Phrasebook

Preface
The first challenge for a balanda learner of Kunwok is to get used to the idea that there's no words for hello or thank you. We like to discuss the weather with strangers, but here in West Arnhem, there's not much to discuss, except to remark on it being quite cold if the overnight temperature falls sub-20!

When speaking with people, it is good to limit eye contact. A small amount is fine, but sustained eye contact may come across as domineering. Bininj differ in how comfortable they feel with strangers, so pay attention to how much eye contact you're receiving, and don't give more than that.

You'll probably need help to pronounce these phrases correctly. Beginners struggle with the "ng-" words, and it's usually fine to not pronounce "ng-" at the start of words. So, avoid the hurdle and leave it out to start with. For more on pronunciation see the pronunciation guide and the podcasts. You might find a bininj who is prepared to help you with pronunciation.

If you've forgotten a word or phrase that someone taught you, don't be afraid to ask them again... it's better to ask again and use this to consolidate what you're learning.

Greetings
When greeting people, you'll probably be the one to initiate the interaction. If you're not an outgoing kind of person, you'll have to pretend! It is appropriate to show curiosity about where people are going and what they are doing, even if you only just met them. It is also appropriate to state the obvious, e.g. saying yire shop to someone who is heading towards the shop (a bit like saying "nice day!" when it is obviously the case).

Introductions
Here your challenge is to get over needing to know someone's name. Learn their skin name, and optionally the kinship term you use for them, and try to just use that.

Working together
Another adjustment when learning Kunwok is all the long words, e.g. karridjarrkdurrkmirri, which can be broken down into karri-djarrk-durrkmirri (we-together-work).

Note that we generally don't translate "do this with me" literally, but rather say "you and me we will do it".

Phonecalls
Note that the verb bun "strike" is often used to mean "call" or "ring".

In the classroom
Note that expressions involving yi- are addressed to an individual, while those with ngurri- are addressed to a group. Feel free to replace yi- (you singular) with ngurri- (you plural) and vice versa, as needed. You can also use karri- (we all) if the expression includes the speaker.

To do

 * country (kunbolk, kunred)
 * family (bininj, daluk, namud, wurdurd, mawahmawah)
 * leave-taking (woknan, kamak ngarriwokdanj)
 * at the arts centre (njale yimarnbun?)
 * sorry business (bolkwarreminj, ngarribidkurrmeng)
 * outstation life (duruk yingudmen, djenj karrire, ngayawan kunyerrng ngaworrkme)
 * asking permission to go places
 * church (yiwarrudj, karriwayini, karriburlume)
 * forbidden places (kubolkdjamun djang)
 * fire and burning
 * cars and road safety
 * hunting
 * stripping bark and bark painting
 * jobs, ranger work
 * food and food preparation (kandidjawa, buburru, ngabiddjibme)
 * (requests welcome)