dingkar-ø dingkar-angka dingar bundandany


nganjin burrir-a mariji-ny | 1pl.exc.NOM island-LOC swim-PAST — LOC as goal of motion; r-final LOC -V (§4.1.4.4iii)


<translate> She is looking after the baby.

nyulu ngawa kuji-l | 3sg.NOM baby.ABS look.after-NONPAST


<translate> There are a lot of trees standing over there.

juku wubul yinyay janjana-y | tree.ABS many.ABS there stand.REDUP-NONPAST — quantifier + fixed partial redup (§2.5.3)

<synth> There are a lot of trees standing over there.


yaluy bana kari | here water.ABS NEG — existential negation (§3.9.2ii)


<translate> The old women sat down inside.

kamba-kamba kana-nga bunda-ri-ny | old.woman-REDUP.ABS inside-LOC sit-PLS-PAST — kana-nga attested (DB gold 'Ngana kananga bayanba bundanday'; Patz text kana-nga wala-ny)


<translate> My elder brother speared a sea turtle.

ngayku yaba-ngka ngawiya dama-ny | 1sg.POSS eB-ERG:pt sea.turtle.ABS spear-PAST — poss disambiguates yaba homograph

<synth> My elder brother speared a sea turtle.


yinya mukul dingkar dirra-kari | that.ABS old man.ABS tooth-PRIV — privative predicate


ngayu kariku dunga-y | 1sg.NOM not.yet go-NONPAST — kariku 'not yet' (§3.9.2)


<translate> Granny dug up scrub-hen eggs.

babi-ngka jarruka baka-ny | granny-ERG:pt scrub.hen(egg).ABS dig-PAST


<translate> The women sat down to weave dilly bags.

jalbu-jalbu bunda-ri-ny, balji wukurri-nka | woman-REDUP.ABS sit-PLS-PAST bag.ABS weave-PURP — licensed -ri- (reduplicated subject) + purposive

<synth> The women sat down to weave dilly bags.


yundu dakwuy | 2sg.NOM hungry — yes/no by intonation (§11)


store nanda-ji-y nyiku | store.ABS close-ITR-NONPAST today — agentless passive (§10c)


<translate> If you see the snake, tell me!

Kaki yundu jarba nyajil, ngaykundu balka!

kaki yundu jarba nyaji-l, ngayku-ndu balka-∅ | if 2sg.NOM snake.ABS see-NONPAST 1sg-LOC tell-IMP — kaki conditional + LOC addressee (pitfall 13)


<translate> The women went to the river to wash clothes.

Jalbu-jalbu wawubajanga dungan, kambi julurrinka.

jalbu-jalbu wawubaja-nga dunga-ny, kambi julurri-nka | woman-REDUP.ABS river-LOC go-PAST clothes.ABS wash-PURP

<synth> The women went to the river to wash clothes.


<translate> The children went to the river. They swam. They came back home.

Karrkay-karrkay wawubajanga dungan. Jana marijin. Jana bayanba kadan baja.

karrkay-karrkay wawubaja-nga dunga-ny. jana mariji-ny. jana bayan-ba kada-ny-baja | child-REDUP.ABS river-LOC go-PAST. 3pl.NOM swim-PAST. 3pl.NOM home-LOC come-PAST-again — 3-sentence micro-narrative, jana topic chain (§Ch5)

karrkay wawubaja dungay mariji bayan kaday

<synth> The children went to the river. They swam. They came back home.


ngayu wawu-kari dunga-nka | 1sg.NOM want-PRIV go-PURP


wanyu yinya | what.ABS that.ABS — verbless interrogative


<translate> Don't drink that water — it's bad!

kari yinya bana nuka, bana buyun | NEG that water drink.IMP water.ABS bad

<synth> Don't drink that water — it's bad!


ngayu ngawa nyaji-ny, banbadi-nya | 1sg.NOM baby perceive-PAST cry.REDUP-SUB — perception + simultaneous -nyV


<translate> The people danced at the corroboree.

jana bama warrma-nga wuri-ny | 3pl person dance-LOC dance-PAST

<synth> The people danced at the corroboree.


ngana kuyu-ku wawu, minya-ka wawu-kari | 1pl.inc fish-DAT want meat-DAT want-PRIV — parallel wawu clauses


<translate> The old women sat inside. They told stories and the children listened.

Kamba-kamba kananga bundandan. Jana kuku balkan, karrkay-karrkay milka-janan.

kamba-kamba kana-nga bundanda-ny. jana kuku balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay milka-jana-ny | old.woman-REDUP inside-LOC stay-PAST. 3pl word/story tell-PAST child-REDUP ear-stand-PAST(=listened)

kamba kana bunday kuku balkal karrkay milka

<synth> The old women sat inside. They told stories and the children listened.


<translate> The frog jumped into the swamp.

yuday walngka-nga jalama-ny | frog swamp-LOC jump-PAST


<translate> The old man is telling a story.

mukul dingkar kuku balka-l | old man word/story tell-NONPAST


bunda-y, mayi nuka-∅ | sit-IMP food eat-IMP — imperative chain


<translate> The old woman's eyes are no good.

wulbuman-amu miyil nganjay | old.woman-POSS eye.ABS no.good — POSS with ABS head (licensed bare -amu)

<synth> The old woman's eyes are no good.


<translate> The men speared two wallabies.

Dingkar-dingkarangka kadar jambul daman.

dingkar-dingkar-angka kadar jambul dama-ny | man-REDUP-ERG:pt wallaby two spear-PAST


nyiku ngayu warngku wuna-y | now 1sg sleep lie-NONPAST


<translate> Don't touch the goanna — it bites!

kari walkarr karrba-∅, bayka-l | NEG goanna touch-IMP bite-NONPAST

<synth> Don't touch the goanna — it bites!


<translate> We caught nothing yesterday.

yilayku ngana yamba-kari mani-ny | yesterday 1pl.inc nothing get-PAST


<translate> The women dug yams and gathered fruit. In the late afternoon they carried it all back to camp.

Jalbu-jalbungku wukay bakan, mayi bangkan. Yilay-yilay jana bayanba wundinyarrku.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku wukay baka-ny, mayi bangka-ny. yilay-yilay jana bayan-ba wundi-ny-arrku | woman-REDUP-ERG yam dig-PAST fruit gather-PAST. afternoon 3pl camp-LOC bring-PAST-TOTAL

jalbu wukay bakal mayi bangkal yilay-yilay bayan wundil

<synth> The women dug yams and gathered fruit. In the late afternoon they carried it all back to camp.


<translate> Wait — the meat is still cooking.

maku-jana-y, minya dinda-n-dinda-ji-y | wait-IMP meat roast-REDUP-ITR-NONPAST — 'still' via progressive redup

<synth> Wait — the meat is still cooking.


<translate> They roast the zamia nuts before pounding them.

jana marra dinda-l, duda-nyjiku | 3pl zamia roast-NONPAST pound-SUCC — [A 450] VERBATIM

<synth> They roast the zamia nuts before pounding them.


<translate> The old people know the country.

kamba-kamba binal bubu-ku | elder-REDUP know country-DAT

<synth> The old people know the country.


<translate> We'll camp here tonight — there's water close by.

ngana yaluy bundanda-y, bana ngundu | 1pl.inc here stay-NONPAST water close.by

<synth> We'll camp here tonight — there's water close by.


<translate> Bring wood to light the fire!

juku wundi-∅, baya waju-nka | wood bring-IMP fire burn-PURP — [A 424] base


<translate> The moon came up from behind the mountain.

kija wandi-ny manjal-muny | moon rise-PAST mountain-ABL — 'over'→'from' rendering

<synth> The moon came up from behind the mountain.


bula jalbu balka-wa-ny | 3du woman speak-RECIP-PAST


<translate> The children are learning the language at school.

Karrkay-karrkay kukuku binalmal schoolmunbu.

karrkay-karrkay kuku-ku binal-ma-l school-mun-bu | child-REDUP language-DAT learn-NONPAST school-mun-LOC — [A 591] + school-mun-bu VERBATIM

<synth> The children are learning the language at school.


<translate> Granny's dog followed us to the river.

Babindamundu kayangka nganangan wukurrin wawubajanga.

babi-ndamun-du kaya-ngka nganangan wukurri-ny wawubaja-nga | granny-POSS-ERG dog-ERG:pt 1pl.inc.ACC follow-PAST river-LOC — [A 515] agreement

<synth> Granny's dog followed us to the river.


<translate> Uncle and Dad made a canoe from a big tree.

Kalngangka nganjanangka marrakan balkan jukumuny yalbaymuny.

kalnga-ngka nganjan-angka marrakan balka-ny juku-muny yalbay-muny | material ABL + NP agreement

kalnga nganjan marrakan balkal juku yalbay

<synth> Uncle and Dad made a canoe from a big tree.


<translate> They walked a long way and got tired.

Jana kalakalbay jilba dungan, baja-burraymarin.

jana kala-kalbay jilba dunga-ny, baja-burray-ma-ri-ny | 3pl far walk go-PAST tired-INCHO-PLS-PAST

<synth> They walked a long way and got tired.


<translate> The two kids jumped into the water and played.

bula karrkay bana-nga jalama-ny, kinka-ny-da | 3du child water-LOC jump-PAST play-PAST-then

<synth> The two kids jumped into the water and played.


walkarr-angka jukar baka-ny | goanna-ERG sand dig-PAST


<translate> Mum made new clothes for the baby.

Ngamungku kambi jirakal balkan ngawanka.

ngamu-ngku kambi jirakal balka-ny ngawa-nka | mother-ERG clothes new make-PAST baby-DAT:pt — beneficiary

<synth> Mum made new clothes for the baby.


<translate> The sun went down. The old people told stories and the children fell asleep listening.

Wungar dungan. Kamba-kambangka kuku balkan, karrkay-karrkay warngku wunan, milka-jananya.

wungar dunga-ny. kamba-kamba-ngka kuku balka-ny, karrkay-karrkay warngku wuna-ny, milka-jana-nya | sun go-PAST. elder-REDUP-ERG story tell-PAST child-REDUP sleep-PAST listen-SUB

wungar dungay kamba kuku balkal karrkay warngku wunay milka

<synth> The sun went down. The old people told stories and the children fell asleep listening.


<translate> Uncle speared a tree kangaroo in the scrub.

kalnga-ngka murral dama-ny madja-nga | MB-ERG tree.kangaroo spear-PAST scrub-LOC

<synth> Uncle speared a tree kangaroo in the scrub.


<translate> Get the fish spear — I can see fish in the water!

yinba mana, kuyu bana-nga | spear get.IMP fish water-LOC

<synth> Get the fish spear — I can see fish in the water!


<translate> The women swept the camp and put everything away.

Jalbu-jalbungku bayan kidan, yambayamba yijarrinda.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku bayan kida-ny, yambayamba yijarri-ny-da | -da

<synth> The women swept the camp and put everything away.


<translate> He climbed the tree and got honey for them.

Nyulu jukungu dakan, wunba manin jananka.

nyulu juku-ngu daka-ny, wunba mani-ny jana-nka | beneficiary DAT

<synth> He climbed the tree and got honey for them.


<translate> The girls are singing to the baby.

maral-maral wulngku badi-y ngawa-nda | girl-REDUP sing-NONPAST baby-LOC — addressee LOC

<synth> The girls are singing to the baby.


<translate> The little ones are playing with the puppy.

ngawa-ngawa kinka-y kaya-nji | baby-REDUP play-NONPAST dog-COMIT:pt — 'puppy'→'dog'

<synth> The little ones are playing with the puppy.


<translate> The men chopped down the corkwood tree.

dingkar-dingkar-angka dili nyanda-ny | man-REDUP-ERG corkwood chop-PAST

<synth> The men chopped down the corkwood tree.


<translate> The children collected flowers for granny.

Karrkay-karrkayangka nganka mujan babinka.

karrkay-karrkay-angka nganka muja-ny babi-nka | child-REDUP-ERG flower collect-PAST granny-DAT:pt

<synth> The children collected flowers for granny.


<translate> Dad chopped wood all morning. Mum kept the fire going. The camp was warm.

Nganjanangka juku nyandalnyandan. Ngamungku baya wajulwajun. Bayan wumbul.

nganjan-angka juku nyanda-l-nyanda-ny. ngamu-ngku baya waju-l-waju-ny. bayan wumbul | father-ERG wood chop-REDUP-PAST. mother-ERG fire burn-REDUP-PAST. camp warm — 'all morning' via REDUP continuous

nganjan juku nyandal ngamu baya wayjul bayan wumbul

<synth> Dad chopped wood all morning. Mum kept the fire going. The camp was warm.


kulji mana, jinbal-ku | stone get.IMP fast-ADV


<translate> The old man burned the grass. New shoots came up. The wallabies came to eat them.

Mukulungku dingkarangka jikan wajun. Jikan jirakal wandin. Kadar-kadar kadan, nukanka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jikan waju-ny. jikan jirakal wandi-ny. kadar-kadar kada-ny, nuka-nka | old-ERG man-ERG grass burn-PAST. grass new rise-PAST. wallaby-REDUP come-PAST eat-PURP

mukul dingkar jikan wayjul jirakal wandil kadar kaday nukal

<synth> The old man burned the grass. New shoots came up. The wallabies came to eat them.


<translate> The kids are throwing stones in the swamp.

Karrkay-karrkayangka kulji yilbal walngkanga.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kulji yilba-l walngka-nga | child-REDUP-ERG stone throw-NONPAST swamp-LOC

<synth> The kids are throwing stones in the swamp.


<translate> The women ground the seeds and made damper. Everyone ate by the fire.

Jalbu-jalbungku diburr nyurrban, damba balkanda. Jana wubulku nukan bayanga.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku diburr nyurrba-ny, damba balka-ny-da. jana wubul-ku nuka-ny baya-nga | grind-PAST damper make-PAST-then. all eat-PAST fire-LOC

jalbu diburr nyurrbal damba balkal nukal baya

<synth> The women ground the seeds and made damper. Everyone ate by the fire.


<translate> Grandad wove a big dilly bag from loya cane. It took a long time. Granny filled it with yams.

Kamingka balji yalbay wukurrin yibuymuny. Babingka wukay mumbanda baljinga.

kami-ngka balji yalbay wukurri-ny yibuy-muny. babi-ngka wukay mumba-ny-da balji-nga | grandad-ERG bag big weave-PAST cane-ABL. granny-ERG yam put.in-PAST-then bag-LOC — middle sentence folded

kami balji yalbay wukurril yibuy babi wukay mumbal

<synth> Grandad wove a big dilly bag from loya cane. It took a long time. Granny filled it with yams.


<translate> That mango is not ripe — leave it!

yinya mayngku ngulkurr-kari, bawa-∅ | that mango good-PRIV leave-IMP — 'not ripe'='not good' per elder

<synth> That mango is not ripe — leave it!


<translate> The flying foxes are eating the mangoes at night.

Kambi-kambingka mayngku nukal kunarangkal.

kambi-kambi-ngka mayngku nuka-l kunarangkal | flying.fox-REDUP-ERG mango eat-NONPAST midnight — kambi 'flying fox' original dict sense!

<synth> The flying foxes are eating the mangoes at night.


<translate> The women got water at the spring.

jalbu-jalbu-ngku bana mani-ny buray-mba | woman-REDUP-ERG water get-PAST spring-LOC — buray-mba VERBATIM anchor

<synth> The women got water at the spring.


<translate> My back is sore from carrying the baby.

ngayu muku kaka, ngawa jarrakulba-nya | back sore carry-SUB (causal)

<synth> My back is sore from carrying the baby.


<translate> The old man called the children together. He showed them the boomerang. He told them about the old days.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay kunjan. Nyulu wangal milbin jananda. Nyulu kuku balkanda ngadikumuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay kunja-ny. nyulu wangal milbi-ny jana-nda. nyulu kuku balka-ny-da ngadiku-muny | summon-PAST; show-PAST 3pl-LOC; tell-PAST-then time-ABL

mukul dingkar karrkay kunjal wangal milbil kuku balkal ngadiku

<synth> The old man called the children together. He showed them the boomerang. He told them about the old days.


<translate> We walked through the scrub to granny's camp.

Ngana madjanga jilba dungan babimu bayanba.

ngana madja-nga jilba dunga-ny babi-mu bayan-ba | path+goal

<synth> We walked through the scrub to granny's camp.


<translate> Everyone sat down together and ate.

jana wubul-ku bunda-ri-ny, nuka-ny-da | sit-PLS eat-then

<synth> Everyone sat down together and ate.


<translate> The young men carried the canoe down to the water.

Warru-warrungku marrakan jarra-kulban bada bananga.

warru-warru-ngku marrakan jarrakulba-ny bada bana-nga | carry-PAST down water-LOC

<synth> The young men carried the canoe down to the water.


<translate> The men sat late by the fire, talking about the old country.

Dingkar-dingkar bundandan bayanga, balkawanya bubuku.

dingkar-dingkar bundanda-ny baya-nga, balka-wa-nya bubu-ku | stay-PAST fire-LOC chat-SUB country-DAT — simultaneous + topic DAT

<synth> The men sat late by the fire, talking about the old country.


jana kari wandi-ri-ny yalibalaku | 3pl NEG rise-PLS-PAST early.morning


<translate> The children pulled the dilly bag away from the dog.

Karrkay-karrkayangka balji kulban kayandamuny.

karrkay-karrkay-angka balji kulba-ny kaya-ndamuny | children-ERG bag pull-PAST dog-ABL:pt

<synth> The children pulled the dilly bag away from the dog.


<translate> The children turned the stones over and found little crabs.

Karrkay-karrkayangka kulji jurrkin, wurru-bulan buban nyajinda.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kulji jurrki-ny, wurru-bulan buban nyaji-ny-da | turn-PAST crab little find-PAST-then

karrkay kulji jurrkil wurru-bulan buban nyajil

<synth> The children turned the stones over and found little crabs.


<translate> The men built the frame; the women tied on the paperbark.

Dingkar-dingkarangka bayan ngaran; jalbu-jalbungku buyku kajanda.

dingkar-dingkar-angka bayan ngara-ny; jalbu-jalbu-ngku buyku kaja-ny-da | build-PAST; tie-PAST-then — 'frame' folded

<synth> The men built the frame; the women tied on the paperbark.


<translate> The canoe turned over in the waves!

marrakan murniji-ny mulngku-ngu | canoe turn.around-PAST wave-LOC

<synth> The canoe turned over in the waves!


<translate> The shelter stood strong in the big rain.

bayan junkurr-ji janjana-ny kaba-nga | shelter strength-COMIT stand.REDUP-PAST rain-LOC — stand-in-rain locative acceptable ([A 504-area storm frames]); janjanay solid redup

<synth> The shelter stood strong in the big rain.


<translate> The little ones watched the flames until their eyes closed.

Ngawa-ngawangka baya nyajilnyajin, miyil nandajinda.

ngawa-ngawa-ngka baya nyaji-l-nyaji-ny, miyil nanda-ji-ny-da | watched-REDUP; eyes closed-ITR-then

<synth> The little ones watched the flames until their eyes closed.


kari ngundu dunga-y | Stay back from the edge!


<translate> The frogs sang all night, glad for the water.

Yuday-yuday wulngku badin kunarangkal, wawu-mini banaka.

yuday-yuday wulngku badi-ny kunarangkal, wawu-mini bana-ka | glad-DAT cause

yuday
wulngku badi
kunarangkal
wawu-mini
bana

<synth> The frogs sang all night, glad for the water.


<translate> Watch my hands, she says. Slowly, then fast.

Nyulu balkal: ngayku mara nyaka. Bubanku, jinbalkuda.

nyulu balka-l: ngayku mara nyaka. buban-ku, jinbal-ku-da | slowly, fast-then

<synth> Watch my hands, she says. Slowly, then fast.


baya nganga waju-l-waju-ny | Only the fire stayed awake.


<translate> The old man has a new boomerang.

mukul dingkar wangal-ji jirakal-ji | COMIT agreement

<synth> The old man has a new boomerang.


<translate> The horse stood out in the rain.

yarraman ngalkal-ba jana-ny, kaba-nga | horse outside stood rain-LOC

<synth> The horse stood out in the rain.


<translate> The women crossed at the shallow place.

jalbu-jalbu mariji-ny buban-ba | crossed little-LOC

<synth> The women crossed at the shallow place.


jana nyaji-ny jikan-ba | found grass-LOC


<translate> That old man knows every story.

Yinya mukul dingkar binal kukuku wubulku.

yinya mukul dingkar binal kuku-ku wubul-ku | old man knows story-DAT all-DAT(agreement)


<translate> Granny's soup made everyone strong again.

Babimu milkulbu janangan junkurr-bungan baja.

babi-mu milkul-bu janangan junkurr-bunga-ny baja | granny-POSS soup-ERG(neutral) 3pl.ACC strong-CAUS-PAST again

<synth> Granny's soup made everyone strong again.


<translate> The little ones believed every word.

Ngawa-ngawangka milka-janan kukuku wubulku.

ngawa-ngawa-ngka milka-jana-ny kuku-ku wubul-ku | babies listened story-DAT all-DAT — 'believed'→'listened to'

<synth> The little ones believed every word.


<translate> In the dry season the old people walked the long way to the north country.

Buluriji kamba-kamba jilba dungan kalakalbay, kungkarr bubungu.

bulur-iji kamba-kamba jilba dunga-ny kala-kalbay, kungkarr bubu-ngu | dry season elders walked far, north country-LOC

<synth> In the dry season the old people walked the long way to the north country.


<translate> The fish here are fat and the water is always cold.

Kuyu yaluy yalbay, bana kiway-kiway yabarrka.

kuyu yaluy yalbay, bana kiway-kiway yabarrka | fish big, water cold always

<synth> The fish here are fat and the water is always cold.


<translate> The children hugged the dog and granny gave it the best bone in the camp.

Karrkay-karrkayangka kaya karrban, babingka bajibay ngulkurr bajaku dajinda.

karrkay-karrkay-angka kaya karrba-ny, babi-ngka bajibay ngulkurr-baja-ku daji-ny-da | held dog; granny gave best bone-then

karrkay kaya karrbal babi bajibay ngulkurr dajil

<synth> The children hugged the dog and granny gave it the best bone in the camp.


<translate> The children tried and tangled and laughed until the rain stopped.

Karrkay-karrkay kinkan, yajarrin, kaba dunganyjiku.

karrkay-karrkay kinka-ny, yajarri-ny, kaba dunga-nyjiku | played laughed rain go-SUCC('until the rain stopped')

<synth> The children tried and tangled and laughed until the rain stopped.


<translate> The old woman sat by the fire all night, singing the songs her mother taught her when she was small.

Wulbuman bayanga bundandan kunarangkal, wulngku badinya, ngamungka nyungu binalbungan nyulu buban.

wulbuman baya-nga bundanda-ny kunarangkal, wulngku badi-nya, ngamu-ngka nyungu binal-bunga-ny nyulu buban | old woman fire-LOC sat night, song sing-SUB, mother-ERG her taught she little

wulbuman
baya
bunday
kunarangkal
wulngku badi
ngamu
binal
buban

<synth> The old woman sat by the fire all night, singing the songs her mother taught her when she was small.


<translate> That night the people danced and sang around the big fire, and the old woman said it was the best season of all.

Yinya kunarangkal jana wurin, wulngku badin baya yalbaymba, wulbumanangka balkan: yanyu wungar ngulkurr bajaku.

yinya kunarangkal jana wuri-ny, wulngku badi-ny baya yalbay-mba, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yanyu wungar ngulkurr-baja-ku | that night they danced, sang fire big-LOC, old.woman said: these days very good

kunarangkal
wuri
wulngku badi
baya
yalbay
wulbuman
balkal
bulur
ngulkurr

<synth> That night the people danced and sang around the big fire, and the old woman said it was the best season of all.


<translate> The dogs found a bandicoot in the long grass and chased it until it ran into a hollow log.

Kaya-kayangka kulngu nyajin jikan kalbaymba, wukurrin, kulngu walan jukungu.

kaya-kaya-ngka kulngu nyaji-ny jikan kalbay-mba, wukurri-ny, kulngu wala-ny juku-ngu | dogs bandicoot found grass long-LOC, chased, bandicoot entered log-LOC

kaya kulngu nyajil jikan kalbay wukurril walal juku

<synth> The dogs found a bandicoot in the long grass and chased it until it ran into a hollow log.


<translate> He and his sons cut the tree down, hollowed it with fire and stone axes, and worked for many days.

Nyulu dabalji juku dakandin, bayaji kuljiji bakan, kirrajin wungar wubulku.

nyulu dabal-ji juku dakandi-ny, baya-ji kulji-ji baka-ny, kirraji-ny wungar wubul-ku | he sons-COMIT tree felled, fire-COMIT stone-COMIT hollowed, worked days many

dabal juku dakandil baya kulji bakal kirraji wungar wubul

<synth> He and his sons cut the tree down, hollowed it with fire and stone axes, and worked for many days.


<translate> Never forget this place, the old woman said. The country keeps water for those who know where to look.

Kari milka-wula yanyu bubu, wulbumanangka balkan. Bububu bana kujil jananka binalka.

kari milka-wula-∅ yanyu bubu, wulbuman-angka balka-ny. bubu-bu bana kuji-l jana-nka binal-ka | NEG forget-IMP this place, old.woman said. country-ERG(neutral) water keeps 3pl-DAT knowing-DAT

milka bubu wulbuman balkal bana kujil binal

<synth> Never forget this place, the old woman said. The country keeps water for those who know where to look.


<translate> One evening a family came walking from the south, tired and hungry after a long journey.

Yilay-yilay jawunkarra jibarrmundu kadan, jilba kalakalbaymundu, jana baja-burray dakwuy.

yilay-yilay jawun-karra jibarr-mundu kada-ny, jilba kalakalbay-mundu, jana baja-burray dakwuy | evening family south-ABESS came, walk far-ABESS([A109]), they tired hungry

yilay-yilay jawun jibarr kaday jilba kalbay baja-burray dakwuy

<synth> One evening a family came walking from the south, tired and hungry after a long journey.


<translate> The people welcomed them, gave them fish and damper, and made a place for them by the fire.

Jana janangan ngulkurr manin, kuyu damba dajin, bayanga bubu yijarrin jananka.

jana janangan ngulkurr mani-ny, kuyu damba daji-ny, baya-nga bubu yijarri-ny jana-nka | they 3pl.ACC well received, fish damper gave, fire-LOC place made 3pl-DAT

janangan ngulkurr manil kuyu damba dajil baya bubu yijarril

<synth> The people welcomed them, gave them fish and damper, and made a place for them by the fire.


<translate> Everyone laughed with joy, and the old man said: that child will be a good hunter one day.

Jana wubulku yajarrin wawu-mini, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: yinya karrkay mala-minya ngulkurr kaday.

jana wubul-ku yajarri-ny wawu-mini, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: yinya karrkay mala-minya ngulkurr kada-y | all laughed glad, old man said: that child hunter good will.become

yajarril wawu-mini mukul dingkar balkal karrkay ngulkurr kaday

<synth> Everyone laughed with joy, and the old man said: that child will be a good hunter one day.


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

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

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

karrkay nyajil mukul minya yakal ngulkurr kamba dajil

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


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

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

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

karrkay bana buban kinkay yuday karrbal bawal wubul

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

negation imperative subordinate inchoative

kami balkal karrkay junkurr bubu milka ngawa karrbal baya

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


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

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

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

jawun jilba dungay kalakalbay bulkiji dajil kulji ngulkurr manjal manil

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


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

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

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

karrkay yinil maraji bada dungay wulbuman wangkar kulbal yajarril

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


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

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

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

balkal kalka juku nganga jawun dumbarril ngulkurr

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


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

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

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

jalbu kuyu marral wundil bayan bulawu barka yijarril kaba

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


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

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

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

karra jungkarril jandal mara ngamu ngaral

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


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

Wulbumanangka karrkay wubulku karra buban dajin, milbin karra kajanka.

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

wulbuman karrkay karra buban dajil milbil kajal

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


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

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

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

karrkay yindu burri yirrkay wunbu bunday balkal

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


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

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

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

maral buban ngunyin jirakal kilbal jikan kalbay badi milka baykal nyajil

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


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

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

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

mayarriji yalbay jalamal nyubun daray warru balbi warri yirrkay

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


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

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

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

jalbu wunbu yungal bakal ngangkin badabada juku murnil

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


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

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

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

ngangkin minya ngulkurr wandul balkal junkurr kirraji yungal karrbal

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


<translate> That day there was fish enough for everyone, and roasting fish filled the whole camp with a good smell.

Yinya wungar kuyu wubul bama wubulku, kuyu dindan bayan wubulku mumban ngulkurrbu.

yinya wungar kuyu wubul bama wubul-ku, kuyu dinda-ny bayan wubul-ku mumba-ny ngulkurr-bu | that day fish enough people all-DAT, fish roasted camp all filled good-INST

wungar kuyu wubul bama dindal bayan mumbal ngulkurr

<synth> That day there was fish enough for everyone, and roasting fish filled the whole camp with a good smell.


<translate> In the dry weather the men built a stone fish trap across the mouth of the creek where it meets the sea.

Wungar marralba dingkar-dingkarangka kulji makarr ngaran yilki ngandalba, wanja jalunji maku-nyajinya.

wungar marral-ba dingkar-dingkar-angka kulji makarr ngara-ny yilki ngandal-ba, wanja jalun-ji maku-nyaji-nya | days dry-LOC men stone fish.net(trap) made creek mouth-LOC, where sea-COMIT meets-SUB

wungar marral kulji makarr ngaral yilki ngandal jalun maku-nyajil

<synth> In the dry weather the men built a stone fish trap across the mouth of the creek where it meets the sea.


<translate> The next morning the young men mended the raft in silence, and this time they listened when the old man spoke.

Wunkun wunkuwingku warru-warru marrakan ngulkurr-bungan wunbu, nyiku jana milka-janan mukul dingkar balkanya.

wunkun wunkuwingku warru-warru marrakan ngulkurr-bunga-ny wunbu, nyiku jana milka-jana-ny mukul dingkar balka-nya | next morning young.men raft mended quietly, now they listened old man speaking-SUB

wunkun warru marrakan ngulkurr wunbu milka-janay mukul balkal

<synth> The next morning the young men mended the raft in silence, and this time they listened when the old man spoke.


<translate> The sea gives and the sea takes, said the old man, and the wise person honours both the calm and the storm.

Jalunbu dajil, jalunbu manil, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, bama binal ngulkurr-bungal jalun ngulkurr, jarramali baja.

jalun-bu daji-l, jalun-bu mani-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, bama binal ngulkurr-bunga-l jalun ngulkurr, jarramali baja | sea-ERG gives, sea-ERG takes, old man said, person wise honours sea calm, storm too

jalun dajil manil mukul binal ngulkurr jarramali

<synth> The sea gives and the sea takes, said the old man, and the wise person honours both the calm and the storm.


<translate> The girls dug all morning, and slowly they learned the feel of the yam through the handle of the digging stick.

Maral-maralangka bakan wunkuwingku wubulku, buban-bubanku jana binalman kawumu yala jababu.

maral-maral-angka baka-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku, buban-buban-ku jana binal-ma-ny kawu-mu yala jaba-bu | girls dug morning all, slowly they learned yam-POSS feel stick-INST

maral bakal wunkuwingku buban binal kawu jaba

<synth> The girls dug all morning, and slowly they learned the feel of the yam through the handle of the digging stick.


<translate> The old woman taught the children that some plants are food and some are poison, and you must always know which is which.

Wulbumanangka karrkay-karrkay binalbungan: mayi kanbal ngulkurr, kanbal yinil, yundu yabarrka binal wanjawanja.

wulbuman-angka karrkay-karrkay binal-bunga-ny: mayi kanbal ngulkurr, kanbal yinil, yundu yabarrka binal wanjawanja | old.woman children taught: plants some good, some dangerous, you always know which

wulbuman karrkay binal mayi kanbal ngulkurr yinil yabarrka wanjawanja

<synth> The old woman taught the children that some plants are food and some are poison, and you must always know which is which.


<translate> The old man showed the boys how to strip the long vines and twist them into strong rope for fishing and carrying.

Mukulungku dingkarangka dabal milbin: kalal kalbay yakal, murnil karra junkurrku, kuyuka wundinka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka dabal milbi-ny: kalal kalbay yaka-l, murni-l karra junkurr-ku, kuyu-ka wundi-nka | old man boys showed: vine long strip, twist rope strong, fishing-DAT carrying-PURP

mukul dabal milbil kalal kalbay yakal murnil karra junkurr kuyu wundil

<synth> The old man showed the boys how to strip the long vines and twist them into strong rope for fishing and carrying.


<translate> The men checked their spears and nets and set out to hunt and fish while the day was still cool.

Dingkar-dingkarangka kalka makarr nyajin, balbinka kuyuka dungan wungar kiway jananya.

dingkar-dingkar-angka kalka makarr nyaji-ny, balbi-nka kuyu-ka dunga-ny wungar kiway jana-nya | men spears nets checked, hunt-PURP fish-DAT went day cool standing-SUB

dingkar kalka makarr nyajil balbi kuyu dungay wungar kiway

<synth> The men checked their spears and nets and set out to hunt and fish while the day was still cool.


<translate> The last thing he heard was the soft rain on the bark roof and the deep quiet breathing of his sleeping family.

Nyungu milka-janan ngadiku bajaku kaba wunbu buykungu, jawunkarra warngku wunanya wawu wunbu badanga.

nyungu milka-jana-ny ngadiku-baja-ku kaba wunbu buyku-ngu, jawun-karra warngku wuna-nya wawu wunbu bada-nga | his heard last-most rain soft paperbark-LOC, family sleeping-SUB breath quiet deep-LOC

milka-janay kaba wunbu buyku jawun warngku wunay wawu bada

<synth> The last thing he heard was the soft rain on the bark roof and the deep quiet breathing of his sleeping family.


<translate> But the humpy the family had built held strong against the storm, and inside they were dry and safe and close together.

Yambada wurun jawunkarrangka ngaranmuny junkurr janay jarramalinga, dukurr jana marral ngulkurr jambulku.

yambada wurun jawun-karra-ngka ngara-ny-muny junkurr jana-y jarramali-nga, dukurr jana marral ngulkurr jambul-ku | but humpy family made-ABL strong stood storm-LOC, inside they dry safe together

wurun jawun ngaral junkurr janay jarramali dukurr marral ngulkurr jambul

<synth> But the humpy the family had built held strong against the storm, and inside they were dry and safe and close together.


<translate> When the rainbow faded, the old woman said the snake had gone back down to sleep in the deep, and the rain was truly over.

Yiril dunganda, wulbumanangka balkan: jarba bada dungan baja warngku wunanka badanga, kaba yukil dungan.

yiril dunga-ny-da, wulbuman-angka balka-ny: jarba bada dunga-ny baja warngku wuna-nka bada-nga, kaba yukil dunga-ny | rainbow faded-then, old.woman said: snake down went back sleep-PURP deep-LOC, rain truly gone

yiril dungay jarba bada warngku wunay kaba yukil

<synth> When the rainbow faded, the old woman said the snake had gone back down to sleep in the deep, and the rain was truly over.


<translate> When the moon is dark and gone from the sky, it is a time to stay close to the fire and tell the deep old stories.

Kija wujurr jirimuny dunganda, wungar baya ngundu bundanka, kuku ngadiku badanga balkanka.

kija wujurr jiri-muny dunga-ny-da, wungar baya ngundu bunda-nka, kuku ngadiku bada-nga balka-nka | moon dark sky-ABL gone-then, time fire near sit-PURP, stories old deep-LOC tell-PURP

kija wujurr jiri dungay baya bunday kuku ngadiku bada balkal

<synth> When the moon is dark and gone from the sky, it is a time to stay close to the fire and tell the deep old stories.


<translate> When the children came back to camp in the evening, their mother asked them: Where have you all been this long day?

Karrkay-karrkay bayanka kadanya yilay-yilay, ngamungka jana babajin: Yurra wanjabu dungan wungar kalbay?

karrkay-karrkay bayan-ka kada-nya yilay-yilay, ngamu-ngka jana babaji-ny: yurra wanjabu dunga-ny wungar kalbay? | children camp-DAT coming-SUB evening, mother them asked: you.PL where went day long?

karrkay bayan kaday ngamu babaji wanjabu wungar kalbay

<synth> When the children came back to camp in the evening, their mother asked them: Where have you all been this long day?


<translate> If the children listen well and learn the country, the old man said, then they will never go hungry and never be lost their whole lives long.

Kaki karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr milka-janay, bubu binalmal, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, jana kari dakwuy yabarrka, kari kilbaji wawu kalbay wubulku.

kaki karrkay-karrkay ngulkurr milka-jana-y, bubu binal-ma-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, jana kari dakwuy yabarrka, kari kilba-ji wawu kalbay wubul-ku | if children well listen, country learn, old man said, they NEG hungry ever, NEG lost life long all

kaki karrkay milka-janay bubu binal dakwuy kilbal wawu kalbay

<synth> If the children listen well and learn the country, the old man said, then they will never go hungry and never be lost their whole lives long.


<translate> As they walked, the boy asked quietly: Where do the animals feed in the morning, and do you know which way they have gone?

Jana jilbanya, karrkayangka wunbu babajin: Wanjabu minya wunkuwingku nukal, yundu binal jana wanjaka dunganmuny?

jana jilba-nya, karrkay-angka wunbu babaji-ny: wanjabu minya wunkuwingku nuka-l, yundu binal jana wanja-ka dunga-ny-muny? | they walking-SUB, boy-ERG quietly asked: where animals morning feed, you know they where-DAT gone-ABL?

jilbal karrkay wunbu babaji wanjabu minya wunkuwingku nukal binal wanja

<synth> As they walked, the boy asked quietly: Where do the animals feed in the morning, and do you know which way they have gone?


<translate> The mother said: If you learn so much in one day, then you must go again, for that is how a boy becomes a man who can feed his family.

Ngamungka balkan: Kaki yundu wubul binalmal nyubun wungara, yundu baja dungay, yala karrkay dingkarmal, nyulu jawunkarra nukamanil.

ngamu-ngka balka-ny: kaki yundu wubul binal-ma-l nyubun wungar-a, yundu baja dunga-y, yala karrkay dingkar-ma-l, nyulu jawun-karra nuka-mani-l | mother said: if you much learn one day-LOC, you again go, thus boy man-becomes, he family feeds

ngamu kaki wubul binal dungay karrkay dingkar jawun nukal

<synth> The mother said: If you learn so much in one day, then you must go again, for that is how a boy becomes a man who can feed his family.


<translate> Slowly the wound closed and healed, and after a while only a small pale scar was left to show where the hard stone had cut him.

Buban-buban muja nandan, kakawarriman, kanbal wungarmuny nyubun baji buban nganga janay, milbinka wanja kuljibu yakanmuny.

buban-buban muja nanda-ny, kakawarri-ma-ny, kanbal wungar-muny nyubun baji buban nganga jana-y, milbi-nka wanja kulji-bu yaka-ny-muny | slowly wound closed, healed, some time-ABL only scar little alone stood, show-PURP where stone-INST cut-ABL

muja nandal kakawarri kanbal wungar baji nganga milbil kulji yakal

<synth> Slowly the wound closed and healed, and after a while only a small pale scar was left to show where the hard stone had cut him.


<translate> The old woman knew the healing plants of the country, and each morning she made a warm drink from certain roots and bark and gave it to the sick man.

Wulbumanangka bubumu mayi kakawarri binal, nyulu mayi wumbul ngaran dubalmuny junkurrmuny, bambaybamaka dajin wunkuwingku wubulku.

wulbuman-angka bubu-mu mayi kakawarri binal, nyulu mayi wumbul ngara-ny dubal-muny junkurr-muny, bambay-bama-ka daji-ny wunkuwingku wubul-ku | old.woman country-POSS plants healing knew, she drink warm made root-ABL bark-ABL, sick.person-DAT gave morning all

wulbuman bubu mayi kakawarri binal wumbul ngaral dubal bambay dajil

<synth> The old woman knew the healing plants of the country, and each morning she made a warm drink from certain roots and bark and gave it to the sick man.


<translate> When the old man himself grew truly old and weak at last, the same children he had taught now cared for him, washing him and warming him and sitting with him.

Mukul dingkar nyulu-nyulu mukulmanda junkurr-kari ngadiku, karrkay-karrkay nyulu milbinmuny nyunganka nyajin baja, nyulu julurri-manin, wumbul-bungan, nyungu ngundu bundan.

mukul dingkar nyulu-nyulu mukul-ma-ny-da junkurr-kari ngadiku, karrkay-karrkay nyulu milbi-ny-muny nyungu-nka nyaji-ny baja, nyulu julurri-mani-ny, wumbul-bunga-ny, nyungu ngundu bunda-ny | old man himself old-became weak at.last, children he taught-ABL him looked.after too, him washed(CAUS), warmed, near him sat

mukul nyulu-nyulu mukul junkurr karrkay milbil nyajil julurril wumbul bunday

<synth> When the old man himself grew truly old and weak at last, the same children he had taught now cared for him, washing him and warming him and sitting with him.


<translate> When the old man died, the whole camp washed his body one last time with clean water and soft paperbark, gently, the way he had taught them, and they wept.

Mukul dingkar wulanda, bayan wubulku nyungu bangkarr julurril nyubun ngadiku bajaku bana dayirrbu buyku bubanbu, wunbu, yala nyulu jana milbinmuny, jana badin.

mukul dingkar wula-ny-da, bayan wubul-ku nyungu bangkarr julurri-l nyubun ngadiku bajaku bana dayirr-bu buyku buban-bu, wunbu, yala nyulu jana milbi-ny-muny, jana badi-ny | old man died-then, camp all his body washed one last water clean-INST buyku soft-INST, gently, as he them taught-ABL, they wept

mukul wulay bayan bangkarr julurril bana dayirr buyku milbil badil

<synth> When the old man died, the whole camp washed his body one last time with clean water and soft paperbark, gently, the way he had taught them, and they wept.


<translate> And so the care of the body, like the fire and the stories and the knowledge of the country, was passed down clean and whole from the old people to the young, forever.

Yalaku bangkarrmu nyajil, yala baya kuku bubumu binal, dungan bada dayirr nyubun kamba-kambamuny warru-warruka, yabarrka.

yala-ku bangkarr-mu nyaji-l, yala baya kuku bubu-mu binal, dunga-ny bada dayirr nyubun kamba-kamba-muny warru-warru-ka, yabarrka | thus body-POSS care, like fire stories country-POSS knowledge, passed down clean whole elders-ABL young-DAT, forever

bangkarr nyajil baya kuku bubu binal dayirr kamba warru

<synth> And so the care of the body, like the fire and the stories and the knowledge of the country, was passed down clean and whole from the old people to the young, forever.


<translate> The children were told never to hunt more possums than the family could eat, for a hunter who kills for nothing brings sickness on the whole camp.

Karrkay-karrkay balkan kari yawa wubul kuninka jawunkarra nukalmuny baja, balbibama nyulu nganga kunil bayanka bambay wundil.

karrkay-karrkay balka-ny kari yawa wubul kuni-nka jawun-karra nuka-l-muny baja, balbi-bama nyulu nganga kuni-l bayan-ka bambay wundi-l | children told NEG possums many kill-PURP family eat-ABL more, hunter who for.nothing kills camp-DAT sickness brings

karrkay yawa wubul kunil jawun nukal balbi nganga bambay

<synth> The children were told never to hunt more possums than the family could eat, for a hunter who kills for nothing brings sickness on the whole camp.


<translate> The old man showed the boys three spears and asked which was the best, and each boy chose a different one, and each gave a good reason for his choice.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay-karrkay kalka kulur milbin, babajin wanya ngulkurr bajaku, karrkay wubulku yindu-yindu manin, wubulku ngulkurr kuku balkan nyungu manilmu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay-karrkay kalka kulur milbi-ny, babaji-ny wanya ngulkurr bajaku, karrkay wubul-ku yindu-yindu mani-ny, wubul-ku ngulkurr kuku balka-ny nyungu mani-l-mu | old man boys spears three showed, asked which good most, boys all different chose, all good reason spoke their choosing-POSS

mukul karrkay kalka kulur milbil ngulkurr yindu manil kuku

<synth> The old man showed the boys three spears and asked which was the best, and each boy chose a different one, and each gave a good reason for his choice.


<translate> And that, the old man said, is the only measure that matters in the end: not how much you gathered or how far you went, but how much kinder and wiser you were when you left than when you came.

Yinya, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan, dandi nyubun ngulkurr ngadiku ngundu: kari yundu wanjarrinya bangkan, kari yundu kalakalbay dungan, yambada yundu wawu-mini-baja binal-baja dunganya yala kadanya.

yinya, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny, dandi nyubun ngulkurr ngadiku ngundu: kari yundu wanjarrinya bangka-ny, kari yundu kalakalbay dunga-ny, yambada yundu wawu-mini-baja binal-baja dunga-nya yala kada-nya | that, old man said, measure one matters end near: NEG you how.much gathered, NEG you far went, but you kinder wiser leaving-SUB as coming-SUB

yinya dandi nyubun ngulkurr wanjarrinya bangkal kalakalbay wawu binal kaday

<synth> And that, the old man said, is the only measure that matters in the end: not how much you gathered or how far you went, but how much kinder and wiser you were when you left than when you came.


<translate> The old man heard the boy and came and sat beside him and asked gently: What is it you are afraid of? Name it to me, out loud, here in the dark.

Mukulungku dingkarangka karrkay milka-janan, kadan, nyungu ngundu bundan, wunbu babajin: Yundu wanyu yinil janay? Ngayku burri, kuku yalbaybu, wujurrbu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka karrkay milka-jana-ny, kada-ny, nyungu ngundu bunda-ny, wunbu babaji-ny: yundu wanyu yinil jana-y? ngayku burri, kuku yalbay-bu, wujurr-bu | old man boy heard, came, his near sat, gently asked: you what afraid are? me name-IMP, voice loud-INST, dark-LOC

mukul karrkay milkal bunday babaji wanyu yinil burril wujurr

<synth> The old man heard the boy and came and sat beside him and asked gently: What is it you are afraid of? Name it to me, out loud, here in the dark.


<translate> The boy said he did not know, only that the dark was full of shapes, and the old man said: The dark is empty; you are filling it yourself with the shapes of your own fear.

Karrkayangka balkan nyulu murruji binal, wujurr nganga yala-yalaji nandan, mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: Wujurr yamba-kari; yundu nyulu-nyulu nandanay nyungu yinilmu yalabu.

karrkay-angka balka-ny nyulu murruji binal, wujurr nganga yala-yala-ji nanda-ny, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: wujurr yamba-kari; yundu nyulu-nyulu nanda-nay nyungu yinil-mu yala-bu | boy said he unable know, dark only shapes-COMIT full, old man said: dark empty; you yourself fill your fear-POSS shapes-INST

karrkay binal wujurr nandal yamba-kari nyulu-nyulu yinil yala

<synth> The boy said he did not know, only that the dark was full of shapes, and the old man said: The dark is empty; you are filling it yourself with the shapes of your own fear.


<translate> The boy did as he was told and named his fears one by one, and the old man laughed and named some of his own, and by the naming both of them grew smaller and less.

Karrkayangka yala ngaran, nyungu yinil kunjan nyubun-nyubun, mukulungku dingkarangka yajarrin, nyungu yinil kanbal kunjan, kunjan jambulku buban-manda buban-baja.

karrkay-angka yala ngara-ny, nyungu yinil kunja-ny nyubun-nyubun, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka yajarri-ny, nyungu yinil kanbal kunja-ny, kunja-ny jambul-ku buban-ma-ny-da buban-baja | boy did thus, his fears named one.by.one, old man laughed, his fears some named, naming-INST both small-became less

karrkay ngaral yinil burril nyubun yajarril kanbal jambul buban

<synth> The boy did as he was told and named his fears one by one, and the old man laughed and named some of his own, and by the naming both of them grew smaller and less.


<translate> The old woman said the person who never gets angry at cruelty has a cold heart, but the person who cannot cool their anger has a dangerous one, and wisdom lives between the two.

Wulbumanangka balkan: bama nyulu kari dukul-wuri yamba yinilka nyungu wawu kiway, yambada bama nyulu murruji dukul-wuri kiwaymanil nyungu wawu yinil, binal jambulku ngundu bundanay.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bama nyulu kari dukul-wuri yamba yinil-ka nyungu wawu kiway, yambada bama nyulu murruji dukul-wuri kiway-ma-ni-l nyungu wawu yinil, binal jambul-ku ngundu bunda-nay | old.woman said: person who NEG angry cruelty-DAT his heart cold, but person who unable anger cool his heart dangerous, wisdom two between lives

bama dukul-wuri yinil wawu kiway binal jambul bunday

<synth> The old woman said the person who never gets angry at cruelty has a cold heart, but the person who cannot cool their anger has a dangerous one, and wisdom lives between the two.


<translate> On the fourth day the old woman came back to the fire, ate a little, and spoke a few words, and the people welcomed her back gently, without any fuss, as if she had only been away on a journey.

Wungar yindungu wulbuman baya ngundu kadan baja, buban nukan, kuku kanbal balkan, bama nyulu wunbu ngulkurr manin baja, kari kuku wubulku, yala nyulu nganga dungay dunganmuny.

wungar yindu-ngu wulbuman baya ngundu kada-ny baja, buban nuka-ny, kuku kanbal balka-ny, bama nyulu wunbu ngulkurr mani-ny baja, kari kuku wubul-ku, yala nyulu nganga dunga-y dunga-ny-muny | day fourth-LOC old.woman fire near came back, little ate, words few spoke, people her gently well took back, NEG words many, like she only journey went-ABL

wungar yindu wulbuman baya nukal kuku kanbal wunbu dungay

<synth> On the fourth day the old woman came back to the fire, ate a little, and spoke a few words, and the people welcomed her back gently, without any fuss, as if she had only been away on a journey.


<translate> The old man said the greatest gift you can give a grieving person is not to try to lift their sadness away, but simply to sit down inside it with them and share the weight.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: dajil yalbay bajaku yundu bama jiba-badika daji, kari nyungu walu-jirrbu-jirrbu wangkar maninka, yambada nyulu ngundu dukurr bundanka, dandi daji-wayka.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: daji-l yalbay bajaku yundu bama jiba-badiy-ka daji, kari nyungu walu-jirrbu-jirrbu wangkar mani-nka, yambada nyulu ngundu dukurr bunda-nka, dandi daji-wa-y-ka | old man said: gift greatest you person grieving give, NEG their sadness up lift-PURP, but him near inside sit-PURP, weight share-PURP

dajil yalbay jiba walu jirrbu wangkar manil bunday dandi

<synth> The old man said the greatest gift you can give a grieving person is not to try to lift their sadness away, but simply to sit down inside it with them and share the weight.


<translate> The old woman said the strange truth about ngujan is that it is cured not by getting what the other has but by rejoicing that they have it — for a shared joy is doubled and a grudged one is halved.

Wulbumanangka balkan: ngujanmu kuku yukil yinil: nyulu kakawarrimal kari yundu bama yindumu yamba manilmuny, yambada yundu wawu-mini janay nyulu karrbalmuny — wawu-mini daji-wanmuny jambulmanil, ngujanbu kujinmuny buban-manil.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: ngujan-mu kuku yukil yinil: nyulu kakawarri-ma-l kari yundu bama yindu-mu yamba mani-l-muny, yambada yundu wawu-mini jana-y nyulu karrba-l-muny — wawu-mini daji-wa-ny-muny jambul-ma-ni-l, ngujan-bu kuji-ny-muny buban-ma-ni-l | old.woman said: jealousy-POSS truth strange: it cured NEG you person other-POSS thing take-ABL, but you happy are he holds-ABL — joy shared-ABL doubles, jealousy-INST kept-ABL halves

ngujan kuku yukil kakawarri yamba manil wawu-mini jambul buban

<synth> The old woman said the strange truth about ngujan is that it is cured not by getting what the other has but by rejoicing that they have it — for a shared joy is doubled and a grudged one is halved.


<translate> The old man said the whole secret of a peaceful heart is this: want less, give more, compare never, and be grateful for the ordinary morning that a thousand grieving people would trade everything to have.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: wawu wunbumu kuku nyubun yala: buban wawu, wubul-baja daji, kari milbi-ji yabarrka, wawu-mini janay wunkuwingku nganga bama jiba-badi wubul yamba wubulku daji-wa-nka nyungumuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: wawu wunbu-mu kuku nyubun yala: buban wawu, wubul-baja daji, kari milbi-ji yabarrka, wawu-mini jana-y wunkuwingku nganga bama jiba-badiy wubul yamba wubul-ku daji-wa-nka nyungu-muny | old man said: heart peaceful-POSS secret one thus: little want-IMP, more give-IMP, NEG compare-REFL ever, grateful be-IMP ordinary.morning grieving.people many things all trade-PURP it-ABL

negation imperative purposive reflexive ablative

wawu wunbu kuku wawu daji milbil wawu-mini wunkuwingku jiba

<synth> The old man said the whole secret of a peaceful heart is this: want less, give more, compare never, and be grateful for the ordinary morning that a thousand grieving people would trade everything to have.


<translate> Wake the coals gently first, not hard, lest you scatter the ash and put the fire out altogether.

Ngunjil buban-buban wandi-mani-ngarr, kari junkurr, nulu jarra-nyji, baya wula-manyji nganga.

ngunjil buban-buban wandi-mani-ngarr, kari junkurr, nulu jarra-nyji, baya wula-ma-nyji nganga | coals gently wake-CAUS-first, NEG hard, ash scatter-PRECAUT, fire die-make-PRECAUT altogether

ngunjil buban wandil junkurr nulu jarral baya wulay

<synth> Wake the coals gently first, not hard, lest you scatter the ash and put the fire out altogether.


<translate> The old woman said a journey is planned at the fire, not on the path: think through the whole way first, name the dangers, and decide what to do at each, before your feet ever leave the camp.

Wulbumanangka balkan: kalbay baya ngundu ngaran, kari jinanga, yabarrka wubulku milka-bu bayka-ngarr, yamba yinil burri, wanya yundu ngaral wubulku binal, jina bayanmuny dunganyjiku ngadiku.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: kalbay baya ngundu ngara-ny, kari jina-nga, yabarrka wubul-ku milka-bu bayka-ngarr, yamba yinil burri, wanya yundu ngara-l wubul-ku binal, jina bayan-muny dunga-nyjiku ngadiku | old.woman said: journey fire near planned, NEG path-LOC, way whole mind-INST think-first, thing dangerous name-IMP, what you do all decide, feet camp-ABL leave-before first

negation question imperative precautionary ablative

kalbay baya ngaral jina milka baykal yinil burril binal bayan

<synth> The old woman said a journey is planned at the fire, not on the path: think through the whole way first, name the dangers, and decide what to do at each, before your feet ever leave the camp.


<translate> Set out at first light, not at midday, lest the heat catch you in the open with the sun straight overhead and no cool place to be found.

Muduwajuny dunga-ngarr, kari wungar dukurr, wungarbu yundu bubu yalbay-mba kanga-nyji, wungar wangkarwangkar, kari bubu kiway.

muduwajuny dunga-ngarr, kari wungar dukurr, wungar-bu yundu bubu yalbay-mba kanga-nyji, wungar wangkarwangkar, kari bubu kiway | at.daybreak go-first, NEG sun middle, sun-INST you country open-LOC catch-PRECAUT, sun overhead, NEG place cool

muduwajuny dungay wungar dukurr bubu yalbay kanga wangkarwangkar kiway

<synth> Set out at first light, not at midday, lest the heat catch you in the open with the sun straight overhead and no cool place to be found.


<translate> The children learned to check three things before every throw: their footing, the wind, and what lay behind the target, lest a stray spear find something they never meant to strike.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman yamba kulur nyajinka yilbanyjiku ngadiku: jina, muyar, yamba wanya kudamundu janay, kalka kilba yamba yindu nyajil kari jana wawumuny kuni-nyji.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny yamba kulur nyaji-nka yilba-nyjiku ngadiku: jina, muyar, yamba wanya kudamundu jana-y, kalka kilba yamba yindu nyaji-l kari jana wawu-muny kuni-nyji | children learned things three check-DAT throw-before: footing, wind, thing what behind stands, spear stray thing other find NEG they meant-ABL strike-PRECAUT

negation question purposive precautionary ablative

karrkay kulur nyajil yilbal jina muyar kudamundu kalka kilba kunil

<synth> The children learned to check three things before every throw: their footing, the wind, and what lay behind the target, lest a stray spear find something they never meant to strike.


<translate> Check the whole camp before you sleep: the fire banked, the food hung, the water covered, the spears stood upright, so that you wake to order and not to ruin.

Bayan wubulku nyaji-ngarr warngku wunanyjiku: baya nanda, mayi kaji, bana nanda, kalka wangkar janay, yundu wandinya yamba yukilka wandi, kari mumbungu.

bayan wubul-ku nyaji-ngarr warngku wuna-nyjiku: baya nanda, mayi kaji, bana nanda, kalka wangkar jana-y, yundu wandi-nya yamba yukil-ka wandi, kari mumbu-ngu | camp whole check-first sleep-before: fire covered, food hung, water covered, spears upright stand, you waking thing right-DAT rise, NEG ruin-LOC

bayan nyajil warngku baya nanda mayi kaji bana kalka mumbu

<synth> Check the whole camp before you sleep: the fire banked, the food hung, the water covered, the spears stood upright, so that you wake to order and not to ruin.


<translate> The old woman said: The mountain will always be there for another attempt, but you have only one life to spend attempting it, so spend it wisely, come home, and try again.

Wulbumanangka balkan: manjal yabarrka janay baja kirraji yinduka, yambada yundu wawu nyubun nganga kirrajinka, ngulkurr wundi, bayanka kada, kirraji baja.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: manjal yabarrka jana-y baja kirraji yindu-ka, yambada yundu wawu nyubun nganga kirraji-nka, ngulkurr wundi, bayan-ka kada, kirraji baja | old.woman said: mountain always stands too attempt other-DAT, but you life one only spend-DAT, wisely spend-IMP, home-DAT come-IMP, attempt again

manjal kirraji yindu wawu nyubun ngulkurr wundil bayan kaday

<synth> The old woman said: The mountain will always be there for another attempt, but you have only one life to spend attempting it, so spend it wisely, come home, and try again.


<translate> The old woman said the goal of all foresight is not to live in fear of the future but to be so ready for it that you can live entirely in the present, unafraid.

Wulbumanangka balkan: nyaji-ngarr wubulmu yala kari wunkun yinilba bundanka, yambada wunkunka yukil bajaku janayka yundu nyiku nganga bunday, yinil-kari.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: nyaji-ngarr wubul-mu yala kari wunkun yinil-ba bunda-nka, yambada wunkun-ka yukil bajaku jana-y-ka yundu nyiku nganga bunda-y, yinil-kari | old.woman said: foresight all-POSS goal NEG future fear-LOC live-PURP, but future-DAT ready most be-DAT you now only live, fearless

nyaji-ngarr wunkun yinil bunday yukil nyiku kaja

<synth> The old woman said the goal of all foresight is not to live in fear of the future but to be so ready for it that you can live entirely in the present, unafraid.


<translate> This is the most important lesson of all, the grandmother said: you are never a single person alone; you are the living end of a long line of people, and every choice you make, they make through you.

Yinya milbil dandi bajaku wubulmuny, babingka balkan: yundu kari nyubun bama nganga; yundu bama kalbaymu wawu murru, yundu yamba wubulku manilnya, jana yundubu manil.

yinya milbi-l dandi bajaku wubul-muny, babi-ngka balka-ny: yundu kari nyubun bama nganga; yundu bama kalbay-mu wawu murru, yundu yamba wubul-ku mani-l-nya, jana yundu-bu mani-l | this lesson most important all-ABL, grandmother said: you NEG one person alone; you people long-POSS living end, you choice all make-SUB, they you-INST make

milbil dandi nyubun bama kalbay wawu murru manil

<synth> This is the most important lesson of all, the grandmother said: you are never a single person alone; you are the living end of a long line of people, and every choice you make, they make through you.


<translate> When the whole family gathered for the season of plenty, they came from every direction, and the grandmother named each group as they came over the ridge.

Jawun-karra wubulku bangkanda mayi wubulmu wungara, jana kadan wanjabu wubulmuny, babingka wubulku kunjan jana wangkara kadanya.

jawun-karra wubul-ku bangka-ny-da mayi wubul-mu wungar-a, jana kada-ny wanjabu wubul-muny, babi-ngka wubul-ku kunja-ny jana wangkar-a kada-nya | relatives all gathered-then plenty season-LOC, they came where all-ABL, grandmother all named them ridge-LOC coming-SUB

jawun bangkal mayi wungar kaday wanjabu burril wangkar

<synth> When the whole family gathered for the season of plenty, they came from every direction, and the grandmother named each group as they came over the ridge.


<translate> The children learned that the sibling bond is the first practice-ground for every relationship they will ever have: how you treat your brother is how you will treat your friend, your partner, your own children, and the world.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman yaba-babarr kaji ngadiku kirraji-bubu kaji wubulmu jana yabarrka manilmu: yala yundu yaba ngaral, yala yundu jawun ngaral, kuban ngaral, nyungu kangkal ngaral, bubu wubulku ngaral.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny yaba-babarr kaji ngadiku kirraji-bubu kaji wubul-mu jana yabarrka mani-l-mu: yala yundu yaba ngara-l, yala yundu jawun ngara-l, kuban ngara-l, nyungu kangkal ngara-l, bubu wubul-ku ngara-l | children learned sibling bond first practice-ground bonds all-POSS they ever have-POSS: how you brother treat, how you friend treat, partner treat, your children treat, world all treat

yaba babarr kaji kirraji bubu jawun kuban kangkal

<synth> The children learned that the sibling bond is the first practice-ground for every relationship they will ever have: how you treat your brother is how you will treat your friend, your partner, your own children, and the world.


<translate> The old woman said the first thing two peoples must learn is each other's language, for you cannot love what you cannot understand, and you cannot understand what you cannot name, and naming begins with the willingness to sit and talk together.

Wulbumanangka balkan: yamba ngadiku bama jambul binalka nyubun-nyubunmu kuku, yundu murruji wawu jirray yamba yundu murruji binalmuny, yundu murruji binal yamba yundu murruji kunjalmuny, kunjal bundanka balka-wayka wawubu wandin.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yamba ngadiku bama jambul binal-ka nyubun-nyubun-mu kuku, yundu murruji wawu jirray yamba yundu murruji binal-muny, yundu murruji binal yamba yundu murruji kunja-l-muny, kunja-l bunda-nka balka-way-ka wawu-bu wandi-ny | old.woman said: thing first peoples two learn-DAT each.other-POSS language, you unable love thing you unable understand-ABL, you unable understand thing you unable name-ABL, naming sit-PURP talk-DAT willingness-INST begins

yamba bama binal kuku wawu jirray burril balka-way

<synth> The old woman said the first thing two peoples must learn is each other's language, for you cannot love what you cannot understand, and you cannot understand what you cannot name, and naming begins with the willingness to sit and talk together.


<translate> The old woman said the country teaches the one who walks it slowly: hurry past and you see nothing, but walk with open eyes and every hill and creek and stone will tell you its name and its story.

Wulbumanangka balkan: bubu milbil bama nyulu buban-buban jilbanya: warri dunga yundu murruji nyaji, yambada miyilba nyaji jilba wubulku yumal bana kulji baja yundunka nyungu burri nyungu jangkar balkanka.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bubu milbi-l bama nyulu buban-buban jilba-nya: warri dunga yundu murruji nyaji, yambada miyil-ba nyaji jilba wubul-ku yumal bana kulji baja yundu-nka nyungu burri nyungu jangkar balka-nka | old.woman said: country teaches person who slowly walks-SUB: fast go you unable see, but eye-LOC see walk every hill creek stone too you-for its name its story tell

bubu milbil jilbay warri miyil yumal kulji jangkar

<synth> The old woman said the country teaches the one who walks it slowly: hurry past and you see nothing, but walk with open eyes and every hill and creek and stone will tell you its name and its story.


<translate> The children were taught the names of the four winds: the north wind that brings the wet, the west wind that brings the dust, the seaward wind that brings the salt, and the cold wind that comes down from the mountains.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman wangkar jambul-jambulmu burri: kungkarr wangkar nyulu bana kadanka, kuwa wangkar nyulu bubu-mula kadanka, naka wangkar nyulu jalun-njiri kadanka, wangkar kiway-kiway nyulu yumalmuny bada kadanka.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny wangkar jambul-jambul-mu burri: kungkarr wangkar nyulu bana kada-nka, kuwa wangkar nyulu bubu-mula kada-nka, naka wangkar nyulu jalun-njiri kada-nka, wangkar kiway-kiway nyulu yumal-muny bada kada-nka | children learned wind four-POSS names: north wind which rain brings, west wind which dust brings, seaward wind which salt brings, wind cold which ranges-ABL down brings

wangkar kungkarr kuwa naka bana jalun yumal kija

<synth> The children were taught the names of the four winds: the north wind that brings the wet, the west wind that brings the dust, the seaward wind that brings the salt, and the cold wind that comes down from the mountains.


<translate> The young man wanted to go straight over the mountain but the old man led them around it by the long low road, saying the mountain is not to be climbed lightly, for it belongs to the old ones and asks to be gone around.

Warruwu wawu yumal wangkar-mundu dunganka yala, mukulungku dingkarangka jana yumal murni baral kalbay badanga jilba-manin, balkan: yumal kari buban-buban dakanka, nyulu mukulmu, nyulu babajil murni jilbanka.

warru-wu wawu yumal wangkar-mundu dunga-nka yala, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka jana yumal murni baral kalbay bada-nga jilba-ma-ni-ny, balka-ny: yumal kari buban-buban daka-nka, nyulu mukul-mu, nyulu babaji-l murni jilba-nka | young.man wanted mountain up-toward go-DAT straight, old man them mountain around road long low led, said: mountain NEG lightly climb-DAT, it old.ones-POSS, it asks around travel-DAT

yumal wangkar dungay baral kalbay dakal jilbay babajil

<synth> The young man wanted to go straight over the mountain but the old man led them around it by the long low road, saying the mountain is not to be climbed lightly, for it belongs to the old ones and asks to be gone around.


<translate> The children learned to leave a sign at every fork so those coming after would know which way they went: a broken branch pointing the way, three stones stacked, or an arrow scratched in the sand, for a traveller thinks always of the one who follows.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman wari bawanka baral jambul-manda wubulku bama jana nganga wukurrinya binalka wanja jana dungan: juku murrnga baral milbil, kulji kulur jajirril, dubu jukara bikal, jilba-bama yabarrka milkal bama nyulu wukurrilmu.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny wari bawa-nka baral jambul-ma-nda wubul-ku bama jana nganga wukurri-nya binal-ka wanja jana dunga-ny: juku murrnga baral milbi-l, kulji kulur jajirri-l, dubu jukar-a bika-l, jilba-bama yabarrka milka-l bama nyulu wukurri-l-mu | children learned sign leave-DAT fork every people who after follow-SUB know-DAT where they went: branch broken.off way shows, stones three stacked, mark sand-LOC scratched, traveller always thinks person who follows-POSS

burri bawal baral wukurril juku murrnga kulji janyul

<synth> The children learned to leave a sign at every fork so those coming after would know which way they went: a broken branch pointing the way, three stones stacked, or an arrow scratched in the sand, for a traveller thinks always of the one who follows.


<translate> The children learned to walk in country they did not know: touch nothing until you know it, drink only from running water, watch where the birds and animals go for they know the safe paths, and above all never travel alone, for the country is patient and the lone walker is the one it takes.

Karrkay-karrkayangka binalman bubu jana murruji binal jilbanka: yamba nganga karrba yundu binalnya, bana warri nganga janga, jujubala minya baja nyaji wanjabu jana dungay jana binal baral yukil, wubul bajaku kari nganga jilba, bubu wawu kanban nyulu jilba-bama nganga manil.

karrkay-karrkay-angka binal-ma-ny bubu jana murruji binal jilba-nka: yamba nganga karrba yundu binal-nya, bana warri nganga janga, jujubala minya baja nyaji wanjabu jana dunga-y jana binal baral yukil, wubul bajaku kari nganga jilba, bubu wawu kanba-ny nyulu jilba-bama nganga mani-l | children learned country they unable know walk-DAT: thing nothing touch you know-SUB, water running only drink, birds animals too watch where they go they know paths safe, most NEG alone walk, country patient which traveller lone takes | ...

bubu binal jilbay bana warri jujubala minya baral

<synth> The children learned to walk in country they did not know: touch nothing until you know it, drink only from running water, watch where the birds and animals go for they know the safe paths, and above all never travel alone, for the country is patient and the lone walker is the one it takes.


<translate> They buried the old traveller facing the sunrise road, as he had asked, and they built no big mound, only a low ring of the smooth stones he had carried home one by one from every country he walked, so that in death as in life he lay at the meeting of all his roads.

Jana jilba-bama mukul kunjin wungar wandina baral nyaji-mundu, nyulu babajinmu yala, jana kari yumal yalbay bungan, nyubun kulji jarray buban nyulu bayan-mundu jarrakulban nyubun-nyubun bubu wubulku nyulu jilbanmuny, yinyabu wulanga yala wawungu nyulu wunay baral wubulku nyaji-wanmuny.

jana jilba-bama mukul kunji-ny wungar wandi-nya baral nyaji-mundu, nyulu babaji-ny-mu yala, jana kari yumal yalbay bunga-ny, nyubun kulji jarray buban nyulu bayan-mundu jarrakulba-ny nyubun-nyubun bubu wubul-ku nyulu jilba-ny-muny, yinya-bu wula-nga yala wawu-ngu nyulu wuna-y baral wubul-ku nyaji-wa-ny-muny | they traveller old buried sun rises-SUB road facing-toward, he asked-POSS as, they NEG mound big built, one stones smooth small he home-toward carried one.by.one country all he walked-ABL, that-INST death-LOC as life-LOC he lies roads all meet.each.other-LOC | ...

jilba-bama kunjil baral yumal kulji jarrakulbal bubu nyaji-way

<synth> They buried the old traveller facing the sunrise road, as he had asked, and they built no big mound, only a low ring of the smooth stones he had carried home one by one from every country he walked, so that in death as in life he lay at the meeting of all his roads.


<translate> The old woman said if you would raise a brave child, do not remove every danger from their path, for courage is a muscle and it grows only against resistance, so let them climb the low rocks and fall and learn that a fall is survivable, and they will meet the high cliffs of their life already knowing they can climb.

Wulbumanangka balkan: kaki yundu karrkay wawu-junkurr bunganka, kari dukul-yamba wubulku nyungu baralmuny manil, wawu-junkurr yala bangkarr-junkurr nyulu nganga dandi-mundu wandil, jana yumal buban daka bada janay binalka bada nyulu kilba-kari, jana yumal yalbay nyungu wawumu nyaji-wan ngadiku binalnya jana dakal.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: kaki yundu karrkay wawu-junkurr bunga-nka, kari dukul-yamba wubul-ku nyungu baral-muny mani-l, wawu-junkurr yala bangkarr-junkurr nyulu nganga dandi-mundu wandi-l, jana yumal buban daka bada jana-y binal-ka bada nyulu kilba-kari, jana yumal yalbay nyungu wawu-mu nyaji-wa-ny ngadiku binal-nya jana daka-l | old.woman said: if you child brave raise-DAT, NEG danger all its path-from take, courage like muscle it only resistance-toward grows, they rock low climb fall be-DAT learn-DAT fall it survivable, they cliff big their life-POSS meet.each.other already knowing they climb | ...

kaki karrkay wawu-junkurr baral bangkarr yumal dakal nyaji-way

<synth> The old woman said if you would raise a brave child, do not remove every danger from their path, for courage is a muscle and it grows only against resistance, so let them climb the low rocks and fall and learn that a fall is survivable, and they will meet the high cliffs of their life already knowing they can climb.


<translate> The old man said the fire is the oldest tool of all, older than the spear and the net, for it changed everything: it made the hard root soft and the raw meat safe, it drove back the night and the cold, it drew the people into one circle to share the day, and a people without fire is only a clever animal.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan: baya bangkarr ngadiku bajaku wubulmuny, kalka makarrmuny ngadiku, nyulu yamba wubulku murni-manin: nyulu jarra dandi buban-manin minya jangkar yukil-manin, nyulu wujurr kiway-kiway badaka warri-manin, nyulu bama nyubun-nyubunji dukurr-bu bangka wungar daji-wayka, bama baya-kari nyulu nganga minya binal.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny: baya bangkarr ngadiku bajaku wubul-muny, kalka makarr-muny ngadiku, nyulu yamba wubul-ku murni-ma-ni-ny: nyulu jarra dandi buban-ma-ni-ny minya jangkar yukil-ma-ni-ny, nyulu wujurr kiway-kiway bada-ka warri-ma-ni-ny, nyulu bama nyubun-nyubun-ji dukurr-bu bangka wungar daji-way-ka, bama baya-kari nyulu nganga minya binal | old man said: fire tool oldest all-ABL, spear net-ABL older, it thing all changed: it root hard soft-made meat raw safe-made, it night cold away drove, it people together center gathered day share-DAT, people fire-less it just animal clever | ...

baya bangkarr kalka makarr jarra minya kunya daji-way

<synth> The old man said the fire is the oldest tool of all, older than the spear and the net, for it changed everything: it made the hard root soft and the raw meat safe, it drove back the night and the cold, it drew the people into one circle to share the day, and a people without fire is only a clever animal.


<translate> The old woman made the damper the old way, mixing the ground flour with a little water into a stiff dough, shaping it into a flat round, raking a clean bed in the hot ashes, laying the damper in and covering it with more hot ash, and turning it once, and the smell of it baking made every child hover close.

Wulbumanangka damba bungan ngadiku yala, jarra-nyurrban bana buban baja murni-manin jarray-manda, jirakal-manda buban-buban, bajar wumbulba birra karra, damba bada daya bajar wumbul wubul baja wangkar-manin, murni-manin nyubun, nyungu nganja wajulba karrkay wubulku ngunduka wandiman.

wulbuman-angka damba bunga-ny ngadiku yala, jarra-nyurrba-ny bana buban baja murni-ma-ni-ny jarray-ma-nda, jirakal-ma-nda buban-buban, bajar wumbul-ba birra karra, damba bada daya bajar wumbul wubul baja wangkar-ma-ni-ny, murni-ma-ni-ny nyubun, nyungu nganja waju-l-ba karrkay wubul-ku ngundu-ka wandi-ma-ny | old.woman damper made old way, ground.flour water little too dough-made stiff-become, flat-become carefully, ash hot-LOC bed cleared, damper down gave ash hot more too up put, turned once, its smell baking-LOC children all near drew | ...

damba jarra nyurrbal bana bajar wumbul nganja wajul

<synth> The old woman made the damper the old way, mixing the ground flour with a little water into a stiff dough, shaping it into a flat round, raking a clean bed in the hot ashes, laying the damper in and covering it with more hot ash, and turning it once, and the smell of it baking made every child hover close.


<translate> The old woman said the guest is always fed first and fed the best, even if it means the family goes a little short, for a person who arrives at your fire hungry is under your care until they leave, and how a people treats the stranger at its fire is the truest measure of what that people is, better than any words they say about themselves.

Wulbumanangka balkan: bama-yindu yabarrka ngadiku daya yukil bajaku daya, kaki jawun-karra buban dakwuy janayka baja, bama nyulu nyungu bayangu dakwuy kaday nyulu yundu kujilba nyulu dungay baja, bama nyubun bama-yindu nyungu bayangu yala ngaral yinya murni bajaku bama nyubun wanya, ngulkurr-baja kuku wubulmuny jana nyulu-nyulunka balkalmu.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: bama-yindu yabarrka ngadiku daya yukil bajaku daya, kaki jawun-karra buban dakwuy jana-y-ka baja, bama nyulu nyungu baya-ngu dakwuy kada-y nyulu yundu kuji-l-ba nyulu dunga-y baja, bama nyubun bama-yindu nyungu baya-ngu yala ngara-l yinya murni bajaku bama nyubun wanya, ngulkurr-baja kuku wubul-muny jana nyulu-nyulu-nka balka-l-mu | old.woman said: guest always first fed best fed, if family little short is too, person who your fire-to hungry comes he your care-in he leaves before, people how guest its fire-to treats that measure truest people one what, better words all-ABL they themselves-about say-POSS | ...

bama dayal kaki jawun dakwuy baya kujil ngaral

<synth> The old woman said the guest is always fed first and fed the best, even if it means the family goes a little short, for a person who arrives at your fire hungry is under your care until they leave, and how a people treats the stranger at its fire is the truest measure of what that people is, better than any words they say about themselves.


<translate> The old woman said the oldest law of the fire is this: no one eats while another watches hungry, so if a stranger walks up while you are eating, you make room and share, even if there is little, for a full belly beside an empty one is a shame that spoils the taste, and the meal shared with a hungry stranger always tastes better than the meal eaten alone.

Wulbumanangka balkan: baya kuku ngadiku bajaku yinya: bama nyubun kari nukal bama yindu dakwuy nyajinya, kaki bama-yindu jilban yundu nukalnya, yundu bubu daji daji-way, kaki buban janayka baja, jiba yajin dakwuy ngunduka nyulu milka-murruji nganja mumbu-manil, mayi bama-yindu dakwuyji daji-wan yabarrka jiba-wulay-baja nukal mayi nganga nukalmuny.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: baya kuku ngadiku bajaku yinya: bama nyubun kari nuka-l bama yindu dakwuy nyaji-nya, kaki bama-yindu jilba-ny yundu nuka-l-nya, yundu bubu daji daji-way, kaki buban jana-y-ka baja, jiba yajin dakwuy ngundu-ka nyulu milka-murruji nganja mumbu-ma-ni-l, mayi bama-yindu dakwuy-ji daji-wa-ny yabarrka jiba-wulay-baja nuka-l mayi nganga nuka-l-muny | old.woman said: fire law oldest very this: person one NEG eats person other hungry watches-SUB, if stranger walks you eat-SUB, you room give share, if little is too, belly full hungry near-LOC it shame taste spoils, food stranger hungry-with shared always sweeter eaten food alone eaten-ABL | ...

negation subordinate ablative conditional

baya nukal dakwuy kaki daji-way jiba yajin jiba-wulay

<synth> The old woman said the oldest law of the fire is this: no one eats while another watches hungry, so if a stranger walks up while you are eating, you make room and share, even if there is little, for a full belly beside an empty one is a shame that spoils the taste, and the meal shared with a hungry stranger always tastes better than the meal eaten alone.


<translate> The old woman said the worst thing you can do at the fire is waste food, for every piece of food is a life given and a work done — the animal that died, the plant that grew a whole season, the hunter's day, the gatherer's aching back, the cook's care — and to throw any of it away carelessly is to spit on all of that giving, so the child who wastes is corrected gently but always.

Wulbumanangka balkan: yamba mumbu bajaku baya ngunduka yundu bunganka mayi kudamundu, mayi nyubun wubulku wawu dajinmu kirraji bunganmu — minya nyulu wulanmu, mayi nyulu wungar wubulku jarranmu, balbi-bamamu wungar, bangkal-bamamu muku dandi, waju-bamamu kuji — yamba nyubun binal-karibu kudamundu bawal nyulu wawu-daji wubulkungu bikirr-manilmu, karrkay nyulu kudamundu murni-bunga buban-buban yambada yabarrka.

wulbuman-angka balka-ny: yamba mumbu bajaku baya ngundu-ka yundu bunga-nka mayi kudamundu, mayi nyubun wubul-ku wawu daji-ny-mu kirraji bunga-ny-mu, minya nyulu wula-ny-mu, mayi nyulu wungar wubul-ku jarra-ny-mu, balbi-bama-mu wungar, bangka-l-bama-mu muku dandi, waju-bama-mu kuji, yamba nyubun binal-kari-bu kudamundu bawa-l nyulu wawu-daji wubul-ku-ngu bikirr-ma-ni-l-mu, karrkay nyulu kudamundu murni-bunga buban-buban yambada yabarrka | old.woman said: thing worst fire near-LOC you do-DAT food waste, food one all life given-POSS work done-POSS, animal which died-POSS, plant which season all grew-POSS, hunter-POSS day, gatherer-POSS back aching, cook-POSS care, thing one carelessly waste it giving all-on spit-POSS, child who wastes corrected gently but always | ...

baya mayi kudamundu wula jarral balbi bangkal waju

<synth> The old woman said the worst thing you can do at the fire is waste food, for every piece of food is a life given and a work done — the animal that died, the plant that grew a whole season, the hunter's day, the gatherer's aching back, the cook's care — and to throw any of it away carelessly is to spit on all of that giving, so the child who wastes is corrected gently but always.


<translate> I woke before the others, slipped down to the still morning water, washed the sleep from my face, watched the mist lift off the river and the first birds come down to drink, sat a while in the quiet with no thought at all, and then climbed back up to the camp just as the smoke of the cooking fires began to rise.

Ngayu wandin bama yindu ngadiku, bana janka muduwajumu badan, ngayku ngala warngku bananji julurrin, kubu wawubajamuny wandinya jujubala ngadiku bada kadan janganka nyajin, janka bundan kalbay kari milka nyubun, yalada bayan-mundu wangkar dakan baya-waju kubu wandin ngadiku.

ngayu wandi-ny bama yindu ngadiku, bana janka muduwaju-mu bada-ny, ngayku ngala warngku bana-nji julurri-ny, kubu wawubaja-muny wandi-nya jujubala ngadiku bada kada-ny janga-nka nyaji-ny, janka bunda-ny kalbay kari milka nyubun, yala-da bayan-mundu wangkar daka-ny baya-waju kubu wandi-ny ngadiku | I woke people other before, water still morning-POSS went.down, my face sleep water-with washed, mist river-ABL rises-SUB birds first down came drink-for watched, quietly sat long NEG thought one, then home-toward up climbed cooking-fire smoke rose just | ...

wandil bana julurril kubu wawubaja jujubala bunday baya

<synth> I woke before the others, slipped down to the still morning water, washed the sleep from my face, watched the mist lift off the river and the first birds come down to drink, sat a while in the quiet with no thought at all, and then climbed back up to the camp just as the smoke of the cooking fires began to rise.


<translate> The friarbird and the little honeyeaters follow the flowering trees across the country as the seasons turn, and a person who watches which trees the birds are working can find the honey and the sweet blossom and know exactly where the year has reached, for the birds read the flowering better than any calendar a person could keep.

Jaka buyi-wunba buban baja juku nganka-mabi wukurrin bubu wubulku wungar murni-mandanya, bama nyulu nyajil juku wanyu buyi kirrajil nyulu wunba nganka jiba-wulay manil binal wanja wungar kadanmu, buyi nganka ngaral ngulkurr-baja wungar-jina bama nyubun karrbalmuny.

jaka buyi-wunba buban baja juku nganka-mabi wukurri-ny bubu wubul-ku wungar murni-ma-nda-nya, bama nyulu nyaji-l juku wanyu buyi kirraji-l nyulu wunba nganka jiba-wulay mani-l binal wanja wungar kada-ny-mu, buyi nganka ngara-l ngulkurr-baja wungar-jina bama nyubun karrba-l-muny | friarbird honeyeater small too trees flowering follows country all season turns-SUB, person who watches trees which birds work he honey blossom sweet gets knows where year reached-POSS, birds flowering read better calendar person one keeps-ABL

jaka buyi wunba juku wukurril nyajil jiba-wulay ngaral

<synth> The friarbird and the little honeyeaters follow the flowering trees across the country as the seasons turn, and a person who watches which trees the birds are working can find the honey and the sweet blossom and know exactly where the year has reached, for the birds read the flowering better than any calendar a person could keep.


<translate> The crocodile is the one creature the old people fear at the water, and they taught strict rules: never camp right at the edge, never take water from the same place twice, watch the bank for the slide marks, and keep the children back from the still deep pools, for the crocodile waits without moving for days and takes the careless one in a single silent rush.

Bilngkumu nyulu minya nyubun bama mukul yinilman bananga, jana milbin kuku junkurr: kariku bana-nga bada bayan bunga, kari bana nyubunmuny jambulku mani, jalkar nyaji nyulu jina-jarrba, karrkay-karrkay bada karrba bana janka dukurr-bu bajakumuny, bilngkumu maku-janal kari murninya wungar wubulku bama binal-kari nyubun dandi-bu manil.

bilngkumu nyulu minya nyubun bama mukul yinil-ma-ny bana-nga, jana milbi-ny kuku junkurr: kariku bana-nga bada bayan bunga, kari bana nyubun-muny jambul-ku mani, jalkar nyaji nyulu jina-jarrba, karrkay-karrkay bada karrba bana janka dukurr-bu bajaku-muny, bilngkumu maku-jana-l kari murni-nya wungar wubul-ku bama binal-kari nyubun dandi-bu mani-l | crocodile it creature one people old fear water-LOC, they taught rules strict: never water-edge at camp make, NEG water one-from twice take, bank watch its slide-mark, children back keep water still deep most-from, crocodile waits NEG moves days all person careless one silently-INST takes

bilngkumu minya yinil bana milbil jalkar karrkay dukurr

<synth> The crocodile is the one creature the old people fear at the water, and they taught strict rules: never camp right at the edge, never take water from the same place twice, watch the bank for the slide marks, and keep the children back from the still deep pools, for the crocodile waits without moving for days and takes the careless one in a single silent rush.


<translate> The green ants build their leaf-nests high in the trees and defend them fiercely, and their bodies are sharp and sour on the tongue but good for a sick person's throat, and the old woman showed the girl to take a nest quickly and get away fast, and to thank the ants for the medicine, for even the smallest biting thing has its gift to give.

Munjurr jana birra-bayan wangkar juku bungal jana kunin junkurr-bu, jana janka jalngkun ngambuy nganja-mundu yambada yukil bama buyun manu-nka, wulbumanangka karrkay-jalbu milbin birra-bayan warri mani warri dungay, munjurrnka wawu-mini kalbalmu, minya baykal buban-buban baja nyungu daji dayalmu.

munjurr jana birra-bayan wangkar juku bunga-l jana kuni-ny junkurr-bu, jana janka jalngkun ngambuy nganja-mundu yambada yukil bama buyun manu-nka, wulbuman-angka karrkay-jalbu milbi-ny birra-bayan warri mani warri dunga-y, munjurr-nka wawu-mini kalbal-mu, minya bayka-l buban-buban baja nyungu daji daya-l-mu | green.ants they leaf-nest above tree make they defend strong-INST, their body sharp sour tongue-toward but good person sick throat-for, old.woman girl showed leaf-nest fast take fast go, green.ants-for thanks medicine-POSS, creature biting small too its gift gives-POSS

munjurr bina juku kunil ngambuy nganja buyun kalbal

<synth> The green ants build their leaf-nests high in the trees and defend them fiercely, and their bodies are sharp and sour on the tongue but good for a sick person's throat, and the old woman showed the girl to take a nest quickly and get away fast, and to thank the ants for the medicine, for even the smallest biting thing has its gift to give.


<translate> The young hunter learned that the animals watch the hunter as closely as the hunter watches them, and the old man showed him how the wallaby posts a lookout while the mob feeds, how the birds set a sentry in the tallest tree, how the whole country passes a warning faster than a person can run, so a hunter must move as though a hundred eyes are already on him, because they are.

Warru-balbi-bama binalman minya balbi-bama nyajil ngulkurr yala balbi-bama jana nyajil, mukulungku dingkarangka milbin yala darrba nyaji-bama janan minya-wubul nukalnya, buyi yala nyaji-bama juku wangkar bada bundal, bubu wubulku kuku-yinil jarrakulbal warri bama warrilmuny, balbi-bama murni yala miyil wubul-yalbay nyunguka nganga janji, jana nganga janji.

warru-balbi-bama binal-ma-ny minya balbi-bama nyaji-l ngulkurr yala balbi-bama jana nyaji-l, mukul-ungku dingkar-angka milbi-ny yala darrba nyaji-bama jana-ny minya-wubul nuka-l-nya, buyi yala nyaji-bama juku wangkar bada bunda-l, bubu wubul-ku kuku-yinil jarrakulba-l warri bama warri-l-muny, balbi-bama murni yala miyil wubul-yalbay nyungu-ka nganga karra, jana nganga karra | young-hunter learned animals hunter watch closely as hunter them watch, old man showed how wallaby lookout stands mob feeds-SUB, birds how sentry tree tall sits, country all warning carries fast person runs-ABL, hunter move as eyes hundred him-LOC already sit, they already sit

balbil minya nyajil darrba juku bunday bubu jarrakulbal

<synth> The young hunter learned that the animals watch the hunter as closely as the hunter watches them, and the old man showed him how the wallaby posts a lookout while the mob feeds, how the birds set a sentry in the tallest tree, how the whole country passes a warning faster than a person can run, so a hunter must move as though a hundred eyes are already on him, because they are.


<translate> The old man said the difference between a country with law and a country without law is the difference between a home and a battlefield, for law is what lets many people share one small good place without tearing each other apart, and a people without law is not free but doomed, each turned against each in an endless fight.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan bubu kuku-ji bubu kuku-karimuny yindu-yindu yala bayan kuni-way-bubumuny, kuku nyulu bama wubulku bubu nyubun buban yukil daji-way kari nyubun-nyubunji baji-wayka, bama kuku-kari nyulu kari yamba-kari yambada wula-mabi, nyubun nyubunku kuni-way kuni-way kari bada bajaku.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny bubu kuku-ji bubu kuku-kari-muny yindu-yindu yala bayan kuni-way-bubu-muny, kuku nyulu bama wubul-ku bubu nyubun buban yukil daji-way kari nyubun-nyubun-ji baji-way-ka, bama kuku-kari nyulu kari yamba-kari yambada wula-mabi, nyubun nyubun-ku kuni-way kuni-way kari bada bajaku | old man said country law-COMIT country law-PRIV-from different as home battlefield-from, law it people all place one small good share NEG each.other tear.apart-RECIP-DAT, people law-PRIV it NEG free but doomed-like, one one-DAT fight.each.other fight.each.other NEG end most

bubu kuku bayan kuni-way daji-way yamba-kari wula baji-way

<synth> The old man said the difference between a country with law and a country without law is the difference between a home and a battlefield, for law is what lets many people share one small good place without tearing each other apart, and a people without law is not free but doomed, each turned against each in an endless fight.


<translate> The old man said watch how a person treats those with nothing, for a person is truly known not by how they act toward the powerful and the well-provided but by how they act toward the landless, the foodless, the friendless and the weak, and the one who is kind to the person with nothing is the only one whose kindness can be trusted at all.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan nyaji yala bama nyubun yamba-karimuny murni, bama nyulu bajaku binal kari nyulu junkurr-bama yamba-ji-bamamuny murninya yambada nyulu bubu-kari mayi-kari jawun-kari junkurr-kari baja murninya, bama nyulu wawu-jirray yamba-kari bamamuny nyulu nyubun nganga nyungu wawu-jirray wawu-karrbalmuny.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny nyaji yala bama nyubun yamba-kari-muny murni, bama nyulu bajaku binal kari nyulu junkurr-bama yamba-ji-bama-muny murni-nya yambada nyulu bubu-kari mayi-kari jawun-kari junkurr-kari baja murni-nya, bama nyulu wawu-jirray yamba-kari bama-muny nyulu nyubun nganga nyungu wawu-jirray wawu-karrba-l-muny | old man said watch how person one nothing-PRIV-toward treats, person he truly known NEG he strong-person thing-COMIT-person-toward acts but he land-PRIV food-PRIV friend-PRIV strength-PRIV too acts, person he kind nothing-PRIV person-toward he one only his kindness trust-ABL

yamba-kari murni binal junkurr bubu mayi jawun wawu-jirray

<synth> The old man said watch how a person treats those with nothing, for a person is truly known not by how they act toward the powerful and the well-provided but by how they act toward the landless, the foodless, the friendless and the weak, and the one who is kind to the person with nothing is the only one whose kindness can be trusted at all.


<translate> The old man said a person with anger in them and a person without it are not better and worse but simply different tools for different days, for the angry one holds the line in a fight and will not be pushed, while the anger-less one keeps the peace and mends the quarrel, and a camp needs both, but each must know which day is theirs.

Mukulungku dingkarangka balkan bama dukul-wuri-ji bama dukul-wuri-kari kari yukil dandi yambada nganga yindu-yindu bangkarr wungar yindu-yindunka, dukul-wuri-ji nyulu janan kuni-way-mba kari nyulu wandi-manda, yambada dukul-wuri-kari nyulu janka-yukil karrbal baji murni-manil, bayan jambul wawu-manil, nyubun nyubun binal wanya wungar nyungu.

mukul-ungku dingkar-angka balka-ny bama dukul-wuri-ji bama dukul-wuri-kari kari yukil dandi yambada nganga yindu-yindu bangkarr wungar yindu-yindu-nka, dukul-wuri-ji nyulu jana-ny kuni-way-mba kari nyulu wandi-ma-nda, yambada dukul-wuri-kari nyulu janka-yukil karrba-l baji murni-ma-ni-l, bayan jambul wawu-ma-ni-l, nyubun nyubun binal wanya wungar nyungu | old man said person anger-COMIT person anger-PRIV NEG better worse but just different tool day different-for, anger-COMIT he stands fight-LOC NEG he pushed, but anger-PRIV he peace holds quarrel mends, camp both needs, one one knows which day his | ...

ngamba dandi bangkarr wungar kuni-way janka-yukil bayan binal

<synth> The old man said a person with anger in them and a person without it are not better and worse but simply different tools for different days, for the angry one holds the line in a fight and will not be pushed, while the anger-less one keeps the peace and mends the quarrel, and a camp needs both, but each must know which day is theirs.