Skip Navigation | ANU Home | Search ANU | Search ARTS | Contact ARTS

Cracking Language Codes

Every languge is a separate code for expressing meanings. In the course of their training, linguists learn methods of analysis which enable them to "crack the code". As an example of such language analysis, consider the following sentences in a particular Australian Aboriginal language, Kaytetye. Try to "crack the code" by comparing and contrasting forms and meanings. If you are successful, you should be able to answer the following questions.

 

Data:

1. Amarle apmere-le ane-nke. The woman is sitting in the camp.

2. Amarle apmere-warle alpe-nhe. The woman returned to the camp.

3. Aleke apmere-theye arnpe-ye. The dog will run from the camp.

4. Aleke-le amarle atnhe-nhe. The dog bit the woman.

5. Amarle-le aleke alarre-ye. The woman will hit the dog.

 

Questions:

a) Which words mean 'woman', 'dog', 'camp', sit', 'return', 'run', 'bite', 'hit'?

b) What is the function of the endings -le (in 1), -warle, -theye, -le (in 4 & 5), -nke, -nhe, -ye?

c) What English concepts are not expressed?

d) How does the order of elements differ from English?

 

 

 

Click here for Answers