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

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

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

yinya mukul dingkar jarra bambay nyiku wungar kangkal minya bayan wundil

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

mukul dingkar jarra juburr balbi bama kangkal miyil nyiku yaykarr

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


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

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

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

kawar juku kalbay wangkar jarra ngulkurr bada dandi kadal

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


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

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

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

ngawiya jalun yalmba dakal wujurr jukar wumbul dukurr bakal

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


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

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

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

wulbuman balkal ngajay muku janku jilbay bubu kudamundu nandal

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


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

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

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

wulbuman balkal darkay milbar jambul dandi nandal naybu minya manil

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


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

Dingkarangka naybu nyurrban, ngawiya-minya yaka-nka.

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

dingkar naybu nyurrbal ngawiya minya yakal

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


<translate> The women dug many yams to feed the whole camp.

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

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

jalbu mayi wubul bakal bama bayan dajil wubul

<synth> The women dug many yams to feed the whole camp.


<translate> Burn some wood to stop the thunderstorm from coming.

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

<synth> Burn some wood to stop the thunderstorm from coming.


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

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

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

yalmba kaday jarramali yununy bana karrbal

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


<translate> The women had gathered all the mussels before the tide turned.

Jalbu mukirr wubul bangkan, yira jurrki-nyjiku.

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

<synth> The women had gathered all the mussels before the tide turned.


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

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

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

jalbu banjay bakal bubu dandi juku wunkuwingku wubul

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


<translate> The tea tree grows in the swamp, and its leaves make a good remedy for a cold.

Bijin-juku daburri-nga yalbay-mal, nyungu birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki-ka.

bijin-juku daburri-nga yalbay-ma-l, nyungu birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki-ka | tea.tree swamp-LOC grows, its leaf good remedy cold-DAT

bijin juku daburri yalbay birra ngulkurr kalbal ngiki

<synth> The tea tree grows in the swamp, and its leaves make a good remedy for a cold.


<translate> The man made himself stand up, though his legs were tired.

Dingkar jana-y-mani-ji, nyungu jina baja-burray.

dingkar jana-y-mani-ji-y, nyungu jina baja-burray | man(S) make.stand-REFL, his leg tired

<synth> The man made himself stand up, though his legs were tired.


<translate> The children called to each other across the camp when the sun went down.

Karrkay-karrkay kunja-way bayan-ba, wungar bada dunga-nya.

karrkay-karrkay kunja-wa-y bayan-ba, wungar bada dunga-nya | children(S) call-RECIP camp-LOC, sun down go-SUB(dusk)

<synth> The children called to each other across the camp when the sun went down.


<translate> The old man said good people look after each other when the food is short.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan bama ngulkurr kuji-way mayi-kari-nga.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny bama ngulkurr kuji-wa-y mayi-kari-nga | old-man-ERG said person good look.after-RECIP food-without-LOC

mukul dingkar balkal bama ngulkurr kuji mayi kari

<synth> The old man said good people look after each other when the food is short.


<translate> The wallaby feeds on the new grass in the cool of the evening.

Darrba bilanji buban nukal wungar bada dunga-nya ngiki-nga.

darrba bilanji buban nuka-l wungar bada dunga-nya ngiki-nga | wallaby grass new eats sun down go-SUB(evening) cool-LOC

darrba bilanji buban nukal wungar bada dungay ngiki

<synth> The wallaby feeds on the new grass in the cool of the evening.


<translate> The echidna digs quickly into the hard ground when the dog comes near.

Ngangkin bubu dandi-nga bila bakan, kaya ngundu kada-nya.

ngangkin bubu dandi-nga bila baka-ny, kaya ngundu kada-nya | echidna ground hard-LOC fast digs, dog near come-SUB

ngangkin bubu dandi bila bakal kaya ngundu kaday

<synth> The echidna digs quickly into the hard ground when the dog comes near.


<translate> The bandicoot's tracks are small, and the children learned to read them well.

Kulngu-mu jina buban, karrkay binalman ngulkurr ngara-nka.

kulngu-mu jina buban, karrkay binal-ma-ny ngulkurr ngara-nka | bandicoot-POSS track small, child learned well read-PURP

kulngu jina buban karrkay binalmal ngulkurr ngaray

<synth> The bandicoot's tracks are small, and the children learned to read them well.


<translate> The green tree snake is thin and fast and slides along the branches.

kalkamuku buban bila, dakil-burr warri | green.tree.snake thin fast, branch-PERL(along) glides(runs)

<synth> The green tree snake is thin and fast and slides along the branches.


<translate> The old man said never kill a snake for nothing; kill only what you will eat.

Mukul-dingkarangka balkan kari jarba junjuy-ka yarkin-bunga, nuka-nka-baja yarkin-bunga.

mukul-dingkar-angka balka-ny kari jarba junjuy-ka yarkin-bunga, nuka-nka-baja yarkin-bunga | old-man-ERG said NEG snake something-DAT kill(IMP), eat-PURP-only kill(IMP)

negation imperative purposive causative ergative

mukul dingkar balkal kari jarba junjuy yarkin bungal nukal

<synth> The old man said never kill a snake for nothing; kill only what you will eat.


<translate> The children ate the sweet green-ant nest and licked the tang from their fingers.

Karrkay munjurr-bayan jiba-wula-wula nukal, mara julurri.

karrkay munjurr-bayan jiba-wula-wula nuka-l, mara julurri-y | child green.ant-nest sweet(tangy) ate, hand washed(licked)

karrkay munjurr bayan jiba-wula-wula nukal mara julurri

<synth> The children ate the sweet green-ant nest and licked the tang from their fingers.


<translate> The mosquitoes bite the hunter's legs badly in the hot midday sun.

Kamu balbi-bama-mu jina baykal dandi-baja wungar wumbul-a.

kamu balbi-bama-mu jina bayka-l dandi-baja wungar wumbul-a | mosquito hunter-POSS leg bite hard-very sun warm-LOC

kamu balbi bama jina baykal dandi wungar wumbul

<synth> The mosquitoes bite the hunter's legs badly in the hot midday sun.


<translate> What are you ill with, old man — is it your stomach or your chest?

Yundu wanyurrinji bambay, mukul-dingkar — jibar, damu?

yundu wanyurri-nji bambay, mukul-dingkar — jibar, damu | you what.COMIT sick, old-man — belly, chest

yundu wanyu bambay mukul dingkar jibar damu

<synth> What are you ill with, old man — is it your stomach or your chest?


<translate> What else do you want, so that I can bring it from the camp?

Wanyubaja yundu wawu, ngayu bayan-muny wundi-nka?

wanyu-baja yundu wawu, ngayu bayan-muny wundi-nka | what.else you want, I camp-from bring-PURP

<synth> What else do you want, so that I can bring it from the camp?


<translate> Where are you going, my child, so late in the evening?

Yundu wanjabu dungay, ngayku karrkay, wungar bada dunga-nya?

yundu wanja-bu dunga-y, ngayku karrkay, wungar bada dunga-nya | you where go, my child, sun down go-SUB(evening)

<synth> Where are you going, my child, so late in the evening?


<translate> How did you come back so quickly from the mountain in the dark?

Yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja bila-baja manjal-muny wujurr-ba?

yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja bila-baja manjal-muny wujurr-ba | you how came-back fast-very mountain-from night-LOC

<synth> How did you come back so quickly from the mountain in the dark?


<translate> Have the children already eaten, or are they still hungry?

karrkay niji nuka-ny, mayi-kari-baja | child already ate, hungry-still

<synth> Have the children already eaten, or are they still hungry?


<translate> When the smoke got in her eyes, the tears ran down the old woman's face.

Kubu miyil-ba kadanya, milbal wulbuman-mu walu-ngu bada warrin.

kubu miyil-ba kada-nya, milbal wulbuman-mu walu-ngu bada warri-ny | smoke eye-LOC come-SUB, tear old.woman-POSS face-LOC down ran

kubu miyil kaday milbal wulbuman walu bada warri

<synth> When the smoke got in her eyes, the tears ran down the old woman's face.


<translate> The old man's hair had turned white, for he had seen many seasons.

Mukul-dingkar-mu mungka ngumbu-kari-man, nyulu wungar wubul nyajin.

mukul-dingkar-mu mungka ngumbu-kari-ma-ny, nyulu wungar wubul nyaji-ny | old-man-POSS hair white(black-without)-INCHO, he season many saw

mukul dingkar mungka ngumbu kari wungar wubul nyajil

<synth> The old man's hair had turned white, for he had seen many seasons.


<translate> A man without water does not travel far in the hot dry country.

Dingkar bana-kari kari kalbay-mba dungay bubu wumbul-a.

dingkar bana-kari kari kalbay-mba dunga-y bubu wumbul-a | man water-PRIV NEG far-LOC travels country hot-LOC

dingkar bana kari kalbay dungay bubu wumbul

<synth> A man without water does not travel far in the hot dry country.


<translate> The childless couple raised the motherless child as one of their own.

Manyarr-dunyu kangkal-kari-ngka karrkay ngamu-kari bungan.

manyarr-dunyu kangkal-kari-ngka karrkay ngamu-kari bunga-ny | wife-husband childless-ERG child mother-PRIV(orphan) raised

manyarr dunyu kangkal kari karrkay ngamu bungal

<synth> The childless couple raised the motherless child as one of their own.


<translate> Let it be — don't do what you are about to do; the old man knows best.

Baluda — mukul-dingkar binal-baja, nyulu ngulkurr binal.

balu-da — mukul-dingkar binal-baja, nyulu ngulkurr binal | let.it.be(NEG2-TEMP) — old-man knows-most, he well knows

<synth> Let it be — don't do what you are about to do; the old man knows best.


<translate> In case the creek floods in the night, move the camp up onto the high ground.

Kunka wawubaja bana-yalbay-mal wujurr-ba, bayan wangkar-ka jurrki.

kunka wawubaja bana-yalbay-ma-l wujurr-ba, bayan wangkar-ka jurrki | in.case creek flood(water-big-INCHO) night-LOC, camp up-DAT move(IMP)

kunka wawubaja bana yalbay wujurr bayan wangkar jurrki

<synth> In case the creek floods in the night, move the camp up onto the high ground.


<translate> The child eats like a hungry dog, fast and with both hands.

Karrkay nukal yala kaya mayi-kari, bila mara jambul-bu.

karrkay nuka-l yala kaya mayi-kari, bila mara jambul-bu | child eats COMP dog hungry, fast hand two-INST

karrkay nukal yala kaya mayi kari bila mara jambul

<synth> The child eats like a hungry dog, fast and with both hands.


<translate> My mother cooks the food, and my father brings the meat from the hunt.

Ngayku ngamungku mayi wajul, ngayku nganjanangka minya balbi-muny wundil.

ngayku ngamu-ngku mayi waju-l, ngayku nganjan-angka minya balbi-muny wundi-l | my mother-ERG food cooks, my father-ERG meat hunt-ABL carries

ngayku ngamu mayi wajul nganjan minya balbil wundil

<synth> My mother cooks the food, and my father brings the meat from the hunt.


<translate> The mother and daughter dug yams all day in the soft ground.

Ngamu-manda bambayal bakan wungar wubulku bubu kima-nga.

ngamu-manda bambayal baka-ny wungar wubul-ku bubu kima-nga | mother-and-daughter(DYAD) yam dug day all ground soft-LOC

ngamu bambayal bakal wungar wubul bubu kima

<synth> The mother and daughter dug yams all day in the soft ground.


<translate> The Mossman people went to visit the Bloomfield people in the wet season.

Kubirri-warra wujalwujal-arra-nda dungan bana-wungar-a.

kubirri-warra wujalwujal-arra-nda dunga-ny bana-wungar-a | Mossman-people Bloomfield-people-LOC went wet-season-LOC

<synth> The Mossman people went to visit the Bloomfield people in the wet season.


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

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

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

ngayu kaday yaluy yala kaya balbi bama ngulkurr

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


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

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

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

yanyu bambayal kulbul yambada yinya dandi kari

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


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

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

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

wawubaja bada warri yarra jalun kulji yalbay jambul kudamundu

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


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

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

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

bambayal wajul bubu kiray kulji wumbul nandal

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


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

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

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

jilanji juku yalbay daray kulbul jiba-wula-wula

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


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

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

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

marra juku madja wunay darka mayi bama dajil dakwuy wungar

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


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

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

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

yanyu juku nganka wunay bama binal bambayal ngulkurr bakal

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

ngali balbil dungay yubal bundal karrkay kujil

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


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

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

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

ngana ngananga bubu karrbal ngundu nyulu nganangan mayi karrkay

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


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

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

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

imperative subordinate comitative ablative

julaji jalngkun karrbal ngulkurr badur manil

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


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

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

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

jijirr barrbal bula dulngku karangkal wunay bana dukurr

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


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

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

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

janji bada dulngku dakaldakal yalbay wangkar manil ngaykunku

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


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

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

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

yira kaday kuyu wangkar dungay bana buban nukal

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


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

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

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

karrkay jilanji jiba-wula-wula yajin bana warri janji

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


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

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

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

warru jambul nambarr nandal dungay wawubaja

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


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

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

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

ngayu wara yalbay nyajil warru nyarrma yalnga damal dulngku

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

karrkay buban manu jaybal mayi durrba jinbal

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


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

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

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

dingkar jinkalmu kunil bayka nyunguny jina

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


<translate> The big cassowary swallowed the round blue fruit whole and walked off into the scrub.

Kurranji yalbay-angka mayi warral-warral durrban, madja-ka dungan.

kurranji yalbay-angka mayi warral-warral durrba-ny, madja-ka dunga-ny | cassowary big-ERG food round(REDUP) gobbled, scrub-DAT went

kurranji yalbay mayi warral durrbal madja dungay

<synth> The big cassowary swallowed the round blue fruit whole and walked off into the scrub.


<translate> The black cockatoo cracked open the hard nut with its strong bill and ate the kernel.

Kadanji-ngka barka junkurr dumbarrin, nukan.

kadanji-ngka barka junkurr dumbarri-ny, nuka-ny | black.cockatoo-ERG nut hard broke, ate

<synth> The black cockatoo cracked open the hard nut with its strong bill and ate the kernel.


<translate> The black crow grabbed the piece of meat from the camp and flew up into the tree.

Waja-ngka minya bayan-muny karrban, juku-ka wandin.

waja-ngka minya bayan-muny karrba-ny, juku-ka wandi-ny | crow-ERG meat camp-ABL grabbed, tree-DAT rose

<synth> The black crow grabbed the piece of meat from the camp and flew up into the tree.


<translate> The frogmouth sits so still on the branch that the people cannot see it at all.

Bulnja juku dakil-ba ngulkurr bunda-l, bama-ngka kari nyaji-l.

bulnja juku dakil-ba ngulkurr bunda-l, bama-ngka kari nyaji-l | frogmouth tree branch-LOC well sit, person-ERG NEG see

bulnja juku dakil ngulkurr bundal bama kari nyajil

<synth> The frogmouth sits so still on the branch that the people cannot see it at all.


<translate> When the stormbird calls, the old people know that the big rains are coming very soon.

Kurri-kurri yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja.

kurri-kurri yirrka-nya, mukul-bama binal, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja | stormbird call.out-SUB, old-people know, rain big come now-very(soon)

kurri-kurri yirrkay mukul bama binal kaba yalbay kaday

<synth> When the stormbird calls, the old people know that the big rains are coming very soon.


<translate> I washed myself well in the river after the long, hot walk through the scrub.

Ngayu wawubaja-nga ngulkurr julurri-jin, jilba kalbay wumbul madja-muny.

ngayu wawubaja-nga ngulkurr julurri-ji-ny, jilba kalbay wumbul madja-muny | 1sg creek-LOC well wash-REFL(past), walk long hot scrub-ABL

ngayu wawubaja ngulkurr julurril jilba kalbay wumbul madja

<synth> I washed myself well in the river after the long, hot walk through the scrub.


<translate> The man happened to step on my foot in the big crowd near the fire.

Dingkar-anda ngayu jina narri-jin, bama wubul karangkal baya-nga.

dingkar-anda ngayu jina narri-ji-ny, bama wubul karangkal baya-nga | man-LOC:pt 1sg foot step.on-CHANCE.PASS(happened.to.step), person many alongside fire-LOC

dingkar ngayu jina narril bama wubul baya

<synth> The man happened to step on my foot in the big crowd near the fire.


<translate> That young man was grabbed by the police down at the store yesterday.

Yinya warru buliman-anda karrba-jin, bayan karangkal yilayku.

yinya warru buliman-anda karrba-ji-ny, bayan karangkal yilayku | that young.man police-LOC:pt grab-TOPIC.PASS(was.grabbed), store alongside yesterday

yinya warru buliman karrbal bayan yilayku

<synth> That young man was grabbed by the police down at the store yesterday.


<translate> The big day is long and hot, and everyone rests in the shade of the big trees.

Kunbu kalbay wumbul-baja, bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr-ba mara-kunbay.

kunbu kalbay wumbul-baja, bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr-ba mara-kunbay | big.day long hot-very, person many tree big shade-LOC rest

kunbu kalbay wumbul bama wubul juku yalbay wabarr mara-kunbay

<synth> The big day is long and hot, and everyone rests in the shade of the big trees.


<translate> The morning star comes up first, and then the great sun follows along behind it.

Kurrubijal wandi-l nyubun-baja, yalada wungar kudamundu kada-y.

kurrubijal wandi-l nyubun-baja, yala-da wungar kudamundu kada-y | morning.star rises first, then sun behind comes

kurrubijal wandil nyubun wungar kudamundu kaday

<synth> The morning star comes up first, and then the great sun follows along behind it.


<translate> The old people watch the stars carefully to know when the wet season will come.

Mukul-bama-ngka dawar ngulkurr nyaji-l, binal kaba-wungar kada-nka.

mukul-bama-ngka dawar ngulkurr nyaji-l, binal kaba-wungar kada-nka | old-people-ERG star well watch, know rain-season come-PURP

mukul bama dawar ngulkurr nyajil binal kaba wungar

<synth> The old people watch the stars carefully to know when the wet season will come.


<translate> Dark heavy clouds gather together in the sky, and soon the big rain will come down.

Ngurrban ngungul-ngungul yalbay jiri-nga muru bunda-l, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja.

ngurrban ngungul-ngungul yalbay jiri-nga muru bunda-l, kaba yalbay kada-l niji-baja | cloud dark(REDUP) big sky-LOC together gather, rain big come now-very(soon)

ngurrban ngungul yalbay jiri muru bundal kaba kaday

<synth> Dark heavy clouds gather together in the sky, and soon the big rain will come down.


<translate> The cool trade wind comes in from the sea every day in the long hot season.

Kumbamu ngiki jalun-muny wungar wubulku kada-y, wangariji-nga.

kumbamu ngiki jalun-muny wungar wubul-ku kada-y, wangariji-nga | trade.wind cool sea-ABL day all comes, hot.season-LOC

kumbamu ngiki jalun wungar wubul kaday wangariji

<synth> The cool trade wind comes in from the sea every day in the long hot season.


<translate> The morning was cold and grey, but by midday the hot sun broke through the clouds.

Wunkuwingku kiway ngungul-ngungul-baja, kunbu kankur-a wungar wumbul ngurrban-muny jalama-l.

wunkuwingku kiway ngungul-ngungul-baja, kunbu kankur-a wungar wumbul ngurrban-muny jalama-l | morning cold dark-very, big.day half-LOC(midday) sun hot cloud-ABL jumps.out

wunkuwingku kiway ngungul kunbu kankur wungar wumbul ngurrban jalamal

<synth> The morning was cold and grey, but by midday the hot sun broke through the clouds.


<translate> When the tide is high, the salt sea water covers all the rocks along the sandy beach.

Balar-a bana jalun kulji wubulku nanda-l, jukar karangkal.

balar-a bana jalun kulji wubul-ku nanda-l, jukar karangkal | high.tide-LOC water sea rock all covers, sand alongside

balar bana jalun kulji wubul nandal jukar

<synth> When the tide is high, the salt sea water covers all the rocks along the sandy beach.


<translate> The dog slept in the shade and the birds called out high up in the tall trees.

Kaya wabarr-ba wunan, buyi wubul juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a yirrkan.

kaya wabarr-ba wuna-ny, buyi wubul juku kalbay-ba wangkar-a yirrka-ny | dog shade-LOC slept, bird many tree tall-LOC up-LOC called.out

kaya wabarr wunay buyi wubul juku kalbay wangkar yirrkay

<synth> The dog slept in the shade and the birds called out high up in the tall trees.


<translate> The old man lit the fire, sat down beside it, and told the children a long old story.

Mukul-dingkar-angka baya wajun, karangkal bundan, karrkay-karrkay-ka kuku kalbay balkan.

mukul-dingkar-angka baya waju-ny, karangkal bunda-ny, karrkay-karrkay-ka kuku kalbay balka-ny | old-man-ERG fire lit, alongside sat, children-DAT story long told

mukul dingkar baya wajul karangkal bundal karrkay kuku kalbay balkal

<synth> The old man lit the fire, sat down beside it, and told the children a long old story.


<translate> We kept looking for the lost child all day long, but we could not find him anywhere.

Ngana karrkay nyaji-l-nyajin wungar wubulku, yamba kari warrmba-bungan.

ngana karrkay nyaji-l-nyaji-ny wungar wubul-ku, yamba kari warrmba-bunga-ny | 1pl child watch-REDUP(searched) day all, BUT NEG found

ngana karrkay nyajil wungar wubul yamba kari warrmba-bungal

<synth> We kept looking for the lost child all day long, but we could not find him anywhere.


<translate> The old man went hunting with his two sons and their three dogs early in the morning.

Mukul-dingkar warru jambul-ji, kaya kulur-ji, balbi-ka dungan wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar warru jambul-ji, kaya kulur-ji, balbi-ka dunga-ny wunkuwingku | old-man young.man two-COMIT, dog three-COMIT, hunt-DAT went morning

mukul dingkar warru jambul kaya kulur balbi dungay wunkuwingku

<synth> The old man went hunting with his two sons and their three dogs early in the morning.


<translate> The rain stopped at last, and so the people came out and sat in the warm sun once more.

Kaba nanda-jin niji, yalada bama wubul wandin, wungar wumbul-a bundan-baja.

kaba nanda-ji-ny niji, yala-da bama wubul wandi-ny, wungar wumbul-a bunda-ny-baja | rain stop-PASS now, and.so person many came.out, sun warm-LOC sat-again

kaba nandal yalada bama wubul wandil wungar wumbul bundal

<synth> The rain stopped at last, and so the people came out and sat in the warm sun once more.


<translate> The carpet snake is not dangerous, and long ago the people used to eat it as good food.

Kungkun kari junkurr, kalbay-muny bama-ngka nyulu mayi ngulkurr nukan.

kungkun kari junkurr, kalbay-muny bama-ngka nyulu mayi ngulkurr nuka-ny | carpet.snake NEG dangerous, long-ABL person-ERG 3sg food good ate

kungkun kari junkurr kalbay bama mayi ngulkurr nukal

<synth> The carpet snake is not dangerous, and long ago the people used to eat it as good food.


<translate> The women dug the scrub goanna out of its deep hole and cooked it in the hot coals.

Jalbu-ngka kalajarr janku dukurr-muny bakan, baya-nga wajun.

jalbu-ngka kalajarr janku dukurr-muny baka-ny, baya-nga waju-ny | woman-ERG scrub.goanna hole deep-ABL dug, fire-LOC cooked

jalbu kalajarr janku dukurr bakal baya wajul

<synth> The women dug the scrub goanna out of its deep hole and cooked it in the hot coals.


<translate> The scrub goanna is very good food, and the old people love to eat its fat meat.

Kalajarr mayi ngulkurr-baja, mukul-bama wawu nyungu minya nuka-nka.

kalajarr mayi ngulkurr-baja, mukul-bama wawu nyungu minya nuka-nka | scrub.goanna food good-very, old-people want its meat eat-PURP

kalajarr mayi ngulkurr mukul bama wawu minya nukal

<synth> The scrub goanna is very good food, and the old people love to eat its fat meat.


<translate> The little black ants carried the tiny seeds down into their deep hole in the ground.

Jabarrangkul buban-angka diburr buban wubul janku dukurr-ba wundin bubu-ngu.

jabarrangkul buban-angka diburr buban wubul janku dukurr-ba wundi-ny bubu-ngu | black.ant small-ERG seed small many hole deep-LOC carried ground-LOC

jabarrangkul buban diburr wubul janku dukurr wundil bubu

<synth> The little black ants carried the tiny seeds down into their deep hole in the ground.


<translate> Where did those two young men go when they left the quiet camp before the dawn?

Warru jambul wanjabu dungan, muduwaju bayan janka-muny?

warru jambul wanjabu dunga-ny, muduwaju bayan janka-muny? | young.man two where went, dawn camp quiet-ABL?

warru jambul wanjabu dungay muduwaju bayan janka

<synth> Where did those two young men go when they left the quiet camp before the dawn?


<translate> How did you come back home again so very quickly from that far camp across the big river?

Yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja jinbal-baja, bayan kalbay-muny wawubaja yalbay yindu-mundu?

yundu wanjarr kada-ny-baja jinbal-baja, bayan kalbay-muny wawubaja yalbay yindu-mundu? | 2sg how come-again quick-very, camp far-ABL river big other-side?

yundu wanjarr kaday jinbal bayan kalbay wawubaja yalbay yindu

<synth> How did you come back home again so very quickly from that far camp across the big river?


<translate> How many little children does that old woman have living with her in the big camp?

Wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul-jalbu-mba, nyungu-ji bayan-ba bunda-nya?

wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul-jalbu-mba, nyungu-ji bayan-ba bunda-nya? | how.many child small old-woman-POSS, her-COMIT camp-LOC sit-SUB?

wanjarrinya karrkay buban mukul jalbu nyungu bayan bundal

<synth> How many little children does that old woman have living with her in the big camp?


<translate> The man chopped the big tree down with his heavy ground-edge stone axe.

Dingkar-angka juku yalbay warrbi kulji-bu yakan, juku bada daran.

dingkar-angka juku yalbay warrbi kulji-bu yaka-ny, juku bada dara-ny | man-ERG tree big axe stone-INST cut, tree down fell

dingkar juku yalbay warrbi kulji yakal bada daray

<synth> The man chopped the big tree down with his heavy ground-edge stone axe.


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

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

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

nyulu balji yalbay mayi kadal buwal bayan wundil

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


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

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

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

kaday baya wumbul karangkal bundal kuyu ngulkurr jani nukal

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


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

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

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

jana bayan jamar bungal wawubaja warri karangkal

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


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

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

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

ngana mukul jalbu wurun wumbul wunay kaba yalbay wujurr daray

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


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

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

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

mukul dingkar miyil jinbal buyi buban kalbay nyajil

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


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

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

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

warru buban jibar yalbay ngawiya minya wubul nukal

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


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

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

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

karrkay walu balbal ngulkurr ngamu kaday nyajil

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


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

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

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

wanya bubu yinya mukul bama jana wubul yaluy wandil

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


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

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

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

juku yinya warrur junkurr ngulkurr bana mayi wundil bayan

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

jalbu buban milbal wanjinya birra kaka ngulkurr bungal wulal

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


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

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

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

mukul dingkar bundal mayngku kulbul nyungu kambi bana

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


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

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

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

baril-baril yalbay juku yindu wubul bubu wawubaja kalbay

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


<translate> Wild honey is much sweeter than any ripe fruit that grows in the whole deep rainforest.

Wunba jarra-jiba-wulay mayi kulbul wubulku-ka, madja dukurr wubulku-ba.

wunba jarra-jiba-wulay mayi kulbul wubul-ku-ka, madja dukurr wubul-ku-ba | honey DEG1-sweet fruit ripe all-DAT, rainforest deep all-LOC

<synth> Wild honey is much sweeter than any ripe fruit that grows in the whole deep rainforest.


<translate> Of all the many spears in the camp, this straight hard one is the very best for hunting.

Kalka wubulku bayan-ba, yinya jinbal junkurr nyulu ngulkurr bajaku balbi-nka.

kalka wubul-ku bayan-ba, yinya jinbal junkurr nyulu ngulkurr bajaku balbi-nka | spear all-EMPH camp-LOC, this straight hard 3sg good most hunt-PURP

kalka wubul bayan yinya jinbal junkurr ngulkurr balbi

<synth> Of all the many spears in the camp, this straight hard one is the very best for hunting.


<translate> The old man's face was deeply lined, his cheeks thin, his chin covered in white hair.

Mukul-dingkar walu ngungul-ngungul, nyungu kangkul buban, bari mungka balbal-jirr.

mukul-dingkar walu ngungul-ngungul, nyungu kangkul buban, bari mungka balbal-jirr | old-man face dark(REDUP,lined), his cheek thin, chin hair white-COMIT

mukul dingkar walu ngungul nyungu kangkul buban bari mungka balbal

<synth> The old man's face was deeply lined, his cheeks thin, his chin covered in white hair.


<translate> The little girl has a small round belly and a deep navel, like all the young children.

Jalbu buban jibar buban warral-warral, wurra dukurr, yala karrkay-karrkay wubulku.

jalbu buban jibar buban warral-warral, wurra dukurr, yala karrkay-karrkay wubul-ku | girl small belly small round(REDUP), navel deep, like children all

jalbu buban jibar warral wurra dukurr yala karrkay wubul

<synth> The little girl has a small round belly and a deep navel, like all the young children.


<translate> The baby is growing well and getting fat; look at her round cheeks and her full little belly.

Ngawa ngulkurr yalbay-ma-l wandul-jirr; yundu nyaji nyungu kangkul warral-warral jibar yalbay baja.

ngawa ngulkurr yalbay-ma-l wandul-jirr; yundu nyaji nyungu kangkul warral-warral jibar yalbay baja | baby well big-INCHO(grow) fat-COMIT; 2sg see her cheek round(REDUP) belly big too

ngawa ngulkurr yalbay wandul yundu nyajil kangkul warral jibar

<synth> The baby is growing well and getting fat; look at her round cheeks and her full little belly.


<translate> The hunter's strong thighs and legs never grow tired on the long, long day's hard hunt.

Balbi-bama waba jandal junkurr, nyulu wungar kalbay balbi kariku bunda-l.

balbi-bama waba jandal junkurr, nyulu wungar kalbay balbi kariku bunda-l | hunter thigh leg strong, 3sg day long hunt never stop

balbi bama waba jandal junkurr wungar kalbay kari bundal

<synth> The hunter's strong thighs and legs never grow tired on the long, long day's hard hunt.


<translate> Every single child in the camp ran to see the two hunters bringing home the big fat pig.

Karrkay-karrkay narmba bayan-ba warri, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka.

karrkay-karrkay narmba bayan-ba warri, balbi-bama jambul bikibiki yalbay wundi-nya nyaji-nka | child-REDUP all camp-LOC ran, hunter two pig big carry-SUB see-PURP

karrkay narmba bayan warri balbi bama jambul bikibiki yalbay nyajil

<synth> Every single child in the camp ran to see the two hunters bringing home the big fat pig.


<translate> The two old women wove many fine dilly bags, sitting together in the cool afternoon shade.

Jalbu-jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bungan, muru bundan wabarr ngiki-ba.

jalbu-jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bunga-ny, muru bunda-ny wabarr ngiki-ba | woman-REDUP old two dilly.bag many made, together sat shade cool-LOC

jalbu mukul jambul ngunyin wubul bungal muru bundal wabarr ngiki

<synth> The two old women wove many fine dilly bags, sitting together in the cool afternoon shade.


<translate> He went around asking all his friends and relatives for a little food and some cool water.

Nyulu jawun-karra-nda kunja-n-kunjajin mayi-ka bana ngiki-ka baja.

nyulu jawun-karra-nda kunja-n-kunjaji-ny mayi-ka bana ngiki-ka baja | 3sg friend-KPL-LOC ask.REDUP-PAST food-DAT water cool-DAT too

nyulu jawun karra kunjal mayi bana ngiki

<synth> He went around asking all his friends and relatives for a little food and some cool water.


<translate> The two brothers were angry with each other and did not talk together for many long days.

Yaba-bulal dukul-wuri, bula kari balka-wa wungar kalbay wubul-muny.

yaba-bulal dukul-wuri, bula kari balka-wa wungar kalbay wubul-muny | brother-PAIR head-angry, 3du NEG talk-RECIP day long many-ABL

yaba dukul-wuri bula balka wungar kalbay wubul

<synth> The two brothers were angry with each other and did not talk together for many long days.


<translate> The two old men sat by the fire and thought hard for a long time about the coming big rain.

Mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bundan, milka-bu baykan junkurr kaba yalbay kada-nya-mu.

mukul-dingkar jambul baya ngundu bunda-ny, milka-bu bayka-ny junkurr kaba yalbay kada-nya-mu | old-man two fire near sit-PAST, ear-INST bite(think)-PAST hard rain big come-SUB-POSS

mukul dingkar jambul baya ngundu bundal milka bayka-l junkurr kaba

<synth> The two old men sat by the fire and thought hard for a long time about the coming big rain.


<translate> The hunter kept standing very still in the long grass, watching the kangaroo come near.

Balbi-bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay-ba, mayarriji ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l.

balbi-bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay-ba, mayarriji ngundu kada-nya nyaji-l | hunter stand.REDUP(keep) still grass long-LOC, kangaroo near come-SUB watch

balbi bama janjanay janka jikan kalbay mayarriji kaday nyajil

<synth> The hunter kept standing very still in the long grass, watching the kangaroo come near.


<translate> The old people kept coming to the big meeting all week to talk about the young men's law.

Mukul-bama kankaday malkarri yalbay-ka wungar wubulku, warru-mu kuku balka-nka.

mukul-bama kankada-y malkarri yalbay-ka wungar wubul-ku, warru-mu kuku balka-nka | old-people come.REDUP(keep) meeting big-DAT day all, young.man-POSS law talk-PURP

mukul bama kankaday malkarri yalbay wungar warru kuku balkal

<synth> The old people kept coming to the big meeting all week to talk about the young men's law.


<translate> That man always walks slowly now, not like the fast young hunter he used to be long ago.

Yinya dingkar niji jilba-l-jilba-l buban-buban, kari warru balbi-bama kalbay-muny.

yinya dingkar niji jilba-l-jilba-l buban-buban, kari warru balbi-bama kalbay-muny | that man now walk-REDUP(always) slowly, NEG young.man hunter long.ago-ABL

yinya dingkar niji jilba buban warru balbi bama kalbay

<synth> That man always walks slowly now, not like the fast young hunter he used to be long ago.


<translate> The old dog always used to follow the hunter everywhere, running along beside him all day.

Kaya mukul balbi-bama wukurri-l-wukurri-l wubulku, ngundu wanarri wungar wubulku.

kaya mukul balbi-bama wukurri-l-wukurri-l wubul-ku, ngundu wanarri(-y) wungar wubul-ku | dog old hunter follow-REDUP(always) all, near run.REDUP(keep) day all

kaya mukul balbi bama wukurril ngundu wanarri wungar wubul

<synth> The old dog always used to follow the hunter everywhere, running along beside him all day.


<translate> The people walked one after another along the narrow track, going together to the big meeting.

Bama jururr jilban jina-burr buban, malkarri yalbay-ka muru dungan.

bama jururr jilba-ny jina-burr buban, malkarri yalbay-ka muru dunga-ny | person one.after.another walk-PAST track-PERL narrow, meeting big-DAT together go-PAST

bama jururr jilba jina buban malkarri yalbay muru dungay

<synth> The people walked one after another along the narrow track, going together to the big meeting.


<translate> 'I am going hunting now, and I will come back before the dark night,' the young man said to his wife.

'Ngayu balbi dunga-y niji, ngayu kadan wujurr ngungul kariku,' warru-ngku nyungu manyarr-nka yalaman.

'ngayu balbi dunga-y niji, ngayu kada-ny wujurr ngungul kariku,' warru-ngku nyungu manyarr-nka yalama-ny | 'I hunt go-IMP now, I come night dark not.yet(before),' young.man-ERG his wife-DAT say-PAST

ngayu balbi dungay niji kaday wujurr ngungul warru nyungu manyarr yalamal

<synth> 'I am going hunting now, and I will come back before the dark night,' the young man said to his wife.


<translate> The two young men laughed loudly at the story, but the old woman told them to sit quietly and listen.

Warru jambul yajarrin yalbay-bu kuku-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngku balkan janka bundal nyaji-nka.

warru jambul yajarri-ny yalbay-bu kuku-mu, yamba mukul-jalbu-ngku balka-ny janka bundal nyaji-nka | young.man two laugh-PAST loud-INST story-POSS, but old-woman-ERG tell-PAST quiet sit hear-PURP

karrkay yajarril mukul dingkar kuku balkal kaya

<synth> The two young men laughed loudly at the story, but the old woman told them to sit quietly and listen.


<translate> The people sang together at the big ceremony when the food was plenty in the wet season.

Bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul kaba-wungar-a.

bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay-ka, mayi wubul kaba-wungar-a | person song sing together day big(ceremony)-DAT, food many wet.season-LOC

bama wulngku badi muru wungar yalbay mayi wubul kaba

<synth> The people sang together at the big ceremony when the food was plenty in the wet season.


<translate> The old man told the young ones the truth of the country, and his true words were the old law.

Mukul-dingkar bubu-mu manubaja balkan warru-nka, nyungu kuku yukil bubu-mu kuku mukul.

mukul-dingkar bubu-mu manubaja balka-ny warru-nka, nyungu kuku yukil bubu-mu kuku mukul | old-man country-POSS truth tell-PAST young.man-DAT, his word true country-POSS law old

mukul dingkar bubu manubaja balkal warru nyungu kuku yukil

<synth> The old man told the young ones the truth of the country, and his true words were the old law.


<translate> The old woman sat on this side of the fire, and the two young men sat on the far side.

Mukul-jalbu baya ngundu bundan, warru jambul baya kala-kalbay-mba bundan.

mukul-jalbu baya ngundu bunda-ny, warru jambul baya kala-kalbay-mba bunda-ny | old-woman fire this.side sit-PAST, young.man two fire far-LOC sit-PAST

mukul jalbu baya ngundu bundal warru jambul kala-kalbay

<synth> The old woman sat on this side of the fire, and the two young men sat on the far side.


<translate> The little dog ran around behind the camp and came back to the fire from the other side.

Kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarrin, baya-ka kadan kala-kalbay-muny.

kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarri-ny, baya-ka kada-ny kala-kalbay-muny | dog small camp behind run-PAST, fire-DAT come-PAST far-ABL(other.side)

kaya buban bayan kudamundu wanarri baya kaday kala-kalbay

<synth> The little dog ran around behind the camp and came back to the fire from the other side.


<translate> The young men climbed high up onto the big grey rocks to look far out over the wide blue sea.

Warru wangkar dakan kulji yalbay-ka, jalun kalbay balbal nyaji-l kala-kalbay-muny.

warru wangkar daka-ny kulji yalbay-ka, jalun kalbay balbal nyaji-l kala-kalbay-muny | young.man up climb-PAST stone big-DAT, sea wide blue look far-ABL

warru wangkar dakal kulji yalbay jalun kalbay balbal nyajil

<synth> The young men climbed high up onto the big grey rocks to look far out over the wide blue sea.


<translate> The old people sat together in the shade all day, telling the old stories to the young children.

Mukul-bama muru bundan wabarr-ba wungar wubulku, kuku mukul balka-l karrkay-nka.

mukul-bama muru bunda-ny wabarr-ba wungar wubul-ku, kuku mukul balka-l karrkay-nka | old-people together sit-PAST shade-LOC day all, story old tell child-DAT

mukul bama muru bundal wabarr wungar wubul kuku balkal karrkay

<synth> The old people sat together in the shade all day, telling the old stories to the young children.


<translate> The two hunters carried the heavy kangaroo home between them, one holding the legs, one the head.

Balbi-bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundin bayan-ka muru, nyubun jandal karrba, nyubun dukul.

balbi-bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundi-ny bayan-ka muru, nyubun jandal karrba, nyubun dukul | hunter two kangaroo heavy carry-PAST camp-DAT together, one leg hold, one head

balbi bama jambul mayarriji kulngkul wundil bayan nyubun jandal dukul

<synth> The two hunters carried the heavy kangaroo home between them, one holding the legs, one the head.


<translate> The strong young hunter with a long spear followed the pig tracks into the dark scrub.

Warru balbi junkurr-ji kalka kalbay-jirr, bikibiki jina wukurrin madja ngungul-ka.

warru balbi junkurr-ji kalka kalbay-jirr, bikibiki jina wukurri-ny madja ngungul-ka | young.man hunter strength-COMIT spear long-COMIT, pig track follow-PAST scrub dark-DAT

warru balbi junkurr kalka kalbay bikibiki jina wukurril madja ngungul

<synth> The strong young hunter with a long spear followed the pig tracks into the dark scrub.


<translate> The grey-haired old woman, kind and good-hearted, told the children the true old stories.

Mukul-jalbu wulman, jiba ngulkurr-ji, karrkay-nka kuku mukul yukil balkan.

mukul-jalbu wulman, jiba ngulkurr-ji, karrkay-nka kuku mukul yukil balka-ny | old-woman grey/old, liver good-COMIT, child-DAT story old true tell-PAST

mukul jalbu wulman jiba ngulkurr karrkay kuku yukil balkal

<synth> The grey-haired old woman, kind and good-hearted, told the children the true old stories.


<translate> She went to live with a good man who had a big camp, plenty of food, and a gentle spirit.

Nyulu dingkar ngulkurr-ka dungan, yinya bayan yalbay-jirr, mayi wubul-jirr, wawu ngulkurr-ji.

nyulu dingkar ngulkurr-ka dunga-ny, yinya bayan yalbay-jirr, mayi wubul-jirr, wawu ngulkurr-ji | 3sg man good-DAT go-PAST, that camp big-COMIT, food many-COMIT, spirit good-COMIT

nyulu dingkar ngulkurr dungay yinya bayan yalbay mayi wubul wawu

<synth> She went to live with a good man who had a big camp, plenty of food, and a gentle spirit.


<translate> The clever old man, with much knowledge of the country, knew every waterhole and every track.

Mukul-dingkar binal-ji, bubu-mu kuku wubul-jirr, janku narmba jina narmba binal.

mukul-dingkar binal-ji, bubu-mu kuku wubul-jirr, janku narmba jina narmba binal | old-man knowledge-COMIT, country-POSS law many-COMIT, waterhole all track all know

mukul dingkar binal bubu kuku wubul janku narmba jina

<synth> The clever old man, with much knowledge of the country, knew every waterhole and every track.


<translate> The childless old woman took the little motherless girl and kept her as her very own child.

Mukul-jalbu kangkal-kari, karrkay maral ngamu-kari mani, nyungu kangkal-bu karrba-l.

mukul-jalbu kangkal-kari, karrkay maral ngamu-kari mani, nyungu kangkal-bu karrba-l | old-woman own.child-PRIV, child girl mother-PRIV take, her own.child-INST hold

mukul jalbu kangkal karrkay maral ngamu manil karrbal

<synth> The childless old woman took the little motherless girl and kept her as her very own child.


<translate> The woman prepared the food on the flat stone, working from the shade of the big tree.

Jalbu mayi kulji-ba bunga-l, wabarr-mundu bunda-nya juku yalbay-mba.

jalbu mayi kulji-ba bunga-l, wabarr-mundu bunda-nya juku yalbay-mba | woman food stone-LOC make, shade-ABESS sit-SUB tree big-LOC

jalbu mayi kulji bungal wabarr bundal juku yalbay

<synth> The woman prepared the food on the flat stone, working from the shade of the big tree.


<translate> The old people sang from the big ceremony ground all night, and we heard them from our own camp.

Mukul-bama wulngku badin bubu yalbay-mundu wujurr wubulku, ngali nyajin bayan-mundu.

mukul-bama wulngku badi-ny bubu yalbay-mundu wujurr wubul-ku, ngali nyaji-ny bayan-mundu | old-people song cry(sing)-PAST ground big-ABESS night all, 1du hear-PAST camp-ABESS

mukul bama wulngku badil bubu yalbay wujurr ngali nyajil bayan

<synth> The old people sang from the big ceremony ground all night, and we heard them from our own camp.


<translate> The young man killed the wallaby with one good throw of his long, sharp spear.

Warru kadar kunin nguymal, nyungu kalka kalbay nyubun-bu.

warru kadar kuni-ny nguymal, nyungu kalka kalbay nyubun-bu | young.man wallaby hit/kill-PAST thoroughly, his spear long one-INST

warru kadar kunil nguymal kalka kalbay nyubun

<synth> The young man killed the wallaby with one good throw of his long, sharp spear.


<translate> The echidna's meat is sweet and good, but you must first dig it out of the hard ground.

Ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr, yamba yundu bubu junkurr-muny baka ngadiku.

ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr, yamba yundu bubu junkurr-muny baka ngadiku | echidna meat sweet good, but 2sg ground hard-ABL dig.IMP first

ngangkin minya jiba-wulay ngulkurr yundu bubu junkurr baka-l ngadiku

<synth> The echidna's meat is sweet and good, but you must first dig it out of the hard ground.


<translate> The two dingoes chased the kangaroo down the hill and across the shallow, muddy creek.

Murramu jambul mayarriji kangan bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka.

murramu jambul mayarriji kanga-ny bada jamba-muny naka-naka wawubaja buyun-ka | dingo two kangaroo chase-PAST down hill-ABL across creek muddy-DAT

murramu jambul mayarriji kangal bada jamba naka-naka wawubaja buyun

<synth> The two dingoes chased the kangaroo down the hill and across the shallow, muddy creek.


<translate> The dingo is the wild dog of this country; it hunts the kangaroo but fears the fire and the man.

Murramu kaya buyun bubu yala-mu; mayarriji balbi, yamba yinil baya-nka dingkar-anka.

murramu kaya buyun bubu yala-mu; mayarriji balbi, yamba yinil baya-nka dingkar-anka | dingo dog wild country here-POSS; kangaroo hunt, but fear fire-DAT man-DAT

murramu kaya buyun bubu yala mayarriji balbi yinil baya dingkar

<synth> The dingo is the wild dog of this country; it hunts the kangaroo but fears the fire and the man.


<translate> He killed the wallaby with one throw, made a thorough job of it, and carried it home proudly.

Nyulu kadar daman nyubun-bu, nguymal yalaman, bayan-ka wundin jiba-ngulkurr-jirr.

nyulu kadar dama-ny nyubun-bu, nguymal yalama-ny, bayan-ka wundi-ny jiba-ngulkurr-jirr | 3sg wallaby spear-PAST one-INST, thoroughly do-PAST, camp-DAT carry-PAST liver-good-COMIT(proud)

nyulu kadar damal nyubun nguymal yalamal bayan wundil jiba-ngulkurr

<synth> He killed the wallaby with one throw, made a thorough job of it, and carried it home proudly.


<translate> The two old people are talking quietly together all night about the country and the old stories.

Mukul-bama jambul janka balka-wa wujurr wubulku, bubu-ka kuku mukul-ka.

mukul-bama jambul janka balka-wa wujurr wubul-ku, bubu-ka kuku mukul-ka | old-people two quietly talk-RECIP night all, country-DAT story old-DAT

mukul bama jambul janka balka wujurr wubul bubu kuku

<synth> The two old people are talking quietly together all night about the country and the old stories.


<translate> The old woman cut up the kangaroo meat and gave it out to all the hungry children by the fire.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku minya mayarriji yakan, karrkay-karrkay dakwuy narmba-nka dajin baya ngundu.

mukul-jalbu-ngku minya mayarriji yaka-ny, karrkay-karrkay dakwuy narmba-nka daji-ny baya ngundu | old-woman-ERG:pt meat kangaroo cut-PAST, child-REDUP hungry all-DAT give-PAST fire near

mukul jalbu minya mayarriji yakal karrkay dakwuy narmba dajil baya

<synth> The old woman cut up the kangaroo meat and gave it out to all the hungry children by the fire.


<translate> He speared the two big fish with one good throw of his long, sharp fishing spear.

Nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul daman nyubun-bu, kalka kalbay kuyu-mu-bu.

nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul dama-ny nyubun-bu, kalka kalbay kuyu-mu-bu | 3sg fish big two spear-PAST one-INST, spear long fish-POSS-INST

nyulu kuyu yalbay jambul damal nyubun kalka kalbay

<synth> He speared the two big fish with one good throw of his long, sharp fishing spear.


<translate> You gave me the sweet ripe fruit, and I gave the good fish to the old man by the fire.

Yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya dajin, ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul-dingkar-anda dajin.

yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya daji-ny, ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul-dingkar-anda daji-ny | 2sg.NOM fruit ripe sweet 1sg.ACC(recipient) give-PAST, 1sg.NOM fish good old-man-LOC:pt give-PAST

yundu mayi kulbul jiba-wulay nganya dajil ngayu kuyu ngulkurr mukul

<synth> You gave me the sweet ripe fruit, and I gave the good fish to the old man by the fire.


<translate> I see the big grey kangaroo on the plain, but the kangaroo does not see me in the long grass.

Ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyaji-l bubu-ba, yamba julmbanu-ngku nganya kari nyaji-l jikan kalbay-mba.

ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyaji-l bubu-ba, yamba julmbanu-ngku nganya kari nyaji-l jikan kalbay-mba | 1sg.NOM grey.kangaroo big see ground-LOC, but grey.kangaroo-ERG:pt 1sg.ACC NEG see grass long-LOC

ngayu julmbanu yalbay nyajil bubu nganya jikan kalbay

<synth> I see the big grey kangaroo on the plain, but the kangaroo does not see me in the long grass.


<translate> The old man made a long, straight spear from the hard wood and fitted a sharp stone spear-head to it.

Mukul-dingkar-angka kalka kalbay jinbal bungal juku junkurr-bu, biyul kulji nanda.

mukul-dingkar-angka kalka kalbay jinbal bunga-l juku junkurr-bu, biyul kulji nanda | old-man-ERG:pt spear long straight make wood hard-INST, spear.head stone put

mukul dingkar kalka kalbay jinbal bungal juku junkurr biyul kulji

<synth> The old man made a long, straight spear from the hard wood and fitted a sharp stone spear-head to it.


<translate> The old man fitted the sharp stone head onto the wooden spear-shaft and bound it tight with strong cord.

Mukul-dingkar-angka biyul kulji kalka juku-ka nanda, kajan junkurr karra junkurr-bu.

mukul-dingkar-angka biyul kulji kalka juku-ka nanda, kaja-ny junkurr karra junkurr-bu | old-man-ERG:pt spear.head stone spear wood-DAT put, tie-PAST tight cord strong-INST

mukul dingkar biyul kulji kalka juku nanda kajal karra junkurr

<synth> The old man fitted the sharp stone head onto the wooden spear-shaft and bound it tight with strong cord.


<translate> The old man set his fish net across the shallow creek and caught many fish in the early morning.

Mukul-dingkar-angka makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda, kuyu wubul manin wunkuwingku.

mukul-dingkar-angka makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda, kuyu wubul mani-ny wunkuwingku | old-man-ERG:pt fish.net creek small across set, fish many catch-PAST morning

mukul dingkar makarr wawubaja buban naka-naka nanda kuyu wubul manil

<synth> The old man set his fish net across the shallow creek and caught many fish in the early morning.


<translate> The dilly bag is made by the women, but the spear and the shield are made by the men.

Ngunyin jalbu-ngku bungal, yamba kalka kunjuri dingkar-angka bungal.

ngunyin jalbu-ngku bunga-l, yamba kalka kunjuri dingkar-angka bunga-l | dilly.bag woman-ERG:pt make, but spear shield man-ERG:pt make

ngunyin jalbu bungal kalka kunjuri dingkar

<synth> The dilly bag is made by the women, but the spear and the shield are made by the men.


<translate> She cut the lawyer cane with a sharp stone and wove it into a strong, tight little dilly bag.

Nyulu kaku yakan kulji-bu, ngunyin junkurr buban bungal.

nyulu kaku yaka-ny kulji-bu, ngunyin junkurr buban bunga-l | 3sg lawyer.cane cut-PAST stone-INST, dilly.bag tight small make

nyulu kaku yakal kulji ngunyin junkurr buban bungal

<synth> She cut the lawyer cane with a sharp stone and wove it into a strong, tight little dilly bag.


<translate> He fitted the sharp stone head to the shaft, bound it with cord, and made a strong new spear.

Nyulu biyul kulji juku-ka nanda, karra-bu junkurr kajan, kalka jirakal junkurr bungal.

nyulu biyul kulji juku-ka nanda, karra-bu junkurr kaja-ny, kalka jirakal junkurr bunga-l | 3sg spear.head stone wood-DAT put, cord-INST tight tie-PAST, spear new strong make

nyulu biyul kulji juku nanda karra junkurr kajal kalka jirakal

<synth> He fitted the sharp stone head to the shaft, bound it with cord, and made a strong new spear.


<translate> The hunter asked: "Where are all the fish now, in the deep river or the shallow creek near the sea?"

Balbi-bama-ngka babajin: Kuyu narmba wanjabu niji, wawubaja dajali-ba wawubaja buban jalun ngundu?

balbi-bama-ngka babaji-ny: kuyu narmba wanjabu niji, wawubaja dajali-ba wawubaja buban jalun ngundu | hunter-ERG:pt ask-PAST: fish all where now, river deep-LOC creek small sea near

balbi bama babajil kuyu narmba wanja niji wawubaja dajali jalun

<synth> The hunter asked: "Where are all the fish now, in the deep river or the shallow creek near the sea?"


<translate> The children asked the old man: "How many people lived in this country long, long ago before us?"

Karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babajin: Wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya-ba bundanda-y kalbay-muny, ngaliny kariku?

karrkay-karrkay mukul-dingkar babaji-ny: wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya-ba bundanda-y kalbay-muny, ngaliny kariku | child-REDUP old-man ask-PAST: how.many people country that-LOC sit.REDUP-NONPAST long.ago-ABL, us before

karrkay mukul dingkar babajil wanjarrinya bama bubu yinya kalbay ngaliny kariku

<synth> The children asked the old man: "How many people lived in this country long, long ago before us?"


<translate> The old woman asked: "Which one is your dilly bag, the big one or the little one lying here by the fire?"

Mukul-jalbu-ngku babajin: Wanjinya yunu ngunyin, yalbay yamba buban yala wuna-nya baya ngundu?

mukul-jalbu-ngku babaji-ny: wanjinya yunu ngunyin, yalbay yamba buban yala wuna-nya baya ngundu | old-woman-ERG:pt ask-PAST: which.one 2sg.POSS dilly.bag, big or small this lie-SUB fire near

mukul jalbu babajil wanjinya yunu ngunyin yalbay yamba buban yala wunay

<synth> The old woman asked: "Which one is your dilly bag, the big one or the little one lying here by the fire?"


<translate> The children painted the old man's face with white and red for the big dance and the singing.

Karrkay-karrkay-ngku mukul-dingkar walu balbal kulbul-jirr nanda, muru yalbay wulngku-ka.

karrkay-karrkay-ngku mukul-dingkar walu balbal kulbul-jirr nanda, muru yalbay wulngku-ka | child-REDUP-ERG:pt old-man face white red-COMIT put, meeting big song-DAT

karrkay mukul dingkar walu balbal kulbul muru yalbay wulngku

<synth> The children painted the old man's face with white and red for the big dance and the singing.


<translate> The hunter cut the animal open and took out the heart, the liver, and the guts there by the fire.

Balbi-bama-ngka minya yakan, wubul jiba julbi ngalkal nanda baya ngundu.

balbi-bama-ngka minya yaka-ny, wubul jiba julbi ngalkal nanda baya ngundu | hunter-ERG:pt animal cut-PAST, heart liver guts outside put fire near

balbi bama minya yakal wubul jiba julbi ngalkal baya

<synth> The hunter cut the animal open and took out the heart, the liver, and the guts there by the fire.


<translate> The man's hand is strong, and with it he holds the spear, the boomerang, and the heavy club.

Dingkar mara junkurr, mara-bu nyulu kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrba-l.

dingkar mara junkurr, mara-bu nyulu kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrba-l | man hand strong, hand-INST 3sg spear boomerang club heavy hold

dingkar mara junkurr kalka wangal mirru kulngkul karrbal

<synth> The man's hand is strong, and with it he holds the spear, the boomerang, and the heavy club.


<translate> The old woman's leg and thigh are sore and weak, and she sits quietly by the fire all the long day.

Mukul-jalbu jandal waba kaka junkurr-kari, nyulu janka bundan baya ngundu wungar wubulku.

mukul-jalbu jandal waba kaka junkurr-kari, nyulu janka bunda-ny baya ngundu wungar wubul-ku | old-woman leg thigh sore strength-PRIV(weak), 3sg quietly sit-PAST fire near day all

mukul jalbu jandal waba kaka junkurr janka bundal baya wungar

<synth> The old woman's leg and thigh are sore and weak, and she sits quietly by the fire all the long day.


<translate> The old woman is deaf now and cannot hear the children, but her eyes are still sharp and good.

Mukul-jalbu milka-kari niji, karrkay-karrkay milka-bu kari nyaji-l, yamba nyungu miyil junkurr ngulkurr.

mukul-jalbu milka-kari niji, karrkay-karrkay milka-bu kari nyaji-l, yamba nyungu miyil junkurr ngulkurr | old-woman ear-PRIV(deaf) now, child-REDUP ear-INST NEG hear, but her eye sharp good

mukul jalbu milka niji karrkay nyajil miyil junkurr ngulkurr

<synth> The old woman is deaf now and cannot hear the children, but her eyes are still sharp and good.


<translate> Let it be, do not do what you are about to do; that spear belongs to the old man, not to you.

Baluda, yundu yinya kari bungal; yinya kalka mukul-dingkar-mu, kari yunu.

baluda, yundu yinya kari bungal; yinya kalka mukul-dingkar-mu, kari yunu | let.it.be, 2sg that NEG make/do; that spear old-man-POSS, NEG your

baluda yundu yinya kari bungal kalka mukul dingkar yunu

<synth> Let it be, do not do what you are about to do; that spear belongs to the old man, not to you.


<translate> Do not give up now, young man; the wallaby is close at hand, and you will surely spear it soon.

Balu yundu, warru; kadar ngundu niji, yundu damal niji-niji nguymal.

balu yundu, warru; kadar ngundu niji, yundu dama-l niji-niji nguymal | give.up 2sg, young.man; wallaby near now, 2sg spear-NONPAST soon truly

balu yundu warru kadar ngundu niji damal nguymal

<synth> Do not give up now, young man; the wallaby is close at hand, and you will surely spear it soon.


<translate> Do not speak the dead man's name aloud, lest his angry spirit hear you and come in the night.

Balu, yundu dingkar wula-nya-mu burri yalbay kari balka, nyungu dubu kuli-jirr yununy nyaji-nyji.

balu, yundu dingkar wula-nya-mu burri yalbay kari balka, nyungu dubu kuli-jirr yununy nyaji-nyji | desist, 2sg man die-SUB-POSS name aloud NEG say, his spirit anger-COMIT 2sg.ACC hear-PRECAUT

negation precautionary subordinate comitative

balu yundu dingkar wulal burri yalbay kari balkal dubu kuli nyajil

<synth> Do not speak the dead man's name aloud, lest his angry spirit hear you and come in the night.


<translate> The morning star rises in the east before the sun, bright and white and quite alone in the sky.

Dawar wunkuwingku-mu daka wungar kariku, balbal nyubun-nyubun jiri-ba.

dawar wunkuwingku-mu daka wungar kariku, balbal nyubun-nyubun jiri-ba | star morning-POSS climb(rise) sun not.yet(before), bright alone sky-LOC

dawar wunkuwingku dakal wungar kariku balbal nyubun jiri

<synth> The morning star rises in the east before the sun, bright and white and quite alone in the sky.


<translate> The sky is clear and bright today, without a single cloud, and the hot sun burns the dry land.

Jiri balbal niji ngurrban-kari, wungar wumbul-angka bubu marral wajun.

jiri balbal niji ngurrban-kari, wungar wumbul-angka bubu marral waju-ny | sky bright now cloud-PRIV, sun hot-ERG:pt country dry burn-PAST

jiri balbal niji ngurrban wungar wumbul bubu marral wajul

<synth> The sky is clear and bright today, without a single cloud, and the hot sun burns the dry land.


<translate> The big grey kangaroo stands like a boss of the land, the old man said, watching the whole open plain.

Julmbanu yalbay janay yala maja bubu-nka, mukul-dingkar balkan, bubu ngalkal narmba nyaji-l.

julmbanu yalbay janay yala maja bubu-nka, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bubu ngalkal narmba nyaji-l | grey.kangaroo big stand COMP(like) boss land-DAT, old-man said, ground open all watch

julmbanu yalbay janay yala maja bubu ngalkal narmba nyajil

<synth> The big grey kangaroo stands like a boss of the land, the old man said, watching the whole open plain.


<translate> Hold the digging-stick like this, the old woman told the girl, and turn your wrist like this, and the yam comes up whole.

Juwal karrba yala-ku, mukul-jalbu-ngku jalbu karrkay yalaman, mara jurrki yala-ku, bambayal narmba daka.

juwal karrba yala-ku, mukul-jalbu-ngku jalbu karrkay yalama-ny, mara jurrki yala-ku, bambayal narmba daka | digging.stick hold COMP-ADV(like.this), old-woman-ERG:pt girl child told, hand turn like.this, yam whole rise

juwal karrbal yala-ku mukul jalbu yalamal mara jurrkil kuka narmba

<synth> Hold the digging-stick like this, the old woman told the girl, and turn your wrist like this, and the yam comes up whole.


<translate> You must weave the dilly-bag like this, she said, over and under, over and under, the same way your grandmother taught me.

Yinkar kaja yala-ku, nyulu balkan, wangkar bada-bada, wangkar bada-bada, yala-rrku nyungu babi ngayku murnin.

yinkar kaja yala-ku, nyulu balka-ny, wangkar bada-bada, wangkar bada-bada, yala-rrku nyungu babi ngayku murni-ny | dilly.bag weave(tie) COMP-ADV(like.this), 3sg said, over under, over under, COMP-EMPH(the.same.way) her grandmother me taught

yinkar kajal yala-ku wangkar yala-rrku babi ngayku murnil

<synth> You must weave the dilly-bag like this, she said, over and under, over and under, the same way your grandmother taught me.


<translate> The old man said many young men are loud, but the truly brave one is quiet, and you know him only when the fight comes.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: warru wubul yirrka, yamba warru nguymal yinil-kari janka, yundu binal nyungu jilnkurr kada-nya kari-ku.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: warru wubul yirrka, yamba warru nguymal yinil-kari janka, yundu binal nyungu jilnkurr kada-nya kari-ku | old-man said: young.man many loud, but young.man true fear-PRIV quiet, you know him fight come-SUB not.until

mukul dingkar warru wubul yirrka nguymal yinil janka binal

<synth> The old man said many young men are loud, but the truly brave one is quiet, and you know him only when the fight comes.


<translate> In the hot season the ripe wild plums fall thick under the tree, and the children gather them fast into their small dilly-bags.

Wungar-iji junda kulbul dara wubul juku bada-bada, karrkay-karrkay bila bangka ngunyin buban-ka.

wungar-iji junda kulbul dara wubul juku bada-bada, karrkay-karrkay bila bangka ngunyin buban-ka | hot.season wild.plum ripe fall many tree below, child-REDUP fast gather dilly.bag small-DAT

wungar junda kulbul dara wubul juku karrkay bila bangka ngunyin

<synth> In the hot season the ripe wild plums fall thick under the tree, and the children gather them fast into their small dilly-bags.


<translate> The old woman said the bloodwood weeps a red gum that mends a sore, and its hard wood burns slow and hot all through the cold night.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: babajaka mula kulbul dara, nyulu bambay-badi warmba-bunga, nyungu juku junkurr waju buban-buban wumbul wujurr ngiki-ba.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: babajaka mula kulbul dara, nyulu bambay-badi warmba-bunga, nyungu juku junkurr waju buban-buban wumbul wujurr ngiki-ba | old-woman said: bloodwood blood(sap) red fall, 3sg sick-sore heal(find-make), its wood hard burn slowly hot night cold-LOC

mukul jalbu babajaka mula kulbul dara juku junkurr wajul wumbul

<synth> The old woman said the bloodwood weeps a red gum that mends a sore, and its hard wood burns slow and hot all through the cold night.


<translate> The old man said you can read a tree like a track: a broken branch, a scratched trunk, a fresh leaf-fall — all of it tells who passed and when.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: juku nyaji yala jina — dakil dumbarri-nya, muku baka-nya, birra jirakal dara-nya — wubulku balka wanya dungan, wanjawanja.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: juku nyaji yala jina — dakil dumbarri-nya, muku baka-nya, birra jirakal dara-nya — wubul-ku balka wanya dunga-ny, wanjawanja | old-man said: tree read COMP(like) track — branch break-SUB, trunk(back) scratch(poke)-SUB, leaf new fall-SUB — all tells who go-PAST, when

mukul dingkar juku yala jina dakil dumbarril birra jirakal wanya

<synth> The old man said you can read a tree like a track: a broken branch, a scratched trunk, a fresh leaf-fall — all of it tells who passed and when.


<translate> So the old woman named them one by one — yam and fig and plum, candlenut and breadfruit and sweet root — the whole green larder of the living country.

Yala mukul-jalbu-ngku burri nyubun-nyubun — bambayal, dukal, junda-jirr, bilar, burrin-burrin, ngara jiba-wulay-jirr — mayi-bubu narmba bubu murrku-mu.

yala mukul-jalbu-ngku burri nyubun-nyubun — bambayal, dukal, junda-jirr, bilar, burrin-burrin, ngara jiba-wulay-jirr — mayi-bubu narmba bubu murrku-mu | thus old-woman-ERG:pt name one-REDUP — yam, fig, plum-COMIT, candlenut, breadfruit, root sweet-COMIT — food-ground all country living-POSS

yala mukul jalbu burri bambayal dukal junda bilar burrin-burrin ngara

<synth> So the old woman named them one by one — yam and fig and plum, candlenut and breadfruit and sweet root — the whole green larder of the living country.


<translate> The floodwater kept rising and rising all through the night, and the people kept carrying their things up the hill until the dawn.

Bana kaba-mu daka-daka wujurr wubulku, bama jana mayngal jarra-kulba-jarra-kulba jamba wangkar-ka wunkuwingku kariku.

bana kaba-mu daka-daka wujurr wubul-ku, bama jana mayngal jarra-kulba-jarra-kulba jamba wangkar-ka wunkuwingku kariku | water rain-POSS keep-rising night all, person 3pl thing keep-carrying hill up-DAT morning not.yet(until)

bana kaba dakal wujurr bama jarra-kulba jamba wangkar wunkuwingku

<synth> The floodwater kept rising and rising all through the night, and the people kept carrying their things up the hill until the dawn.


<translate> The old woman planted the seed again where the old tree had fallen, and said the country begins again wherever a person plants and waits.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku diburr wandin-baja juku wulman dara-nya-ba, balkan: bubu yudal-baja wanja bama wandi-nya bunda-nya.

mukul-jalbu-ngku diburr wandi-ny-baja juku wulman dara-nya-ba, balka-ny: bubu yudal-baja wanja bama wandi-nya bunda-nya | old-woman-ERG:pt seed put-PAST-again tree old fall-SUB-LOC, said: country begin-again where person plant-SUB wait-SUB

mukul jalbu diburr wandil juku wulman daral yudal wanja bundal

<synth> The old woman planted the seed again where the old tree had fallen, and said the country begins again wherever a person plants and waits.


<translate> The young man walked to the sea and back again, and to the ranges and back again, and could not find the camp of the girl he loved.

Warru jalun-ka dunga bayan-ka nyunba-baja, jamba-ka dunga bayan-ka nyunba-baja, nyulu jalbu kuru-mu bayan kari warmba.

warru jalun-ka dunga bayan-ka nyunba-baja, jamba-ka dunga bayan-ka nyunba-baja, nyulu jalbu kuru-mu bayan kari warmba | young.man sea-DAT go camp-DAT return-again, range-DAT go camp-DAT return-again, 3sg woman love-POSS camp NEG find

warru jalun dungay bayan nyunbay jamba jalbu kuru warmbal

<synth> The young man walked to the sea and back again, and to the ranges and back again, and could not find the camp of the girl he loved.


<translate> The turtle-shell is hard and beautiful, the old woman said, and the people make it into dishes and ornaments and keep it a long time.

Kadan junkurr ngulkurr bajaku, mukul-jalbu balkan, bama bungal mayi-karra-nka walu-jirrbu-nka, karrba marri.

kadan junkurr ngulkurr bajaku, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bama bunga-l mayi-karra-nka walu-jirrbu-nka, karrba marri | turtle.shell hard good very, old-woman said, person make dish-DAT ornament-DAT, keep long.time

kadan junkurr ngulkurr mukul jalbu bungal walu-jirrbu karrbal marri

<synth> The turtle-shell is hard and beautiful, the old woman said, and the people make it into dishes and ornaments and keep it a long time.


<translate> The old woman said the turtle comes back to the very beach where she was born to make her own young, year after year, all her long life.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: ngawiya nyunba jukar nyubun-ka wanja nyulu warmba-nya, karrkay bunga-nka, wungar-baja wungar-baja, nyungu wuna kalbay narmba.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: ngawiya nyunba jukar nyubun-ka wanja nyulu warmba-nya, karrkay bunga-nka, wungar-baja wungar-baja, nyungu wuna kalbay narmba | old-woman said: sea.turtle return sand one-DAT where 3sg born-SUB, young make-PURP, year-again year-again, her life long all

mukul jalbu ngawiya nyunbay jukar wanja warmbal ngamu wandil

<synth> The old woman said the turtle comes back to the very beach where she was born to make her own young, year after year, all her long life.


<translate> The old man said gather the crab and the shellfish while the tide is low, but watch the water, for the sea comes back fast over the flat reef.

Mukul-dingkar balkan: kiju darkay-jirr bangka yira ngajal-ba, yamba bana nyaji, jalun kaday bila dulngku ngalkal-burr.

mukul-dingkar balka-ny: kiju darkay-jirr bangka yira ngajal-ba, yamba bana nyaji, jalun kaday bila dulngku ngalkal-burr | old-man said: mudcrab clam-COMIT gather tide low-LOC, but water watch, sea come fast reef flat-PERL

mukul dingkar kiju darkay bangka yira ngajal jalun bila dulngku

<synth> The old man said gather the crab and the shellfish while the tide is low, but watch the water, for the sea comes back fast over the flat reef.


<translate> The great waves come in from the deep sea and break white on the sand, the old man said, and their sound goes on all day and all night.

Mulngku yalbay bana dajali-muny kaday, jukar-a balbal dumbarri, mukul-dingkar balkan, nyungu yirrka janay wungar wujurr-jirr wubulku.

mulngku yalbay bana dajali-muny kaday, jukar-a balbal dumbarri, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nyungu yirrka janay wungar wujurr-jirr wubul-ku | wave big water deep-ABL come, sand-LOC white break, old-man said, its sound stand(go.on) day night-COMIT all

mulngku yalbay bana dajali jukar balbal dumbarril mukul yirrkal

<synth> The great waves come in from the deep sea and break white on the sand, the old man said, and their sound goes on all day and all night.


<translate> If the water is dark and you cannot see the bottom, do not swim there, the old man warned, for that is where the shark waits.

Kaki bana ngumbu, yundu bada nyaji kari, kari yinya-ba maraji, mukul-dingkar balkan, bilmbin yinya-ba bunda.

kaki bana ngumbu, yundu bada nyaji kari, kari yinya-ba maraji, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bilmbin yinya-ba bunda | if water dark, you bottom see NEG, NEG there-LOC swim, old-man said, shark there-LOC wait(sit)

kaki bana ngumbu nyajil kari maraji bilmbin bundal

<synth> If the water is dark and you cannot see the bottom, do not swim there, the old man warned, for that is where the shark waits.


<translate> If you are tired after the long walk, the old woman said, then lie down here in the shade and sleep until your strength returns.

Kaki yundu baja-burray marri jilba-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balkan, yaluy ngungul-ba wuna warngku-wuna, junkurr kada-baja-nyjiku.

kaki yundu baja-burray marri jilba-nya-muny, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yaluy ngungul-ba wuna warngku-wuna, junkurr kada-baja-nyjiku | if you tired long.time walk-SUB-ABL, old-woman said, here shade-LOC lie sleep, strength come-again-before(until)

precautionary subordinate ablative conditional

kaki baja-burray marri jilba mukul jalbu ngungul wunay junkurr

<synth> If you are tired after the long walk, the old woman said, then lie down here in the shade and sleep until your strength returns.


<translate> The old man would have taught the boy the whole song of the country, but the boy would not sit still and listen, and ran off to play.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay bubu-mu wulngku narmba balka-nyaku, yamba karrkay janka bunda milka-janay kari, wanarri wawu-ma-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay bubu-mu wulngku narmba balka-nyaku, yamba karrkay janka bunda milka-janay kari, wanarri wawu-ma-nka | old-man-ERG:pt child country-POSS song whole tell-IRR, but child quietly sit listen NEG, keep-running play-INCHO-PURP

mukul karrkay bubu wulngku balka janka milka-janay wanarri

<synth> The old man would have taught the boy the whole song of the country, but the boy would not sit still and listen, and ran off to play.


<translate> We would have found the sweet honey in the hollow tree, the old man said, but the trunk was too tall and smooth and no one could climb it.

Ngana ngamurr jiba-wulay juku bubu-mabi-ba nyaji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba juku kalbay bajaku dirka-dirka, bama kari daka.

ngana ngamurr jiba-wulay juku bubu-mabi-ba nyaji-nyaku, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba juku kalbay bajaku dirka-dirka, bama kari daka | 1pl honey sweet tree hollow-LOC find-IRR, old-man said, but tree tall very smooth(dirka-dirka), person NEG climb(daka)

ngamurr jiba-wulay juku nyajil kalbay dirka-dirka dakal

<synth> We would have found the sweet honey in the hollow tree, the old man said, but the trunk was too tall and smooth and no one could climb it.


<translate> If it had not rained that long-ago dry year, the old woman said, we would all have gone hungry, but the country always looked after us.

Kaba yinya wungar marral kalbay-muny daray kari-nya, mukul-jalbu balkan, ngana narmba dakuy wuna-nyaku, yamba bubu ngana nyaji-nyaji marri.

kaba yinya wungar marral kalbay-muny daray kari-nya, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, ngana narmba dakuy wuna-nyaku, yamba bubu ngana nyaji-nyaji marri | rain that year dry long.ago-ABL fall(daray) NEG-SUB, old-woman said, 1pl all hungry lie-IRR, but country us keep-watching long.time

kaba wungar marral kalbay-muny daray dakuy wunay yamba

<synth> If it had not rained that long-ago dry year, the old woman said, we would all have gone hungry, but the country always looked after us.


<translate> When the big fire finally went out in the cold before dawn, the old man said, the whole camp felt the sharp cold and built it up again quickly.

Buri yalbay ngiki-ba wunkuwingku kariku wula-nya, mukul-dingkar balkan, bayan narmba yararri ngiki junkurr-mu, buri-baja bila bunga.

buri yalbay ngiki-ba wunkuwingku kariku wula-nya, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, bayan narmba yararri ngiki junkurr-mu, buri-baja bila bunga | fire big cold-LOC dawn before die-SUB(when), old-man said, camp all shiver(yararri) cold strong-ABL, fire-again fast make

buri yalbay ngiki wunkuwingku wulal bayan yararri bila

<synth> When the big fire finally went out in the cold before dawn, the old man said, the whole camp felt the sharp cold and built it up again quickly.


<translate> The scrub turkey rakes the forest floor all day looking for seeds and insects, the old woman said, and it is fat and good to eat in the wet season.

Diwan madja bada wungar wubulku birra jurrki-jurrki diburr minya-jirr nyaji, mukul-jalbu balkan, nyulu wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka kaba-wungar-a.

diwan madja bada wungar wubul-ku birra jurrki-jurrki diburr minya-jirr nyaji, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, nyulu wandul ngulkurr nuka-nka kaba-wungar-a | scrub.turkey scrub floor day all leaf turn-REDUP seed insect-COMIT look, old-woman said, 3sg fat good eat-PURP wet.season-LOC

diwan madja birra jurrki diburr minya wandul nukal kaba

<synth> The scrub turkey rakes the forest floor all day looking for seeds and insects, the old woman said, and it is fat and good to eat in the wet season.


<translate> The frogmouth and the owl and the curlew are all birds of the night, the old man said, and to hear all three calling at once is a bad and frightening sign.

Bulnja kalkuy kuyir-jirr wubulku buyi wujurr-mu, mukul-dingkar balkan, jana jambulu-nyubun yirrka nyaji-nya buyun bajaku yararri-jirr.

bulnja kalkuy kuyir-jirr wubul-ku buyi wujurr-mu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, jana jambulu-nyubun yirrka nyaji-nya buyun bajaku yararri-jirr | frogmouth owl curlew-COMIT all bird night-POSS, old-man said, 3pl three-together cry hear-SUB bad very fear-COMIT

bulnja kalkuy kuyir buyi wujurr yirrkal buyun yararri

<synth> The frogmouth and the owl and the curlew are all birds of the night, the old man said, and to hear all three calling at once is a bad and frightening sign.


<translate> The bower bird builds a little playground of sticks and lays out shining things to please its mate, the old man said, bright feathers and berries and white bones.

Jurriyan juku buban-jirr yanyul-bubu bunga, kulji junda balbal-jirr wandi jalbu-nka ngulkurr-mani, mukul-dingkar balkan, nangki balbal-jirr junda bajibay balbal-jirr.

jurriyan juku buban-jirr yanyul-bubu bunga, kulji junda balbal-jirr wandi jalbu-nka ngulkurr-mani, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, nangki balbal-jirr junda bajibay balbal-jirr | bower.bird stick small-COMIT play-place make, stone berry bright-COMIT put woman(mate)-DAT good-CAUS, old-man said, feather(wing) bright-COMIT berry bone white-COMIT

jurriyam juku buban bunga kulji balbal jalbu nangki junda bajibay

<synth> The bower bird builds a little playground of sticks and lays out shining things to please its mate, the old man said, bright feathers and berries and white bones.


<translate> The little swallows build their mud nests up under the rock overhang, the old woman said, and they come back to the very same place every wet season.

Mabal buban kambal-kambal-mu buyi-bubu kulji bada-ba wandi, mukul-jalbu balkan, jana bubu nyubun-ka kada-baja kaba-wungar nyubun-nyubun.

mabal buban kambal-kambal-mu buyi-bubu kulji bada-ba wandi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, jana bubu nyubun-ka kaday-baja kaba-wungar nyubun-nyubun | swallow small mud-POSS bird-place rock below-LOC put(build), old-woman said, 3pl place one-DAT come-again wet.season each

mabal kambal-kambal kulji bada wandil bubu kaba nyubun

<synth> The little swallows build their mud nests up under the rock overhang, the old woman said, and they come back to the very same place every wet season.


<translate> The old woman said the geese know the wet season is ending before the people do, and they gather in great noisy crowds on the shrinking waterholes.

Mukul-jalbu balkan: jamarbina binal kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya bama-muny nyiku, jana muru wubul yirrka junkurr bana-mabi buban-ma-nya-ba.

mukul-jalbu balka-ny: jamarbina binal kaba-wungar kunbayn-nya bama-muny nyiku, jana muru wubul yirrka junkurr bana-mabi buban-ma-nya-ba | old-woman said: goose know wet.season finish-SUB person-ABL(before) early, 3pl together many cry loud waterhole small-INCHO-SUB-LOC

jamarbina binal kaba kunbayn bama muru yirrkal bana-mabi

<synth> The old woman said the geese know the wet season is ending before the people do, and they gather in great noisy crowds on the shrinking waterholes.


<translate> The old man showed the boy how to take the feathers from the black cockatoo for the dance headband, the bright red tail feathers most prized of all.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay balkan kadanji-mu nangki mani-nka jurbu-walu-nka, banda nangki ngala-ngala balbal wubulku-muny ngulkurr bajaku.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay balka-ny kadanji-mu nangki mani-nka jurbu-walu-nka, banda nangki ngala-ngala balbal wubul-ku-muny ngulkurr bajaku | old-man-ERG:pt child show cockatoo-POSS feather take-PURP dance-head-DAT, tail feather red bright all-ABL good very

mukul karrkay kadanji nangki jurbu walu banda ngala-ngala balbal

<synth> The old man showed the boy how to take the feathers from the black cockatoo for the dance headband, the bright red tail feathers most prized of all.


<translate> The child wants food and is crying with hunger, the old woman said, so cook the little fish quickly before it grows dark.

Karrkay wawu mayi-nka, dakuy-bu banbadi, mukul-jalbu balkan, kuyu buban bila waju wujurr kada-nyjiku.

karrkay wawu mayi-nka, dakuy-bu banbadi, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, kuyu buban bila waju wujurr kaday-nyjiku | child want food-PURP, hunger-INST keep-crying, old-woman said, fish small fast cook night come-before

karrkay wawu mayi dakuy banbadi kuyu bila wajul wujurr

<synth> The child wants food and is crying with hunger, the old woman said, so cook the little fish quickly before it grows dark.


<translate> Do you know how to weave a good dilly-bag from the vine yet, the old woman asked the girl, or must I teach you the whole way of it?

Yundu binal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka wangay-mu niji, mukul-jalbu jalbu nyajin, ngayu yununy binal-bungal narmba-nka?

yundu binal ngunyin ngulkurr jaba-nka wangay-mu niji, mukul-jalbu jalbu nyaji-ny, ngayu yundu binal-bungal narmba-nka? | you know dilly.bag good weave-PURP vine-POSS now, old-woman girl(ABS) ask, I you teach whole-PURP?

binal ngunyin jaba wangay niji mukul jalbu binal-bungal narmba

<synth> Do you know how to weave a good dilly-bag from the vine yet, the old woman asked the girl, or must I teach you the whole way of it?


<translate> The young man tried to carry the whole turtle up the beach by himself, the old man said, but it was far too heavy, so his brother came to help him.

Warru babal ngawiya narmba jukar-a jarra-kulba-nka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balkan, yamba kulngkul bajaku, nyungu yaba kaday mara-dajil-nka.

warru babal ngawiya narmba jukar-a jarra-kulba-nka nyubun-bu, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, yamba kulngkul bajaku, nyungu yaba kaday mara-dajil-nka | young.man try sea.turtle whole beach-LOC carry-PURP alone, old-man said, but heavy very, his elder.brother come help-PURP

warru babal ngawiya jukar jarra-kulba nyubun kulngkul yaba mara-dajil

<synth> The young man tried to carry the whole turtle up the beach by himself, the old man said, but it was far too heavy, so his brother came to help him.


<translate> The old man teaches the boy how to read the tracks in the sand, the old woman said, whose track it is and and which way it went.

Mukul-dingkarangka karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar-mu nyaji-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, wanyu-mu jina, wanja-warra dunga-n.

mukul-dingkar-angka karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar-mu nyaji-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, wanyu-mu jina, wanja-warra dunga-n | old-man-ERG:pt child teach track sand-POSS read-PURP, old-woman said, who-POSS track, where-DIR go-PAST

mukul karrkay binal-bungal jina jukar nyajil wanyu wanja

<synth> The old man teaches the boy how to read the tracks in the sand, the old woman said, whose track it is and and which way it went.


<translate> The old man told the young men to go out beyond the reef and hunt the big turtle, the old woman said, but to come back before the tide turned.

Mukul-dingkarangka warru-warru-nka balkan dulngku-muny kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nka ngawiya yalbay balbi-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, yamba yira nyunba-nyjiku kada-nka.

mukul-dingkar-angka warru-warru balka-ny dulngku-muny kala-kalbay-ka dunga-nka ngawiya yalbay balbi-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, yamba yira nyunba-nyjiku kada-nka | old-man-ERG:pt young.man-REDUP tell reef-ABL far-DAT go-PURP sea.turtle big hunt-PURP, old-woman said, but tide turn-before come-PURP

purposive precautionary ablative ergative

mukul warru balkal dulngku dunga ngawiya balbi yira nyunbay

<synth> The old man told the young men to go out beyond the reef and hunt the big turtle, the old woman said, but to come back before the tide turned.


<translate> The old man sent a message to the other camp with the fast young runner, the old woman said, to call the people to the big meeting at the full moon.

Mukul-dingkarangka kuku yunga-n bayan yindu-nka warru bila-anda, mukul-jalbu balkan, bama muru yalbay-ka burri-nka kija murru-murru-ba.

mukul-dingkar-angka kuku yunga-n bayan yindu-nka warru bila-anda, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, bama muru yalbay-ka burri-nka kija murru-murru-ba | old-man-ERG:pt word send-PAST camp other-DAT young.man fast-LOC:pt, old-woman said, person gathering big-DAT call-PURP moon round-LOC

mukul kuku yungal bayan yindu warru bila burri kija

<synth> The old man sent a message to the other camp with the fast young runner, the old woman said, to call the people to the big meeting at the full moon.


<translate> The old woman told the child not to go near the deep water alone, the old man said, and the child remembered and stayed up on the safe bank.

Mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay-nka balkan bana dajali-ka nyubun-bu baluda dunga, mukul-dingkar balkan, karrkay binalku bundanday bubu junkurr-ba.

mukul-jalbu-ngku karrkay balka-ny bana dajali-ka nyubun-bu baluda dunga, mukul-dingkar balka-ny, karrkay binalku bundanday bubu junkurr-ba | old-woman-ERG:pt child tell water deep-DAT alone don't go, old-man said, child remember stay ground safe(strong)-LOC

mukul jalbu karrkay bana dajali baluda dunga binalku bundanday

<synth> The old woman told the child not to go near the deep water alone, the old man said, and the child remembered and stayed up on the safe bank.


<translate> Tell the children to sit down quietly and listen, the old woman said, while the old people talk the old talk by the evening fire.

Karrkay-karrkay-nka balka janka bunda-nka milka-janay-nka, mukul-jalbu balkan, mukul-bama balka-balka wujurr-ma-nya buri-ngka.

karrkay-karrkay balka janka bunda-nka milka-janay-nka, mukul-jalbu balka-ny, mukul-bama balka-balka wujurr-ma-nya buri-ngka | child-REDUP tell quietly sit-PURP listen-PURP, old-woman said, old-person keep-talking evening fire-LOC

karrkay balkal janka bundal milka-janay mukul wujurr buri

<synth> Tell the children to sit down quietly and listen, the old woman said, while the old people talk the old talk by the evening fire.