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Phrase Detail

Kenak ninyam wirrengən!
Tie up this dog!
Pronunciation:
Say: kern-ahk niny-ahm wirr-ehng-ən
Notes:
Vowels: standard 'e' as in 'pet' 'a' as in 'path', 'i' as in 'sit', 'ə' as in 'the'
Consonant combinations: 'ny' palatal nasal, say 'n' and 'y' together while top of tongue touches hard palate plus nasal sound, 'ng' say 'n' and 'g' while top of tongue touches soft palate plus nasal vibration
Literal Meaning:
lit. 'kena' (to tie, to tie up), 'ak' (order one person), ninyam (that one), wirrengən (dog)
Shows:
Verb ending - ordering one person to do action to other - ak, Verb head-word
Explanation:
Demonstrates the common emphatic ending 'ak' on a verb 'kenya' to tie up. This is how to give an order to one person in Wamba Wamba to do something to some thing or one. Where the action is not being done to anything (intransitive verb) eg 'go away' 'shut up', the ending 'i' can be used- for example 'Kumbi!' (Sleep!) or 'Kungayi!' (Shut up!).
Learning Focus:
Interacting, Communication
Learning Exercise:
How would you order one person to 'cut the grass'? or 'climb that tree over there'?
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
kena - to tie, to tie up
Topics:
Communication
Age Guides:
Advanced, Yr 10-12, Yr 7-9, Yr 4-6
Reference:
'WWDict', Dr. L.A. Hercus, 1992, p.73, Tense and Mood'