Ngayu bama Yalanji
In this first lesson you’ll learn to say who you are in Kuku Yalanji — your name, that you’re a Yalanji person, and where your country is.
A few words from the notes (buri “name”, and the “from country” pattern) are still being confirmed with speakers — they’re marked “to confirm”.
ngayu
I / me
ngayku
my / for me
bama
person (Aboriginal person)
Yalanji
this place / Yalanji
bama Yalanji = a Yalanji person
bubu
country, ground (the place you belong)
buri to confirm
name
🔊 Audio is a synthesized guide — listen to a speaker for the true sound.
Ngayu bama Yalanji.
I am a Yalanji person.
I · person · this-place
Ngayku buri … to confirm
My name is …
my · name · …
Ngayu … bubu-mun. to confirm
I am from … (my country is …).
I · … · country-from
Ngayu bama Yalanji.
I am a Yalanji person.
Ngayku buri …. to confirm
My name is ….
Ngayu … bubu-mun. to confirm
I am from ….
Record yourself saying “Ngayu bama Yalanji” and play it back. (Stays on your device.)
What does bama mean?
What does ngayu mean?
What does bubu mean?
How do you say “I am a Yalanji person”?
Based on Aunty’s handwritten introduction notes.