Dyirbal and Yidiny (was RE: "Usefull languages")

> From: Herman Miller
>
> Dyirbal or Yidiny, if I can ever find either of those books. These are
> Australian languages that were documented by R. M. W. Dixon, and quite
> different from typical European languages in all respects.
These are indeed difficult to find.  I am lucky enough to have both,
although I searched for the Yidiny grammar for over six months before
discovering a copy in an obscure bookshop in Australia.  Both cane be found
through "Out-of-Print" book finders on the net.  It just takes some
patience.

The Dyirbal Grammar ("The Dyirbal Language of North Queensland" - R.M.W.
Dixon) had a significant influence on the development of my conlang amman
iar, but the Yidiny text ("A Grammar of Yidiny" - R.M.W. Dixon ) is better
organized.  If you can find the latter, I recommend it as an excellent
introduction to ergativity and Australian languages in general.

Stay curious,
David

David E. Bell
The Gray Wizard
dbell@graywizard.net
www.graywizard.net
AIM: GraWzrd

Wisdom begins in wonder.