Central Awyu

Timothy Usher, Santa Fe Institute

Situation

[under construction]

The Central Awyu family is comprised of perhaps two languages spoken to either side of the Mappi River, from the Wildeman River in the west to the Digul in the east, in Indonesia's …

The best known member of Central Awyu is Drabbe's (1957) Aghu, … The term /*ɾaxu/ [aɣu] means “person” in all attested dialects.

Subclassification

The internal classification of Central Awyu is as follows:

Central Awyu

Mappi River Awyu

Pasue River Awyu

Mappi River is represented here by Drabbe's (1957) Aghu and by Digul Mappi of the Holle lists (Stokhof ed. 1982: 133-140); Pasue River by Kriens and Lebold's (2010) Taim, Nohon and Ketah. This division can only be tentative, as no data is available for the varieties spoken in the center of the Central Awyu region.

Kriens and Lebold (2010: 26-27) provide lexical similarity figures between nine Central Awyu villages as follows:

Keta Nohon Taim Kowo I Sohokang. Somi Sufio Yare Ikisi
Keta 65 59 60 55 54 52 50 48
Nohon 65 78 69 67 59 59 57 54
Taim 59 78 69 64 55 65 62 57
Kowo I 60 69 69 71 61 68 63 64
Sohokang. 55 67 64 71 74 53 54 57
Somi 54 59 55 61 74 52 49 53
Sufio 52 59 65 68 53 52 63 58
Yare 50 57 62 63 54 49 63 78
Ikisi 48 54 57 64 57 53 58 78

Of these, vocabularies are given for only Keta, Nohon and Taim (pp. 40-53.) As lexicostatistical figures are provided only for the villages at the western edge of Drabbe's Aghu range on the east bank of the Mappi River (q.v. 1957: vii,) it's probable that none of these precisely represents the variety which Drabbe documented, but it's reasonable to assume that this would continue this chain.

Sources

Drabbe (1957) grammar and (pp. 47-51) 401 comparative terms for Aghu (Mappi River)

Drabbe (1959: 162-181) 400 comparative terms for Aghu

Stokhof ed. (1982: 133-140) comparative vocabulary of Digul Mappi after van Doorn

Kriens and Lebold (2010: 40-53) 239 comparative terms for Awyu of Ketah, Nohon and Taim villages (Pasue River)

Wester (2014) Awyu-Dumut comparative morphology including (pp. 195-210) 430 comparative terms for Aghu after Drabbe (1959: 162-181)

Historical phonology

Proto Central Awyu had 14 to 18 consonants and 6 vowels as follows:

*m *n
*p *t *k
*b *d *g
[*mb] [*nd] [*ŋg]
*s *x [*xʷ]
*j *w
*i *u
*a

The status of prenasalized stops /*mb *nd *ŋg/ depends upon whether they are to be analyzed as unit phonemes or as clusters.

[under construction]

These correspondences are exemplified as follows, with …

Bilabial nasal /*m/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*m m m m m
star/firefly *miN mi mi mi
drink (realis) *mi[C] mi-k
morning *mimiN mimĩ
thigh *midiN midi
stand *m[i]si-(ɛ) ˌmisi'jɛ 'misinɑ misinɑ
forehead *mika mika
swallow *mikuN mikũ-
tendon *mɛ
beard *mas[ʉ] masy
stomach *madʉ mody məru
back *mʉ my
egg *mʉgɔ mygo mu'go muŋ'go mu'gɔʔ
blunt/dull *mʉsV mysiã muʃu
low/below *m[a]kaN makã
tooth *maga maga mɑ'gɑʔ mɑŋ'gɑʔɑ mɑŋgɑ
behind *mɔ mo mo 'mo mo
afraid *mɔki mo'ki 'moki- moki-
cheek *mɔxɔN moɣo-pe
not want *muN mũ-
gall/bile *isimu[N] isimu
drink (irrealis)*amiN amĩ- ɑ'mi ɑ'mi ɑ'mi
young woman *am[i]gi amigi
child/son *[a]m[ʉ/u] nɑ'mu 'nɑmu
mother's bro. *[ɔ]mɔN omõ
think *ɸimi fimi-
smell *ɸumiC fu mi-k
in front *samaN sɑ'mɑʔ sɑ'mɑʔ
moon *kamu kɑ'muʔ kɑ'muʔ
far *xamaN hɑ'mɑ 'hɑm- xɑ'mɑʔ
be in pain *xaɾim[ɛ] ɣaⁱmɛ
ripe *jamu jomũ
thorn *jɔmɔxɔN jomo jomo'hõ jomo'ɣo 'jomoxo
night *wɔmiN womĩ

Apical nasal /*n/ is significantly less common than biliabial /*m/. It is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*n n n n n
mother *ni -ni -ni
mosquito *n[ɛ]gi -nigi ne'gi -ŋgɪ -nigi
1 sg. poss. *na na nɑ- nɑ- nɑ-
eat (imperative)*naN
knowledge *naɸaN nɑ'fɑ̃ŋ nɑ'ɸɑ(m)-
1 pl. *nʉgu nygu 'nugu 'nugu nugu
go (imperative) *nɔxɔⁱ noɣi no'xoⁱ no'xoᶦ
1 sg. *nu nu
older sister *ani eni
be cooked *paxaniC pani-k
soul *bɔn[ɔ] bono
break/snap *gɛniC gɛni-k
be enough *xaɾiniC ɣaⁱni-k

Bilabial voiceless stop /*p/ is uncommon. It is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*p p p p p
long *piɾi pi pi'ɾi 'piɾi 'piɾi ≈ pili
wound *pɛsɔ pɛso
old (things) *pasʉ poʃy po'sɯ posi po'sɯ
excrement *paxa paɣa
be cooked *paxaniC pani-k
mother's mother*api api e'pi ɑ'pi
butterfly *apaɾɔ apo
friend *apɔ[xɔ]ɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe

Apical voiceless stop /*t/ is somewhat uncommon, as it had been palatalized and fricated to merged with /*s/ when followed by high and high mid vowels /*i *ʉ *u *e̞ *o̞/ (Healey 1970: 1001, 1007.) It is retained as such in all descendants:

Central Awyu Mappi RiverPasue River Pasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*t t t t t
chin *tɛɾɛ
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
tired *taxaN taɣã
cold *taɾʉ ty 'tou ≈ to'duto'ru tɑ'ɾu
hole *tɔ -to -to -toʔ -to
armpit *tɔ[ŋ]gɔN toŋgõ
finger/toe *tɔɾɔN -tõ -toŋ -tɑʔ to'ro
see/find *[ɸ][i/ɛ]t[ɛ/ɔ]ɛtɛ-oɣ eto- ɸi'to- ɸi'to-
outside/bush *bɛtaxa bɛtaɣa bɪ'tɑɣɑʔ betɑ'ɣɑʔ ˌbetɑ'xɑ
get up/stand up*dɔtɔ doto-ɣ doto- dotə- doto-
mouth *xatɔ ɣato 'xɑto 'hɑtoʔ

Velar voiceless stop /*k/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*k k k k k
flower *ki ki
theft *ki ki
bathe/swim *kiN
be *kiC ki-k ki
wind *kiɸi kifi ki'fi
foot/leg *kitɔ kito
marsupial *k[i]sɔ kuso 'kiso ≈ kesokiso ˌkiso'ɑ ≈ kɪsoa
rope *kikiN kikĩ
eye *kiɾɔ kio 'kijo 'kijo 'kʲijo
sharp *k[ɛ]siN kisĩ ke'sin 'kɪsi kɪ'se
carry *kɛkuN kɛkũ-
bad *kɛjɔN ken'jõ 'kʲijo kijo
sweat *kasiN kɛsĩ
sugarcane *kʉN kỹ
die *kʉN kỹ- kuŋ- kuŋ- kuŋ-
younger sib *kʉda kyda ku'dɑh kurɑ ku'dɑʔ
dig *kʉw[ɔ] ky(o)-ɣ -ɣu -ku -ku-
moon *kamu kɑ'muʔ kɑ'muʔ
branch *kabi[ja]N kabiã
flesh *kadu kudu ko'ru ko'ru ≈ ko'ro kɑ'du
belly *kakʉ koky ko'ku kɑ'ku 'kɑku
red *kaŋgɔN kaŋgõ kɑŋ'go 'kɑŋgo kɑŋ'gɔʔ
leech *kaɾijaN 'kɑɾijɑ ≈ kɛ'jɑ'kɑlijɑŋ
cassowary *kaɾʉwɛ kɑu'wɛ ku'wɛ kuwɛʔ
dry *kaɾa kɑ'jɑ kɑ'rɑ
paddle *kaxʷi kɛfi kɑ'fi kɑ'ɸi 'kɑxɛ
wash *kuN kũ- kuŋ- ku-
plant (v.) *kuN kũ-
enemy *kuɸɛ kufɛ
sleep *kunuN kunuŋ kunu kunu konu
bathe/swim (irr.)*akiN ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)-
smoke/cloud *akʉ yku (?) 'ɑku ɑ'ku -ku
forehead *mika mika
swallow *mikuN mikũ-
low/below *m[a]kaN makã
afraid *mɔki mo'ki 'moki- moki-
knee *bɔki[N] boki (?) 'boki

Bilabial voiced stop /*b/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*b b b b b
goanna *ɛbi 'ɛbi 'ɛbi
laughter *abɛN 'abɛ gi-k 'ɑbə-'gi ɑb-gigi ɑb-gigi
outside/bush *bɛtaxa bɛtaɣa bɪ'tɑɣɑʔ betɑ'ɣɑʔ ˌbetɑ'xɑ
hand/arm *bɛdɔ bɛdo ≈ bodobe'ro be'ro bedo
bone *b[ɛ]gi bigi be'gɪ ≈ be'gɛbe'gɪ ≈ bɪgɪ'bɛgɛ
village/house*bʉsʉ byʃy bu'su 'busu busɯ
sit *ba ba-ɣ bɑ- bɑ- bɑ-
male *basiN basĩ be'siŋ bɛsi
short *bagɔ bago bɑ'go 'bɑgo 'bɑɣo
father *bɔ bo bo bo
soul *bɔn[ɔ] bono
heavy *bɔdʉ body
knee *bɔki[N] boki (?) 'boki
heel *bu bu
elbow *b[u]N buŋ bu bu
fly (v.) *buɾuN 'buŋ bu burn-
arrow *dibisi dibisi dibi'si di'bisi 'dibisi
island *dʉbi dybi
heart *dʉbɾɔ dybo 'diboʔ
young man *sʉbaN sybã su'bɑŋ su'bɑ
daughter *sub-ɾaN subã -suba
nipple *s[u]bu nõ sobu
branch *kabi[ja]N kabiã
head *xaⁱbaN ɣabã hɑ'bɑŋ hɑ'bɑ haⁱbɑʔ
stone axe *xabu ɣabu hɑbu 'xɑbu xɑbu
tail *wɔb[u] wobugo wo'bu wo'bu wo'bu

Initial apical voiced stop /*d/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*d- d d d d
arrow *dibisi dibisi dibi'si di'bisi 'dibisi
not *dɛ
sago *dʉ dy du 'dʲu ≈ du d̪ʲu ≈ dʲu
cook/burn *dʉ du-
bow *dʉN dỹ dũŋ dũŋ dũŋ
island *dʉbi dybi
burn (intr.) *dɔ do- dɔ- do-
get up/stand up*dɔtɔ doto-ɣ doto- dotə- doto-

Medial apical /*d/ is lenited to [r] in Nohon and sometimes in Taim. Kriens and Lebold's <r>, presumably a trill, is never palatalized or dropped and remains distinct from the retained reflexes of apical non-stop /*ɾ/ (below):

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*-d- d d [d r ɾ]d [r] d
tie *adaC ada-k ɑr- -ɑrɑ ɑd-
thigh *midiN midi
stomach *madʉ mody məru
moon *bidiN bidĩ 'bɪdɪ
hand/arm *bɛdɔ bɛdo ≈ bodobe'ro be'ro bedo
heavy *bɔdʉ body
younger sib*kʉda kyda ku'dɑh kurɑ ku'dɑʔ
flesh *kadu kudu ko'ru ko'ru ≈ ko'rokɑ'du
path *j[ɛ]di jɛ'di jɛ'ri
river *widi widi u'ɾi wiri 'widʒi
small *wadi wɑ'ri 'wɑri 'wɑdi
thumb *wɔdɔ wodo

Velar voiced stop /*g/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*g g g g g
scratch/scrape*gi gi- gi -ɣɪ -ɣi
garden *gij[a/ɔ]N gi'ɲõŋ kʲijɑ̃ 'gijoŋ
break/snap *gɛniC gɛni-k
brain *gʉN gỹ
navel *gʉN gỹ
2 pl. *gʉgu gygu 'gugu 'gugu 'gugu
2 sg. poss. *ga ga
blood *gɔN gõŋ gõŋ goŋ
2 sg. *gu gu gu
3 sg. *[ɛ]gi ɪgɪ
young woman *am[i]gi amigi
seek/search *aguC agu-k ɑ'gu- ɑgu- ɑ'gu-
bone *b[ɛ]gi bigi be'gɪ ≈ be'gɛbe'gɪ ≈ bɪgɪ 'bɛgɛ
short *bagɔ bago bɑ'go 'bɑgo 'bɑɣo (?)
tongue *ɸagɛ fagɛ ɸɑ'gɛ ≈ fɑ'gɛ'ɸɑgɛ ≈ 'fɑgɛfɑge
mosquito *n[ɛ]gi -nigi ne'gi -ŋgɪ -nigi
1 pl. *nʉgu nygu 'nugu 'nugu nugu
penis *s[ɛ]gi sɛgi

When medial /*g/ follows nasal /*m/ in a previous syllable, it is prenasalized to [ŋg] in Nohon and Ketah:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*-g-/mV_g g g [ŋg] g [g ŋg]
egg *mʉgɔ mygo mu'go muŋ'go mu'gɔʔ
tooth*maga maga mɑ'gɑʔ mɑŋ'gɑʔ mɑŋgɑ

Prenasalized stops /*mb *nd *ŋg/ occur only medially. …

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*mb mb b b b
crocodile *xajambu kʲambu hɛ'bu hɛ'bu hɑbɑ
*nd nd nd nd
fire *[j]indɔ in'do 'indo 'indo
*ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg
dog *aŋgi jaŋgi (?) 'ɑŋgi 'ɑŋgi 'ɑŋgi
louse *aŋgu aŋgu ɑŋ'gu 'ɑŋgu 'ɑŋgu
armpit *tɔ[ŋ]gɔN toŋgõ
red *kaŋgɔN kaŋgõ kɑŋ'go 'kɑŋgo kɑŋ'gɔʔ
flying fox*xɔŋgi ɣoŋgi

One example is indeterminate between /*d/ and /*nd/, an uncertainty also found in West Awyu in the same root:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*[d/nd] d d [r] d [ɾ] nd
eat (future)*a[d/nd]i[N]adĩ- ɑ'ri ɑɾi ɑn'di

Bilabial fricative /*ɸ/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
ɸ <f> ɸ [ɸ f] ɸ [ɸ f] ɸ [ɸ f ʍ]
name *ɸi fi fi ɸi ɸi
think *ɸimi fimi-
bamboo *ɸijɔ 'ɸijo ≈ 'fijo'fijo 'ʍijoʔ
tongue *ɸagɛ fagɛ ɸɑ'gɛ ≈ fɑ'gɛ'ɸɑgɛ ≈ 'fɑgɛfɑge
stab (future)*ɸʉ[N] fỹ- 'fu ɸu
bad smell *paxa ɸʉN pa-fỹ
smell *ɸumiC fu mi-k
friend *apɔxɔɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe
knowledge *naɸaN nɑ'fɑ̃ŋ nɑ'ɸɑ(m)-
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
wind *kiɸi kifi ki'fi
enemy *kuɸɛ kufɛ
good *jaɸi jafi jɛ'fi

Fricative /*s/ is most often but not always followed by high vowels /*i *ʉ *u/, because /*t/ had previously merged with /*s/ in this environment. It remains contrastive with /*t/ when followed by non-high vowels /*a *ɔ/:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*s s s s s
plait *si si-
nose *siN si ≈ sim-to'sin-to 'si-toʔ 'si-to
ashes *sin[a] sina-ko sinodo'go sinodo'ɣo
black *siɾi si si si'ri si'ɾi
high/above *siɾi si si ʃ-ɑ'xɑ ʃ-ɑxɑ
widow(er) *sɛN sɛ̃
leech *s[i]siN sisi sə'siŋ
penis *s[ɛ]gi sɛgi
in front *samaN sɑ'mɑʔ sɑ'mɑʔ
sun *saw[a] sowo sɑ'wɑʔ sɑ'wɑʔ 'sowɑʔ
earth/ground*sɔxɔ soɣo so'ɣo so'ɣo ≈ sogoso'xo
daughter *sub-ɾaN subã -suba
nipple *s[u]bu nõ sobu
ear *suɾuN(-tɔ) su-kɛto 'sun-to 'su-toʔ 'su-to
mosquito *isi- i'si- i'si- i'si-i
gall/bile *isimu[N] isimu
one *isijɔ isi'o- -ɪsi'jo -'sijo -'sijo
sneeze (n.) *asiN asinaŋ
bite *asiC asi-k ɑsi- ɑsi-
dream *axasʉ asy
tail of bird*ɔsiɾ[ɔN] osia
go up *ɔsuC osu-k
stand *m[i]si-(ɛ) ˌmisi'jɛ 'misinɑ misinɑ
blunt/dull *mʉsV mysiã muʃu
beard *mas[ʉ] masy
wound *pɛsɔ pɛso
male *basiN basĩ be'siŋ bɛsi
arrow *dibisi dibisi dibi'si di'bisi 'dibisi
marsupial *k[i]sɔ kuso 'kiso ≈ kesokiso ˌkiso'ɑ ≈ kɪsoa
sharp *k[ɛ]siN kisĩ ke'sin 'kɪsi kɪ'se
sweat *kasiN kɛsĩ
spear *xasi ɣasi
spittle *xasi ɣasi
snake *wisi wisi wi'si 'wisi 'wisi

When followed by high central cowel /*ʉ/, /*s/ is typically but not invariably realized as [ʃ] in Drabbe's Aghu:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*s/_ʉ s [ʃ s]s s s
banana *sʉ ʃy su sɯ̃
young man *sʉbaN sybã su'bɑŋ su'bɑ
night/dark *asʉ asy ɑ'sɯ ɑ'sɯ 'ɑsɯ
old (things) *pasʉ poʃy po'sɯ posi po'sɯ
village/house*bʉsʉ byʃy bu'su 'busu busɯ

Velar fricative /*x/ …

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*x- x [ɣ] x [h x] x [h x] x [x h]
skin/bark *xa ɣa hɑ ≈ xɑ xɑ ≈ hɑ ≈ -ɣɑ
centipede *xa ɣa
give birth *xaⁱ ɣai-fi-oɣ
head *xaⁱbaN ɣabã hɑ'bɑŋ hɑ'bɑ haⁱbɑʔ
far *xamaN hɑ'mɑ 'hɑm- xɑ'mɑʔ
stone axe *xabu ɣabu hɑbu 'xɑbu xɑbu
mouth *xatɔ ɣato 'xɑto 'hɑtoʔ
spear *xasi ɣasi
spittle *xasi ɣasi
be in pain *xaɾim[ɛ] ɣaⁱmɛ
be enough *xaɾiniC ɣaⁱni-k
fence *xaɾija hɑi 'xɑjɑ 'hɑɾijɑ
crocodile *xajambu kʲambu hɛ'bu hɛ'bu hɑbɑ
white *xajɔ hɑ'jo hɑ'jo xɑ'jo
root *xajɔ 'hɑjo 'hɑjo 'xɑjo
man *xɔ ɣo xo
walk/go *xɔ ɣo-ɣ xo
flying fox *xɔŋgi ɣoŋgi
ghost *xɔxɔⁱ ɣoɣi xo'ɣoⁱ xoɣo 'xoɣo
sky/cloud *xɔwʉ(-tɔ) ɣuⁱ-to hou hou 'xou ≈ xu
man/husband *xu ɣu -hu -hu
milk *xu[N] ɣu
*-x- x [ɣ] x [ɣ h] x [ɣ h ø]x [ɣ x]
fish *axaᵉ aɣɛ ɑ'ɣɑⁱ ɑɣɑⁱ ɑ'ɣe
water *ɔxɔ oɣo o'ɣo 'oɣo ≈ o'ɣo oɣo ≈ ɔ'xɔ
cheek *mɔxɔN moɣo-pe
excrement *paxa paɣa
outside/bush *bɛtaxa bɛtaɣa bɪ'tɑɣɑʔ betɑ'ɣɑʔ ˌbetɑ'xɑ
go (imperative)*nɔxɔⁱ noɣi no'xoⁱ no'xoᶦ
tired *taxaN taɣã
earth/ground *sɔxɔ soɣo so'ɣo so'ɣo ≈ sogo so'xo
ghost *xɔxɔⁱ ɣoɣi xo'ɣoⁱ xoɣo 'xoɣo
person *ɾaxu aɣu ɑ'hu 'ɑu ɑ'ɣu ≈ 'ɑxu
older brother *j[a]xɔ e:ɣo -e'ho -jo'ɣo -jogo
3 pl. *jɔxɔ joɣo 'joho 'joho
rattan/rope *jɔxu joɣu jo'ɣu ≈ jo'ɣojo'ɣo jo'ɣu ≈ 'joɣo

In several words with three or more syllables, /*x/ is dropped in Drabbe's Aghu between successive like vowels /*a *ɔ/; this is not exceptionless (above):

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*x/a_a ø
dream *axasʉ asy
be cooked*paxaniC pani-k
bad smell*paxa ɸʉN pa-fỹ
*x/ɔ_ɔ ø x [h] x [ɣ ø]x
friend *apɔxɔɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe
thorn *jɔmɔxɔN jomo jomo'hõ jomo'ɣo 'jomoxo

Apical non-stop /*ɾ/ is alternately retained, palatalized or dropped in all descendants except Drabbe's Aghu, in which it is invariably dropped:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*ɾ- ø j ø ø ɾ ø
lie down *ɾi i-g
rib(s) *ɾiN ini-
twist rope *ɾiN ĩ-
call/sing *ɾiC i-k
scar *ɾʉN
boil (n.) *ɾʉN ynɛ
thunder *ɾʉC y-k
chop down *ɾʉC y-k
take/hold *ɾa a-ɣ ja-
woman *ɾaN ã ≈ a:n- dʒɑ̃ ≈ ɑ̃ ɑ̃ ɑ̃
person *ɾaxu aɣu ɑ'hu 'ɑu ɑ'ɣu
weep/cry *ɾɔN õ-
voice/speech*ɾu u u u ɾu
*-ɾ- ø ɾ [ɾ j ø]ɾ [ɾ r j ø]ɾ [ɾ r l j ø]
fruit/seed *ɾɔ -lo
speak *ɾɔ o-ɣ -jo- -'jo- -'ro-
hair/leaf *(-)ɾɔN õ -jõŋ -jõŋ ≈ -roŋ -ɾo ≈ -roʔ
stone *iɾɔ io 'ijo 'ijo iro
tail of bird*ɔsiɾ[ɔN] osia
long *piɾi pi pi'ɾi 'piɾi 'piɾi ≈ pili
fly (v.) *buɾuN 'buŋ bu burn-
chin *tɛɾɛ
cold *taɾʉ ty 'tou ≈ to'du to'ru tɑ'ɾu
finger/toe *tɔɾɔN -tõ -toŋ -tɑʔ to'ro
heart *dʉbɾɔ dybo 'diboʔ
black *siɾi si si si'ri si'ɾi
high/above *siɾi si si ʃ-ɑ'xɑ ʃ-ɑxɑ
torch *sija sⁱa
ear *suɾuN(-tɔ) su-kɛto 'sun-to 'su-toʔ 'su-to
eye *kiɾɔ kio 'kijo 'kijo 'kʲijo
leech *kaɾijaN 'kɑɾijɑ ≈ kɛ'jɑ'kɑlijɑŋ
cassowary *kaɾʉwɛ kɑu'wɛ ku'wɛ kuwɛʔ
dry *kaɾa kɑ'jɑ kɑ'rɑ
be in pain *xaɾim[ɛ] ɣaⁱmɛ
fence *xaɾija hɑi 'xɑjɑ 'hɑɾijɑ
worm *wɛɾʉ ᵘwe'ru

Palatal glide /*j/ is generally retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*j j j j j
path *j[ɛ]di jɛ'di jɛ'ri
older brother*j[a]xɔ e:ɣo -e'ho -jo'ɣo -jogo
ripe *jamu jomũ
good *jaɸi jafi jɛ'fi
canoe *jaxʷʉN jofỹ jo'ɸuŋ jo'ɸu 'joxu
breadfruit *jawɔ[N] jɑ'wo 'jõŋwo jo'woŋ
copulate *jɔN jõ-
thorn *jɔmɔxɔN jomo jomo'hõ jomo'ɣo 'jomoxo
3 pl. *jɔxɔ joɣo 'joho 'joho
rattan/rope *jɔxu joɣu jo'ɣu ≈ jo'ɣojo'ɣo jo'ɣu ≈ 'joɣo
one *isijɔ isi'o- -ɪsi'jo -'sijo -'sijo
bamboo *ɸijɔ 'ɸijo ≈ 'fijo'fijo 'ʍijoʔ
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
torch *sija sⁱa
bad *kɛjɔN ken'jõ 'kʲijo kijo
leech *kaɾijaN 'kɑɾijɑ ≈ kɛ'jɑ'kɑlijɑŋ
garden *gij[a/ɔ]N gi'ɲõŋ kʲijɑ̃ 'gijoŋ
fence *xaɾija hɑi 'xɑjɑ 'hɑɾijɑ

Glide /*w/ is generally retained as such in all descendats:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*w w w w w
snake *wisi wisi wi'si 'wisi 'wisi
river *widi widi u'ɾi wiri 'widʒi
worm *wɛɾʉ ᵘwe'ru
left/lame *wa wa -wɑ
3 sg. poss. *wa- wɑ- wɑ- wɑ-
small *wadi wɑ'ri 'wɑri 'wɑdi
night *wɔmiN womĩ
inside *wɔmu womu wo'mu wo'mu wo'mu
tail *wɔb[u] wobugo wo'bu wo'bu wo'bu
thumb *wɔdɔ wodo
bamboo knife*wɔki woki wi'ki 'woki 'woki
sun *saw[a] sowo sɑ'wɑʔ sɑ'wɑʔ 'sowɑʔ
cassowary *kaɾʉwɛ kɑu'wɛ ku'wɛ kuwɛʔ
breadfruit *jawɔ[N] jɑ'wo 'jõŋwo jo'woŋ

Additionally, there is a correspondence, represented here as /*xʷ/, which is found only in loans from Marind or Marind-Yaqay, where glide /*w/ is realized as [hʷ] in the western dialects of Marind (q.v. Drabbe 1955: 148-151):

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*xʷ ɸ <f> ɸ [ɸ f]ɸ x
paddle*kaxʷi kɛfi kɑ'fi kɑ'ɸi 'kɑxɛ
canoe *jaxʷʉN jofỹ jo'ɸuŋ jo'ɸu 'joxu

High front vowel /*i/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*i i i i i [i ɪ]
fire *[j]indɔ in'do 'indo 'indo
mosquito *isi- i'si- i'si- i'si-i
gall/bile *isimu[N] isimu
one *isijɔ isi'o- -ɪsi'jo -'sijo -'sijo
goanna *ɛbi 'ɛbi 'ɛbi
drink (irrealis) *amiN amĩ- ɑ'mi ɑ'mi ɑ'mi
young woman *am[i]gi amigi
mother's mother *api api e'pi ɑ'pi
older sister *ani eni
eat (future) *a[d/nd]iN adĩ- ɑ'ri ɑɾi ɑn'di
sneeze (n.) *asiN asinaŋ
bite *asiC asi-k ɑsi- ɑsi-
bathe/swim (irr.)*akiN ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)-
tail of bird *ɔsiɾ[ɔN] osia
pig *[u]wi wi βi wi wi
star/firefly *miN mi mi mi
drink (realis) *mi[C] mi-k
morning *mimiN mimĩ
thigh *midiN midi
stand *m[i]si-(ɛ) ˌmisi'jɛ 'misinɑ misinɑ
forehead *mika mika
swallow *mikuN mikũ-
afraid *mɔki mo'ki 'moki- moki-
long *piɾi pi pi'ɾi 'piɾi 'piɾi ≈ pili
be cooked *paxaniC pani-k
moon *bidiN bidĩ 'bɪdɪ
bone *b[ɛ]gi bigi be'gɪ ≈ be'gɛbe'gɪ ≈ bɪgɪ 'bɛgɛ
male *basiN basĩ be'siŋ bɛsi
knee *bɔki[N] boki (?) 'boki
name *ɸi fi fi ɸi ɸi
think *ɸimi fimi-
bamboo *ɸijɔ 'ɸijo ≈ 'fijo'fijo 'ʍijoʔ
smell *ɸumiC fu mi-k
mother *ni -ni -ni
mosquito *n[ɛ]gi -nigi ne'gi -ŋgɪ -nigi
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
arrow *dibisi dibisi dibi'si di'bisi 'dibisi
island *dʉbi dybi
plait *si si-
nose *siN si ≈ sim-to'sin-to 'si-toʔ 'si-to
ashes *sin[a] sina-ko sinodo'go sinodo'ɣo
black *siɾi si si si'ri si'ɾi
high/above *siɾi si si ʃ-ɑ'xɑ ʃ-ɑxɑ
torch *sija sⁱa
leech *s[i]siN sisi sə'siŋ
penis *s[ɛ]gi sɛgi
flower *ki ki
theft *ki ki
bathe/swim *kiN
be *kiC ki-k ki
wind *kiɸi kifi ki'fi
foot/leg *kitɔ kito
rope *kikiN kikĩ
eye *kiɾɔ kio 'kijo 'kijo 'kʲijo
sharp *k[ɛ]siN kisĩ ke'sin 'kɪsi kɪ'se
branch *kabi[ja]N kabiã
sweat *kasiN kɛsĩ
leech *kaɾijaN 'kɑɾijɑ ≈ kɛ'jɑ'kɑlijɑŋ
scratch/scrape *gi gi- gi -ɣɪ -ɣi
garden *gij[a/ɔ]N gi'ɲõŋ kʲijɑ̃ 'gijoŋ
break/snap *gɛniC gɛni-k
spear *xasi ɣasi
spittle *xasi ɣasi
be in pain *xaɾim[ɛ] ɣaⁱmɛ
be enough *xaɾiniC ɣaⁱni-k
fence *xaɾija hɑi 'xɑjɑ 'hɑɾijɑ
flying fox *xɔŋgi ɣoŋgi
lie down *ɾi i-g
rib(s) *ɾiN ini-
twist rope *ɾiN ĩ-
call/sing *ɾiC i-k
bird *[j]i i: i: i:
path *j[ɛ]di jɛ'di jɛ'ri
good *jaɸi jafi jɛ'fi
snake *wisi wisi wi'si 'wisi 'wisi
river *widi widi u'ɾi wiri 'widʒi
small *wadi wɑ'ri 'wɑri 'wɑdi
night *wɔmiN womĩ
bamboo knife *wɔki woki wi'ki 'woki 'woki

High central vowel /*ʉ/ is retained in all descendants following fricative /*s/:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*ʉ/s_ y <ü> ʉ [ɯ u]ʉ [ɯ u i]ʉ [ɯ u]
night/dark *asʉ asy ɑ'sɯ ɑ'sɯ 'ɑsɯ
dream *axasʉ asy
old (things) *pasʉ poʃy po'sɯ posi po'sɯ
village/house*bʉsʉ byʃy bu'su 'busu busɯ
banana *sʉ ʃy su sɯ̃
young man *sʉbaN sybã su'bɑŋ su'bɑ

In all other environments, high central /*ʉ/ is merged with the reflexes of high back /u/ in the western dialects:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
y <ü> u u u
smoke/cloud *akʉ yku (?) 'ɑku ɑ'ku -ku
stomach *madʉ mody məru
back *mʉ my
egg *mʉgɔ mygo mu'go muŋ'go mu'gɔʔ
blunt/dull *mʉsV mysiã muʃu
village/house*bʉsʉ byʃy bu'su 'busu busɯ
heavy *bɔdʉ body
kill (future)*ɸʉN fỹ- 'fu ɸu
bad smell *paxa ɸʉN pa-fỹ
1 pl. *nʉgu nygu 'nugu 'nugu nugu
cold *taɾʉ ty 'tou ≈ to'duto'ru tɑ'ɾu
sago *dʉ dy du 'dʲu ≈ du d̪ʲu ≈ dʲu
cook/burn *dʉ du-
bow *dʉN dỹ dũŋ dũŋ dũŋ
heart *dʉbɾɔ dybo 'diboʔ
sugarcane *kʉN kỹ
die *kʉN kỹ- kuŋ- kuŋ- kuŋ-
younger sib *kʉda kyda ku'dɑh kurɑ ku'dɑʔ
dig *kʉw[ɔ] ky(o)-ɣ -ɣu -ku -ku-
belly *kakʉ koky ko'ku kɑ'ku 'kɑku
cassowary *kaɾʉwɛ kɑu'wɛ ku'wɛ kuwɛʔ
brain *gʉN gỹ
navel *gʉN gỹ
2 pl. *gʉgu gygu 'gugu 'gugu 'gugu
sky/cloud *xɔwʉ(-tɔ) ɣuⁱ-to hou hou 'xou ≈ xu
scar *ɾʉN
boil (n.) *ɾʉN ynɛ
thunder *ɾʉC y-k
chop down *ɾʉC y-k
canoe *jaxʷʉN jofỹ jo'ɸuŋ jo'ɸu 'joxu
worm *wɛɾʉ ᵘwe'ru
liver *wʉN (?)

High back vowel /*u/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*u u u u u
gall/bile *isimu[N] isimu
seek/search *aguC agu-k ɑ'gu- ɑgu- ɑ'gu-
louse *aŋgu aŋgu ɑŋ'gu 'ɑŋgu 'ɑŋgu
go up *ɔsuC osu-k
swallow *mikuN mikũ-
not want *muN mũ-
heel *bu bu
elbow *b[u]N buŋ bu bu
fly (v.) *buɾuN 'buŋ bu burn-
smell *ɸumiC fu mi-k
below *[ɸ/x]u fu ɸu xu
1 pl. *nʉgu nygu 'nugu 'nugu nugu
1 sg. *nu nu
daughter *sub-ɾaN subã -suba
nipple *s[u]bu nõ sobu
ear *suɾuN(-tɔ) su-kɛto 'sun-to 'su-toʔ 'su-to
carry *kɛkuN kɛkũ-
moon *kamu kɑ'muʔ kɑ'muʔ
flesh *kadu kudu ko'ru ko'ru ≈ ko'rokɑ'du
wash *kuN kũ- kuŋ- ku-
plant (v.) *kuN kũ-
enemy *kuɸɛ kufɛ
sleep *kunuN kunuŋ kunu kunu konu
2 pl. *gʉgu gygu 'gugu 'gugu 'gugu
2 sg. *gu gu gu
stone axe *xabu ɣabu hɑbu 'xɑbu xɑbu
crocodile *xajambu kʲambu hɛ'bu hɛ'bu hɑbɑ
man/husband *xu ɣu -hu -hu
milk *xu[N] ɣu
person *ɾaxu aɣu ɑ'hu 'ɑu ɑ'ɣu ≈ 'ɑxu
voice/speech*ɾu u u u ɾu
ripe *jamu jomũ
rattan/rope *jɔxu joɣu jo'ɣu ≈ jo'ɣojo'ɣo jo'ɣu ≈ 'joɣo
inside *wɔmu womu wo'mu wo'mu wo'mu

Mid front vowel /*ɛ/ is generally retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
e [ɛ] e [ɛ e] e [ɛ e] e [ɛ e]
eat *ɛN ɛ̃-
stand *ɛC ɛ-k ɛ
goanna *ɛbi 'ɛbi 'ɛbi
friend *apɔxɔɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe
laughter *abɛN 'abɛ gi-k 'ɑbə-'gi ɑb-gigi ɑb-gigi
tendon *mɛ
wound *pɛsɔ pɛso
outside/bush*bɛtaxa bɛtaɣa bɪ'tɑɣɑʔ betɑ'ɣɑʔ ˌbetɑ'xɑ
hand/arm *bɛdɔ bɛdo ≈ bodobe'ro be'ro bedo
tongue *ɸagɛ fagɛ ɸɑ'gɛ ≈ fɑ'gɛ'ɸɑgɛ ≈ 'fɑgɛfɑge
chin *tɛɾɛ
not *dɛ
widow(er) *sɛN sɛ̃
carry *kɛkuN kɛkũ-
break/snap *gɛniC gɛni-k
cassowary *kaɾʉwɛ kɑu'wɛ ku'wɛ kuwɛʔ
enemy *kuɸɛ kufɛ
worm *wɛɾʉ ᵘwe'ru

Mid back vowel /*ɔ/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
o o o o [o ɔ]
fire *[j]indɔ in'do 'indo 'indo
one *isijɔ isi'o- -ɪsi'jo -'sijo -'sijo
stone *iɾɔ io 'ijo 'ijo iro
butterfly *apaɾɔ apo
friend *apɔxɔɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe
excrement o ɔ ɔ ɔ̃
breast *ɔN õŋ õ õ:
mother's bro. *[ɔ]mɔN omõ
tail of bird *ɔsiɾ[ɔN] osia
go up *ɔsuC osu-k
water *ɔxɔ oɣo o'ɣo 'oɣo ≈ o'ɣo oɣo ≈ ɔ'xɔ
egg *mʉgɔ mygo mu'go muŋ'go mu'gɔʔ
behind *mɔ mo mo 'mo mo
afraid *mɔki mo'ki 'moki- moki-
cheek *mɔxɔN moɣo-pe
coconut *pajɔ pɛjo pɑ'jo pe'jo 'pɪjɑ ≈ pɪjo
heavy *bɔdʉ body
knee *bɔki[N] boki (?) 'boki
wound *pɛsɔ pɛso
hand/arm *bɛdɔ bɛdo ≈ bodobe'ro be'ro bedo
short *bagɔ bago bɑ'go 'bɑgo 'bɑɣo
father *bɔ bo bo bo
soul *bɔn[ɔ] bono
bamboo *ɸijɔ 'ɸijo ≈ 'fijo'fijo 'ʍijoʔ
go (imperative)*nɔxɔⁱ noɣi no'xoⁱ no'xoᶦ
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
hole *tɔ -to -to -toʔ -to
armpit *tɔ[ŋ]gɔN toŋgõ
finger/toe *tɔɾɔN -tõ -toŋ -tɑʔ to'ro
heart *dʉbɾɔ dybo 'diboʔ
burn (intr.) *dɔ do- dɔ- do-
get up/stand up*dɔtɔ doto-ɣ doto- dotə- doto-
earth/ground *sɔxɔ soɣo so'ɣo so'ɣo ≈ sogoso'xo
foot/leg *kitɔ kito
marsupial *k[i]sɔ kuso 'kiso ≈ keso kiso ˌkiso'ɑ ≈ kɪsoa
eye *kiɾɔ kio 'kijo 'kijo 'kʲijo
bad *kɛjɔN ken'jõ 'kʲijo kijo
red *kaŋgɔN kaŋgõ kɑŋ'go 'kɑŋgo kɑŋ'gɔʔ
blood *gɔN gõŋ gõŋ goŋ
mouth *xatɔ ɣato 'xɑto 'hɑtoʔ
white *xajɔ hɑ'jo hɑ'jo xɑ'jo
root *xajɔ 'hɑjo 'hɑjo 'xɑjo
man *xɔ ɣo xo
walk/go *xɔ ɣo-ɣ xo
flying fox *xɔŋgi ɣoŋgi
ghost *xɔxɔⁱ ɣoɣi xo'ɣoⁱ xoɣo 'xoɣo
fruit/seed *ɾɔ -lo
say/speak *ɾɔ o-ɣ -jo- -'jo- -'ro-
hair/leaf *ɾɔN õ -jõŋ -jõŋ ≈ -roŋ -ɾo ≈ -roʔ
weep/cry *ɾɔN õ-
older brother *j[a]xɔ e:ɣo -e'ho -jo'ɣo -jogo
breadfruit *jawɔ[N] jɑ'wo 'jõŋwo jo'woŋ
copulate *jɔN jõ-
thorn *jɔmɔxɔN jomo jomo'hõ jomo'ɣo 'jomoxo
3 pl. *jɔxɔ joɣo 'joho 'joho
rattan/rope *jɔxu joɣu jo'ɣu ≈ jo'ɣojo'ɣo jo'ɣu ≈ 'joɣo
night *wɔmiN womĩ
inside *wɔmu womu wo'mu wo'mu wo'mu
tail *wɔb[u] wobugo wo'bu wo'bu wo'bu
thumb *wɔdɔ wodo
bamboo knife *wɔki woki wi'ki (?) 'woki 'woki

Low central vowel /*a/ is generally retained as such in all descendants:

Central Awyu Mappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*a a a [ɑ] a [ɑ] a [ɑ]
rain *a a ɑ ɑ ɑ':
vagina *a-to a-to
drink (irrealis) *amiN amĩ- ɑ'mi ɑ'mi ɑ'mi
young woman *am[i]gi amigi
butterfly *apaɾɔ apo
friend *apɔxɔɸɛ apofɛ -ɑ'pofɛ -ɑpoxofe
laughter *abɛN 'abɛ gi-k 'ɑbə-'gi ɑb-gigi ɑb-gigi
tie *adaC ada-k ɑr- -ɑrɑ ɑd-
eat (future) *a[d/nd]i[N] adĩ- ɑ'ri ɑɾi ɑn'di
sneeze (n.) *asiN asinaŋ
bite *asiC asi-k ɑsi- ɑsi-
night/dark *asʉ asy ɑ'sɯ ɑ'sɯ 'ɑsɯ
bathe/swim (irr.)*akiN ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)- ɑki(m)-
smoke/cloud *akʉ yku (?) 'ɑku ɑ'ku -ku
dog *aŋgi jaŋgi (?) 'ɑŋgi 'ɑŋgi 'ɑŋgi
seek/search *aguC agu-k ɑ'gu- ɑgu- ɑ'gu-
louse *aŋgu aŋgu ɑŋ'gu 'ɑŋgu 'ɑŋgu
fish *axaᵉ aɣɛ ɑ'ɣɑⁱ ɑɣɑⁱ ɑ'ɣe
dream *axasʉ asy
forehead *mika mika
beard *mas[ʉ] masy
low/below *m[a]kaN makã
tooth *maga maga mɑ'gɑʔ mɑŋ'gɑʔ mɑŋgɑ
excrement *paxa paɣa
be cooked *paxaniC pani-k
outside/bush *bɛtaxa bɛtaɣa bɪ'tɑɣɑʔ betɑ'ɣɑʔ ˌbetɑ'xɑ
sit *ba ba-ɣ bɑ- bɑ- bɑ-
short *bagɔ bago bɑ'go 'bɑgo 'bɑɣo
tongue *ɸagɛ fagɛ ɸɑ'gɛ ≈ fɑ'gɛ'ɸɑgɛ ≈ 'fɑgɛ fɑge
1 sg. poss. *na na nɑ- nɑ- nɑ-
eat (imperative) *naN
knowledge *naɸaN nɑ'fɑ̃ŋ nɑ'ɸɑ(m)-
tired *taxaN taɣã
hear *daC da-k dɑ- dɑ-
torch *sija sⁱa
in front *samaN sɑ'mɑʔ sɑ'mɑʔ
sun *saw[a] sowo sɑ'wɑʔ sɑ'wɑʔ 'sowɑʔ
young man *sʉbaN sybã su'bɑŋ su'bɑ
younger sib *kʉda kyda ku'dɑh kurɑ ku'dɑʔ
moon *kamu kɑ'muʔ kɑ'muʔ
branch *kabi[ja]N kabiã
red *kaŋgɔN kaŋgõ kɑŋ'go 'kɑŋgo kɑŋ'gɔʔ
leech *kaɾijaN 'kɑɾijɑ ≈ kɛ'jɑ'kɑlijɑŋ
dry *kaɾa kɑ'jɑ kɑ'rɑ
2 sg. poss. *ga ga
skin/bark *xa ɣa hɑ ≈ xɑ xɑ ≈ hɑ ≈ -ɣɑ
centipede *xa ɣa
head *xaⁱbaN ɣabã hɑ'bɑŋ hɑ'bɑ haⁱbɑʔ
far *xamaN hɑ'mɑ 'hɑm- xɑ'mɑʔ
stone axe *xabu ɣabu hɑbu 'xɑbu xɑbu
palate *xa[na]N kaduɣaŋgadu
mouth *xatɔ ɣato 'xɑto 'hɑtoʔ
spear *xasi ɣasi
spittle *xasi ɣasi
be in pain *xaɾim[ɛ] ɣaⁱmɛ
be enough *xaɾiniC ɣaⁱni-k
fence *xaɾija hɑi 'xɑjɑ 'hɑɾijɑ
white *xajɔ hɑ'jo hɑ'jo xɑ'jo
root *xajɔ 'hɑjo 'hɑjo 'xɑjo
take/hold *ɾa a-ɣ ja-
woman *ɾaN ã ≈ a:n- dʒɑ̃ ≈ ɑ̃ ɑ̃ ɑ̃
person *ɾaxu aɣu ɑ'hu 'ɑu ɑ'ɣu ≈ 'ɑxu
breadfruit *jawɔ[N] jɑ'wo 'jõŋwo jo'woŋ
left/lame *wa wa -wɑ
3 sg. poss. *wa- wɑ- wɑ- wɑ-
small *wadi wɑ'ri 'wɑri 'wɑdi

When low central /*a/ is followed in the next syllable by high vowels /*i *ʉ *u/, there is a tendency for it to be raised to [ɛ] and [ɔ] respectively. This isn't exceptionless in any dialect (above,) but appears to be strongest in Taim:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue River Pasue River Pasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*a/_Ci a ɛ e ɑ ɛ ɑ
mother's mother*api api e'pi ɑ'pi
older sister *ani eni
male *basiN basĩ be'siŋ bɛsi
wing *taɸijɔ tɛfio 'tɛfijo tɑɸi'jo tɑ'fijo
sweat *kasiN kɛsĩ
paddle *kaxʷi kɛfi kɑ'fi kɑ'ɸi 'kɑxɛ
good *jaɸi jafi jɛ'fi
*a/_Cʉ o o ə ɑ o ɑ o
stomach *madʉ mody məru
old (things) *pasʉ poʃy po'sɯ posi po'sɯ
cold *taɾʉ ty 'tou ≈ to'duto'ru tɑ'ɾu
belly *kakʉ koky ko'ku kɑ'ku 'kɑku
canoe *jaxʷʉN jofỹ jo'ɸuŋ jo'ɸu 'joxu
*a/_Cu o u o o ɑ
flesh *kadu kudu ko'ru ko'ru ≈ ko'rokɑ'du
ripe *jamu jomũ

Diphthongs /*ɔⁱ *aⁱ *aᵉ/ are uncommon:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
*ɔⁱ i o ɔⁱ o
go (imperative)*nɔxɔⁱ noɣi no'xoⁱ no'xoᶦ
ghost *xɔxɔⁱ ɣoɣi xo'ɣoⁱ xoɣo 'xoɣo
*aⁱ aⁱ a a [ɑ] a [ɑ] aⁱ
give birth *xaⁱ ɣai-fi-oɣ
head *xaⁱbaN ɣabã hɑ'bɑŋ hɑ'bɑ haⁱbɑʔ
*aᵉ ɛ aⁱ [ɑⁱ]aⁱ [ɑⁱ]e
fish *axaᵉ aɣɛ ɑ'ɣɑⁱ ɑɣɑⁱ ɑ'ɣe

Pronouns

Central Awyu free pronouns are reconstructed as follows, with forms drawn from Drabbe (1957: 6-7) and from Kriens and Lebold (2010: 42):

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
1 sg.*nu nu
2 sg.*gu gu gu ? ?
3 sg.*ɛ-(gi) efe ɪgɪ ? ?
1 pl.*nʉgu nygu 'nugu 'nugu nugu
2 pl.*gʉgu gygu 'gugu 'gugu 'gugu
3 pl.*jɔxɔ joɣo 'joho 'joho ?

Singular pronouns are reconstructed as follows. The third singular is attested only prefixed to kin terms:

Central AwyuMappi RiverPasue RiverPasue RiverPasue River
Aghu Taim Nohon Ketah
1 sg. poss.*na na nɑ- nɑ- nɑ-
2 sg. poss.*ga ga ? ? ?
3 sg. poss.*wa- wɑ- wɑ- wɑ-