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Phrase Detail
Kinganda yuma.
I am here (or - Here I am)
Pronunciation:
Say
:
king
-ahn-dah
yuu
-mah
Notes:
Vowels
: standard - 'i' as in 'sit', 'a' as in 'path', 'u' as in 'put'
Consonant
combination: - 'ng' velar nasal - say 'n' and 'g' together while top of tongue touches soft palate + nasal
Literal Meaning:
Here-I am
Shows:
Verb ending - I do - anda, Verb, Adverb head-word, Adverb - transferring
Explanation:
An example of first person subject marker 'anda' added to the adverb 'kinga' (here) followed by the verb 'yuma' (to be). Literally means (here-I be). See also note in entry for 'yuma - to be)
Learning Focus:
Socialising, Communication
Learning Exercise:
1
- How would you say: '
I sleep here
.' '
It jumped here.
' '
We will dance here.
'
Begin each of these with 'kinga' but add a different person ending. Each of the verbs need a different tense ending.
2
- Write out the following beginning to a story in Wamba Wamba - '
He looked carefully at the sand along the river and said - Last night, I slept here. My son slept here beside the log. My Uncle slept here beside the fire.'
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
kinga - here
yuma - to be; to exist
Topics:
Conversation
Age Guides:
Advanced, Yr 10-12, Yr 7-9
Reference:
'Outline of the Wamba Wamba Language' - Victorian Languages - a late survey': Hercus L.A., p. 47