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Word Detail
Wemba
No, Not;
Part of speech:
(negative particle)
Sources:
Notes:
Often repeated for emphasis: 'wemba-wemba' - 'certainly not'. The language name is derived from the word 'wemba' - 'no'. (Note: In 'Victorian Languages: A Late Survey' Hercus gives example of the 'anda' being added to 'wemba' as a subject marker - 'wembanda' - 'not-I' or 'I'm not + a verb'.)
Usage:
Pronunciation Guide:
Say
:
wehm
-bah
Pronunciation Notes:
Vowels
:
Standard
- 'a' as in ‘path’.
Variation
- 'e' followed by ‘m’, ‘n’, ‘ng’, ‘ny’ in the same syllable and is not immediately followed by a vowel it is long and slightly nasalised.
Categories:
Example Phrases
English:
Don't move!, keep still!
Language:
Wemba tuki!
English:
Don't bark (or stop barking!)
Language:
Wemba wermili.
English:
I haven't got any bread!
Language:
Wembanda katima panəm!
English:
Don't bang or 'stop banging that ....'
Language:
Wemba pilpak.
English:
Certainly not
Language:
Wemba-wemba.
English:
Don't worry! You are still breathing
Language:
Wemba-kat nyarnak. Karnyilarr.
English:
You stop shouting
Language:
Wembarr karndəla.
English:
No (thank you) said in answer to an offer
Language:
Wemba-min.
English:
No worries
Language:
Nyarninyangurr wemba.
English:
I won't eat your food!
Language:
Wembanda tyakiny tyalingin!
Associated Audio
No audio listed