Wurrekangurr - Yarkuwa Language Application

Ngatananda nyernin

I have heard already.

Pronunciation:

Say: ngah-tahn-ahnd-ah nyern-iin

Notes:

Vowels: Standard - 'a' as in ‘path’, ‘i’ as in ‘hit’. Variation - 'e' followed by 'l' or 'r' is 'e' as in 'fern'.
Consonant combination - 'ng' (velar-nasal) combine 'n' and 'g' while back of tongue touches soft palate plus nasal vibration, - 'ny' (palato-nasal) combine 'n' and 'y' while top of tongue touches hard palate plus nasal vibration.

Literal Meaning:

already-I hear-past'

Shows:

Adverb - transferring, Adverb head-word, Statement, Verb ending - has already happened (past) - in

Explanation:

Statement begins with a transferring adverb of time 'ngatana' (already) with the transferred 'anda' (I). The 'anda' is normally on the verb but when it is transferred the verb 'nyerna' (to know) is left with the 'tense marker' 'in' ie 'nyernin'.

Learning Focus:

Communication, Grammar, Socialising

Learning Exercise:

Build - Add some more to this statement eg 'Ngatananda nyernin wariwang.' (I already know he/she is going away.) Add some more - 'Ngatananda nyarnən.' (I'm already worried.)

Phrase Sentence:

Sentence

Words Associated:

ngatana - already

nyerna - to sit, to listen, to hear, to remember

Topics:

Communication, Conversation

Age Guides:

Yr 7-9, Yr 10-12

Reference:

Phrase Detail