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Phrase Detail

Wemba-kat nyarnak. Karnyilarr.
Don't worry! You are still breathing
Pronunciation:
Say: Wemb-ar-kart nyarn-ark. Karny-il-arr.
Notes:
Vowels: Standard - 'a' as in ‘path’, 'i' as in 'hill'. Variation - 'e' followed by ‘m’ in the same syllable and is not immediately followed by a vowel it is long and slightly nasalised.
Consonant combination - 'ny' (palato-nasal) combine 'n' and 'y' while top of tongue touches hard palate plus nasal vibration. (Avoid the English 'nee' as in 'many'), - 'rr' roll or trill tongue.
Literal Meaning:
lit. not! worry! breath-ing-still-you.
Shows:
Verb ending - ordering one person to do action to other - ak, Postposition - indeed! -kat(a)
Explanation:
Sentence starts with the negative 'wemba' plus the emphatic 'kat'. The verb 'nyana' (to worry) has the 'ak' (order one person to act) ending. The verb 'karnya' has the 'il' (still happening) and the 'ar' (you) endings added.
Learning Focus:
Composing, Communication
Learning Exercise:
Explore - Use the Phrase search to find other examples of the use of 'wemba' as a head word'.
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
nyarna - to worry over, to regret
kanya - to breathe
wemba - no, not;
Topics:
Conversation, Communication - order or direction
Age Guides:
Advanced, Yr 10-12, Yr 7-9
Reference:
'WWDict', Dr. L.A. Hercus, 1992, p.10, (reference to an often repeated saying).