ago dawn first-ABL

yala bubu bama dungay ngadiku muduwajuny nyubun


In the dry time the women gathered grass seeds in the open country and carried them home in big dilly bags.

Marralba jalbu-jalbungku jumul-jumul bangkan ngunnganga, balji yalbaymba wundin bayanba.

marral-ba jalbu-jalbu-ngku jumul-jumul bangka-ny ngunnga-nga, balji yalbay-mba wundi-ny bayan-ba | dry-LOC women grass.seeds gathered open-LOC, bag big-LOC carried camp-LOC

marral jalbu jumul-jumul bangkal ngunnga balji yalbay wundil bayan


They ground the seeds between two flat stones to make fine flour for damper.

Jalbu-jalbungku diburr nyurrban kulji jambulbu, bulawu buban damba ngaranka.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku diburr nyurrba-ny kulji jambul-bu, bulawu buban damba ngara-nka | women seeds ground stone two-INST, flour fine damper make-PURP

jalbu diburr nyurrbal kulji jambul bulawu damba ngaral


It is hard work, said the old woman, but good flour makes good damper, and everyone eats well.

Wulbumanangka balkan: yanyu dandi, yambada bulawu ngulkurr damba ngulkurr, jana wubulku ngulkurr nukan.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yanyu dandi, yambada bulawu ngulkurr damba ngulkurr, jana wubul-ku ngulkurr nuka-ny | old.woman said: this hard, but flour good damper good, all well ate

wulbuman balkal dandi bulawu ngulkurr damba nukal


The children helped carry the stones and fetch the water, and everyone worked together in the shade.

Karrkay-karrkayangka mara-dajin kulji wundinka, bana maninka, jana wubulku kirrajin wabarrba.

karrkay-karrkay-angka mara-daji-ny kulji wundi-nka, bana mani-nka, jana wubul-ku kirraji-ny wabarr-ba | children helped stones carry-PURP, water get-PURP, all worked shade-LOC

karrkay kulji wundil bana manil kirraji wabarr


By evening there was flour enough for many days, stored in bark in the cool part of the shelter.

Yilay-yilay bulawu wubul wungar wubulku, buykungu kujin bayan kiwaymba.

yilay-yilay bulawu wubul wungar wubul-ku, buyku-ngu kuji-ny bayan kiway-mba | evening flour much days many, paperbark-LOC kept shelter cool-LOC

yilay-yilay bulawu wubul wungar buyku kujil bayan kiway


The men caught fat eels in the deep part of the creek, feeling for them under the banks with their hands.

Dingkar-dingkarangka kubarr yalbay karrban wawubaja badanga, mara nyunjan bubu kudamundu.

dingkar-dingkar-angka kubarr yalbay karrba-ny wawubaja bada-nga, mara nyunja-ny bubu kudamundu | men eels fat caught river deep-LOC, hand felt(poked) ground behind(under)

dingkar kubarr yalbay karrbal wawubaja bada mara nyunjal bubu kudamundu


Granny wrapped the eels in green leaves and cooked them slowly in the ground oven between hot stones.

Babingka kubarr kajan birranju, kurrmanga buban-bubanku wajun, kulji wumbulba.

babi-ngka kubarr kaja-ny birra-nju, kurrma-nga buban-buban-ku waju-ny, kulji wumbul-ba | granny eels wrapped leaf-INST, oven-LOC slowly cooked, stone hot-LOC

babi kubarr kajal birra kurrma wayjul kulji wumbul


The eel was cooking on the fire and the children could hardly wait for it to be ready.

Kubarr wumbul bayanga, karrkay-karrkay murruji maku-janay, mayi ngulkurrmanyjiku.

kubarr wumbul baya-nga, karrkay-karrkay murruji maku-jana-y, mayi ngulkurr-ma-nyjiku | eel hot fire-LOC, children unable wait, food ready-SUCC

ngulkurr baya kaday karrkay murruji maku-janay mayi


When the eel was cooked, granny shared it out, giving the best pieces to the children.

Kubarr ngulkurrmanda, babingka dajin wubulku, ngulkurr bajaku karrkay-karrkaynka dajin.

kubarr ngulkurr-ma-ny-da, babi-ngka daji-ny wubul-ku, ngulkurr-baja-ku karrkay-karrkay-nka daji-ny | eel cooked, granny shared all, best children-DAT gave


Eel is the best food of the wet season, said grandad, and the creek gives it freely to those who know it.

Kamingka balkan: kubarr mayi ngulkurr bajaku buluriji, wawubajabu dajil jananka binalka.

kami-ngka balka-ny: kubarr mayi ngulkurr-baja-ku bulur-iji, wawubaja-bu daji-l jana-nka binal-ka | grandad said: eel food best cold.season, river-ERG gives 3pl-DAT knowing-DAT

kami balkal kubarr mayi ngulkurr wawubaja dajil binal


One afternoon a little boy followed a bird into the scrub and did not come back before dark.

Yilay-yilay karrkay buban buyika dungan madjanga, kari kadan baja wujurrmanyjiku.

yilay-yilay karrkay buban buyi-ka dunga-ny madja-nga, kari kada-ny baja wujurr-ma-nyjiku | afternoon child little bird-DAT went scrub-LOC, NEG came back dark-INCHO-SUCC

yilay-yilay karrkay buban buyi wukurril madja kaday wujurr


His mother called and called, but the boy was small and the scrub was big, and soon the sun went down.

Ngamungka yirrkan-yirrkan, yambada karrkay buban, madja yalbay, wungar bada dunganda.

ngamu-ngka yirrka-n-yirrka-ny, yambada karrkay buban, madja yalbay, wungar bada dunga-ny-da | mother called-REDUP, but child little, scrub big, sun down went-then

ngamu yirrkay karrkay buban madja yalbay wungar bada dungay


The men took firesticks and went into the dark scrub, calling the boy's name and searching for his tracks.

Dingkar-dingkarangka baya manin, madjanga walan wujurrbu, karrkaymu burri yirrkan, jina nyajil-nyajin.

dingkar-dingkar-angka baya mani-ny, madja-nga wala-ny wujurr-bu, karrkay-mu burri yirrka-ny, jina nyaji-l-nyaji-ny | men fire took, scrub-LOC entered dark-LOC, child-POSS name called, tracks searched-REDUP

dingkar baya manil madja walal wujurr karrkay burri yirrkay jina nyajil


At last the old dog found the boy asleep under a big tree, cold but not hurt.

Kaya mukulungku karrkay nyajin juku yalbaymba, warngku wunanya, kiway yambada kari kaka.

kaya mukul-ungku karrkay nyaji-ny juku yalbay-mba, warngku wuna-nya, kiway yambada kari kaka | dog old-ERG child found tree big-LOC, sleeping-SUB, cold but NEG sore

kaya mukul karrkay nyajil juku yalbay warngku wunay kiway kaka


The men carried the boy home to his mother, who cried with joy and held him close by the fire.

Dingkar-dingkarangka karrkay wundin ngamunda, ngamu wawu-mini badin, karrban ngundu bayanga.

dingkar-dingkar-angka karrkay wundi-ny ngamu-nda, ngamu wawu-mini badi-ny, karrba-ny ngundu baya-nga | men child carried mother-LOC, mother glad cried, held near fire-LOC

dingkar karrkay wundil ngamu wawu-mini badi karrbal ngundu baya


Never follow a bird into the deep scrub alone, said granny, but the boy was already fast asleep.

Babingka balkan: kari buyi wukurrika madja badaka nyulurrku; yambada karrkay warngku wunan baja.

babi-ngka balka-ny: kari buyi wukurri-ka madja bada-ka nyulu-rrku; yambada karrkay warngku wuna-ny baja | granny said: NEG bird follow-IMP scrub deep-DAT alone; but child asleep already

babi balkal buyi wukurril madja bada karrkay warngku wunay


That night the old man told the children about the time before this time, which the old people saw in dreams.

Yinya kunarangkal mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay balkan yala ngadikuka, kamba-kambangka bijarrbu nyajin.

yinya kunarangkal mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay balka-ny yala ngadiku-ka, kamba-kamba-ngka bijarr-bu nyaji-ny | that night old man children told about long.ago-DAT, elders dream-INST saw

kunarangkal mukul dingkar karrkay balkal ngadiku kamba bijarr nyajil


He pointed to the evening star and said: that one is the old woman who first made fire for the people.

Nyulu dawar milbin yilay-yilaymu, balkan: yinya wulbuman, nyulu baya ngaranyarr bamaka.

nyulu dawar milbi-ny yilay-yilay-mu, balka-ny: yinya wulbuman, nyulu baya ngara-ny bama-ka ngarr | he star pointed evening-POSS, said: that old.woman, she fire made people-DAT first

dawar milbil yilay-yilay balkal wulbuman baya ngaral bama


The children looked up at the many stars and asked the old man many questions about the sky.

Karrkay-karrkayangka dawar wubul nyajin wangkar, mukul dingkar babajin wubulku wangkarka.

karrkay-karrkay-angka dawar wubul nyaji-ny wangkar, mukul dingkar babaji-ny wubul-ku wangkar-ka | children stars many saw above, old man asked many-times sky-DAT

karrkay dawar wubul nyajil wangkar mukul babaji


The old man laughed and said: I do not know all the answers, but the sky keeps its stories — watch always.

Mukulungku dingkarangka yajarrin, balkan: ngayu kari binal wubulku, yambada wangkarbu kuku kujil, nyaka yabarrka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yajarri-ny, balka-ny: ngayu kari binal wubul-ku, yambada wangkar-bu kuku kuji-l, nyaka yabarrka | old man laughed, said: I NEG know all, but sky-ERG stories keeps, watch-IMP always

mukul yajarril balkal binal wangkar kuku kujil nyajil yabarrka


The little ones fell asleep one by one, dreaming of the old woman and her first fire.

Ngawa-ngawa warngku wunan nyubun-nyubun, bijarrinya wulbumanka nyungu bayaka ngadikumuny.

ngawa-ngawa warngku wuna-ny nyubun-nyubun, bijarri-nya wulbuman-ka nyungu baya-ka ngadiku-mun | babies slept one-by-one, dreaming-SUB old.woman-DAT her fire-DAT long.ago-ABL

ngawa warngku wunay nyubun bijarril wulbuman baya ngadiku


In the cold season an old man became sick and could not get up from his bed for many days.

Buluriji mukul dingkar bambayman, murruji wandil dubalmuny wungar wubulku.

bulur-iji mukul dingkar bambay-ma-ny, murruji wandi-l dubal-muny wungar wubul-ku | cold.season old man sick-INCHO, unable rise bed-ABL days many

mukul dingkar bambay murruji wandil dubal wungar wubul


His family was afraid, but the old woman who knows the bush remedies came and sat with him.

Nyungu jawunkarra yini-yini, yambada wulbuman kalbalka binal kadan, nyungu ngundu bundandan.

nyungu jawun-karra yini-yini, yambada wulbuman kalbal-ka binal kada-ny, nyungu ngundu bundanda-ny | his family frightened, but old.woman remedy-DAT knowing came, him near sat

jawun yini-yini wulbuman kalbal binal kaday ngundu bunday


She made a remedy from stewed bark and leaves and gave him medicine to drink each morning.

Nyulu kalbal ngaran dubalji birraji, nyungu kalbal dajin nukanka wunkuwingku wubulku.

nyulu kalbal ngara-ny dubal-ji birra-ji, nyungu kalbal daji-ny nuka-nka wunkuwingku wubul-ku | she remedy made bark-COMIT leaf-COMIT, him remedy gave drink-PURP morning all

kalbal ngaral dubal birra dajil nukal wunkuwingku


Slowly the old man grew stronger, and after a while he could sit up and eat a little food again.

Buban-bubanku mukul dingkar junkurrmanda, nyulu bundandan, mayi buban nukan baja.

buban-buban-ku mukul dingkar junkurr-ma-ny-da, nyulu bundanda-ny, mayi buban nuka-ny baja | slowly old man stronger-INCHO-then, he sat up, food little ate again

mukul dingkar junkurr bunday mayi buban nukal


The old woman said: the country's remedy is strong, but a person also gets well from good care and quiet.

Wulbumanangka balkan: bububu kalbal junkurr, yambada bama jani-mal ngulkurrbu wunbungu.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bubu-bu kalbal junkurr, yambada bama jani-ma-l ngulkurr-bu wunbu-ngu | old.woman said: country-ERG remedy strong, but person well-INCHO good-INST quiet-LOC

wulbuman balkal bubu kalbal junkurr bama jani ngulkurr wunbu


The women waited at the camp all afternoon for the men to come back from the long hunt.

Jalbu-jalbu bayanba maku-janan yilay-yilay wubulku, dingkar-dingkar kadanyjiku minyamuny kalakalbay.

jalbu-jalbu bayan-ba maku-jana-ny yilay-yilay wubul-ku, dingkar-dingkar kada-nyjiku minya-muny kalakalbay | women camp-LOC waited afternoon all, men come-SUCC hunt-ABL far

jalbu bayan maku-janay yilay-yilay dingkar kaday minya kalakalbay


The children grew restless and thirsty, and the smallest one began to cry hard for water.

Karrkay-karrkay wawu-wulan yilay-yilay-mba, badin banaka, karrkay buban bajaku badin junkurrku.

karrkay-karrkay wawu-wula-ny yilay-yilay-mba, badi-ny bana-ka, karrkay buban-baja-ku badi-ny junkurr-ku | children thirsty afternoon-LOC, cried water-DAT, child smallest cried hard

karrkay wawu-wulay yilay-yilay badi bana buban junkurr


Granny gave them water and told them a good story to make the waiting shorter.

Babingka bana dajin jananda wubulku, kuku ngulkurr balkan maku-janay bubanmanka.

babi-ngka bana daji-ny jana-nda wubul-ku, kuku ngulkurr balka-ny maku-jana-y buban-ma-nka | granny water gave 3pl-LOC all, story good told wait small-INCHO-PURP

babi bana dajil kuku ngulkurr balkal maku-janay buban


At last, as the sun went down, the men came back carrying two big kangaroos and many fish.

Wungar bada dunganya, dingkar-dingkar kadan baja, mayarriji jambul yalbay wundin, kuyu wubul.

wungar bada dunga-nya, dingkar-dingkar kada-ny baja, mayarriji jambul yalbay wundi-ny, kuyu wubul | sun down going-SUB, men came back, kangaroos two big carried, fish many

wungar bada dungay dingkar kaday mayarriji jambul yalbay wundil kuyu wubul


The whole camp was glad, and there was singing and dancing late into the warm night.

Jana wubulku bayanba wawu-mini, wulngku badin, wurin kunarangkal wumbulba wubulku.

jana wubul-ku bayan-ba wawu-mini, wulngku badi-ny, wuri-ny kunarangkal wumbul-ba wubul-ku | all camp-LOC glad, sang, danced night warm-LOC all

bayan
wawu-mini
wulngku badi
wuri
kunarangkal
wumbul


The little one who had cried for water was the first to fall asleep, full and happy at last.

Karrkay buban, nyulu banaka badin ngadiku, warngku wunanyarr, mayiji wawu-mini.

karrkay buban, nyulu bana-ka badi-ny ngadiku, warngku wuna-ny ngarr, mayi-ji wawu-mini | child little, who water-DAT cried before, slept first, food-COMIT(full) glad

karrkay buban bana badi ngadiku warngku wunay mayi wawu-mini


The old man taught the children to read the birds: when the rainbow bird calls, the honey is ready in the trees.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay binalbungan buyika: biru-biru yirrkanya, wunba ngulkurrmanda jukungu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-ny buyi-ka: biru-biru yirrka-nya, wunba ngulkurr-ma-ny-da juku-ngu | old man children taught bird-DAT: rainbow.bird calling-SUB, honey ready-INCHO-then tree-LOC

mukul karrkay binal buyi biru-biru yirrkay wunba ngulkurr juku


When the birds fly to the west, he said, the big rains are not far behind.

Nyulu balkan: buyi-buyi kuwaka marra-warrinya, kaba yalbay ngundu kudamundu.

nyulu balka-ny: buyi-buyi kuwa-ka marra-warri-nya, kaba yalbay ngundu kudamundu | he said: birds west-DAT flying-SUB, rain big near behind

balkal buyi kuwa marra-warri kaba yalbay ngundu kudamundu


The country tells you everything, if you learn to watch and listen like the old people do.

Bububu yununda milbil yambayamba, kaki yundu binalmal nyajinka milka-jananka yala kamba-kamba.

bubu-bu yunu-nda milbi-l yambayamba, kaki yundu binal-ma-l nyaji-nka milka-jana-nka yala kamba-kamba | country-ERG you-LOC shows everything, if you learn watch-PURP listen-PURP like elders

bubu milbil yambayamba kaki binal nyajil milka kamba


The children practiced every day, watching the birds and the clouds and the way the wind moved the grass.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nyajil-nyajin wungar wubulku, buyi ngurrban, muyarbu jikan jurrngan wanjabu.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nyaji-l-nyaji-ny wungar wubul-ku, buyi ngurrban, muyar-bu jikan jurrnga-ny wanjabu | children watched-REDUP days all, birds clouds, wind-ERG grass pushed how

karrkay nyajil wungar buyi ngurrban muyar jikan jurrngal


In time they knew the signs as well as the old people, and the country was no longer a stranger to them.

Wungar dunganya, jana binal yala kamba-kamba, bubu kari yindu jananka baja.

wungar dunga-nya, jana binal yala kamba-kamba, bubu kari yindu jana-nka baja | time going-SUB, they knew like elders, country NEG stranger 3pl-DAT anymore


That is what the old people give, the old man said: not cattle, not stone, but the knowing of the country.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: yanyu kamba-kambangka dajil, kari bulki kari kulji, yambada bubu binal.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: yanyu kamba-kamba-ngka daji-l, kari bulki kari kulji, yambada bubu binal | old man said: this elders-ERG give, not cattle not stone, but country knowing

mukul balkal kamba dajil bulki kulji bubu binal


The young ones will teach their own children one day, and so the country's story never dies.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nyungu karrkay binalbungal wungar yindungu, yalaku bubumu kuku kari wulay yabarrka.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nyungu karrkay binal-bunga-l wungar yindu-ngu, yala-ku bubu-mu kuku kari wula-y yabarrka | children their child will.teach day other-LOC, like.this country-POSS story NEG dies always

karrkay binal wungar yindu bubu kuku wulay


And the old man looked at the children in the firelight and knew the country was in good hands.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay nyajin bayanga, binal: bubu ngulkurr maranga jananka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay nyaji-ny baya-nga, binal: bubu ngulkurr mara-nga jana-nka | old man children looked fire-LOC, knew: country good hand-LOC 3pl-DAT

mukul karrkay nyajil baya binal bubu ngulkurr mara


The old man showed the boys how to make fire, spinning a hard stick fast between his hands on a soft log.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal milbin baya ngaranka, juku junkurr murnijin jinbalku maranga jukungu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal milbi-ny baya ngara-nka, juku junkurr murniji-ny jinbal-ku mara-nga juku-ngu | old man boys showed fire make-PURP, stick hard spun fast hand-LOC log-LOC

mukul dingkar dabal milbil baya ngaral juku junkurr murniji jinbal mara


First a little smoke came, then a small flame, and the boys watched with wide eyes.

Kubu buban kadanyarr, baya buban kadanda, dabalangka nyajin miyil yalbaymba.

ngarr kubu buban kada-ny, baya buban kada-ny-da, dabal-angka nyaji-ny miyil yalbay-mba | first smoke little came, fire little came-then, boys watched eye big-LOC

kubu buban kaday baya dabal nyajil miyil yalbay


Fire is a gift and a danger, said the old man; keep it well, or it will burn the whole camp.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: baya ngulkurr, baya yinil; kuji ngulkurrku, kari, bayabu bayan wubulku wajul.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: baya ngulkurr, baya yinil; kuji ngulkurr-ku, kari, baya-bu bayan wubul-ku waju-l | old man said: fire good, fire dangerous; keep-IMP well, if.not, fire-ERG camp all burns

mukul balkal baya ngulkurr yinil kujil bayan wayjul


The boys practiced all afternoon until each of them could make fire on his own.

Dabalangka baya ngaran yilay-yilay wubulku, jana wubulku baya ngaranyjiku nyulurrku.

dabal-angka baya ngara-ny yilay-yilay wubul-ku, jana wubul-ku baya ngara-nyjiku nyulu-rrku | boys fire made afternoon all, all fire make-SUCC alone


A camp with good fire never goes hungry or cold in the wet season, the old man said.

Bayan bayaji ngulkurrbu kari dakwuy kari kiway buluriji, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan.

bayan baya-ji ngulkurr-bu kari dakwuy kari kiway bulur-iji, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny | camp fire-COMIT good NEG hungry NEG cold cold.season, old man said


When the moon was full the people from three camps came together for a big dance by the river.

Kija yalbaymanda, bama bayan kulurmuny kadan, wurinka yalbayka wawubajanga.

kija yalbay-ma-ny-da, bama bayan kulur-mun kada-ny, wuri-nka yalbay-ka wawubaja-nga | moon full-INCHO-then, people camp three-ABL came, dance-PURP big-DAT river-LOC

kija yalbay bama bayan kulur kaday wuri wawubaja


The men put feathers on their heads and the women prepared food for everyone at the gathering.

Dingkar-dingkarangka dukulba bujur yijarrin, jalbu-jalbungku mayi ngaran jananka.

dingkar-dingkar-angka dukul-ba bujur yijarri-ny, jalbu-jalbu-ngku mayi ngara-ny jana-nka | men head-LOC feather put, women food prepared 3pl-DAT

dingkar dukul buyi mungka yijarril jalbu mayi ngaral


As the fire burned high, the old men began to sing the old songs and the young men came out to dance.

Baya wangkar wajunya, mukul dingkar-dingkar wulngku badin, warru-warru kadan wurinka.

baya wangkar waju-nya, mukul dingkar-dingkar wulngku badi-ny, warru-warru kada-ny wuri-nka | fire up burning-SUB, old men sang, young.men came dance-PURP

baya
wangkar
wayjul
mukul
dingkar
wulngku badi
warru
wuri


The children watched from their mothers' laps as the dancers moved like animals in the firelight.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nyajin ngamumu jandalba, warru-warru minya yala jalaman bayanga.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nyaji-ny ngamu-mu jandal-ba, warru-warru minya yala jalama-ny baya-nga | children watched mother-POSS lap(leg)-LOC, young.men animal like moved fire-LOC

karrkay nyajil ngamu jandal warru minya yala jalamal baya


They danced and sang all night, until the stars turned in the sky and the little ones fell asleep.

Jana wurin, wulngku badin kunarangkal wubulku, dawar wangkar murnijinya, ngawa-ngawa warngku wunanda.

jana wuri-ny, wulngku badi-ny kunarangkal wubul-ku, dawar wangkar murniji-nya, ngawa-ngawa warngku wuna-ny-da | they danced, sang night all, stars sky turning-SUB, babies slept-then

wuri
wulngku badi
kunarangkal
dawar
wangkar
murniji
ngawa
warngku
wunay


In the morning the visitors and the home camp shared a big meal before setting off on the long walk home.

Wunkuwingku jawunkarra bayanmuny jambul mayi yalbay nukan, jilba kalakalbay dunganyjiku.

wunkuwingku jawun-karra bayan-mun jambul mayi yalbay nuka-ny, jilba kalakalbay dunga-nyjiku | morning visitors home-camp two food big ate, walk far go-SUCC

wunkuwingku jawun bayan jambul mayi yalbay nukal jilba kalakalbay


One day a young man cut his leg on a rock as he was climbing down to the water.

Nyubun wungar warru jandal yakajin kuljinga, bananga dakanya bada.

nyubun wungar warru jandal yaka-ji-ny kulji-nga, bana-nga daka-nya bada | one day young.man leg cut-REFL stone-LOC, water-LOC climbing-SUB down

nyubun wungar warru jandal yakal kulji bana dakal bada


The blood ran down his leg and he could not walk, so his friends carried him back to the camp.

Mula jandalmuny badanga warrin, nyulu murruji jilba dungay, jawunkarrangka nyungu wundin bayanba.

mula jandal-muny bada-nga warri-ny, nyulu murruji jilba dunga-y, jawun-karra-ngka nyungu wundi-ny bayan-ba | blood leg-ABL down-LOC ran, he unable walk go, friends-ERG him carried camp-LOC

mula jandal bada warri murruji jilba dungay jawun wundil


The old woman washed his leg with clean water, put green ant medicine on it, and bound it with bark.

Wulbumanangka jandal julurrin banabu ngulkurrbu, yangka yijarrin, dubalji kajan.

wulbuman-angka jandal julurri-ny bana-bu ngulkurr-bu, yangka yijarri-ny, dubal-ji kaja-ny | old.woman leg washed water-INST good-INST, green.ant put, bark-COMIT bound

wulbuman jandal julurril bana ngulkurr yangka yijarril dubal kajal


For many days the young man could only sit in the shade, but the old people brought him food and told him stories.

Wungar wubulku warru wabarrba nganga bundanday, yambada kamba-kambangka nyungu mayi wundin, kuku balkanya.

wungar wubul-ku warru wabarr-ba nganga bundanda-y, yambada kamba-kamba-ngka nyungu mayi wundi-ny, kuku balka-nya | days many young.man shade-LOC only sat, but elders him food brought, stories telling-SUB

wungar warru wabarr nganga bunday kamba mayi wundil kuku balkal


Slowly the leg grew strong again, and in the end he could walk and run and climb as before.

Buban-bubanku jandal junkurrmanda baja, nyulu jilba dungay, warri, dakal yala ngadiku.

buban-buban-ku jandal junkurr-ma-ny-da baja, nyulu jilba dunga-y, warri, daka-l yala ngadiku | slowly leg strong-INCHO-then again, he walk go, run, climb like before

jandal junkurr jilba dungay warri dakal yala ngadiku


Always look where you climb and where you put your feet, said the old woman, and the country will not hurt you.

Wulbumanangka balkan: nyaka wanjabu dakal, jina wanjabu yijarril, kari bububu yununda kaka-bungal.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: nyaka wanjabu daka-l, jina wanjabu yijarri-l, kari bubu-bu yunu-nda kaka-bunga-l | old.woman said: look-IMP where climb, foot where put, NEG country-ERG you-LOC sore-CAUS(hurt)

wulbuman balkal nyajil dakal jina yijarril bubu kaka


In good weather the family loaded the canoe and set out along the coast to visit their relatives.

Wungar ngulkurrbu jawunkarrangka marrakan mumban, jalun ngundu dungan jawunkarra nyajinka.

wungar ngulkurr-bu jawun-karra-ngka marrakan mumba-ny, jalun ngundu dunga-ny jawun-karra nyaji-nka | weather good-LOC family canoe loaded, sea near went relatives see-PURP

wungar ngulkurr jawun marrakan mumbal jalun ngundu dungay nyajil


The sea was calm and the children trailed their hands in the cool water as the canoe slid along.

Jalun ngulkurr, karrkay-karrkayangka mara bananga yijarrin kiwaymba, marrakan julbarr-warrinya.

jalun ngulkurr, karrkay-karrkay-angka mara bana-nga yijarri-ny kiway-mba, marrakan julbarr-warri-nya | sea calm children hand water-LOC put cool-LOC, canoe sliding-SUB

jalun ngulkurr karrkay mara bana yijarril kiway marrakan


By midday they reached the mangroves, where the men left the canoe and went in to look for mudcrabs.

Wungar wangkar janan, jana kajulba kadan, dingkar-dingkarangka marrakan bawan, walan kijuka.

wungar wangkar jana-ny, jana kajul-ba kada-ny, dingkar-dingkar-angka marrakan bawa-ny, wala-ny kiju-ka | sun high stood, they mangrove-LOC came, men canoe left, entered mudcrab-DAT

wungar wangkar kajul kaday dingkar marrakan bawal walal kiju


The mud was deep and cold, and the men felt for the crabs with their feet, very quietly.

Kambal-kambal bada kiway, dingkar-dingkarangka kiju jina nyunjan, wunbu bajaku.

kambal-kambal bada kiway, dingkar-dingkar-angka kiju jina nyunja-ny, wunbu-baja-ku | mud deep cold, men mudcrab foot felt, very quietly

kambal-kambal bada kiway dingkar kiju jina nyunjal wunbu


They caught many big mudcrabs and put them in a bark basket, tying the claws lest they bite.

Jana kiju wubul yalbay karrban, buykungu yijarrin, mara kajan baykanyji.

jana kiju wubul yalbay karrba-ny, buyku-ngu yijarri-ny, mara kaja-ny bayka-nyji | they mudcrab many big caught, paperbark-LOC put, claw tied bite-PRECAUT

kiju wubul yalbay karrbal buyku yijarril mara kajal baykal


That night they ate mudcrab with the relatives and the two families talked until very late.

Yinya kunarangkal jana kiju nukan jawunkarraji, jana jambul balkan kunarangkal bajaku.

yinya kunarangkal jana kiju nuka-ny jawun-karra-ji, jana jambul balka-ny kunarangkal-baja-ku | that night they mudcrab ate relatives-COMIT, they two talked very late

kunarangkal kiju nukal jawun jambul balkal


At the sea camp the old woman began to teach the little children how to swim in the calm water.

Jalun bayanba wulbumanangka karrkay-karrkay buban binalbungal marijinka bana ngulkurrbu.

jalun bayan-ba wulbuman-angka karrkay-karrkay buban binal-bunga-l mariji-nka bana ngulkurr-bu | sea camp-LOC old.woman children little teaching swim-PURP water calm-LOC

jalun bayan wulbuman karrkay buban binal maraji bana ngulkurr


Kick your legs and pull with your hands, she said, and the water will hold you up.

Nyulu balkan: jandal jurrnga, mara kulba, banabu yunu wangkar kujil.

nyulu balka-ny: jandal jurrnga-∅, mara kulba-∅, bana-bu yunu wangkar kuji-l | she said: leg push-IMP, hand pull-IMP, water-ERG you up holds

balkal jandal jurrngal mara kulbal bana kujil


The bravest child tried first and went under, but the old woman lifted her up laughing, and she tried again.

Karrkay yinil-kari marijinyarr, bada dungan, yambada wulbumanangka wangkar kulban yajarrinya, marijin baja.

karrkay yinil-kari ngarr mariji-ny, bada dunga-ny, yambada wulbuman-angka wangkar kulba-ny yajarri-nya, mariji-ny baja | child fearless first swam, down went, but old.woman up lifted laughing-SUB, swam again

karrkay yinil maraji bada dungay wulbuman wangkar kulbal yajarril


By the end of the day all the children could swim a little, and none of them was afraid of the water anymore.

Wungar dunganya, karrkay-karrkay wubulku marijin buban, jana kari yinil banaka baja.

wungar dunga-nya, karrkay-karrkay wubul-ku mariji-ny buban, jana kari yinil bana-ka baja | day going-SUB, children all swam little, they NEG afraid water-DAT anymore


A child who can swim is safe by the sea, said the old woman, and the sea teaches us all our lives.

Wulbumanangka balkan: karrkay marijil ngulkurr jalunba, jalun nganamu jawun ngulkurr, jalunbu ngananda binal-bungal.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: karrkay mariji-l ngulkurr jalun-ba, jalun ngana-mu jawun ngulkurr, jalun-bu ngana-nda binal-bunga-l | old.woman said: child swims good sea-LOC, sea our friend good, sea-ERG us teaches

wulbuman balkal karrkay maraji ngulkurr jalun jawun binal


When the cold season ended, the family moved camp and went up the river to the hill country.

Buluriji dunganya, jawunkarra jurrkijin, wawubaja wangkar dungan bubu manjalka.

bulur-iji dunga-nya, jawun-karra jurrki-ji-ny, wawubaja wangkar dunga-ny bubu manjal-ka | cold.season going-SUB, family moved.camp, river up went country hill-DAT

jawun jurrkil wawubaja wangkar dungay bubu manjal


The old man made a new spear, straightening the shaft with his teeth and hardening the point in the fire.

Mukulungku dingkarangka kalka jirakal ngaran, juku dirrabu ngulkurr-bungan, kalka bayanga junkurr-bungan.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kalka jirakal ngara-ny, juku dirra-bu ngulkurr-bunga-ny, kalka baya-nga junkurr-bunga-ny | old man spear new made, shaft tooth-INST straighten-CAUS, point fire-LOC harden-CAUS

mukul kalka jirakal ngaral juku dirra ngulkurr baya junkurr


He also cut a new woomera from hard wood, so the spear would fly further and strike harder.

Nyulu mirrba jirakal yakan juku junkurrmuny, kalka kalakalbay marra-warrinka, junkurrku damanka.

nyulu mirrba jirakal yaka-ny juku junkurr-mun, kalka kalakalbay marra-warri-nka, junkurr-ku dama-nka | he woomera new cut wood hard-ABL, spear far fly-PURP, hard strike-PURP

mirrba jirakal yakal juku junkurr kalka kalakalbay marra-warri damal


The boys watched everything the old man did and asked him the name of every part of the spear.

Dabalangka nyajin yambayamba mukulungku dingkarangka ngaranya, babajin kalkamu burri wubulku.

dabal-angka nyaji-ny yambayamba mukul-ungku dingkar-angka ngara-nya, babaji-ny kalka-mu burri wubul-ku | boys watched everything old man making-SUB, asked spear-POSS name all

dabal nyajil yambayamba mukul ngaral babaji kalka burri


A man who makes his own tools well never goes hungry, the old man told them.

Bama nyulu kalka ngulkurr ngaral kari dakwuy yabarrka, mukulungku dingkarangka jananda balkan.

bama nyulu kalka ngulkurr ngara-l kari dakwuy yabarrka, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana-nda balka-ny | person who spear good makes NEG hungry always, old man 3pl-LOC told

bama kalka ngulkurr ngaral dakwuy mukul balkal


The next morning the family broke camp, let the fire die, and walked up the river singing.

Wunkun wunkuwingku jawunkarra bayan bawan, baya wulan, wawubaja wangkar dungan wulngku badinya.

wunkun wunkuwingku jawun-karra bayan bawa-ny, baya wula-ny, wawubaja wangkar dunga-ny wulngku badi-nya | next morning family camp left, fire died, river up went singing-SUB

wunkun
jawun
bayan
bawal
baya
wulay
wawubaja
wangkar
dungay
wulngku badi


The children ran ahead on the path, looking for tracks and calling out the names of the birds they saw.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin maku jinanga, jina nyajil-nyajin, buyimu burri yirrkan jana nyajinya.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny maku jina-nga, jina nyaji-l-nyaji-ny, buyi-mu burri yirrka-ny jana nyaji-nya | children ran ahead path-LOC, tracks searched-REDUP, bird-POSS name called they seeing-SUB

karrkay warri maku jina nyajil buyi burri yirrkay


By evening they reached the old hill camp, where the shelters still stood from the season before.

Yilay-yilay jana bubu manjalba kadan, bayan-bayan janan ngadikumuny buluriji.

yilay-yilay jana bubu manjal-ba kada-ny, bayan-bayan jana-ny ngadiku-mun bulur-iji | evening they country hill-LOC came, shelters stood long.ago-ABL cold.season

yilay-yilay bubu manjal kaday bayan janay ngadiku


The old people were glad to be back in the high country, where the air is cool and the water is sweet.

Kamba-kamba wawu-mini bubu wangkara baja, muyar kiway, bana ngulkurr.

kamba-kamba wawu-mini bubu wangkar-a baja, muyar kiway, bana ngulkurr | elders glad country high-LOC again, air(wind) cool, water good

kamba wawu-mini bubu wangkar muyar kiway bana ngulkurr


That night the old man looked at the stars over the hills and said: this is our country, and it knows us.

Yinya kunarangkal mukulungku dingkarangka dawar nyajin manjalba, balkan: yanyu nganamu bubu, bubu ngananka binal.

yinya kunarangkal mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dawar nyaji-ny manjal-ba, balka-ny: yanyu ngana-mu bubu, bubu ngana-nka binal | that night old man stars watched hill-LOC, said: this our country, country us-DAT knows

kunarangkal mukul dawar nyajil manjal balkal bubu binal


The children fell asleep listening to the old stories, and the fire burned low and warm in the cold night.

Karrkay-karrkay warngku wunan kuku ngadiku milka-jananya, baya buban wajun wumbul kunarangkal kiwaymba.

karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-ny kuku ngadiku milka-jana-nya, baya buban waju-ny wumbul kunarangkal kiway-mba | children slept old stories listening-SUB, fire little burned warm night cold-LOC

karrkay warngku wunay kuku ngadiku milka baya wayjul wumbul kiway


And so the family came home to the hill country, as they had every year since the first old people walked there.

Yalaku jawunkarra bayanba kadan bubu manjalka, yala wungar wubulku, kamba-kamba ngadiku jilba dunganmuny.

yala-ku jawun-karra bayan-ba kada-ny bubu manjal-ka, yala wungar wubul-ku, kamba-kamba ngadiku jilba dunga-ny-mun | like.this family home came country hill-DAT, like years all, elders long.ago walked-ABL

jawun bayan kaday bubu manjal wungar kamba ngadiku jilba dungay


When the plums were ripe the whole camp went out to the trees and filled their dilly bags with the sweet fruit.

Mayi kulbulmanda, bayan wubulku jukungu dungan, balji mumban mayi jiba-wulayji.

mayi kulbul-ma-ny-da, bayan wubul-ku juku-ngu dunga-ny, balji mumba-ny mayi jiba-wulay-ji | fruit ripe-INCHO-then, camp all tree-LOC went, bags filled food sweet-COMIT

mayi kulbul bayan juku dungay balji mumbal jiba-wulay


The children ate as they picked, and their hands and faces were soon covered in the sweet juice.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nukan bangkanya, mara walu jiba-wulayji, jana yajarrin wubulku.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nuka-ny bangka-nya, mara walu jiba-wulay-ji, jana yajarri-ny wubul-ku | children ate picking-SUB, hand face sweet-COMIT, they laughed all

karrkay nukal bangkal mara walu jiba-wulay yajarril


The old woman told them: eat what you like now, but always carry some home for those who could not come.

Wulbumanangka jananda balkan: nyiku nuka wawu, yambada kanbal wundi bayanba, jananka kari kadan.

wulbuman-angka jana-nda balka-ny: nyiku nuka wawu, yambada kanbal wundi bayan-ba, jana-nka kari kada-ny | old.woman 3pl-LOC said: now eat what.you.like, but some carry-IMP home, 3pl-DAT NEG came

wulbuman balkal nukal wawu kanbal wundil bayan


This is sharing, she said: you give much, and the country gives you much back.

Yanyu dajil, nyulu balkan: yundu wubul dajil, bububu yununda wubul dajil baja.

yanyu daji-l, nyulu balka-ny: yundu wubul daji-l, bubu-bu yunu-nda wubul daji-l baja | this giving, she said: you much give, country-ERG you-LOC much gives back


The children carried the full bags home, and that evening every family in the camp had sweet fruit to eat.

Karrkay-karrkayangka balji mayiji wundin bayanba, yilay-yilay jawunkarra wubulku mayi jiba-wulay nukan.

karrkay-karrkay-angka balji mayi-ji wundi-ny bayan-ba, yilay-yilay jawun-karra wubul-ku mayi jiba-wulay nuka-ny | children bags food-COMIT carried home, evening families all fruit sweet ate

karrkay balji mayi wundil bayan jawun jiba-wulay nukal


Two young men argued over a spear, and their voices grew loud and angry by the fire.

Warru jambul kalkaka kurru-jindawan, jana kuku yalbayman, dukul-wuri bayanga.

warru jambul kalka-ka kurru-jindawa-ny, jana kuku yalbay-ma-ny, dukul-wuri baya-nga | young.men two spear-DAT argued, their voice big-INCHO, angry fire-LOC

warru jambul kalka kurru-jindaway kuku yalbay dukul-wuri baya


One of them raised his hand to strike, but the old man stood up close to the two and spoke in a hard voice.

Nyubun warrungku mara wangkar manin damanka yala, yambada mukul dingkar janan jana jambul ngundu, balkan kuku junkurrji.

nyubun warru-ngku mara wangkar mani-ny dama-nka yala, yambada mukul dingkar jana-ny jana jambul-mu ngundu, balka-ny kuku junkurr-ji | one young.man-ERG hand up raised strike-PURP like, but old man stood them two-POSS near, spoke voice hard-COMIT

nyubun warru mara wangkar manil damal mukul janay ngundu balkal kuku junkurr


Stop this now, he said. A spear is only wood, but a broken friendship cannot be mended.

Nyulu balkan: kari yanyu nyiku. Kalka juku nganga, yambada jawun dumbarrinmuny kari ngulkurrmal baja.

nyulu balka-ny: kari yanyu nyiku. kalka juku nganga, yambada jawun dumbarri-ny-mun kari ngulkurr-ma-l baja | he said: stop this now. spear wood only, but friendship broken-ABL NEG good-INCHO again

balkal kalka juku nganga jawun dumbarril ngulkurr


The two young men looked at the ground, ashamed, and after a while they put down their anger.

Warru jambul bubu nyajin, jana walu-jirrbu-jirrbu, wungar dunganya jana dukul-wuri bawan.

warru jambul bubu nyaji-ny, jana walu-jirrbu-jirrbu, wungar dunga-nya jana dukul-wuri bawa-ny | young.men two ground looked, they ashamed(sad-faced), time going-SUB they anger left

warru bubu nyajil walu-jirrbu-jirrbu dukul-wuri bawal


The old man made them shake hands and share food, and by night they were laughing together again.

Mukulungku dingkarangka jana mara karrbamanin, mayi dajiwan, kunarangkal jana yajarrin baja jambulku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana mara karrba-mani-ny, mayi daji-wa-ny, kunarangkal jana yajarri-ny baja jambul-ku | old man them hand hold-CAUS, food give-RECIP, night they laughed again two-together

mukul mara karrbal mayi dajil kunarangkal yajarril jambul


Anger passes but the camp goes on, said the old man; do not hold your anger hard, like a hot coal.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: dukul-wuri dungay, bayan bundanday; kari karrba junkurrku dukul-wuri, yala baya wumbul.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: dukul-wuri dunga-y, bayan bundanda-y; kari karrba junkurr-ku dukul-wuri, yala baya wumbul | old man said: anger goes, camp stays; NEG hold hard anger, like coal hot

mukul balkal dukul-wuri dungay bayan bunday karrbal junkurr baya wumbul


A boy told a lie about a broken spear, saying the dog had done it, but the old man knew the truth.

Karrkayangka kalka dumbarrin, warmbijin: kayangka dumbarrin, yambada mukul dingkar yukil binal.

karrkay-angka kalka dumbarri-ny, warmbiji-ny: kaya-ngka dumbarri-ny, yambada mukul dingkar yukil binal | child-ERG spear broke, lied: dog-ERG broke, but old man truth knew

karrkay kalka dumbarril warmbiji kaya mukul yukil binal


The old man did not shout; he simply said, a lie is a heavy thing to carry, heavier than any true word.

Mukul dingkar kari yirrkan; nyulu nganga balkan: jurril dandi wundinka, yukil kukumuny dandi bajaku.

mukul dingkar kari yirrka-ny; nyulu nganga balka-ny: jurril dandi wundi-nka, yukil kuku-muny dandi-baja-ku | old man NEG shouted; he just said: lie heavy carry-INF, true word-ABL heavier

mukul yirrkay nganga balkal jurril dandi yukil kuku


The boy's face went hot and he told the truth, and the old man nodded and said no more about it.

Karrkaymu walu wumbulmanda, nyulu yukil balkan, mukul dingkar dukul jurrkin, kari balkan baja.

karrkay-mu walu wumbul-ma-ny-da, nyulu yukil balka-ny, mukul dingkar dukul jurrki-ny, kari balka-ny baja | child-POSS face hot-INCHO-then, he truth told, old man head turned(nodded), NEG spoke again

karrkay walu wumbul yukil balkal dukul jurrkil


The children learned that day that the truth is easier to carry than a lie, even when it is hard to say.

Karrkay-karrkayangka yinya wungar binalman: yukil ngulkurr wundinka jurrilmuny, dandi balkanyjiku yambada.

karrkay-karrkay-angka yinya wungar binal-ma-ny: yukil ngulkurr wundi-nka jurril-muny, dandi balka-nyjiku yambada | children that day learned: truth good carry-INF lie-ABL, hard say-SUCC but

karrkay wungar binal yukil ngulkurr jurril dandi balkal


That is why the old people say: speak straight, and you will always be able to look anyone in the eye.

Yala kamba-kambangka balkal: balka yaral, yundu yabarrka bama nyajil miyilba.

yala kamba-kamba-ngka balka-l: balka yaral, yundu yabarrka bama nyaji-l miyil-ba | thus elders say: speak-IMP straight, you always person look eye-LOC


The old people of two camps sat together for many days to arrange a marriage between a young man and a young woman.

Kamba-kamba bayan jambulmuny bundandan wungar wubulku, warru maralji wunayka balkanya.

kamba-kamba bayan jambul-mun bundanda-ny wungar wubul-ku, warru maral-ji wunay-ka balka-nya | elders camp two-ABL sat days many, young.man girl-COMIT marriage-DAT talking-SUB

kamba bayan jambul bunday warru maral wunay balkal


When they agreed, there was a big gathering, and the two families exchanged gifts of food and tools.

Jana binalmanda, bama wubul kadan, jawunkarra jambulku mayi kalka dajiwan.

jana binal-ma-ny-da, bama wubul kada-ny, jawun-karra jambul-ku mayi kalka daji-wa-ny | they agreed-then, people many came, families two food spear gave-RECIP

binal bama wubul kaday jawun jambul mayi kalka dajil


The young man built a new shelter and the young woman's mother taught her the ways of a new camp.

Warrungku bayan jirakal ngaran, maralmu ngamungka nyungu milbin bayan jirakalmu yala.

warru-ngku bayan jirakal ngara-ny, maral-mu ngamu-ngka nyungu milbi-ny bayan jirakal-mu yala | young.man shelter new built, girl-POSS mother-ERG her showed camp new-POSS way

warru bayan jirakal ngaral maral ngamu milbil yala


The old woman said to the young wife: your husband's people are your people now, but never forget where you came from.

Wulbumanangka manyarr buban balkan: yunu dunyumu bama nyiku yunumu bama, yambada kari milka-wula wanjamuny yundu kadan.

wulbuman-angka manyarr buban balka-ny: yunu dunyu-mu bama nyiku yunu-mu bama, yambada kari milka-wula wanja-muny yundu kada-ny | old.woman young.wife said: your husband-POSS people now your people, but NEG forget where-ABL you came

manyarr wife; dunyu husband; milka-wula forget


The two of them lived well together, and in time their own children played in the camp by the river.

Jana jambul ngulkurr bundandan, wungar dunganya, nyungu karrkay-karrkay kinkan bayanba wawubajanga.

jana jambul ngulkurr bundanda-ny, wungar dunga-nya, nyungu karrkay-karrkay kinka-ny bayan-ba wawubaja-nga | they two well lived, time going-SUB, their children played camp-LOC river-LOC

jambul ngulkurr bunday wungar karrkay kinkay bayan wawubaja


In the nut season the women gathered the hard nuts that fall from the tall trees near the water.

Barka wungara jalbu-jalbungku barka junkurr bangkan, juku kalbaymuny daranmuny bana ngundu.

barka wungar-a jalbu-jalbu-ngku barka junkurr bangka-ny, juku kalbay-mun dara-ny-mun bana ngundu | nut season-LOC women nuts hard gathered, tree tall-ABL fell-ABL water near

barka wungar jalbu junkurr bangkal juku kalbay bana ngundu


The nuts were bitter and could not be eaten; the women soaked them, pounded them, and cooked them with care.

Barka kabu, murruji nukal; jalbu-jalbungku bananga yijarrin, dudan, wajun ngulkurrku.

barka kabu, murruji nuka-l; jalbu-jalbu-ngku bana-nga yijarri-ny, duda-ny, waju-ny ngulkurr-ku | nuts bitter, unable eat; women water-LOC put, pounded, cooked well

barka kabu murruji nukal jalbu bana yijarril dudal wayjul


It took a whole day's work to make the nuts good to eat, but they were rich food for the cold season.

Wungar nyubun kirrajin barka ngulkurrmanka, yambada mayi junkurr ngulkurr buluriji.

wungar nyubun kirraji-ny barka ngulkurr-ma-nka, yambada mayi junkurr ngulkurr bulur-iji | day one worked nut good-INCHO-PURP, but food strong(rich) good cold.season

wungar nyubun kirraji barka ngulkurr mayi junkurr


The old woman showed the girls exactly how long to pound and when the nut paste was ready.

Wulbumanangka maral-maral milbin: wanjawanja dudal junkurrku, wanjawanja barka ngulkurrmanda.

wulbuman-angka maral-maral milbi-ny: wanjawanja duda-l junkurr-ku, wanjawanja barka ngulkurr-ma-ny-da | old.woman girls showed: how.long pound hard, when nut ready-INCHO-then

wulbuman maral milbil dudal junkurr barka ngulkurr


Nothing the country gives is wasted, she said; even the bitter nut becomes good food in patient hands.

Nyulu balkan: bububu dajil yamba kari bawal, barka kabu ngulkurrmal mara wunbungu.

nyulu balka-ny: bubu-bu daji-l yamba kari bawa-l, barka kabu ngulkurr-ma-l mara wunbu-ngu | she said: country-ERG gives thing NEG waste, nut bitter good-INCHO hand quiet-LOC

bubu dajil yamba bawal barka kabu ngulkurr mara wunbu


The old man sat with the children and told them the names of the old people who had gone before.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay ngundu bundandan, jananda balkan kamba-kambamu burri, jana ngadiku dunganmuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay ngundu bundanda-ny, jana-nda balka-ny kamba-kamba-mu burri, jana ngadiku dunga-ny-mun | old man children near sat, 3pl-LOC told elders-POSS names, they long.ago gone-ABL

mukul karrkay ngundu bunday balkal kamba burri ngadiku


We remember them by their names and their stories, he said, and so they are never really gone.

Nyulu balkan: ngana binalku jana burribu kukubu, yalaku jana kari dungan yukil.

nyulu balka-ny: ngana binalku jana burri-bu kuku-bu, yala-ku jana kari dunga-ny yukil | he said: we remember them name-INST story-INST, thus they NEG gone truly


A little girl asked: where do the old people go when they die, and can they see us from there?

Maralangka bubanangka babajin: kamba-kamba wanjaka dungay wulaku, jana nganangan nyajil yinyaymuny?

maral-angka buban-angka babaji-ny: kamba-kamba wanja-ka dunga-y wula-ku, jana ngana-ngan nyaji-l yinyay-mun | girl-ERG little-ERG asked: elders where-DAT go die-DAT, they us see there-ABL

maral buban babaji kamba wanja dungay wulay nyajil


The old man smiled and said: they go into the country itself — the hills, the water, the stars.

Mukul dingkar wawu-mini, balkan: jana bubungu dungay — manjalba, bananga, dawara.

mukul dingkar wawu-mini, balka-ny: jana bubu-ngu dunga-y — manjal-ba, bana-nga, dawar-a | old man smiled, said: they country-LOC go — hill-LOC, water-LOC, star-LOC

mukul wawu-mini bubu dungay manjal bana dawar


When you drink cool water or sit in the shade of a big tree, the old people are with you, he said.

Yundu bana kiway nukanya, juku yalbaymu wabarrba bundanya, kamba-kamba yunuji, nyulu balkan.

yundu bana kiway nuka-nya, juku yalbay-mu wabarr-ba bunda-nya, kamba-kamba yunu-ji, nyulu balka-ny | you water cool drinking-SUB, tree big-POSS shade-LOC sitting-SUB, elders you-COMIT, he said

bana kiway nukal juku yalbay wabarr bunday kamba yunu


The little girl was not afraid of dying anymore, and she went to sleep holding the old man's hand.

Maral buban kari yinil wulaka baja, nyulu warngku wunan mukulmu mara karrbanya.

maral buban kari yinil wula-ka baja, nyulu warngku wuna-ny mukul-mu mara karrba-nya | girl little NEG afraid death-DAT anymore, she slept old.man-POSS hand holding-SUB

maral buban yinil wulay warngku wunay mukul mara karrbal


That is the greatest thing the old people give the young: not fear of the end, but a place in the country forever.

Yanyu kamba-kambangka dajil ngulkurr bajaku karrkayka: kari yinil wulaka, yambada bubungu bunday yabarrka.

yanyu kamba-kamba-ngka daji-l ngulkurr-baja-ku karrkay-ka: kari yinil wula-ka, yambada bubu-ngu bunda-y yabarrka | this elders-ERG give best child-DAT: not fear death-DAT, but country-LOC stay always

kamba dajil ngulkurr karrkay yinil wulay bubu bunday


The old man watched the ants carrying their eggs to higher ground and knew the big rains were near.

Mukulungku dingkarangka kawa nyajin, jana diburr wundinya wangkar bubuka, binal kaba yalbay ngundu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka kawa nyaji-ny, jana diburr wundi-nya wangkar bubu-ka, binal kaba yalbay ngundu | old man ants watched, they eggs carrying-SUB up ground-DAT, knew rain big near

mukul kawa nyajil diburr wundil wangkar bubu binal kaba


He told the men to mend the shelters and gather firewood before the weather turned.

Nyulu dingkar-dingkar balkan: bayan ngulkurr-bunga, juku bangka, wungar yindumanyjiku.

nyulu dingkar-dingkar balka-ny: bayan ngulkurr-bunga, juku bangka, wungar yindu-ma-nyjiku | he men told: shelter mend(good-CAUS-IMP), wood gather-IMP, weather change-SUCC

dingkar balkal bayan ngulkurr juku bangkal wungar yindu


The women brought in the drying fish and put the flour and nuts under cover against the rain.

Jalbu-jalbungku kuyu marral wundin bayanba, bulawu barka bayanba yijarrin kabaka.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku kuyu marral wundi-ny bayan-ba, bulawu barka bayan-ba yijarri-ny kaba-ka | women fish dry brought.in shelter-LOC, flour nuts shelter-LOC put rain-DAT

jalbu kuyu marral wundil bayan bulawu barka yijarril kaba


That night the first big storm of the wet season came, but the camp was ready and dry and warm.

Yinya kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kadanyarr buluriji, yambada bayan ngulkurrmanda, marral, wumbul.

yinya kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kada-ny-arr bulur-iji, yambada bayan ngulkurr-ma-ny-da, marral, wumbul | that night storm big came-first cold.season, but camp ready, dry, warm

kunarangkal jarramali yalbay kaday bayan ngulkurr marral wumbul


The children listened to the rain on the paperbark roof and felt safe and warm beside the fire.

Karrkay-karrkayangka kaba nyajin buykungu, jana ngulkurr wumbul bayanga bundandan.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kaba nyaji-ny buyku-ngu, jana ngulkurr wumbul baya-nga bundanda-ny | children rain heard paperbark-LOC, they safe(good) warm fire-LOC sat

karrkay kaba nyajil buyku ngulkurr wumbul baya bunday


The old man was glad; a camp that watches the weather and prepares is never caught out by the rain.

Mukul dingkar wawu-mini; bayan nyulu wungar nyajil, ngulkurr-bungal, kababu kari karrbal yabarrka.

mukul dingkar wawu-mini; bayan nyulu wungar nyaji-l, ngulkurr-bunga-l, kaba-bu kari karrba-l yabarrka | old man glad; camp that weather watches, prepares, rain-ERG NEG catches ever

mukul wawu-mini bayan wungar nyajil ngulkurr kaba karrbal


And so the wet season began, and the camp was warm and full of food, safe until the sun came back.

Yalaku buluriji kadan, bayan wumbul mayiji, jana yajarrin, ngulkurr wungar kadanyjiku baja.

yala-ku bulur-iji kada-ny, bayan wumbul mayi-ji, jana yajarri-ny, ngulkurr wungar kada-nyjiku baja | thus cold.season came, camp warm food-COMIT, they laughed, safe sun come-SUCC again

bulur-iji kaday bayan wumbul mayi yajarril ngulkurr wungar


The old woman sat in the shade twisting long strands of bark into strong string for a new dilly bag.

Wulbumanangka wabarrba bundandan, dubal kalbay murnin karra junkurrku, ngunyin jirakalka.

wulbuman-angka wabarr-ba bundanda-ny, dubal kalbay murni-ny karra junkurr-ku, ngunyin jirakal-ka | old.woman shade-LOC sat, bark long twisted string strong, dilly.bag new-DAT

wulbuman wabarr bunday dubal kalbay murnil karra junkurr ngunyin


She rolled the string on her leg with her hand, the way her mother and her mother's mother had done.

Nyulu karra jungkarrin jandalba maranga, yala ngamungka, ngamumu ngamungka ngaran.

nyulu karra jungkarri-ny jandal-ba mara-nga, yala ngamu-ngka, ngamu-mu ngamu-ngka ngara-ny | she string rolled leg-LOC hand-LOC, like mother-ERG, mother-POSS mother-ERG made

karra jungkarril jandal mara ngamu ngaral


The children watched her fingers move and asked if they could learn to make a bag too.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nyungu mara nyajin jalamanya, babajin: ngana binalmal ngunyin ngaranka baja?

karrkay-karrkay-angka nyungu mara nyaji-ny jalama-nya, babaji-ny: ngana binal-ma-l ngunyin ngara-nka baja? | children her hand watched moving-SUB, asked: we learn dilly.bag make-PURP too?

karrkay mara nyajil jalamal babaji binal ngunyin ngaral


The old woman gave each child a little string and showed them how to make the knots.

Wulbumanangka karrkay wubulku karra buban dajin, milbin karra kajanka.

wulbuman-angka karrkay wubul-ku karra buban daji-ny, milbi-ny karra kaja-nka | old.woman child all string little gave, showed string tie-PURP

wulbuman karrkay karra buban dajil milbil kajal


By the end of the day each child had made a small crooked bag, and the old woman said every one was good.

Wungar dunganya, karrkay wubulku ngunyin buban ngaran, wulbumanangka balkan: yambayamba ngulkurr.

wungar dunga-nya, karrkay wubul-ku ngunyin buban ngara-ny, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yambayamba ngulkurr | day going-SUB, child all dilly.bag small made, old.woman said: everything good

wungar karrkay ngunyin buban ngaral wulbuman balkal yambayamba ngulkurr


In the late afternoon the children hid and looked for each other among the trees and rocks near the camp.

Yilay-yilay karrkay-karrkay ngakijin madjanga, nyajilwan juku kulji ngundu bayanba.

yilay-yilay karrkay-karrkay ngaki-ji-ny madja-nga, nyaji-l-wa-ny juku kulji ngundu bayan-ba | afternoon children hid scrub-LOC, sought-RECIP tree stone near camp-LOC

yilay-yilay karrkay ngakil madja nyajil juku kulji ngundu bayan


One little boy hid so well in a hollow log that nobody could find him for a long time.

Karrkay buban ngakijin jukungu ngulkurrku, jana murruji nyajil nyungu wungar wubulku.

karrkay buban ngaki-ji-ny juku-ngu ngulkurr-ku, jana murruji nyaji-l nyungu wungar wubul-ku | child little hid log-LOC well, they unable find him time long

karrkay buban ngakil juku ngulkurr murruji nyajil wungar


The other children called his name again and again, but he stayed quiet and did not answer.

Karrkay-karrkay yindungku nyungu burri yirrkan baja baja, yambada nyulu wunbu bundanday, kari balkan.

karrkay-karrkay yindu-ngku nyungu burri yirrka-ny baja baja, yambada nyulu wunbu bundanda-y, kari balka-ny | children other-ERG his name called again again, but he quiet stayed, NEG answered

karrkay yindu burri yirrkay wunbu bunday balkal


At last the old woman found him, laughing, and said: you hide like a bandicoot, little one!

Wulbumanangka nyajin, yajarrinya, balkan: yundu ngakiji yala kulngu, buban!

wulbuman-angka nyaji-ny, yajarri-nya, balka-ny: yundu ngaki-ji yala kulngu, buban! | old.woman found, laughing-SUB, said: you hide like bandicoot, little.one!

wulbuman nyajil yajarril ngakil yala kulngu buban


The children ran back to the camp laughing, and the game was the best thing of the whole day.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin baja bayanba yajarrinya, kinkay ngulkurr bajaku yinya wungarmuny.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny baja bayan-ba yajarri-nya, kinkay ngulkurr-baja-ku yinya wungar-muny | children ran back camp-LOC laughing-SUB, play best that day-ABL

karrkay warri bayan yajarril kinkay ngulkurr wungar


Granny cooked three ways that day: she roasted yams in the coals, boiled fish in water, and baked meat in the ground oven.

Babingka kulur yala wajun yinya wungar: wukay dindan nulungu, kuyu nyaman bananga, minya wajun kurrmanga.

babi-ngka kulur yala waju-ny yinya wungar: wukay dinda-ny nulu-ngu, kuyu nyama-ny bana-nga, minya waju-ny kurrma-nga | granny three ways cooked that day: yams roasted ashes-LOC, fish boiled water-LOC, meat baked earth.oven-LOC

babi kulur yala wayjul wukay dindal nulu kuyu nyamal bana minya kurrma


Each food is cooked its own way, she told the girls, and a good cook knows them all.

Mayi wubulku yindu-yindu wajul, nyulu balkan, bama ngulkurr wajul binal yambayamba.

mayi wubul-ku yindu-yindu waju-l, nyulu balka-ny, bama ngulkurr waju-l binal yambayamba | food all each-differently cooked, she said, person good cooks knows everything

mayi yindu wayjul bama ngulkurr binal yambayamba


The girls tasted each food and said the roasted yam was the sweetest of all.

Maral-maralangka mayi wubulku nukan, balkan: wukay dindan jiba-wulay bajaku.

maral-maral-angka mayi wubul-ku nuka-ny, balka-ny: wukay dinda-ny jiba-wulay-baja-ku | girls food all tasted, said: yam roasted sweet-most

maral mayi nukal wukay dindal jiba-wulay


Granny laughed and said: everything the country gives is sweet when you are hungry and the fire is good.

Babingka yajarrin, balkan: bububu dajil yambayamba jiba-wulay, yundu dakwuymba, baya ngulkurrbu.

babi-ngka yajarri-ny, balka-ny: bubu-bu daji-l yambayamba jiba-wulay, yundu dakwuy-mba, baya ngulkurr-bu | granny laughed, said: country-ERG gives everything sweet, you hungry-LOC, fire good-LOC

babi yajarril bubu dajil yambayamba jiba-wulay dakwuy baya ngulkurr


The children carried food to the old people who could not walk to the fire, as they were taught.

Karrkay-karrkayangka mayi wundin kamba-kambanka, jana murruji jilba dungay bayaka, yala jana milbinya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka mayi wundi-ny kamba-kamba-nka, jana murruji jilba dunga-y baya-ka, yala jana milbi-nya | children food carried elders-DAT, they unable walk go fire-DAT, as they shown-SUB

karrkay mayi wundil kamba murruji jilba dungay baya milbil


That is how a camp stays strong, said granny: the young feed the old, and the old teach the young.

Yalaku bayan junkurr bundanday, babingka balkan: warru-warrungku kamba-kamba nukamanil, kamba-kambangka warru-warru binal-bungal.

yala-ku bayan junkurr bundanda-y, babi-ngka balka-ny: warru-warru-ngku kamba-kamba nuka-mani-l, kamba-kamba-ngka warru-warru binal-bunga-l | thus camp strong stays, granny said: young-ERG old feed, old-ERG young teach

bayan junkurr bunday babi balkal warru kamba nukal binal


The old man woke the boys before dawn and pointed to the morning star low in the east.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal wandimanin muduwajunyjiku, kurrubijal milbin bada nakanga.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal wandi-mani-ny muduwaju-nyjiku, kurrubijal milbi-ny bada naka-nga | old man boys woke(made-get-up) dawn-SUCC, morning.star pointed low east-LOC

mukul dabal warndil muduwajuny kurrubijal milbil bada naka


That star always rises in the east before the sun, he said, so it shows you which way to walk in the dark.

Yinya kurrubijal nakanga wandil yabarrka wungarmuny, nyulu balkan, yununda milbil wanjabu jilba wujurrbu.

yinya kurrubijal naka-nga wandi-l yabarrka wungar-muny, nyulu balka-ny, yunu-nda milbi-l wanjabu jilba wujurr-bu | that morning.star east-LOC rises always sun-ABL(before), he said, you-LOC shows where walk dark-LOC

kurrubijal naka wandil yabarrka wungar milbil jilba wujurr


A person who knows the stars and the winds is never lost, even in strange country.

Bama nyulu dawar muyar binal kari kilbaji yabarrka, bubu yindungu yambada.

bama nyulu dawar muyar binal kari kilba-ji yabarrka, bubu yindu-ngu yambada | person who stars winds knows NEG lost ever, country strange-LOC even

bama dawar muyar binal kilbal bubu yindu

kilba-ji 'get lost' middle; headless rel


The old man taught the boys the names of the winds and which season each one brings.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal binalbungan muyarmu burri, wanjawanja muyar buluriji wanjawanja wangariji.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal binal-bunga-ny muyar-mu burri, wanjawanja muyar bulur-iji wanjawanja wangar-iji | old man boys taught wind-POSS names, which wind cold.season which hot.season

mukul dabal binal muyar burri wanjawanja bulur wangariji


Learn the country and the country will carry you home, he said, wherever you go.

Bubu binalmaka, bububu yunu wundil bayanba, nyulu balkan, wanjaka yundu dungay.

bubu binal-ma-ka, bubu-bu yunu wundi-l bayan-ba, nyulu balka-ny, wanja-ka yundu dunga-y | country learn-IMP, country-ERG you carries home, he said, where-DAT you go

bubu binal wundil bayan balkal wanja dungay


The young men had a fishing contest to see who could catch the most fish before the sun was high.

Warru-warru kuyu karrbanya kinkan, wanya kuyu wubul bajaku karrbal wungar wangkar jananyjiku.

warru-warru kuyu karrba-nya kinka-ny, wanya kuyu wubul-baja-ku karrba-l wungar wangkar jana-nyjiku | young.men fish catching-SUB played, who fish most catches sun high stand-SUCC

warru kuyu karrbal kinkay wanya wubul wungar wangkar


One young man was quick but careless, and his line broke and his fish got away into the deep water.

Warru nyubun jinbal yambada wunbu-kari, nyungu badur dumbarrin, nyungu kuyu warrin bana badaka.

warru nyubun jinbal yambada wunbu-kari, nyungu badur dumbarri-ny, nyungu kuyu warri-ny bana bada-ka | young.man one fast but careless(care-PRIV), his line broke, his fish ran water deep-DAT

warru nyubun jinbal wunbu badur dumbarril kuyu warri bana bada


Another young man was slow but careful, and by midday he had the most fish of all, laid out on the sand.

Warru yindu buban-buban yambada wunbu, wungar wangkar janan, nyulu kuyu wubul bajaku karrban, jukara yijarrin.

warru yindu buban-buban yambada wunbu, wungar wangkar jana-ny, nyulu kuyu wubul-baja-ku karrba-ny, jukar-a yijarri-ny | young.man other slow but careful, sun high stood, he fish most caught, sand-LOC laid

warru yindu buban wunbu wungar wangkar kuyu wubul karrbal jukar yijarril


The old man gave the prize — a good new spear — to the careful one, not the quick one.

Mukulungku dingkarangka mayi ngulkurr — kalka jirakal — dajin wunbunka, kari jinbalka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka mayi ngulkurr — kalka jirakal — daji-ny wunbu-nka, kari jinbal-ka | old man gift good — spear new — gave careful-DAT, not fast-DAT

mukul mayi ngulkurr kalka jirakal dajil wunbu jinbal


A quick hand catches one fish, said the old man, but a patient hand fills the whole camp's bags.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: mara jinbal kuyu nyubun karrbal, yambada mara wunbu bayan wubulku balji mumbal.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: mara jinbal kuyu nyubun karrba-l, yambada mara wunbu bayan wubul-ku balji mumba-l | old man said: hand fast fish one catches, but hand patient camp all bags fills

mukul mara jinbal kuyu nyubun karrbal wunbu bayan balji mumbal


In the morning the men went to chop wood and split a big log for a new fishing raft.

Wunkuwingku dingkar-dingkar juku nyandanka dungan, juku yalbay yika-daman marrakan jirakalka.

wunkuwingku dingkar-dingkar juku nyanda-nka dunga-ny, juku yalbay yika-dama-ny marrakan jirakal-ka | morning men wood chop-PURP went, log big split raft new-DAT

wunkuwingku dingkar juku nyandal yalbay yika-damal marrakan jirakal


They chopped and split all morning, and the sound of the axes carried far across the water.

Jana nyandan yika-daman wunkuwingku wubulku, waymbilmu kuku kalakalbay dungan bananga.

jana nyanda-ny yika-dama-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku, waymbil-mu kuku kalakalbay dunga-ny bana-nga | they chopped split morning all, axe-POSS sound far went water-LOC

nyandal yika-damal wunkuwingku waymbil kuku kalakalbay bana


The children gathered the wood chips for the fire while the men worked on the raft.

Karrkay-karrkayangka juku buban-buban bangkan bayaka wubulku, dingkar-dingkarangka marrakan ngaranya.

karrkay-karrkay-angka juku buban-buban bangka-ny baya-ka wubul-ku, dingkar-dingkar-angka marrakan ngara-nya | children wood little-REDUP(chips) gathered fire-DAT all, men raft making-SUB

karrkay juku buban bangkal baya dingkar marrakan ngaral


By evening the raft was finished and the men pushed it into the water to see if it would float.

Yilay-yilay marrakan ngulkurrmanda, dingkar-dingkarangka bananga jurrngan, nyajinka wangkar bundandal kari.

yilay-yilay marrakan ngulkurr-ma-ny-da, dingkar-dingkar-angka bana-nga jurrnga-ny, nyaji-nka wangkar bundanda-l kari | evening raft finished, men water-LOC pushed, see-PURP up floats or.not

marrakan ngulkurr dingkar bana jurrngal nyajil wangkar bunday


It floated well and true, and the young men were proud of the raft they had made together.

Marrakan bananga ngulkurr bundandan, warru-warru wawu-mini nyungu marrakanmu, jana jambulku ngaranmuny.

marrakan bana-nga ngulkurr bundanda-ny, warru-warru wawu-mini nyungu marrakan-mu, jana jambul-ku ngara-ny-muny | raft water-LOC good floated, young.men proud their raft-POSS, they together made-ABL

marrakan bana ngulkurr bunday warru wawu-mini jambul ngaral


A thing made by many hands together is strong, said the old man, like a family and like a camp.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: yamba mara wubulku ngaranmuny junkurr, yala jawunkarra, yala bayan.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: yamba mara wubul-ku ngara-ny-muny junkurr, yala jawun-karra, yala bayan | old man said: thing hand many made-ABL strong, like family, like camp

mukul yamba mara wubul ngaral junkurr jawun bayan


A little girl lost her new dilly bag in the long grass and cried, thinking she would never find it.

Maral bubanangka nyungu ngunyin jirakal kilban jikan kalbaymba, badin, milka-bu baykan: kari nyajil baja.

maral buban-angka nyungu ngunyin jirakal kilba-ny jikan kalbay-mba, badi-ny, milka-bu bayka-ny: kari nyaji-l baja | girl little-ERG her dilly.bag new lost grass long-LOC, cried, thought(ear-bit): NEG find again

maral buban ngunyin jirakal kilbal jikan kalbay badi milka baykal nyajil


The old woman helped her look, and together they found the bag under a bush where it had fallen.

Wulbumanangka mara-dajin nyajinka, jana jambul nyajin ngunyin juku badanga, wanja daranya.

wulbuman-angka mara-daji-ny nyaji-nka, jana jambul nyaji-ny ngunyin juku bada-nga, wanja dara-nya | old.woman helped find-PURP, they two found bag bush-under, where fell-SUB

wulbuman nyajil jambul ngunyin juku bada daray


Never cry over a lost thing until you have looked everywhere, said the old woman, smiling.

Wulbumanangka balkan yajarrinya: kari badi yamba kilbanmuny, yundu yiringkurr nyajinyjiku.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny yajarri-nya: kari badi yamba kilba-ny-muny, yundu yiringkurr nyaji-nyjiku | old.woman said smiling-SUB: NEG cry thing lost-ABL, you everywhere look-SUCC

wulbuman balkal yajarril badi yamba kilbal yiringkurr nyajil


In the afternoon the children washed themselves in the cool river and played in the shallow water.

Yilay-yilay karrkay-karrkay janjin wawubaja kiwaymba wubulku, kinkan bana bubanba.

yilay-yilay karrkay-karrkay janji-ny wawubaja kiway-mba wubul-ku, kinka-ny bana buban-ba | afternoon children bathed river cool-LOC all, played water shallow-LOC

yilay-yilay karrkay janjil wawubaja kiway kinkay bana buban


Granny called them out before dark, dried them by the fire, and combed the water from their hair.

Babingka jananda yirrkan wujurrmanyjiku, bayanga marralbungan, mungkamuny bana kulban.

babi-ngka jana-nda yirrka-ny wujurr-ma-nyjiku, baya-nga marral-bunga-ny, mungka-muny bana kulba-ny | granny 3pl-LOC called dark-INCHO-SUCC, fire-LOC dried(CAUS), hair-ABL water pulled

babi yirrkay wujurr baya marral mungka bana kulbal

mungka hair; ablative -muny; marral-bungal dry-CAUS


The children slept well that night, clean and tired and full, with the sound of the river in their ears.

Karrkay-karrkay warngku wunan ngulkurr yinya kunarangkal, janjinmuny, baja-burray, mayiji, wawubajamu kuku milkanga.

karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-ny ngulkurr yinya kunarangkal, janji-ny-muny, baja-burray, mayi-ji, wawubaja-mu kuku milka-nga | children slept well that night, washed-ABL, tired, food-COMIT, river-POSS sound ear-LOC

karrkay warngku wunay kunarangkal janjil baja-burray mayi wawubaja kuku milka


The old people sat by the fire a while longer, talking quietly about the day and the days to come.

Kamba-kamba bayanga bundandan baja, balkanya wunbu yinya wungarka, wungar jirakalka.

kamba-kamba baya-nga bundanda-ny baja, balka-nya wunbu yinya wungar-ka, wungar jirakal-ka | elders fire-LOC sat longer, talking-SUB quiet that day-DAT, day new-DAT

kamba baya bunday balkal wunbu wungar jirakal


And so another good day ended in the camp by the river, as so many had before and so many would again.

Yalaku wungar ngulkurr yindu dunganda bayanba wawubajanga, yala wubul ngadiku, yala wubul kadanyjiku baja.

yala-ku wungar ngulkurr yindu dunga-ny-da bayan-ba wawubaja-nga, yala wubul ngadiku, yala wubul kada-nyjiku baja | thus day good another ended camp-LOC river-LOC, like many before, like many come-SUCC again

wungar ngulkurr yindu dungay bayan wawubaja wubul ngadiku kaday


Before dawn the hunters set out to look for kangaroo tracks in the soft ground near the water.

Muduwajunyjiku balbibama dungan, mayarriji jina nyajinka bubu bubanba bana ngundu.

muduwaju-nyjiku balbi-bama dunga-ny, mayarriji jina nyaji-nka bubu buban-ba bana ngundu | dawn-SUCC hunter-people went, kangaroo tracks see-PURP ground soft-LOC water near

muduwajuny balbi mayarriji jina nyajil bubu buban bana ngundu


They found fresh tracks and followed them quietly through the grass, moving only when the wind moved.

Jana jina jirakal nyajin, wukurrin wunbu jikanba, jalaman muyar jalamanya nganga.

jana jina jirakal nyaji-ny, wukurri-ny wunbu jikan-ba, jalama-ny muyar jalama-nya nganga | they tracks fresh found, followed quietly grass-LOC, moved wind moving-SUB only

jina jirakal nyajil wukurril wunbu jikan jalamal muyar


The best hunter crept close to the big kangaroo, keeping the wind in his face so the animal would not smell him.

Balbibama ngulkurr karangajin mayarriji yalbayka, muyar walungu kujin, minya nyungu nyajinyji.

balbi-bama ngulkurr karanga-ji-ny mayarriji yalbay-ka, muyar walu-ngu kuji-ny, minya nyungu nyaji-nyji | hunter good stalked kangaroo big-DAT, wind face-LOC kept, animal him perceive-PRECAUT

balbi karangaji mayarriji yalbay muyar walu kujil minya nyajil


When he was close enough he stood up and threw his spear hard, striking the kangaroo in the side.

Nyulu ngundumanda, wangkar janan, kalka junkurrku yilban, mayarriji mirrimar daman.

nyulu ngundu-ma-ny-da, wangkar jana-ny, kalka junkurr-ku yilba-ny, mayarriji mirrimar dama-ny | he close-INCHO-then, up stood, spear hard threw, kangaroo rib(side) speared

ngundu wangkar janay kalka junkurr yilbal mayarriji damba damal


The big kangaroo jumped once and fell, and the young hunters ran to it shouting with joy.

Mayarriji yalbay jalaman nyubun, daran, warru-warru balbibama warrin nyungunda yirrkanya wawu-mini.

mayarriji yalbay jalama-ny nyubun, dara-ny, warru-warru balbi-bama warri-ny nyungu-nda yirrka-nya wawu-mini | kangaroo big jumped once, fell, young hunters ran it-to shouting-SUB glad

mayarriji yalbay jalamal nyubun daray warru balbi warri yirrkay


The old hunter thanked the kangaroo's spirit, for a hunter takes life only to feed the camp.

Balbibama mukulungku mayarrijimu dubu balkan ngulkurr, balbibama minya yarkin-bungal nganga bayan nukamaninka.

balbi-bama mukul-ungku mayarriji-mu dubu balka-ny ngulkurr, balbi-bama minya yarkin-bunga-l nganga bayan nuka-mani-nka | hunter old kangaroo-POSS spirit spoke.to well, hunter animal kills only camp feed-PURP

balbi mukul mayarriji dubu balkal minya yarkin-bungal nganga bayan

dubu spirit; yarkin-bungal kill; CAUS-PURP


In the dry scrub the women dug for echidna, following the fresh diggings in the dry ground.

Madjanga jalbu-jalbungku ngangkin bakan, jina jirakal wukurrin bubu marralba.

madja-nga jalbu-jalbu-ngku ngangkin baka-ny, jina jirakal wukurri-ny bubu marral-ba | scrub-LOC women echidna dug, diggings fresh followed ground dry-LOC

madja jalbu ngangkin bakal jina jirakal wukurril bubu marral

madja-nga(a→nga); marral-ba LOC; bakal dig


The echidna rolled into a tight ball and pushed its sharp back up, so no dog could bite it.

Ngangkin jungkarrijin, muku wangkar yilban, kaya murruji nyungu baykanka.

ngangkin jungkarri-ji-ny, muku wangkar yilba-ny, kaya murruji nyungu bayka-nka | echidna rolled-itself, back up pushed.out, dog unable it bite-PURP

ngangkin jungkarril muku wangkar yilbal kaya murruji baykal

muku back; jungkarri-ji middle; bayka-nka PURP


The women waited patiently, then dug under the echidna with their sticks until they could turn it over.

Jalbu-jalbungku wunbu maku-janan, bakan ngangkin badabada jukubu, jana nyungu murninka.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku wunbu maku-jana-ny, baka-ny ngangkin badabada juku-bu, jana nyungu murni-nka | women patiently waited, dug echidna underneath stick-INST, they it turn-PURP

jalbu wunbu yungal bakal ngangkin badabada juku murnil

badabada underneath; murni-nka PURP; yungal wait


Echidna is good fat meat, said the old woman, but you must work hard and wait long to catch one.

Ngangkin minya ngulkurr wandulji, wulbumanangka balkan, yundu junkurrku kirrajil, wungar wubulku maku-janay, nyubun karrbanka.

ngangkin minya ngulkurr wandul-ji, wulbuman-angka balka-ny, yundu junkurr-ku kirraji-l, wungar wubul-ku maku-jana-y, nyubun karrba-nka | echidna meat good fat-COMIT, old.woman said, you hard work, days many wait, one catch-PURP

ngangkin minya ngulkurr wandul balkal junkurr kirraji yungal karrbal


The children shared the roasted echidna that night, and even the smallest child got a piece of the good fat.

Karrkay-karrkayangka ngangkin dindan dajiwan yinya kunarangkal, karrkay buban bajaku wandul ngulkurr manin.

karrkay-karrkay-angka ngangkin dinda-ny daji-wa-ny yinya kunarangkal, karrkay buban-baja-ku wandul ngulkurr mani-ny | children echidna roasted shared that night, child smallest fat good got

karrkay ngangkin dindal dajil kunarangkal buban wandul ngulkurr manil


The old man found a honey tree by watching a small creature fly straight back to the tree.

Mukulungku dingkarangka wunba juku nyajin, minya buban nyajinya maku jukungu wandinya.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka wunba juku nyaji-ny, minya buban nyaji-nya maku juku-ngu wandi-nya | old man honey tree found, creature little watching-SUB straight tree-to flying-SUB

mukul wunba juku nyajil minya buban maku wandil

wunba honey; juku-ngu(u→ngu); double SUB


He cut a small hole in the tree and reached in, and his hand came out dripping with sweet honey.

Nyulu juku buban yakan, mara walan, nyungu mara kadan wunbaji jiba-wulayji.

nyulu juku buban yaka-ny, mara wala-ny, nyungu mara kada-ny wunba-ji jiba-wulay-ji | he tree little cut, hand entered, his hand came honey-COMIT sweet-COMIT

juku buban yakal mara walal kaday wunba jiba-wulay


The children came running when they smelled the honey, and everyone ate from their hands and laughed.

Karrkay-karrkay warrin kadan wunba nyajinya, jana wubulku mara nukan, yajarrin.

karrkay-karrkay warri-ny kada-ny wunba nyaji-nya, jana wubul-ku mara nuka-ny, yajarri-ny | children ran came honey perceiving-SUB, they all hand ate, laughed

karrkay warri kaday wunba nyajil mara nukal yajarril


In the rotting log the old man also found fat white grubs, a special food the children love.

Juku kabungu mukulungku dingkarangka jambun wandul nyajin baja, mayi ngulkurr karrkay-karrkayangka wawu jirray.

juku kabu-ngu mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jambun wandul nyaji-ny baja, mayi ngulkurr karrkay-karrkay-angka wawu jirray | log rotten-LOC old man grubs fat found too, food good children love

juku kabu mukul jambun wandul nyajil mayi ngulkurr wawu

kabu-ngu LOC(u→ngu); jambun grub; wawu jirray love


Nothing is wasted in the scrub, said the old man; the country feeds those who know how to look.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: madjanga yamba kari bawal, bububu jana nukamanil, jana nyajil binal.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: madja-nga yamba kari bawa-l, bubu-bu jana nuka-mani-l, jana nyaji-l binal | old man said: scrub-LOC thing NEG wasted, country-ERG them feeds, those look know

mukul madja yamba bawal bubu nukal nyajil binal


As the children walked home through the grass, the biggest boy stopped suddenly and held up his hand.

Karrkay-karrkay bayanba dunganya jikanba, karrkay yalbay bajaku janan jinbalku, mara wangkar manin.

karrkay-karrkay bayan-ba dunga-nya jikan-ba, karrkay yalbay-baja-ku jana-ny jinbal-ku, mara wangkar mani-ny | children home walking-SUB grass-LOC, child biggest stopped suddenly, hand up raised

karrkay bayan jikan yalbay janay jinbal mara wangkar manil


A long snake lay across the path in the sun, and the children stood very still and quiet.

Jarba kalbay jinanga dungay wungara, karrkay-karrkay janan wunbu bajaku, kari jalamal.

jarba kalbay jina-nga dunga-y wungar-a, karrkay-karrkay jana-ny wunbu-baja-ku, kari jalama-l | snake long path-LOC lay sun-LOC, children stood very.quiet, NEG moved

jarba kalbay jina dungay wungar karrkay janay wunbu jalamal

jarba snake; wungar-a LOC(r→a); jina-nga


Never run from a snake and never step over it, the old man had taught them; wait, and let it go its own way.

Mukulungku dingkarangka jana milbin ngadiku: kari warri jarbamuny, kari wangkar dakal; maku-janay, jarba nyulu yala dungay.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana milbi-ny ngadiku: kari warri jarba-muny, kari wangkar daka-l; maku-jana-y, jarba nyulu yala dunga-y | old man them taught before: NEG run snake-ABL, NEG over step; wait-IMP, snake its own.way goes

mukul milbil jarba warri dakal yungal dungay


The snake felt no fear and no threat, so it moved slowly off the warm path into the cool grass.

Jarba kari yinil, kari yinyil-kangan, yala jarba buban-buban dungan jina wumbulmuny jikan kiwaymba.

jarba kari yinil, kari yinyil-kanga-ny, yala jarba buban-buban dunga-ny jina wumbul-muny jikan kiway-mba | snake NEG afraid, NEG threatened, so snake slowly went path warm-ABL grass cool-LOC

jarba yinil buban dungay jina wumbul jikan kiway


When the snake was gone the children walked on, and the biggest boy felt proud that he had kept them safe.

Jarba dunganda, karrkay-karrkay dungan baja, karrkay yalbay wawu-mini, nyulu jana ngulkurr kujinmuny.

jarba dunga-ny-da, karrkay-karrkay dunga-ny baja, karrkay yalbay wawu-mini, nyulu jana ngulkurr kuji-ny-muny | snake gone-then, children walked on, child biggest proud, he them safe kept-ABL

jarba dungay karrkay yalbay wawu-mini kujil


The cassowary is a dangerous bird, taller than a man, killing with its strong leg, so hunters are very careful.

Kurranji buyi yinil, dingkarmuny kalbay bajaku, jina junkurrbu bama yarkin-bungal, yala balbibama wunbu bajaku.

kurranji buyi yinil, dingkar-muny kalbay-baja-ku, jina junkurr-bu bama yarkin-bunga-l, yala balbi-bama wunbu-baja-ku | cassowary bird dangerous, man-ABL taller, leg strong-INST person kills, so hunters very.careful

kurranji buyi yinil dingkar kalbay jina junkurr yarkin-bungal balbi wunbu


Two hunters worked together, one driving the bird toward the other, who waited hidden behind a tree.

Balbibama jambul jambulku kirrajin, nyubun balbibamangku buyi kangan yindu bamaka, nyubun ngakijin juku kudamundu maku-janan.

balbi-bama jambul jambul-ku kirraji-ny, nyubun balbi-bama-ngku buyi kanga-ny yindu bama-ka, nyubun ngaki-ji-ny juku kudamundu maku-jana-ny | hunters two together worked, one hunter-ERG bird drove other person-DAT, one hid tree behind waited

balbi jambul kirraji nyubun buyi kangal yindu bama ngakil kudamundu yungal


When the cassowary ran past, the hidden hunter threw his spear and struck it in the neck.

Kurranji warrinya ngundu, balbibama ngakijinmuny kalka yilban, jakay daman.

kurranji warri-nya ngundu, balbi-bama ngaki-ji-ny-muny kalka yilba-ny, jakay dama-ny | cassowary running-SUB near, hunter hidden spear threw, neck speared

kurranji warri ngundu balbi ngakil kalka yilbal jakay damal


The great bird fell, and the two hunters were glad and thanked the country for the good hunting.

Buyi yalbay daran, balbibama jambul wawu-mini, bubu balkan ngulkurr balbimuny.

buyi yalbay dara-ny, balbi-bama jambul wawu-mini, bubu balka-ny ngulkurr balbi-muny | bird great fell, hunters two glad, country spoke.to well hunting-ABL

buyi yalbay daray balbi jambul wawu-mini bubu balkal


There was meat enough for two camps, and that night there was singing and dancing and full bellies everywhere.

Minya wubul bayan jambulku, yinya kunarangkal wulngku badi, wuri, jibar mumbay yiringkurr.

minya wubul bayan jambul-ku, yinya kunarangkal wulngku badi, wuri, jibar mumba-y yiringkurr | meat much camp two-DAT, that night singing, dancing, belly full everywhere

minya
wubul
bayan
jambul
kunarangkal
wulngku badi
wuri
jibar
mumbal
yiringkurr


A hunter who shares his kill is rich in friends, said the old man, and friends are better than meat.

Balbibama nyulu minya dajil jawunbu wubul, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, jawun ngulkurr minyamuny.

balbi-bama nyulu minya daji-l jawun-bu wubul, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, jawun ngulkurr minya-muny | hunter who meat gives friend-INST many, old man said, friends better meat-ABL

balbi minya dajil jawun wubul mukul ngulkurr