dialect of the tribe, that word thenceforth is never used, or certainly not again resumed until the dead person is forgotten by all but near relatives. In this manner the dialects are in time slightly altered.
Again, new words and phrases would be introduced, and some peculiar modes of expression arise, in consequence of a son-in-law being prohibited from speaking to or using the name of his mother-in-law. A man with two or three wives would not seldom be placed in some difficulty; and if possessed of more than ordinary capacity, might, in extricating himself, make perhaps no trifling additions to the vocabulary.
A powerful man—a warrior, a priest, or a dreamer—would in like manner, even if he did not coin new words, greatly influence the mode of speech in his tribe. His peculiarities would be imitated by the young persons, and perhaps new substantives would be woven into verbs, and new suffixes given to parts of speech.
Indeed it is surprising that there should be a sameness in the structure of the languages throughout Australia, and no greater diversity in words. Having no signs or symbols whereby a word or a sentence could be fixed, without having direct communication with each other; and some tribes, though not far distant, being altogether separated, and being influenced by different physical aspects, different forms of vegetation, and different climates—it is astonishing that the original tongue from which the existing languages and dialects have proceeded is yet vital, and exhibits its character and method in so many almost unvarying aspects throughout such an immense tract.
Interjections, Cries, etc.
The well-known call Coo-ee, used when the natives hail each other in the bush, is universally adopted by colonists, and this speaks strongly in its favor. It would be difficult, indeed, to utter any other sound which would be as clear and as soft, as significant, and be carried as far in the forest as this call.
The drumming or droning noise made by the men when engaged in the corrobboree, and the grunting sounds they utter, are appropriate to their action.
When a warrior is speaking, and he is interrupted, he cries Wau-h! Wau-h has a number of different meanings, varying with the tone in which it is uttered. It has as many meanings as "Hear! hear!" in our assemblies. Those words may be spoken scornfully, or encouragingly, or—and this happens with Wau-h—when nothing else can be said. The native of Australia is not wanting in skill when engaged in argument, and his Wau-h, like our "Hear! hear!" is often used to disconcert an opponent.
Waugh! is also equivalent to "Behold!" "Look out!" "Hollo!" "Stop!"
When the natives express satisfaction, or when anything strange is presented to their view, they cry Ko-ki! If strongly impressed by a startling statement, they say Kanti!—equal to "My word!" and when they wish to express their acquiescence they say Naa!
