jalya

Martuthunira

FWOTD – 7 April 2016

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /caʎa/

Adjective

jalya

1. no good, useless, rubbish
   • 1994, Algy Paterson, Alan Dench (tr.), Catching a Goanna, in Martuthunira: A language of the Pilbara region of Western Australia

     Ngayu jirli mir.ta wii panyu, puni-rra yawarrunyja-l.yarra murla-ngara-a tharnta-ngara-a, jalya-npa-rra, puni-rra nhuwa-l.yarra waruulwa-l.yarra.
     If my arm is not good, I'll keep missing all the game, euroes, I'll be useless, I'll keep on being unable to spear them.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

2. bereaved, bereft, grieving
   • 1994, Algy Paterson, Alan Dench (tr.), Mourning Chant, in Martuthunira: A language of the Pilbara region of Western Australia

     Yimpala-rru-wa puni-layi ngayu jalya-rru, jurti marryara-ngu withawitha-ma-lalha-rru.
     That's how I come to be grieving, I've lost my younger brother.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)