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. 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 it. 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.

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.

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. Don't be afraid to ask the same question again next time you see someone. It's better to ask again and use it to consolidate what you're learning. Once you know people, you might ask if you can sit with them.

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".

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

 * learning language (yuwn kankukdjekmiwon, don't laugh at me)
 * country (kunbolk, kunred)
 * family (bininj, daluk, namud, wurdurd, mawahmawah)
 * leave-taking (woknan, kamak ngarriwokdanj)
 * hospitality (ti yibongun? kanwo djukka, kundjikka)
 * 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)