Marind

Timothy Usher, Santa Fe Institute

Situation

The Marind family consists of as many as five closely related languages spoken by 6,000-7,000 people (1955) living in the plains along and inland from the coast from the Marianne Strait in the west to the Maro river to the east, just west of the Papua New Guinea border, in the Merauke, Muting, Kurik and Okaba subdistricts of the Merauke regency of Indonesia's Papua province (Boelaars 1950: 1, Drabbe 1955: 13; q.v. Drabbe 1955: 190, Nevermann 1939: 2, Kriens 2003: 5, Sohn 2006: 4, Sohn, Lebold and Kriens 2009: 7, Lebold, Kriens and de Vries 2010: 7.)

Drabbe (1955: 13-15) divides the coastal Marind area from east to west into five regions, Ngawir between the Papuan border and the Maro (Maroh,) Rahuk between the Maro and the Kumbe (Kumb) river, an unnamed region between the Kumbe and the Bian (Mbian) river, Dali between the Bian and the Bulaka (Mbulàka) river, and Imah between the Bulaka and Marianne Strait (Mulì.) Marind languages are also spoken inland along the Kumbe, Eli and Bian rivers.

The internal distribution of Marind languages suggests the family to have originated in the northeastern portion of their current range, an assumption in accord with the locations of Marind's nearest relatives, Yaqay-Warkay and Lake Murray (Boazi-Zimakani.) The reconstruction of Awyu in particular necessitates a history of contact with proto-Marind or proto-Marind-Yaqay, while the southward expansions of Awyu, Dumut and Lowland Ok occured in relatively recent times. It's also probable that Marind's vowel harmony rules, along with Marind-Yaqay's deocclusion of Fly River's bilabial fricative, codeveloped with those of Lowland Ok. Thus it is reasonable to assume that proto-Marind-Yaqay was originally spoken near where the southernmost Mandobo dialects are spoken today, just west of the Fly River along which the other members of the Fly River family were located.

More recently, the westernmost dialects have had extensive contact with and have significantly influenced the unrelated Bulaka River languages and the only distantly related languages of the Kolopom and South Marianne Strait families (q.v. Geurtjens 1933: 398-433,) while the southeast dialect has very significantly influenced Moraori, a Kolopom language that was very likely separated from its nearest relatives to the west by the southward intrusion of the Marind.

Subclassification

[under construction]

Drabbe (1955: 13-15) distinguishes five dialects of Marind with locations as follows:

Marind

Mbian – Bian river

Kumb – Kumbe river

Ooster (East) – coast east of the Maro river and between the Maro and the Kumbe

Wester (West) – coast between the Kumbe river and Marianne Strait

Atìh – Sangahè (Sanggase) village on the coast to Jaimu (Yawimu) inland of the West dialect region

Drabbe's fivefold division is supported by the results of recent surveys by members of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (Lebold, Kriens and de Vries 2010: 22-24, 27-29, 29-30.) It is our opinion that Lebold, Kriens and de Vries' (pp. 22-24) speaker judgments are more reliable than their lexical similarity calculations (pp. 27-29) and that the speech varieties of Makeling, Iwol and Alaku villages should be considered to belong to the West Marind dialect rather than with Atih.

The internal classification of Marind is as follows:

Marind

Bian River Marind

Central Marind

Kumbe River Marind

Southeast Marind

Atih

West Marind

Of these, (Upper) Bian River is the most lexically divergent, with the other four dialects forming a Central Marind subgroup. The Atih and West dialects are very similar phonologically …. West Marind is distinguished from Southeast Marind primarily by the dispositions of non-stops, which codevelop with those of Maklew of the Bulaka River family to the west. Kumbe River is distinguished from Southeast Marind primarily by the presence in Kumbe River of a number of vocabulary terms otherwise found only in Bian River, a chaining pattern which suggests some remaining degree of mutual comprehensibility between all varieties of Marind.

…isoglosses…:

MarindMbianKumbEastAtihWest
*…

Sources

[under construction]

Ray (1907: 391-412) … comparative terms for Tugeri after Montague (n.d.)

van der Kolk and Vertenten (1922) dictionary of Marindineesch

van der Kolk (1926) Marindineesch kin terms

Geurtjens (1926) Marindineesch grammar (unobtained)

Geurtjens (1933: 46-350) dictionary of Marindineesch (Gawir, i.e. Southeast Marind,) (pp. 373-383) 591 comparative terms for Sangaseesch (Atih,) (pp. 385-395) 693 comparative terms for Boven-Biansch (Mbian) and (pp. 398-433) 455 comparative terms for Marindineesch, occasional Imâh (West Marind) terms throughout

Nevermann (1939: 15, …) … for Marind-anim (Southeast Marind)

Boelaars (1950: 1-18) English-language recension of Drabbe's unpublished grammar of Gawir (Southeast Marind)

Drabbe (1954: 99-117) grammar of Boven-Mbian of Kolam village and (pp. 128-142) 427 comparative terms for Boven-Mbian and Gawir (Southeast Marind)

Drabbe (1955: ibid.) grammar of East Marind of Urumb village and (pp. 148-151) 98 comparative terms for Ooster (East,) Wester (West,) Atih, Kumb and Mbian dialects

Donohue (1996) 159 comparative terms for Kuler (Southeast Marind) and Sanayu (Kumbe) villages

Sohn, Lebold and Kriens (2009: 31-42) 204 comparative terms for Matara village (Southeast Marind)

Lebold, Kriens and de Vries (2010: 46-56) 240 comparative terms for Alaku, (West Marind,) Ihalik (Atih,) Kaptel (A) and Sanggase (A) villages and 69 comparative terms for Alatepi (A,) Boepe/Kwemsid (A,) Dufmira (W,) Iwol (W,) Kaniskobat (A,) Makaling (W,) Nakias (A,) Okaba (W,) Poepe (A,) Tagaepe (A) and Wambi (W) villages

Olsson (2015) Marind verbal objects

Olsson (2015) 215 comparative terms for Duvmirav village (West Marind) in Carroll ed.

Olsson (2015) 912 terms for Wambi village (West Marind)

Olsson (2016) Marind resultatives

Olsson (2016) Marind gender

Historical phonology

[under construction]

Proto-Marind had 17 consonants and 5 vowels as follows:

*m *n
*p *t *k
*b *d *g
*mb *nd *ŋg
*s *h
*w *j
*i *u
*e *o
*a

The reflexes of nasals, stops and fricatives remain stable throughout the family, but the those of non-stops /*w *ɾ *j *ɣ/ vary substantially between dialects (q.v. Drabbe 1955: 14-15,) with the western dialects generally agreeing with Maklew and the northeastern ones with Boazi (q.v. Drabbe 1950: 566-574, 1954: 128-142, 1955: 148-151.)

The contrast between /*h *ɣ/ is unusual in New Guinea; here /*h/ reflects Fly River bilabial fricative /*ɸ/.

Internal distributions and comparison to other Fly River families suggest the contrast between plain voiced and prenasalized stops to be of relatively recent origin, with Fly River prenasalized stops /*mb *nd *ŋg/ yielding Marind /*b *d *ɣ/ initially and /*mb *nd *ŋg/ medially, the phonemic difference between the two having been established by loanwords from the Morehead River family to the east and compounding.

Drabbe (1954) distinguishes closed [e] <é> from open [ɛ] <e>, but this distinction is drawn by default throughout much of his New Guinea corpus, and in (1955: 15) is explicitly denied to be contrastive.

Any consonant can occur initially, medially or finally. There are no consonant clusters except across morpheme boundaries.

Any vowel can occur initially, medially or finally. Unlike consonants, vowels can occur sequentially. Vowel length is indicated in Drabbe (1954,) but in (1955: 15) is explicitly denied to be contrastive.

Stress falls on the final syllable of the root, as it does in the distantly-related Lowland Ok family to the northeast; Drabbe (1955: 16) characterizes this as a rise in pitch or tone. Trisyllablic roots receive secondary stress on the initial syllable, leading to syncope and the formation of medial consonant clusters in Mbian and Kumb. Probably most families with regular root-final stress reflect penultimate stress in words previously of the form /*(C)V'CVCV/, and in this instance we know this to be true from the absorption of pre-Fly River postposed gender articles /*e *u *i/ into the root (below) followed by the dropping of the articles; however, this may have already been the case by the time of proto-Fly River.

Diphthongs are phonetically distinguished from other vowel sequences by stress, as final sequences /*V₁V₂(C)/ are realized as [V₁'V₂(C)] but diphthongs as ['V₁ᵛ₂(C)]. Conversely, sequences /*ia *ua/, which are found only initially, are realized as semivowel-initial syllables [ja wa], as is the sequence /*ui/ [wi] if not preceded by a consonant. The distinction between these three types is secondary, as, despite the different assignment of stress, their qualities are in no instance contrastive. Which sequences are realized as diphthongs, which with initial semivowels and which as distinct syllables is predictable according to a ranking rule by which stress is preferentially assigned to the either the first or second member of the sequence in the following order: /*a *o *e *i *u/. The same order governs the assignation of stress in the diphthongs given for East Marind in Drabbe (1955: 15-16) with only one exception (below.) The phonetic realizations of observed vowel sequences are as follows:

*a *o *e *i *u
*a ? *aᵉ *aⁱ *aᵘ
*o *oa ? ? *oᵘ
*e *ea *eo *eⁱ ?
*i *ⁱa ? ? *iᵘ
*u *ᵘa ? ? *ᵘi/*ui

As suggested by the realization of /*ui/ as [*ᵘi] or [*ui] depending upon whether it is root-initial or follows a consonant, it's probable that the distinction in stress between [*ᵘa *ⁱa] on the one hand and [*oa *ea *eo] on the other can be reduced to the conditioned variation of a single subtype. Drabbe's (1955: 150-151) comparative vocabularies give <eo> in initial /*eoɣ/ 2 pl., but this root as given as <ᵉoh> in the grammar of the East dialect (pp. 15-16,) and otherwise the difference between these two groups can be explained by the same rule which governs the disposition of /*ui/, as sequences /*ua *ia/ are attested only intially, while /*ea *oa/ have been observed only following consonants.

There are two remaining inconsistencies. The first is that Drabbe (p. 16) gives /*mui/ “flesh” as East [muⁱ] rather than [mu'i]. However, /*ŋgui/ “tail” is given as [ŋgu'i] in Mbian (1954: 136,) and diphthong [uⁱ] isn't otherwise indicated in the comparative vocabularies. The second is that what would otherwise be reconstructed as /*koi/ “lime” is given as [ko'i] in Sohn, Lebold and Kriens' Matara (2009: 34.) As Sohn et al. give Moraori [kwuoi] alongside it, it's probable that the Marind term was really /*kuoi/ or the like, as sequences of three vowels are not construed as single syllables.

Sequences which are realized as diphthongs are broadly similar in range to those of proto-Awyu, which does not otherwise allow sequential vowels. It's possible that contact with Awyu influenced the development of these segments in Marind.


Consonants correspond as follows:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*m m m m m m
*n n n n n n
*p p p p p p
*t t t t t t
*k k k k k k
*b b b b b b
*d d d d d d
*g g g g g g
*mb mb mb mb mb mb
*nd nd nd nd nd nd
*ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg
*s s s s s s
*h h h h h h
*w v v v
l ɾ ɾ l l
*j z z z
ɣ h h ʕ ɣ

Vowels and vowel sequences correspond as follows:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*i i i i i i
*i₂ a i i i i
*u u u u u u
*u₂ a u u u u
*e e e e e e
*o o o o o o
*a a a a a a
*iu iᵘ iᵘ iᵘ iᵘ iᵘ
*ei eⁱ eⁱ eⁱ eⁱ eⁱ
*ou oᵘ aᵘ aᵘ aᵘ aᵘ
*ai eⁱ aⁱ aⁱ aⁱ aⁱ
*au aᵘ aᵘ aᵘ aᵘ aᵘ
*ae aᵉ aᵉ e e e
*ia ia ia ia ia ia
*ui ui ui ui ui ui
*ua ua ua ua ua ua
*eo eo eo eo eo eo
*ea ea ea ea aⁱa aⁱa
*oa oa ? oa ? ?
*V₁CV₁ V₁CV₁ V₁CV₁ V₁CV₁ V₁CV₁ V₁CV₁
*aCV₁ aCV₁ aCV₁ aCV₁ aCV₁ aCV₁
*V₁Ca V₁Ca V₁Ca V₁Ca V₁Ca V₁Ca
*iCu iCi uCu uCu uCu uCu
*CeCi CeCi ? CaCi ? ?
*CeCu CeCu ? CaCu ? ?
*CeCa CeCa CaCa CaCa CaCa CaCa
*oCi uCi uCi uCi uCi oCi
*haCV hCV haCV haCV haCV haCV
*ahV hV ahV ahV ahV ahV
*VCVCV VCCV VCCV VCVCV VCVCV VCVCV

These correspondences are exemplified as follows, with all attestations drawn from Drabbe (1954: 99-117, 128-142, 1955: ibid., 148-151) unless otherwise specified. Examples based solely upon (1954) will include attestations only in East and Mbian dialects; thus their lack of exemplification in other dialects is not necessarily meaningful.

Drabbe (1954) distinguishes open and close mid front vowels [ɛ e] as well as vowel length. Because these are not contrastive (Drabbe 1955: 15,) and aren't particularly indicative of anything else, they have been eliminated in our recapitulations below. Stress, while not consistently indicated, is shown here because it is sometimes contrastive due to inflection and compounding (Drabbe 1955: 16.) Drabbe's <r> is represented here as <ɾ>.

Boven-Mbiansch (Bian,) Gawir (Southeast Marind) and Sangaseesch (Atih) attestations drawn from Geurtjens (1933) are indicated with [hg]. Matara village (Southeast Marind) forms from Sohn, Lebold and Kriens (2009: 31-42) are indicated with [ms] and Atih and West Marind attestations from Lebold, Kriens and de Vries (2010: 46-56) as [rl]. These are simplified and regularized to conform with the orthographical conventions described above. West Marind forms drawn from Olsson (2015) are indicated with [bo].



For the purposes of our reconstruction below, our sources are correlated to dialects as follows:

Geurtjens Drabbe 1954Drabbe 1955Lebold et al.Sohn et al.
Bian River Boven-BianschBoven-MbianMbian
Kumbe RiverKumb
Southeast Gawir Gawir Ooster
Atih Sangaseesch Atih
West Coast Imâz Wester


Nasals /*m *n/ are invariable across dialects and occur in all positions.

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*m- m m m m m
base/molar *mit mit mit [+hg]
be crooked (3 sg.) *mik-e-w mik-e-v [hg] mik-e-ø [hg] mik-e-h [bo]
knee *mig mig mig [+hg] mig ~ mig̚ [rl] mig [bo]
be sitting (sg.) *miɾ miɾ [hg] mil [bo]
village *miɾaw mi'laf mi'ɾav [pd]  miɾáv [hg] mi'lah [rl] milah [bo]
bow *mij miz miz miz [+hg] mih mih [+bo]
tree sp. *mijaɾ mizaɾ [hg] mihal [bo]
know *mea[i/e] me'ai me'ae [pd]
méai [hg]
ma'jaj ~ mɛjaj [rl] majaj [bo]
speech/voice *mean me'an mean ~ men me'an [pd]
méen [hg]
majan [pd]
ma'jan ~ mɛjan [rl]
majan [+bo]
lean (3 sg.) *me-ø-ab mj-ab [hg] me-ø-b [hg] me-ø-b [bo]
perfective *mend- mend- mend- [bo]
old/ripe/dry *mes mes mes [+hg] mes [rl] mes [bo]
old woman *mes iuag 'mes-iwag 'mes-iwag [pd]
més-iwâg [hg]
mes-iwag [bo]
way *meŋg meŋg [hg] -meŋ [rl] meŋ [rl]
garden *mVɾu mulu [hg] maɾu [+hg] ma'lu [rl] malu [bo]
future *ma- ma- ma- [bo]
braid(s) *maiub majub [hg] majub [bo]
sago bark *mam mam [hg] mam [bo]
lotus sp. *mamat mamat [hg] mamat [bo]
savanna *mamui mamui [hg] mamuj [bo]
rat *mambit ma'mbit [+hg] mambit [rl]
pinch/trap (3 sg.) *matap-e-b matap-e-b [hg] matap-e-b [bo]
shade/shadow *matuɾ matuɾ [hg] matul [bo]
come (sg.) *ma[n] ma man man [+hg] man man [+bo]
wife's brother *mandaɣ manda [hg] mandaɣ [bo]
moon *mandou mandoᵘ ~
ma'ndow
mandaᵘ mandaᵘ ~
ma'ndaw [pd]
mandow [hg]
mandaᵘ mandaᵘ [pd]
mandaw [bo]
lean/be bent (3 sg.)*maset-o-k masét-o-k [hg] maset-o-k [bo]
bend (tr.) *masud masud [hg] masud [bo]
bend (intr.) *masuk masuk [hg] masuk [bo]
earth/below *mak[a/o]n ma'kan makon ~ makanma'kan makan makan
egg *magaw ma'gaf
tooth/teeth *maŋgat maŋgat maŋgat [+hg] maŋgat maŋgat [+bo]
get angry *mahid mahid [hg] mahid [bo]
dance *mahai mahai [hg] mahaj [bo]
far *mahut ma'hut
goura pigeon *mahuk mhuk mahuk mahuk [+hg] mahuk maɣuk [pd]
mahuk [bo]
Marind *maɾi[n/nd] maɾind [hg] malin- [bo]
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]b maleb [+hg] maɾob [hg]
plant sp. *maɾ[o]b maɾob [hg] malob [bo]
body decor. *maɣi mahi [hg] maɣi [bo]
first *maɣai maɣai ~ majĕ [hg] mahai [hg] maé [hg]
mucus *mo[m/mb] mom momb [pd]
mómb [hg]
mom [bo]
fruit *mokom mo'kom
widow/widower *moɣa 'moɣa 'moha
flesh/meat *mui mui ~ muj [pd}
mui [hg]
mui mui [pd]
muj [bo]
tree sp. *mumb[a]ɾ[a] mumbɾ [hg] mumbala [bo]
elbow *muk muk [+hg] muk [+hg] muk̚ ~ mug̚ [rl] muk [bo]
buzz/hum *muŋgew muŋgev [hg] muŋgeh [bo]
*-m- m m m m m
pandanus sp. *iuma juma [hg] juma [bo]
Imah *imaj imaz imah
sago petiole *ij[e]mi iz'mi [pd]
izmi [hg]
izimi [hg] ihémi [hg] ihimi [bo]
hunger *emeɾ emeɾ [pd]
eméɾ [hg]
emel [bo]
grandfather *amai
kunai grass *omasa oma'sa [+hg] om'sa [rl] umasa [bo]
cloud/sky *omom o'mom [pd]
óm-om [hg]
omom [rl] omom [bo]
spread mat *omos omos [hg] omos [bo]
sweet coconut *uimap wimap [hg] wimap [bo]
stand up (pl.) *uaɣaman wahaman [hg] waɣaman [bo]
leave (3 sg.) *um-u-w um-u-v um-u-v um-u-v [+hg] um-u-h um-u-h [+bo]
lotus sp. *mamat mamat [hg] mamat [bo]
savanna *mamui mamui [hg] mamuj [bo]
termite mound *bomi bomi [hg] bomi [bo]
friend *namek namek namek
now/today *nama na'ma nama ~ namha nama nama nama
animal *namakud namakud namkud
nipa palm *temu ta'mu [+hg]
nape *temuk te'muk
betel pepper *dadami[h] 'dad(ə)mi(h) [rl] dadami [bo]
orphan *ndamom da'mom nda'mom
scabies *samani 'samani samani [+hg] samani [bo]
inside *kVmaɣ ke'maɣ ku'mah kumaɣ
make *kamin ka'min ka'min
pick up (3 sg.) *k-um-u-w k-u'm-u-v k-u'm-u-v [+hg]
tusk of pig *gom[a]n[a] gomn ~ gomaɾ [hg] gomna [bo]
ashes *gum[a]n[a] gum gum [+hg] gu:mn ~ goᵘm [rl] gumna [bo]
sago with fish *ŋgaɾamo gaɾamo ~
ŋgaɾamo [hg]
ŋgaɾamo [bo]
sit down (pl.) *haman háman [hg] haman [bo]
remove clothes *waman vaman [hg] hʷaman [bo]
stand (one leg) *waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]
brain(s) *ɣaum[o/u] 'haumu [pd]
haumó [hg]
ɣomu [bo]
approach/meet *ɣoman hóman [hg] ɣoman [bo]
*-m m m m m m
axe *imbasom imba'som [pd]
basom ~
mbasom [hg]
'imbasom [rl]
tongue *inum i'nim unum unum ~ u'nom unum unum
younger sib *am am
person/people *anim anim anim [+hg] a'nim [rl] anim [bo]
man *anem anem a'nem [md] anem [+hg] a'nem [rl] anem [bo]
woman *anum anum a'num [md] anum [+hg] anum [rl] anum [bo]
cloud/sky *omom o'mom [pd]
óm-om [hg]
omom [rl] omom [bo]
morning star *owom ovom [hg] ohom [rl] ohom [bo]
sago bark *mam mam [hg] mam [bo]
fruit *mokom mo'kom
candlenut *paium pim [hg] pajum [hg] pajum [bo]
pigeon sp. *bewom ve'vom [pd]
bévom [hg]
behom [bo]
cuscus sp. *mbeam be'am bajam [hg] mba'jam [rl] mba'jam [rl]
come (pl.) *naɣam naham [+hg] naɣam [bo]
navel *dekum de'kum da'kum
orphan *ndamom da'mom nda'mom
wallaby *saɣam sa'ɣam saham sa'ham saʔam saɣam
defecate *keɾim ke'lim ka'ɾim
husband *jam zam zam zam ham ham
wife *jum zum zum zum hʲum hʲum
belly *ɣandam handam ha'ndam andam ɣandam

Apical nasal /*n/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*n- n n n n n
turtledove sp. *nipu nipu [hg] nipu [bo]
lie down (dist.) *nin nin [hg] nin [bo]
croton sp. *nini ni-ni [hg] nini [bo]
son's wife (add.) *nikVn[e/a] nikné [hg] nikna [bo]
mother *ne
face *neni₂h ne'nah na'nih
excrement *na na na
friend *namek namek namek
now/today *nama na'ma nama ~ namha nama nama nama
animal *namakud namakud namkud
banana *napet napet napet napet napet napet
mosquito *naŋgi₂t niŋgit ~ niŋgatnaŋgit na'ŋgit naŋgit naŋgit
louse *nahun nhun nahun [rl]
neck/throat *naɣ naɣ nah
come (pl.) *naɣam naham [+hg] naɣam [bo]
1 sg. *nok nok nok nok nok nok
young/new *noɣ noɣ noh
sleep *nu nu nu
*-n- n n n n n
two *inah inah inah inah inah inah
tongue *inum i'nim unum unum ~ u'nom unum unum
sweat *ena e'na e'na
person/people *anim anim anim [+hg] a'nim [rl] anim [bo]
3 pl. *anip anip anip anip anip anip
man *anem anem a'nem [md] anem [+hg] a'nem [rl] anem [bo]
3 sg. m. *anep anep anep anep anep anep
woman *anum anum a'num [md] anum [+hg] anum [rl] anum [bo]
3 sg. f. *anup a'nup anup a'nup anup anup
cross cousin *onos onos [hg] onos [bo]
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap
body *uahani wah'ni wahni 'wahani [+hg] wahani ~ wahni [pd]
wohani [hg]
wahani
shrub sp. *bunaŋga bunaŋga [hg] bunaŋga [bo]
croton sp. *nini ni-ni [hg] nini [bo]
son's wife (add.) *nikVn[e/a] nikné [hg] nikna [bo]
face *neni₂h ne'nah na'nih
shorebird sp. *tena téna [hg] tena [bo]
dark *dino[h] dinoh dino
ankle *seniŋg se'niŋg sa'niŋg
scabies *samani 'samani samani [+hg] samani [bo]
bird sp. *suɾin[ei/ai] suɾinei [hg] sulina [bo]
areca nut *kanis kanis [hg] ka'nis [rl] kanis [bo]
heavy *k[e/a]niɾ ka'niɾ [+hg]
egg/seed *kana ka'na
sun *katane katane katane katane katane katane
urine/bile *kon[o] kon ko'no
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]
help *ɣ[ei/ai]na heina [hg] ɣajna [bo]
burn (intr.) *ɣaunip hónip ~
hunip [hg]
unip̚ [rl] ɣunip [bo]
χaunip̚ [rl]
infant *ɣ[o/u]naɣon hon-a-hon [hg] ɣunaɣon [bo]
*-n n n n n n
canoe *iawun ja'vun javun ja'vun jahun jahun
expel from body *in in in
stand up (sg.) *atin atin atin a'tin [rl] atin [bo]
flea *as[a/o]bi₂n asoban [hg] asabin [hg] asabin [bo]
call *aɾin a'lin a'ɾin
tie up *aɣun ahun [hg] ɛʔ'un ~ aʔun [rl] aɣun [bo]
liver *on on on
stand up (pl.) *uaɣaman wahaman [hg] waɣaman [bo]
speech/voice *mean me'an mean ~ men me'an [pd]
méen [hg]
majan [pd]
ma'jan ~ mɛjan [rl]
majan [+bo]
earth/below *mak[a/o]n ma'kan makon ~ makanma'kan makan makan
thorn/needle *ban ban ban [hg] ban [rl] ban [bo]
flatten/smooth *mbin bin ~ mbin [hg] mbin [bo]
lie down (dist.) *nin nin [hg] nin [bo]
grasshopper *taŋgen taŋgen [pd]
taŋgèn [hg]
bandicoot sp. *tuban tu'ban tu'ban [+hg] tuban [bo]
make *kamin ka'min ka'min
urinate *kosun ko'sun ku'sun
hear *gan gan gan gan gan gan
take/receive *han han han han [+hg] han han [+bo]
sit down (pl.) *h[a/o]aman hóman [hg] haman [bo]
watch closely *weseun véséwn [hg] hʷesewn [bo]
remove clothes *waman vaman [hg] hʷaman [bo]
dry in sun (3 sg.)*wasak-e-un vasak-é-wn [hg] hask-e-un [rl] hʷasak-e-wn [bo]
open mouth *wahin vin [hg] vahin [hg]
stand (one leg) *waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]
plant shoot(s) *ɾun ɾun [hg] lun [bo]
shin *jin zin zin [+hg] hin [hg]
be sated *ɣadin ɣadin hadin [hg] ɣadin [bo]
leave behind *ɣadeun hadéwn [hg] ɣadewn [bo]
approach/meet *ɣoman hóman [hg] ɣoman [bo]
watch/guard *ɣon hon [hg] ɣon [bo]
infant *ɣ[o/u]naɣon hon-a-hon [hg] ɣunaɣon [bo]

It may be observed that a disproportionate number of roots with final /*n/ above are verbs, suggesting final /*-n/ to have been a suffix. In support of this hypothesis are several roots upon which final /n/ is found in either Mbian or the Central languages but is absent in the other subgroup, patterns which must otherwise be viewed as irregular:

Marind MbianKumb East Atih West
*-[n]nøø øø
say *aɣi[n] aɣin ahi ahi [+hg]aʔi ahi ~ aɣei [pd]
aɣi [bo]
*-[n]ønn nn
come (sg.)*ma[n] ma man man [+hg]man man [+bo]
be hungry *hu[n] hu hun

Voiceless stops /*p *t *k/ are invariable across dialects and occur in all positions. Velar /*k/ is much more common than anteriors /*p *t/ (q.v. Geurtjens 1933: 169-227, 273-281, 312-326.)

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*p- p p p p p
cheek *pip pip pip [bo]
greens sp. *piɾu piɾu [hg] pilu [bo]
intestines *pe pe [pd]; pé [hg] pe [bo]
vagina *peɾa pe'ɾa [pd]
péra [hg]
pela [bo]
head *pa pa pa pa [+hg] pa pa [+bo]
candlenut *paium pim [hg] pajum [hg] pajum [bo]
small *papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs
fin(s) of ray *pandap[a]n[a] pandabn [hg] pandapna [bo]
sago splints *pandaɾ pandaɾ [hg] pandal [bo]
leaf fan *pandu pandu [hg] pandu [bo]
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
liana sp. *pageu pagéw [hg] pagew [bo]
buttocks *paŋga pa'ŋga pa'ŋga [+hg] paŋga [bo]
coconut spathe *paɣa paha [hg] paɣa [bo]
skin/bark *paɾ paɾ paɾ [pd]
páɾ [hg]
pal pal [+bo]
bird sp. *paɾi-paɾi paɾi-paɾi [hg] palpali [bo]
ridge *paɾe paɾé [hg] pale [bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
dry sand *paɾup[a]ɾ[a] paɾupɾ [hg] palupla [bo]
tuber sp. *paɾu[ŋ/ŋg] paɾuŋg [hg] paɾuŋ [bo]
new garden *poia poja ~ paja [hg] po'ja ~ pojah [rl]poja [bo]
lizard sp. *podapod pod-a-pod [hg] podapod [bo]
feather(s) *put put [+hg] put [+hg] put [bo]
*-p- p p p p p
pinch/trap (3 sg.)*matap-e-b matap-e-b [hg] matap-e-b [bo]
small *papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
lizard sp. *podapod pod-a-pod [hg] podapod [bo]
turtledove sp. *nipu nipu [hg] nipu [bo]
banana *napet napet napet napet napet napet
heel *tepod te'pod
net *kipa ki'pa ki'pa
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
cough/phlegm *kepu₂ɾ ke'pal ka'puɾ [+hg] kepul [rl] kapul [bo]
heavy *k[e/a]niɾ ka'niɾ [+hg]
palm cockatoo *kapiog kapiog [hg] kapiog [bo]
dry *kapaɾet kapaɾét [hg] 'kapalet [rl] 'kapalet [rl]
*-p p p p p p
lip(s) *itup u'tup
3 pl. *anip anip anip anip anip anip
3 sg. m. *anep anep anep anep anep anep
3 sg. f. *anup a'nup anup a'nup anup anup
nose *aŋgi₂p a'ŋgap aŋgep ~ aŋgip a'ŋgip aŋgip aŋgip
sweet coconut *uimap wimap [hg] wimap [bo]
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap
cheek *pip pip pip [bo]
rattan *tup tup tup tup [+hg] tup tup [+bo]
be thirsty *dahip dahip
cook in ground *sep sép [hg] sep [bo]
burn (intr.) *ɣaunip hónip ~
hunip [hg]
unip̚ [rl] ɣunip [bo]
χaunip̚ [rl]
night *ɣap ɣap hap hap ap ɣap
burst *ɣadip é-ɣaɾip [hg] (a-)hadip [hg]

Apical voiceless stop /*t/ is retained as such in all descendants.

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*t- t t t t t
root *te te te
nipa palm *temu ta'mu [+hg]
nape *temuk te'muk
heel *tepod te'pod
hole *teb teb
belch *tebak tebak ta'bak
shorebird sp. *tena téna [hg] tena [bo]
nail/claw *tek tek ték [hg] tɛ(:)k̚ [rl]
fire/firewood *tekaw tekav ~ te'kaf takav ta'kav takah takah
foot *tegu tagu ta'gu tagu
command *teŋgiɣ teŋgiɣ taŋgi [pd]
taŋgih [hg]
taŋgiɣ [bo]
centipede *tad[o/u] ta'do ta'du
arrow *taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge
grasshopper *taŋgen taŋgen [pd]
taŋgèn [hg]
wing *tah tah
full *tahe[b] taheb
lapwing sp. *taɾe-taɾe taɾé-taɾé [hg] taltale [bo]
tendon *taɾagi taɾagi
rattan *tup tup tup tup [+hg] tup tup [+bo]
bandicoot sp. *tuban tu'ban tu'ban [+hg] tuban [bo]
*-t- t t t t t
root *itit ititi ~ i'tit [pd]
it-it [hg]
ititi [pd]
itit(ʰ) [rl]
ititi [pd]
itit [bo]
nail/claw *itiɾ i'tiɾ [+hg] itil [bo]
lip(s) *itup u'tup
chin *ete ete
salt/sea *etob
stand up (sg.) *atin atin atin a'tin [rl] atin [bo]
right (side) *atow
many/all *otiw u'tiv utiv o'tiv utih otih
kava *uati wati [hg] wati [bo]
plant sp. *uati-uati wati-wati [hg] watiwati [bo]
hibiscus sp. *uakati wakati ~
wokati [hg]
wakati [bo]
long *uagVtVk wag_t_k
~ waga'tok
wag_t_k wag_t_k
fence *uta uta [hg] u'taʔ ~ utah [rl] uta [bo]
pinch/trap (3 sg.) *matap-e-b matap-e-b [hg] matap-e-b [bo]
shade/shadow *matuɾ matuɾ [hg] matul [bo]
lean/be bent (3 sg.)*maset-o-k masét-o-k [hg] maset-o-k [bo]
mountain/hill *baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
paradise sp. *mbate[n/nd] baténd [hg] mbaten [bo]
tree sp. *mbot[a]ɾ[a] bótr ~ mbótr [hg] mbotla [bo]
stone *ketaɾ ka'taɾ katal katal
jungle fowl *kata ka'ta ka'ta [+hg] kata [bo]
sun *katane katane katane katane katane katane
miss shot *haɾetok haɾétok [hg] haletok [bo]
think (3sg.) *wetok vetok ve'tok hʷetok hʷetok
Atih *ɣatiw hativ atih ɣatih
*-t t t t t t
root *itit ititi ~ i'tit [pd]
it-it [hg]
ititi [pd]
itit(ʰ) [rl]
ititi [pd]
itit [bo]
coconut *oŋgat o'ŋgat oŋgat o'ŋgat [+hg] oŋgat oŋgat [+bo]
base/molar *mit mit mit [+hg]
lotus sp. *mamat mamat [hg] mamat [bo]
rat *mambit ma'mbit [+hg] mambit [rl]
tooth/teeth *maŋgat maŋgat maŋgat [+hg] maŋgat maŋgat [+bo]
far *mahut ma'hut
feather(s) *put put [+hg] put [+hg] put [bo]
orchid sp. *bubahet bub-ahet [hg] bubahet [bo]
sister's husband *mbit mbit [hg] mbit [bo]
fish sp. *mbambit bambit [hg] mbambit [bo]
banana *napet napet napet napet napet napet
mosquito *naŋgi₂t niŋgit ~ niŋgatnaŋgit na'ŋgit naŋgit naŋgit
ear *kembet ke'mbet kambet~kembetkambet kambet kambet
dry *kapaɾet kapaɾét [hg] 'kapalet [rl] 'kapalet [rl]
nit(s) *kajabit kazabit [hg] kahʲabit [bo]
dog *ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat [+hg] ŋgat ŋgat [+bo]

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*k- k k k k k
crocodile *kiu kiᵘ kiᵘ kiᵘ kiᵘ
wind *kiuaɾ ki'waɾ
net *kipa ki'pa ki'pa
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
eagle sp. *kidub kidub [hg] kidub [bo]
eye *kind kind kind kind kind kind
winkle sp. *kindin kindin [hg] kindin [bo]
fish sp. *kiwa kiva [hg] kihʷa [bo]
fish sp. *kiɾub kiɾub [hg] kilub [bo]
cassowary *k[ei/ai] keⁱ keⁱ keⁱ keⁱ kaⁱ
cough/phlegm *kepu₂ɾ ke'pal ka'puɾ [+hg] kepul [rl] kapul [bo]
ear *kembet ke'mbet kambet~kembet kambet kambet kambet
stone *ketaɾ ka'taɾ katal katal
raw/unripe *kendi kend- ka'ndi
defecate *keɾim ke'lim ka'ɾim
heavy *k[e/a]niɾ ka'niɾ [+hg]
white cockatoo *kai kai ~ kaï [hg] kʌj [bo]
oriole sp. *kaue-kaue kawé-kawé [hg] kaw(e)kawe [bo]
make *kamin ka'min ka'min
palm cockatoo *kapiog kapiog [hg] kapiog [bo]
dry *kapaɾet kapaɾét [hg] 'kapalet [rl] 'kapalet [rl]
fat/grease *kabeɾ kabel kabeɾ
raptor sp. *kab[ei/ai] kabai ~ kabei
[hg]
kabaj [bo]
tinea *kambi kambi [hg] kambi [bo]
watercress sp. *kambaɾi kambaɾi [hg] kambali [bo]
areca nut *kanis kanis [hg] ka'nis [rl] kanis [bo]
egg/seed *kana ka'na
jungle fowl *kata ka'ta ka'ta [+hg] kata [bo]
sun *katane katane katane katane katane katane
goanna sp. *kadewuk kadivuk [hg] kade'huk [rl] kadihuk [bo]
drum *kandaɾa ka'nda kandra kandara kandala kandala
saliva/spittle *kase kase kase
break (wood) *kagub ka'gub ka'gub
die *kahi[wV]d kahivð kahivd kahid kahid
go up *kahek khek kahek [+hg] kahek [bo]
sweet potato *kaw kaf kav [pd]
káv [hg]
-kah [rl] -kah [bo]
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a kavea kavea ~ kavia kavi'a kahe kahʷaⁱa
fish sp. *kaɾambu kaɾambu [hg] kalambu [bo]
sour *kaj kaz kaz
nit(s) *kajabit kazabit [hg] kahʲabit [bo]
sago beater *ka-ɣawek ka-havek [hg] kaɣahʷek [bo]
bittern sp. *ko kó [hg] ko [bo]
lime/white *koi koi koi koi koi
throw away *koag[i/e]n koagen koagin
urine/bile *kon[o] kon ko'no
tree sp. *kond kónd [hg] kond [bo]
urinate *kosun ko'sun ku'sun
crayfish sp. *kus kus [hg] kus [bo]
snake sp. *kuɾuam kulwam [hg] kuɾwan [hg] kulwam [bo]
waterfowl sp. *kuɣu kuhu [hg] kuɣu [bo]
*-k- k k k k k
one *ijako[d] eska iskad ~ iskod izakod sakod heakod
water *adeka adika ~ ada'kaadka adaka ~
adi'ka [pd]
adaka [hg]
adaka adaka [+bo]
shrub sp. *ake aké [hg] ake [bo]
light (weight) *akak a'kak a'kak
snake *ajaki azaki azaki ahʲaki ahʲaki
shorebird sp. *uandako wandakó [hg] wandako [bo]
hibiscus sp. *uakati wakati ~
wokati [hg]
wakati [bo]
sharp *uaɾoaka 'waloaka woɾo'waka
be crooked (3 sg.) *mik-e-w mik-e-v [hg] mik-e-ø [hg] mik-e-h [bo]
earth/below *mak[a/o]n ma'kan makon ~ makan ma'kan makan makan
fruit *mokom mo'kom
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
heart/breath *beakai beake be'kai [pd]
békai [hg]
beke [rl] bekaj [bo]
mountain/hill *baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
Job's tears *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
sea turtle sp. *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
mouth *babake bake babake
old (person) *bakau ba'kaw
knob *boka bóka [hg] boka [bo]
nape/neck *mbaku mbaku [pd]
baku [hg]
mbaku [bo]
flying fox *mboke bokè [hg] mboke [bo]
son's wife (add.) *nikVn[e/a] nikné [hg] nikna [bo]
animal *namakud namakud namkud
fire/firewood *tekaw tekav ~ te'kaftakav ta'kav takah takah
navel *dekum de'kum da'kum
short *dohakVs dokes dokis doha'k_s dok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s
luminescence *ndaki-ndaki daki-ndaki [hg] ndakindaki [bo]
paradise sp. *sakiɾ sa'kil sa'kiɾ [+hg] sakil [bo]
sago vein (?) *saɾaku saɾaku [hg] salaku [bo]
star *ndeku ndaku
clearing *hekai hékai ~
heikai [hg]
hekaj
smoke *haku ha'ku
dry in sun (3 sg.) *wasak-e-un vasak-é-wn [hg] hask-e-un [rl] hʷasak-e-wn [bo]
river *(a-)ɾik-i li'k-i rik-i ri'k-i [hg] a-lik-i a-lik-i [+bo]
*-k k k k k k
break (stone) *aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
light (weight) *akak a'kak a'kak
accompany *ahik hi'kam a'hik
pull out *ahok ahók [hg] ahok [bo]
bundle *aɣajak ahazak [hg] a:jak [hg]
penis *owi₂k o'vak u'vik
tail *uak 'wak [md] wak [hg] wak [rl] wak [bo]
long *uagVtVk wag_t_k
~ waga'tok
wag_t_k wag_t_k
run *uaɾak
lean/be bent (3 sg.)*maset-o-k masét-o-k [hg] maset-o-k [bo]
bend (intr.) *masuk masuk [hg] masuk [bo]
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
grasp/hold *bik bik [hg] bik [bo]
pig *basik bihik ~ bhik basik ba'sik [+hg] basik basik [+bo]
nape *temuk te'muk
nail/claw *tek tek ték [hg] tɛ(:)k̚ [rl]
stork sp. *ndik ndik [hg] ndik [bo]
hit/beat *sak sak sak
bird sp. *saɾuk saɾuk [hg] saluk [bo]
go up *kahek khek kahek [+hg] kahek [bo]
goura pigeon *mahuk mhuk mahuk mahuk [+hg] mahuk maɣuk [pd]
mahuk [bo]
elbow *muk muk [+hg] muk [+hg] muk̚ ~ mug̚ [rl] muk [bo]
friend *namek namek namek
1 sg. *nok nok nok nok nok nok
belch *tebak tebak ta'bak
bamboo knife *sok sok sok
goanna sp. *kadewuk kadivuk [hg] kade'huk [rl] kadihuk [bo]
sago beater *ka-ɣawek ka-havek [hg] kaɣahʷek [bo]
miss shot *haɾetok haɾétok [hg] haletok [bo]
become loose *haɾak haɾak [hg] halak [bo]
lie down (pl.) *hok hók [hg] hok [bo]
think (3sg.) *wetok vetok ve'tok hʷetok hʷetok
machete *wak[a]ɾ[a] va'kra [pd]
vákɾ [hg]
flow/stream *ɾik rik [hg] lik [bo]
Rahuk *ɾaɣuk ɾahuk laɣuk
half-ripe *jajak zazak [hg] hʲahʲak [bo]
pound sago *ɣawek havek [hg] ɣahʷek [bo]

Plain voiced stops /*b *d *g/ are invariable across dialects and occur in all positions: Initial velar /*g/ is much less common than anteriors /*b *d/ (q.v. Geurtjens 80-97, 97-108, 121-128.)

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*b- b bb b b
anus *bi bi [hg] bi [bo]
grasp/hold *bik bik [hg] bik [bo]
petiole *bi[ŋ/ŋg] biŋg [hg] biŋ [bo]
heart/breath *beakai beake be'kai [pd]
békai [hg]
beke [rl] bekaj [bo]
pigeon sp. *bewom ve'vom [pd]
bévom [hg]
behom [bo]
chest *beɾ bel beɾ [+hg] bel [bo]
canoe pole *beɣau béhaw ~
béhéw[hg]
beɣaw [bo]
greens sp. *beɣob béhob [hg] beɣob [bo]
mountain/hill *baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
mouth *babake bake babake
thorn/needle *ban ban ban [hg] ban [rl] ban [bo]
pig *basik bihik ~ bhikbasikba'sik [+hg] basik basik [+bo]
old (person) *bakau ba'kaw
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
thigh *baɣa ba'ɣa ba'ha
breadfruit *baɾau ba'ɾaw [+hg] balaw [bo]
tail of crocodile *bo bó [hg] bo [bo]
termite mound *bomi bomi [hg] bomi [bo]
lake/swamp *bob bob [hg] bob ~ mbobʰ [rl]bob [bo]
knob *boka bóka [hg] boka [bo]
plant sp. *bu bu [hg] bu [bo]
breast *bub bub bub bub [+hg] bub bub [+bo]
orchid sp. *bubahet bub-ahet [hg] bubahet [bo]
shrub sp. *bunaŋga bunaŋga [hg] bunaŋga [bo]
tree sp. *bud bud [hg] bud [bo]
eucalyptus sp. *bus bus [hg] bus [bo]
cut animal *bug bug [hg] bug [bo]
boil (n.) *buŋg[i] buŋg bu'ŋgi [+hg] buŋgi [bo]
*-b- b bb b b
ibis sp. *ebob ebob [hg] ebob [bo]
flea *as[a/o]bi₂n asoban [hg] asabin [hg] asabin [bo]
Job's tears *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
sea turtle sp. *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
orchid sp. *bubahet bub-ahet [hg] bubahet [bo]
belch *tebak tebak ta'bak
bandicoot sp. *tuban tu'ban tu'ban [+hg] tuban [bo]
wet *dubadub daba'dub [pd]
dab-a-dub ~
dub-a-dub [hg]
bamboo *suba suba suba
fat/grease *kabeɾ kabel kabeɾ
raptor sp. *kab[ei/ai] kabai ~ kabei
[hg]
kabaj [bo]
nit(s) *kajabit kazabit [hg] kahʲabit [bo]
pelican sp. *jabug zabug ~ -k [hg] habug [hg] hʲabug [bo]
rat *ɣabo habó [hg] ɣabo [bo]
*-b b bb b b
ibis sp. *ebob ebob [hg] ebob [bo]
salt/sea *etob
armpit *ab ab ab [+hg] ab [bo]
overtake *aheb aheb [hg] aheb [bo]
split open *aɣab ahab [hg] aɣab [bo]
plait (?) *aɣajab ahazab [bo] a:jab [hg] aɣahʲab [bo]
bird *ujub uzub uzub uzub uhʲub uhʲub
lean (3 sg.) *me-ø-ab mj-ab [hg] me-ø-b [hg] me-ø-b [bo]
braid(s) *maiub majub [hg] majub [bo]
pinch/trap (3 sg.)*matap-e-b matap-e-b [hg] matap-e-b [bo]
greens sp. *beɣob béhob [hg] beɣob [bo]
lake/swamp *bob bob [hg] bob ~ mbobʰ [rl]bob [bo]
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]b maleb [+hg] maɾob [hg]
plant sp. *maɾ[o]b maɾob [hg] malob [bo]
breast *bub bub bub bub [+hg] bub bub [+bo]
hole *teb teb
wet *dubadub daba'dub [pd]
dab-a-dub ~
dub-a-dub [hg]
eagle sp. *kidub kidub [hg] kidub [bo]
fish sp. *kiɾub kiɾub [hg] kilub [bo]
break (wood) *kagub ka'gub ka'gub
hush/appease *hoɣeb hóheb [hg] hoɣeb [bo]
take care of *wagib vagib [hg] hʷagib [bo]
hang *waɣob vahob [hg] hʷaɣob [bo]
douse *wuseb vuseb [hg] huseb [hg] huseb [bo]
grandchild *jeb zeb zeb

Two of five examples of medial /*b/ above, /*tuban/ “bandicoot sp.” and /*kabeɾ/ “fat/grease”, are known to be loans from Yei of the Morehead River to the east.

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*d- d d d d d
dark *dino[h] dinoh dino
forehead *diŋg diŋg
tree/wood *de de de de de de
navel *dekum de'kum da'kum
sago *da da da da da da
bird sp. *dai dai [hg] daj [bo]
spear *da[m/mb] damb dam dam [+hg] dam dam
grandmother *dada da'da
betel pepper *dadami[h] 'dad(ə)mi(h) [rl]dadami [bo]
be thirsty *dahip dahip
mud *daɾoh daɾóh [hg] dalo ~ daloh [rl]dalo [bo]
blood *do do do do do do
short *dohakVs dokes dokis doha'k_s dok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s
wet *dubadub daba'dub [pd]
dab-a-dub ~
dub-a-dub [hg]
butterfly *dud dud
coast/beach *duw duv duh duh
shy *duɾ dul duɾ
*-d- d d d d d
see *idih idih idih i'dih idih idih
water *adeka adika ~ ada'kaadka adaka ~
adi'ka [pd]
adaka [hg]
adaka adaka [+bo]
bathe *[a]dug udag udug
cheek *aɣadiɾ ahadir [hg] a:dil [hg]
lizard sp. *podapod pod-a-pod [hg] podapod [bo]
centipede *tad[o/u] ta'do ta'du
grandmother *dada da'da
betel pepper *dadami[h] 'dad(ə)mi(h) [rl]dadami [bo]
wet *dubadub daba'dub [pd]
dab-a-dub ~
dub-a-dub [hg]
cold *s[a/o]sode[h]sosdeh sasode
eagle sp. *kidub kidub [hg] kidub [bo]
goanna sp. *kadewuk kadivuk [hg] kade'huk [rl] kadihuk [bo]
straight *ɣaedeha 'ɣaedeha he'da
burst *ɣadip é-ɣaɾip [hg] (a-)hadip [hg]
be sated *ɣadin ɣadin hadin [hg] ɣadin [bo]
leave behind *ɣadeun hadéwn [hg] ɣadewn [bo]
frog *ɣadoɾo adolo ɣadolo
*-d d d d d d
be sleepy *-ihid -i'hid [+hg] -ihid [bo]
sit down (sg.) *ambid ambid ambid
father (add.) *ad ad [hg] ad [bo]
fish sp. *ad ad [hg] ad [bo]
laugh *awed aved
sugarcane *od od od od od od
long *ogid u'gid ugid ogi [sic]
be sleepy (3sg.)*u-ihid wi'hid [+hg] uihid [bo]
net bag *uad wad [hg] wad [rl] wad [bo]
bend (tr.) *masud masud [hg] masud [bo]
get angry *mahid mahid [hg] mahid [bo]
lizard sp. *podapod pod-a-pod [hg] podapod [bo]
tree sp. *bud bud [hg] bud [bo]
animal *namakud namakud namkud
heel *tepod te'pod
butterfly *dud dud
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
die *kahi[wV]d kahivð kahivd kahid kahid
play *hai[e/a]d hajed [hg] hajad [bo]
miss/pass *haɾad aɾad ~ haɾad [hg] halad [bo]
light/bright *ɣad ɣa'da -had
become clear (?)*ɣajad hazad [hg] ɣahʲad [bo]
make fence *ɾod lo'd-a ɾod-a [pd]
ɾód [hg]
lod [bo]
pour *ɾuɣad ɾuad ~
ɾuhad [hg]
luɣad [bo]
vomit *ɣod ɣod hod [hg] ɣod [bo]

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*g- g gg g g
turtle sp. *gau gaw gaw [hg] gaw [bo]
hear *gan gan gan gan gan gan
shoulder *gaɾg[e]ɾa gaɾ'geɾa
tusk of pig *gom[a]n[a] gomn ~ gomaɾ [hg] gomna [bo]
ashes *gum[a]n[a]gum gum [+hg] gu:mn ~ goᵘm [rl]gumna [bo]
creeper sp. *guɾi guɾi [hg] guli [bo]
*-g- g gg g g
name *igij i'giz i'giz
long *ogid u'gid ugid ogi
long *uagVtVk wag_t_k
~ waga'tok
wag_t_k wag_t_k
skin *ugu u'gu
egg *magaw ma'gaf
liana sp. *pageu pagéw [hg] pagew [bo]
foot *tegu tagu ta'gu tagu
tendon *taɾagi taɾagi
break (inan.) *kag-ub ka'g-ub ka'g-ub [+hg] kag-ub [bo]
throw away (3 sg.)*ko-ag-e-n ko-ag-e-n ko-ag-e-n
shoulder *gaɾg[e]ɾa gaɾ'geɾa
take care of *wagib vagib [hg] hʷagib [bo]
*-g g gg g g
young woman *iuag -iwag -iwag [pd]
iwâg [hg]
iwag [rl] iwag [bo]
dig *eg eg eg
bathe *[a]dug udag udug
do *og og og og og og
beg *uihig wihig ~ wig [hg] wig [bo]
knee *mig mig mig [+hg] mig ~ mig̚ [rl] mig [bo]
old woman *mes iuag 'mes-iwag 'mes-iwag [pd]
més-iwâg [hg]
mes-iwag [bo]
cut animal *bug bug [hg] bug [bo]
palm cockatoo *kapiog kapiog [hg] kapiog [bo]
coucal sp. *ɾaɾag ɾaɾag [hg] lalag [bo]
almond tree *ɾug ɾug [hg] lug [bo]
pelican sp. *jabug zabug ~ -k [hg] habug [hg] hʲabug [bo]
light fire *ɣausig hu'sig [pd]
hausig ~
husig [hg]
ɣosig [bo]

Prenasalized stops /*mb *nd *ŋg/ are generally invariable across dialects and occur in all positions. Initial prenasalized stops are relatively uncommon (q.v. Geurtjens 1933: 238-241, 253-254, 255-258) and are sometimes heard as plain voiced stops [b d g]. Final prenasalized stops are also uncommon. Prenasalized stops are much more common medially then they are initially or finally.

Bilabial prenasalized stop /*mb/ is retained as such in all descendants. One initial example is heard as plain voiced stop [b] in Mbian:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*mb- mb [mb b]mb mb mb mb
flatten/smooth *mbin bin ~ mbin [hg] mbin [bo]
sister's husband*mbit mbit [hg] mbit [bo]
bird sp. *mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]
seagull sp. *mbiɾu biɾu [hg] mbilu [bo]
cuscus sp. *mbeam be'am bajam [hg] mba'jam [rl] mba'jam [rl]
stone axe *mbeɾi mbeli mbeli mbe'ɾi mbeli mbeli ~ mbel
fish sp. *mbambit bambit [hg] mbambit [bo]
paradise sp. *mbate[n/nd] baténd [hg] mbaten [bo]
bird sp. *mbaɣoɾ bahoɾ [hg] mbaɣol [bo]
flying fox *mboke bokè [hg] mboke [bo]
louse *mba[m/mb] mbamb [pd]
bamb [hg]
mbam [bo]
nape/neck *mbaku mbaku [pd]
baku [hg]
mbaku [bo]
armband sp. *mbaɾaɾ mbaɾaɾ [hg] mbalal [bo]
tree sp. *mbot[a]ɾ[a] bótr ~ mbótr [hg] mbotla [bo]
gills *mbu[m/mb] bumb ~
mbumb [hg]
mbum [bo]
fly (n.) *mbuɾambuɾ mbaɾa'mbuɾ [pd]
mbuɾ-a-mbuɾ
[hg]
mbulambul [bo]
*-mb- mb mb mb mb mb
axe *imbasom imba'som [pd]
basom ~
mbasom [hg]
'imbasom [rl]
rib(s)/side *emba e'mba emba
sit down (sg.) *ambid ambid ambid
leech *ambai a'mbai
scrotum *ombo ombo o'mbo [pd]
ombó [hg]
ombo [bo]
rat *mambit ma'mbit [+hg] mambit [rl]
tree sp. *mumb[a]ɾ[a] mumbɾ [hg] mumbala [bo]
bird sp. *mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]
fish sp. *mbambit bambit [hg] mbambit [bo]
fly (n.) *mbuɾambuɾ mbaɾa'mbuɾ [pd]
mbuɾ-a-mbuɾ
[hg]
mbulambul [bo]
ear *kembet ke'mbet kambet~kembetkambet kambet kambet
tinea *kambi kambi [hg] kambi [bo]
watercress sp. *kambaɾi kambaɾi [hg] kambali [bo]
fish sp. *kaɾambu kaɾambu [hg] kalambu [bo]
headdress sp. *jimbu zimbu [hg] himbu [hg] himbu [bo]
thick *jumbVju[m/mb] zumba'zum [pd]
zumb-a-zumb
[hg]
*-mb mb mb mb mb mb
big *samb samb samb samb samb samb
taro *kemb kemb ~ kemb kemb kemb kemb kemb

(For initial /*mb/ in “cuscus” cf. Yaqay ['mboeam] id. (Drabbe 1954: 136.))

Apical prenasalized stop /*nd/ is retained as such in all descendants. One initial example is heard as plain voiced stop [d] in Mbian:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*nd- nd [nd d] ndnd nd nd
stork sp. *ndik ndik [hg] ndik [bo]
star *ndeku ndaku
orphan *ndamom da'mom nda'mom
luminescence *ndaki-ndaki daki-ndaki [hg] ndakindaki [bo]
sarus crane *ndaɾau daɾaw [hg] ndalaw [bo]
foam *ndaɾo[m/mb] daɾómb [hg] dalom [bo]
rope *ndo[n/nd] ndónd [hg] nɖɔ:nd ~
ndon [rl]
ndon [bo]
nɖɔ:nd [rl]
*-nd- nd ndnd nd nd
bird sp. *ende[n/nd] endénd [hg] enden [bo]
shorebird sp. *uandako wandakó [hg] wandako [bo]
perfective *mend- mend- mend- [bo]
wife's brother*mandaɣ manda [hg] mandaɣ [bo]
moon *mandou mandoᵘ ~
ma'ndow
mandaᵘmandaᵘ ~
ma'ndaw [pd]
mandow [hg]
mandaᵘ mandaᵘ [pd]
mandaw [bo]
fin(s) of ray *pandap[a]n[a] pandabn [hg] pandapna [bo]
sago splints *pandaɾ pandaɾ [hg] pandal [bo]
leaf fan *pandu pandu [hg] pandu [bo]
winkle sp. *kindin kindin [hg] kindin [bo]
raw/unripe *kendi kend- ka'ndi
drum *kandaɾa ka'nda kandrakandara kandala kandala
belly *ɣandam handamha'ndam andam ɣandam
*-nd nd ndnd nd nd
eye *kind kind kind kind kind kind
tree sp. *kond kónd [hg] kond [bo]

Velar prenasalized stop /*ŋg/ is generally retained as such in all descendants. One initial example is heard as plain voiced stop [g] in the East dialect:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ŋg- ŋg ŋg ŋg [ŋg g] ŋg ŋg
dog *ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat [+hg] ŋgat ŋgat [+bo]
unripe fruit *ŋgaɾ ŋgáɾ [hg] ŋgal [bo]
sago with fish*ŋgaɾamo gaɾamo ~
ŋgaɾamo [hg]
ŋgaɾamo [bo]
tree sp. *ŋgaɾasaɾ ŋgaɾsaɾ [hg] ŋgalasal [bo]
nibung palm *ŋgoŋgai góŋgai ~
ŋgo-ŋgai [hg]
ŋgoŋgaj [bo]
leaf *ŋgoɾ ŋgoɾ [pd]
ŋgóɾ [hg]
ŋgol ŋgol [+bo]
tail *ŋgui ŋgu'i gui [pd]
ŋgui [hg]
ŋguj [bo]
crab sp. *ŋgus gus [hg] ŋgus [hg] ŋgus [bo]
*-ŋg- ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg
nose *aŋgi₂p a'ŋgap aŋgep ~ aŋgipa'ŋgip aŋgip aŋgip
coconut *oŋgat o'ŋgat oŋgat o'ŋgat [+hg] oŋgat oŋgat [+bo]
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgapwa'niŋgap
tooth/teeth *maŋgat maŋgat maŋgat [+hg] maŋgat maŋgat [+bo]
buzz/hum *muŋgew muŋgev [hg] muŋgeh [bo]
buttocks *paŋga pa'ŋga pa'ŋga [+hg] paŋga [bo]
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
shrub sp. *bunaŋga bunaŋga [hg] bunaŋga [bo]
mosquito *naŋgi₂t niŋgit ~ niŋgatnaŋgit na'ŋgit naŋgit naŋgit
command *teŋgiɣ teŋgiɣ taŋgi [pd]
taŋgih [hg]
taŋgiɣ [bo]
arrow *taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge
grasshopper *taŋgen taŋgen [pd]
taŋgèn [hg]
stone *seŋga se'ŋga seŋga
hand/palm *seŋga se'ŋga saŋga sa'ŋga saŋga saŋga
Sanggase *saŋgaje saŋgaze saŋgahe
palm sp. *saɾiŋga saɾiŋga [hg] saliŋga [bo]
nibung palm *ŋgoŋgai góŋgai ~
ŋgo-ŋgai [hg]
ŋgoŋgaj [bo]
*-ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg ŋg
way *meŋg meŋg [hg] -meŋ [rl]meŋ [rl]
tuber sp. *paɾu[ŋ/ŋg] paɾuŋg [hg] paɾuŋ [bo]
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
forehead *diŋg diŋg
ankle *seniŋg se'niŋg sa'niŋg
bamboo sp. *so[ŋ/ŋg] soŋg [hg] soŋ [bo]

The word /*ŋgat/ “dog”, while found in other branches of Fly River (with irregular correpondences,) is a loan from Morehead River, as is “star” (though it's also found in Lake Murray.)

In a number of roots, a final prenasalized stop /*mb *nd *ŋg/ …:

Marind MbianKumbEast Atih West
*-[m/mb]
mucus *mo[m/mb] mom momb [pd]
mómb [hg]
mom [bo]
louse *mba[m/mb] mbamb [pd]
bamb [hg]
mbam [bo]
gills *mbu[m/mb] bumb ~
mbumb [hg]
mbum [bo]
spear *da[m/mb] damb dam dam [+hg] dam dam
foam *ndaɾo[m/mb] daɾómb [hg] dalom [bo]
bird sp. *si[m/mb] simb [hg] sim [bo]
fornication *jo[m/mb] zom [pd]
zómb [hg]
hʲom͜b [bo]
thick *jumbVju[m/mb] zumba'zum [pd]
zumb-a-zumb
[hg]
*-[n/nd]
bird sp. *ende[n/nd] endénd [hg] enden [bo]
Marind *maɾi[n/nd] maɾind [hg] malin- [bo]
paradise sp.*mbate[n/nd] baténd [hg] mbaten [bo]
rope *ndo[n/nd] ndónd [hg] nɖɔ:nd ~
ndon [rl]
ndon [bo]
nɖɔ:nd [rl]
*-[ŋ/ŋg]
tuber sp. *paɾu[ŋ/ŋg] paɾuŋg [hg] paɾuŋ [bo]
petiole *bi[ŋ/ŋg] biŋg [hg] biŋ [bo]
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
bamboo sp. *so[ŋ/ŋg] soŋg [hg] soŋ [bo]

Fricatives /*s *h/ are invariable across dialects and occur in all positions.

Fricative /*s/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*s- s s s s s
bird sp. *si[m/mb] simb [hg] sim [bo]
sago w/banana *siw siv [hg] sihʷ [bo]
cook in ground *sep sép [hg] sep [bo]
back *sew sef [pd]
sév [hg]
sev'ta [pd]
sévt ~ séwt [hg]
sews [bo]
stone *seŋga se'ŋga seŋga
ankle *seniŋg se'niŋg sa'niŋg
hand/palm *seŋga se'ŋga saŋga sa'ŋga saŋga saŋga
sand *sa sa sa sa sa
work *saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
scabies *samani 'samani samani [+hg] samani [bo]
big *samb samb samb samb samb samb
hit/beat *sak sak sak
paradise sp. *sakiɾ sa'kil sa'kiɾ [+hg] sakil [bo]
Sanggase *saŋgaje saŋgaze saŋgahe
palm sp. *saɾiŋga saɾiŋga [hg] saliŋga [bo]
coconut flower *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
prawn sp. *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
sago vein (?) *saɾaku saɾaku [hg] salaku [bo]
bird sp. *saɾuk saɾuk [hg] saluk [bo]
wallaby *saɣam sa'ɣam saham sa'ham saʔam saɣam
bamboo knife *sok sok sok
cold *s[a/o]sode[h]sosdeh sasode
mourning band *soia sója [hg]
bamboo sp. *so[ŋ/ŋg] soŋg [hg] soŋ [bo]
bamboo *suba suba suba
bird sp. *suɾin[ei/ai] suɾinei [hg] sulina [bo]
*-s- s s s s s
axe *imbasom imba'som [pd]
basom ~
mbasom [hg]
'imbasom [rl]
path *isas i'sas i'sas
nest *ewesa wefe'sa evesa
sneeze *asi asi
flea *as[a/o]bi₂n asoban [hg] asabin [hg] asabin [bo]
tear(s) *awasi af'si avasi
kunai grass *omasa oma'sa [+hg] om'sa [rl] umasa [bo]
old woman *mes iuag 'mes-iwag 'mes-iwag [pd]
més-iwâg [hg]
mes-iwag [bo]
lean/be bent (3 sg.)*maset-o-k masét-o-k [hg] maset-o-k [bo]
bend (tr.) *masud masud [hg] masud [bo]
bend (intr.) *masuk masuk [hg] masuk [bo]
bird sp. *mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]
work *saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
cold *s[a/o]sode[h]sosdeh sasode
saliva/spittle *kase kase kase
urinate *kosun ko'sun ku'sun
tree sp. *ŋgaɾasaɾ ŋgaɾsaɾ
~ gaɾsaɾ [hg]
ŋgalasal [bo]
watch closely *weseun véséwn [hg] hʷesewn [bo]
dry in sun (3 sg.) *wasak-e-un vasak-é-wn [hg] hask-e-un [rl] hʷasak-e-wn [bo]
douse *wuseb vuseb [hg] huseb [hg] huseb [bo]
light fire *ɣausig hu'sig [pd]
hausig ~
husig [hg]
ɣosig [bo]
hop/jump *ɣosew hosév [hg] ɣoseh [bo]
*-s s s s s s
path *isas i'sas i'sas
pull out *awus avus [hg] ahus [bo]
spread mat *omos omos [hg] omos [bo]
cross cousin *onos onos [hg] onos [bo]
old/ripe/dry *mes mes mes [+hg] mes [rl] mes [bo]
small *papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs
eucalyptus sp. *bus bus [hg] bus [bo]
bird sp. *mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]
short *dohakVs dokes dokis doha'k_s dok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s
areca nut *kanis kanis [hg] ka'nis [rl] kanis [bo]
crayfish sp. *kus kus [hg] kus [bo]
crab sp. *ŋgus gus [hg] ŋgus [hg] ŋgus [bo]
go down *wis (a-)vis vis [+hg] hʷis [bo]
ghost *ɣeis ɣeⁱs his ~ heⁱs ~
haⁱs [pd]
heis [hg]
heⁱs eⁱs ɣeⁱs [pd]
ɣis- [bo]
burn/cook *ɣaus ɣus haᵘs
beard *ɣas ɣas has

In one example, the Mbian reflex of /*s/ is unexpectedly /h/, with characteristic dropping of preceding unstressed /*a/ (below):

MarindMbian Kumb East Atih West
*sh ss ss
pig*basikbihik ~ bhikbasikba'sik [+hg]basikbasik [+bo]

Unoccluded fricative /*h/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*h- h h h h h
fall *hi hij [hg] hi [bo]
like/similar *-hei -hi ~ -haⁱ -hei ~ -heⁱ ~ -hi -hi -hi
clearing *hekai hékai ~
heikai [hg]
hekaj
tree sp. *heh héh [hg] heh [bo]
fall/fall apart*hai hai [hg] haj [bo]
play *hai[e/a]d hajed [hg] hajad [bo]
bone *haiau haiaᵘ ~ hiauhaiaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ hajaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ [pd]
hajéw ~ héjaw [hg]
hajaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ hajaᵘ ~ hehaᵘ [pd]
hajaw [bo]
take/receive *han han han han [+hg] han han [+bo]
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]
smoke *haku ha'ku
spit *haɾiɣ haɾih [hg] haliɣ [bo]
miss shot *haɾetok haɾétok [hg] haletok [bo]
miss/pass *haɾad aɾad ~ haɾad [hg] halad [bo]
become loose *haɾak haɾak [hg] halak [bo]
sit down (pl.) *h[a/o]aman hóman [hg] haman [bo]
lie down (pl.) *hok hók [hg] hok [bo]
hush/appease *hoɣeb hóheb [hg] hoɣeb [bo]
be hungry *hu[n] hu hun
*-h- h h h h h
revenge *iaha jah ja'ha
be sleepy *-ihid -i'hid [+hg] -ihid [bo]
this m. *ehe ehe
break (stone) *aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
accompany *ahik hi'kam a'hik
overtake *aheb aheb [hg] aheb [bo]
house *aha aha aha aha aha aha
lung(s) *ahah a'hah
pull out *ahok ahók [hg] ahok [bo]
beg *uihig wihig ~ wig [hg] wig [bo]
body *uahani wah'ni wahni 'wahani [+hg] wahani ~ wahni [pd]
wohani [hg]
wahani
get angry *mahid mahid [hg] mahid [bo]
dance *mahai mahai [hg] mahaj [bo]
far *mahut ma'hut
goura pigeon *mahuk mhuk mahuk mahuk [+hg] mahuk maɣuk [pd]
mahuk [bo]
orchid sp. *bubahet bub-ahet [hg] bubahet [bo]
louse *nahun nhun nahun [rl]
full *tahe[b] taheb
be thirsty *dahip dahip
red *do-hei do-hi ~ do-haⁱdo-hi do-hi do-hi
short *dohakVs dokes dokis doha'k_s dok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s
die *kahi[wV]d kahivð kahivd kahid kahid
go up *kahek khek kahek [+hg] kahek [bo]
fish sp. *johe zohé [hg] hʲohʲe [bo]
straight *ɣaedeha 'ɣaedeha he'da
*-h h h h h h
two *inah inah inah inah inah inah
see *idih idih idih i'dih idih idih
give birth *ah ah
face *neni₂h ne'nah na'nih
wing *tah tah
mud *daɾoh daɾóh [hg] dalo ~ daloh [rl] dalo [bo]
tree sp. *heh héh [hg] heh [bo]

Unlike nasals and stops, the realization of which is mostly stable in all descendants (above,) the reflexes of non-stops /*w *ɾ *j *ɣ/ vary substantially between dialects. Bilabial and palatal non-stops /*w *j/ are aspirated to [hʷ hʲ] in the West and Atih dialects, while East, Kumb and Mbian affect the more common occlusions to [v z] (as discussed in Drabbe 1933: 14.) The developments in the western dialects are shared with Maklew of the unrelated Bulaka River family to the west; those in the east are shared with Lake Murray to the northeast. These non-stops contrast with high vowels /*i *u/ in the sequences /*ia *ui *ua/ and with high vowel offglides in diphthongs, which may be heard as semivowels but are neither aspirated nor occluded (below.) Apical non-stop /*ɾ/ is realized as /l/ in Mbian and in the western dialects. Velar non-stop /*ɣ/ is aspirated and deoccluded to /h/ in the East and Kumb dialects.

Bilabial non-stop /*w/ is occluded to /v/ in Mbian, Kumb and East dialects and aspirated to /hʷ/ in the western dialects. The labiodental quality of Drabbe's <v> is confirmed by a more recent vocabulary of Matara village (q.v. Sohn, Lebold and Kriens 2009: 31-42.) Mbian often realizes /v/ as voiceless fricative [f] finally, or medially as the first member of a cluster such as those resulting from syncope (below.) In the East dialect, /v/ approaches voicelessness (Drabbe 1955: 16):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*w- v v v hʷ [hʷ h] hʷ [hʷ h]
parents *wi vi
go down *wis (a-)vis vis [+hg] hʷis [bo]
go *wiɾ viɾ [hg] hʷil [bo]
think (3sg.) *wetok vetok ve'tok hʷetok hʷetok
watch closely *weseun véséwn [hg] hʷesewn [bo]
assemble *wewai vé-vai [hg] hʷehʷaj [bo]
father *wai ve ~ vei vai vai ~ vaⁱ hʷai hʷai
paddle (3 sg.) *ø-wai ø-vé ~ ø-vai [hg] ø-vai [hg] ø-he [hg] ø–hʷaj [bo]
remove clothes *waman vaman [hg] hʷaman [bo]
dry in sun (3 sg.)*wasak-e-un vasak-é-wn [hg] hask-e-un [rl]hʷasak-e-wn [bo]
machete *wak[a]ɾ[a] va'kra [pd]
vákɾ [hg]
take care of *wagib vagib [hg] hʷagib [bo]
open mouth *wahin vin [hg] vahin [hg]
stand (one leg) *waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]
hang *waɣob vahob [hg] hʷaɣob [bo]
parrot sp. *woi voi [hg] hoj [bo]
fight *wow vóv [hg] hoh [hg]
mother *wu vu vu vu hu hu
douse *wuseb vuseb [hg] huseb [hg] huseb [bo]
banana leaf *wuw vuv [hg] huh [hg] huh [bo]
*-w- v [v f] v v hʷ [h] hʷ [h]
canoe *iawun ja'vun javun ja'vun jahun jahun
nest *ewesa wefe'sa evesa
laugh *awed aved
swim *aw[e/o]ɾ avel avóɾ [hg] a'hol [rl] ahol [bo]
red clay sp. *awa ava ~ hava [hg] aha [hg] ahʷa [bo]
tear(s) *awasi af'si avasi
carry w/head *awui avui [hg] ahuj [bo]
pull out *awus avus [hg] ahus [bo]
penis *owi₂k o'vak u'vik
morning star *owom ovom [hg] ohom [rl] ohom [bo]
pigeon sp. *bewom ve'vom [pd]
bévom [hg]
behom [bo]
fish sp. *kiwa kiva [hg] kihʷa [bo]
goanna sp. *kadewuk kadivuk [hg] kade'huk [rl] kadihuk [bo]
die *kahi[wV]d kahivð kahivd kahid kahid
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a kavea kavea ~ kaviakavi'a kahe kahʷaⁱa
sago beater *ka-ɣawek ka-havek [hg] kaɣahʷek [bo]
assemble *wewai vé-vai [hg] hʷehʷaj [bo]
hornbill *ɣ[ei/ai]wui heivui [hg] ɣajhuj [bo]
eat *ɣawi[ɣ] havik havik ~ havi [pd]
havi [hg]
ahi ɣahʷiɣ [+bo]
pound sago *ɣawek havek [hg] ɣahʷek [bo]
*-w v [v f] v v hʷ [h] hʷ [h]
weeping/crying *iw if iv
right (side) *atow
many/all *otiw u'tiv utiv o'tiv utih otih
leave (3 sg.) *um-u-w um-u-v um-u-v um-u-v [+hg] um-u-h um-u-h [+bo]
be crooked (3 sg.)*mik-e-w mik-e-v [hg] mik-e-ø [hg] mik-e-h [bo]
village *miɾaw mi'laf mi'ɾav [pd]  miɾáv [hg] mi'lah [rl] milah [bo]
egg *magaw ma'gaf
buzz/hum *muŋgew muŋgev [hg] muŋgeh [bo]
fire/firewood *tekaw tekav ~ te'kaf takav ta'kav takah takah
sago w/banana *siw siv [hg] sihʷ [bo]
back *sew sef [pd]
sév [hg]
sev'ta [pd]
sévt ~ séwt [hg]
sews [bo]
coast/beach *duw duv duh duh
sweet potato *kaw kaf kav [pd]
káv [hg]
-kah [rl] -kah [bo]
pick up (3 sg.) *k-um-u-w k-u'm-u-v k-u'm-u-v [+hg]
fight *wow vóv [hg] hoh [hg]
banana leaf *wuw vuv [hg] huh [hg] huh [bo]
above *ɾawaɾaw lavlav ravrav ravarav lahala lahʷalah
Atih *ɣatiw hativ atih ɣatih
hop/jump *ɣosew hosév [hg] ɣoseh [bo]
tremble *ɣuiew hujév [hg] ɣujeh [bo]

Apical non-stop /*ɾ/ is reflected as /l/ the West and Atih dialects and in Mbian. In the East dialect it is given as <r> and in Kumb variably as <r l>. While Drabbe made no effort to distinguish between rhotics [r ɾ] etc., a more recent vocabulary from Matara village gives reflexes of /ɾ/ as retroflexed flap [ɽ] initially and medially and as a trill [r] only finally (q.v. Sohn, Lebold and Kriens 2009: 31-42.) It is more common finally than medially and uncommon initially (q.v. Geurtjens 1933: 281-293.):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ɾ- l ɾ <r l> ɾ <r> l l
flow/stream *ɾik rik [hg] lik [bo]
resultative *-ɾa -la [~ -a -ta] -ɾa [~ -a -ta] -la [~ -ta] [bo]
above *ɾawaɾaw lavlav ɾavɾav ɾavaɾav lahala lahʷalah
coucal sp. *ɾaɾag ɾaɾag [hg] lalag [bo]
speak *ɾaɣ laɣ ɾah
Rahuk *ɾaɣuk ɾahuk laɣuk
make fence *ɾod lo'd-a ɾod-a [pd]
ɾód [hg]
lod [bo]
tree sp. *ɾu ɾu [hg] lu [bo]
plant shoot(s) *ɾun ɾun [hg] lun [bo]
almond tree *ɾug ɾug [hg] lug [bo]
call by name *ɾu[ɣ] ɾu ~ ɾuh [hg] lu [bo]
pour *ɾuɣad ɾuad ~
ɾuhad [hg]
luɣad [bo]
body hair/fur *ɾuɾ lul ɾuɾ [+hg] lul [bo]
*-ɾ- l ɾ <r l> ɾ <r> l l
bird sp. *iaɾo jaɾó [hg] jalo [bo]
watercress sp. *eɾeɾ eɾ-éɾ [hg] elel [bo]
call *aɾin a'lin a'ɾin
slow *aɾiɾ a'lil a'ɾiɾ
worm *aɾo
stingray sp. *ueɾi wéɾi [hg] weli [bo]
run *uaɾak
sharp *uaɾoaka 'waloaka woɾo'waka
village *miɾaw mi'laf mi'ɾav [pd]  miɾáv [hg] mi'lah [rl] milah [bo]
garden *mVɾu mulu [hg] maɾu [+hg] ma'lu [rl] malu [bo]
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]b maleb [+hg] maɾob [hg]
plant sp. *maɾ[o]b maɾob [hg] malob [bo]
greens sp. *piɾu piɾu [hg] pilu [bo]
vagina *peɾa pe'ɾa [pd]
péra [hg]
pela [bo]
bird sp. *paɾi-paɾi paɾi-paɾi [hg] palpali [bo]
ridge *paɾe paɾé [hg] pale [bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
tuber sp. *paɾu[ŋ/ŋg] paɾuŋg [hg] paɾuŋ [bo]
breadfruit *baɾau ba'ɾaw [+hg] balaw [bo]
seagull sp. *mbiɾu biɾu [hg] mbilu [bo]
stone axe *mbeɾi mbeli mbeli mbe'ɾi mbeli mbeli ~ mbel
armband sp. *mbaɾaɾ mbaɾaɾ [hg] mbalal [bo]
fly (n.) *mbuɾambuɾ mbaɾa'mbuɾ [pd]
mbuɾ-a-mbuɾ
[hg]
mbulambul [bo]
lapwing sp. *taɾe-taɾe taɾé-taɾé [hg] taltale [bo]
tendon *taɾagi taɾagi
mud *daɾoh daɾóh [hg] dalo ~ daloh [rl]dalo [bo]
sarus crane *ndaɾau daɾaw [hg] ndalaw [bo]
foam *ndaɾo[m/mb] daɾómb [hg] dalom [bo]
palm sp. *saɾiŋga saɾiŋga [hg] saliŋga [bo]
coconut flower *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
prawn sp. *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
sago vein (?) *saɾaku saɾaku [hg] salaku [bo]
bird sp. *saɾuk saɾuk [hg] saluk [bo]
bird sp. *suɾin[ei/ai] suɾinei [hg] sulina [bo]
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
fish sp. *kiɾub kiɾub [hg] kilub [bo]
defecate *keɾim ke'lim ka'ɾim
dry *kapaɾet kapaɾét [hg] 'kapalet [rl] 'kapalet [rl]
watercress sp. *kambaɾi kambaɾi [hg] kambali [bo]
fish sp. *kaɾambu kaɾambu [hg] kalambu [bo]
snake sp. *kuɾuam kulwam [hg] kuɾwan [hg] kulwam [bo]
shoulder *gaɾg[e]ɾa gaɾ'geɾa
creeper sp. *guɾi guɾi [hg] guli [bo]
sago with fish *ŋgaɾamo gaɾamo ~
ŋgaɾamo [hg]
ŋgaɾamo [bo]
tree sp. *ŋgaɾasaɾ ŋgaɾsaɾ
~ gaɾsaɾ [hg]
ŋgalasal [bo]
spit *haɾiɣ haɾih [hg] haliɣ [bo]
miss shot *haɾetok haɾétok [hg] haletok [bo]
miss/pass *haɾad aɾad ~ haɾad [hg] halad [bo]
become loose *haɾak haɾak [hg] halak [bo]
coucal sp. *ɾaɾag ɾaɾag [hg] lalag [bo]
frog *ɣadoɾo adolo ɣadolo
lie down (sg.) *ɣaɾ[i] ɣa:l haɾi [hg] ɣali [bo]
*-ɾ l ɾ <r l> ɾ [r] l l
nail/claw *itiɾ i'tiɾ [+hg] itil [bo]
hunger *emeɾ emeɾ [pd]
eméɾ [hg]
emel [bo]
watercress sp. *eɾeɾ eɾ-éɾ [hg] elel [bo]
swim *aw[e/o]ɾ avel avóɾ [hg] a'hol [rl] ahol [bo]
slow *aɾiɾ a'lil a'ɾiɾ
cheek *aɣadiɾ ahadir [hg] a:dil [hg]
star *uaiaɾ wa'jal waɾai wa'jaɾ wajal wajal
be sitting (sg.)*miɾ miɾ [hg] mil [bo]
tree sp. *mijaɾ mizaɾ [hg] mihal [bo]
shade/shadow *matuɾ matuɾ [hg] matul [bo]
sago splints *pandaɾ pandaɾ [hg] pandal [bo]
skin/bark *paɾ paɾ paɾ [pd]
páɾ [hg]
pal pal [+bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
chest *beɾ bel beɾ [+hg] bel [bo]
armband sp. *mbaɾaɾ mbaɾaɾ [hg] mbalal [bo]
bird sp. *mbaɣoɾ bahoɾ [hg] mbaɣol [bo]
fly (n.) *mbuɾambuɾ mbaɾa'mbuɾ [pd]
mbuɾ-a-mbuɾ
[hg]
mbulambul [bo]
shy *duɾ dul duɾ
paradise sp. *sakiɾ sa'kil sa'kiɾ [+hg] sakil [bo]
wind *kiuaɾ ki'waɾ
cough/phlegm *kepu₂ɾ ke'pal ka'puɾ [+hg] kepul [rl] kapul [bo]
stone *ketaɾ ka'taɾ katal katal
heavy *k[e/a]niɾ ka'niɾ [+hg]
fat/grease *kabeɾ kabel kabeɾ
unripe fruit *ŋgaɾ ŋgáɾ [hg] ŋgal [bo]
tree sp. *ŋgaɾasaɾ ŋgaɾsaɾ
~ gaɾsaɾ [hg]
ŋgalasal [bo]
leaf *ŋgoɾ ŋgoɾ [pd]
ŋgóɾ [hg]
ŋgol ŋgol [+bo]
go *wiɾ viɾ [hg] hʷil [bo]
body hair/fur *ɾuɾ lul ɾuɾ [+hg] lul [bo]
endurance *jiuaɾ ziwaɾ [hg] hiwal [hg]
sweet *ɣaeɾ ɣael- heɾ

Palatal non-stop /*j/ is occluded to /z/ in Mbian, Kumb and East dialects and aspirated to /hʲ/ in the western dialects. As with the occluded reflex of /*w/ Mbian can realizes /v/ as voiceless fricative [s] medially as the first member of a cluster such as those resulting from syncope (below.) In the East dialect, /z/ approaches voicelessness and can be heard as [s] word-finally (Drabbe 1955: 16):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*j- z z z hʲ [h hʲ]hʲ [h hʲ]
sing/song *ji zi hi hi
be *jiua ziwa [hg] hiwa [hg]
endurance *jiuaɾ ziwaɾ [hg] hiwal [hg]
headdress sp. *jimbu zimbu [hg] himbu [hg] himbu [bo]
shin *jin zin zin [+hg] hin [hg]
grandfather *je ze he he
grandchild *jeb zeb zeb
husband *jam zam zam zam ham ham
pelican sp. *jabug zabug ~ -k [hg] habug [hg] hʲabug [bo]
half-ripe *jajak zazak [hg] hʲahʲak [bo]
tired *jaju za'zu za'zu
fornication *jo[m/mb] zom [pd]
zómb [hg]
hʲom͜b [bo]
fish sp. *johe zohé [hg] hʲohʲe [bo]
grandmother *ju zu
wife *jum zum zum zum hʲum hʲum
*-j- z [z s] z z hʲ [hʲ s]hʲ [hʲ h]
sago petiole *ij[e]mi iz'mi [pd]
izmi [hg]
izimi [hg] ihémi [hg] ihimi [bo]
one *ijako[d] eska iskad ~ iskodizakod sakod heakod
snake *ajaki azaki azaki ahʲaki ahʲaki
plait (?) *aɣajab ahazab [bo] a:jab [hg] aɣahʲab [bo]
bundle *aɣajak ahazak [hg] a:jak [hg]
bird *ujub uzub uzub uzub uhʲub uhʲub
tree sp. *mijaɾ mizaɾ [hg] mihal [bo]
Sanggase *saŋgaje saŋgaze saŋgahe
nit(s) *kajabit kazabit [hg] kahʲabit [bo]
half-ripe *jajak zazak [hg] hʲahʲak [bo]
tired *jaju za'zu za'zu
thick *jumbVju[m/mb] zumba'zum [pd]
zumb-a-zumb
[hg]
become clear (?)*ɣajad hazad [hg] ɣahʲad [bo]
*-j z z z hʲ [h] hʲ [h]
Imah *imaj imaz imah
name *igij i'giz i'giz
tree sp. *oj oz [hg] ohʲ [bo]
bow *mij miz miz miz [+hg] mih mih [+bo]
sour *kaj kaz kaz

Velar non-stop /*ɣ/ is aspirated and deoccluded in the central dialects of Marind, the distinction between /*ɣ *h/ being lost completely in the Eastern and Kumb dialects (q.v. Drabbe 1933: 14.) Atih reflects /*ɣ/ as glottal stop [ʔ] (zero initially and finally) or, less commonly, as [h]:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ɣ- ɣ h h ʕ [ø h] ɣ
drink/eat *ɣei ɣeⁱ ~ ɣi heⁱ heⁱ [pd]
hi ~ héi [hg]
heⁱ [pd}
i: ~ ej [rl]
ɣeⁱ [pd]
ɣi [bo]
ghost *ɣeis ɣeⁱs his ~ heⁱs ~
haⁱs [pd]
heis [hg]
heⁱs eⁱs ɣeⁱs [pd]
ɣis- [bo]
help *ɣ[ei/ai]na heina [hg] ɣajna [bo]
hornbill *ɣ[ei/ai]wui heivui [hg] ɣajhuj [bo]
laugh *ɣ[ai] ɣae
rain *ɣae ɣa hei ~ haⁱ he [pd]
hei [hg]
e ɣe
fetch *ɣae[t] -ɣaet -he
straight *ɣaedeha 'ɣaedeha he'da
sweet *ɣaeɾ ɣael- heɾ
brain(s) *ɣaum[o/u] 'haumu [pd]
haumó [hg]
ɣomu [bo]
burn (intr.) *ɣaunip hónip ~
hunip [hg]
unip̚ [rl] ɣunip [bo]
χaunip̚ [rl]
burn/cook *ɣaus ɣus haᵘs
light fire *ɣausig hu'sig [pd]
hausig ~
husig [hg]
ɣosig [bo]
night *ɣap ɣap hap hap ap ɣap
rat *ɣabo habó [hg] ɣabo [bo]
Atih *ɣatiw hativ atih ɣatih
light/bright *ɣad ɣa'da -had
burst *ɣadip é-ɣaɾip [hg] (a-)hadip [hg]
be sated *ɣadin ɣadin hadin [hg] ɣadin [bo]
leave behind *ɣadeun hadéwn [hg] ɣadewn [bo]
frog *ɣadoɾo adolo ɣadolo
belly *ɣandam handam ha'ndam andam ɣandam
beard *ɣas ɣas has
climbing belt *ɣaɣeu[n] ɣaɣón [hg] hahéw [hg] aeu [hg]
eat *ɣawi[ɣ] havik havik ~ havi [pd]
havi [hg]
ahi ɣahʷiɣ [+bo]
pound sago *ɣawek havek [hg] ɣahʷek [bo]
lie down (sg.) *ɣaɾ[i] ɣa:l haɾi [hg] ɣali [bo]
become clear (?)*ɣajad hazad [hg] ɣahʲad [bo]
approach/meet *ɣoman hóman [hg] ɣoman [bo]
watch/guard *ɣon hon [hg] ɣon [bo]
vomit *ɣod ɣod hod [hg] ɣod [bo]
hop/jump *ɣosew hosév [hg] ɣoseh [bo]
infant *ɣ[o/u]naɣon hon-a-hon [hg] ɣunaɣon [bo]
tremble *ɣuiew hujév [hg] ɣujeh [bo]
*-ɣ- ɣ h h ʕ [ʔ] ɣ [ɣ h]
afterbirth *iaɣau ja'ɣaw
break (stone) *aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
say *aɣi[n] aɣin ahi ahi [+hg] aʔi ahi ~ aɣei [pd]
aɣi [bo]
split open *aɣab ahab [hg] aɣab [bo]
cheek *aɣadiɾ ahadir [hg] a:dil [hg]
plait (?) *aɣajab ahazab [hg] a:jab [hg] aɣahʲab [bo]
bundle *aɣajak ahazak [hg] a:jak [hg]
tie up *aɣun ahun [hg] ɛʔ'un ~ aʔun [rl] aɣun [bo]
stand up (pl.) *uaɣaman wahaman [hg] waɣaman [bo]
body decor. *maɣi mahi [hg] maɣi [bo]
first *maɣai maɣai ~ majĕ [hg] mahai [hg] maé [hg]
widow/widower *moɣa 'moɣa 'moha
coconut spathe *paɣa paha [hg] paɣa [bo]
canoe pole *beɣau béhaw ~
béhéw[hg]
beɣaw [bo]
greens sp. *beɣob béhob [hg] beɣob [bo]
thigh *baɣa ba'ɣa ba'ha
bird sp. *mbaɣoɾ bahoɾ [hg] mbaɣol [bo]
come (pl.) *naɣam naham [+hg] naɣam [bo]
work *saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
wallaby *saɣam sa'ɣam saham sa'ham saʔam saɣam
sago beater *ka-ɣawek ka-havek [hg] kaɣahʷek [bo]
waterfowl sp. *kuɣu kuhu [hg] kuɣu [bo]
hush/appease *hoɣeb hóheb [hg] hoɣeb [bo]
stand (one leg) *waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]
hang *waɣob vahob [hg] hʷaɣob [bo]
Rahuk *ɾaɣuk ɾahuk laɣuk
pour *ɾuɣad ɾuad ~
ɾuhad [hg]
luɣad [bo]
climbing belt *ɣaɣeu[n] ɣaɣón [hg] hahéw [hg] aeu [hg]
infant *ɣ[o/u]naɣon hon-a-hon [hg] ɣunaɣon [bo]
*-ɣ ɣ h h ʕ [ø] ɣ
2 pl. *eoɣ eoɣ eoh eoh ~ ᵉoh eo eoɣ
left *auaɣ
2 sg. *oɣ oh oh o
wife's brother *mandaɣ manda [hg] mandaɣ [bo]
neck/throat *naɣ naɣ nah
young/new *noɣ noɣ noh
command *teŋgiɣ teŋgiɣ taŋgi [pd]
taŋgih [hg]
taŋgiɣ [bo]
coconut flower *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
prawn sp. *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
inside *kVmaɣ ke'maɣ ku'mah kumaɣ
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]
spit *haɾiɣ haɾih [hg] haliɣ [bo]
speak *ɾaɣ laɣ ɾah

The conflation of /*ɣ/ with /*h/ [h] (above) in the East dialect has the unfortunate consequence that neither van der Kolk and Vertenten' (1922) or Geurtjens' (1933) dictionaries nor Drabbe's (1955) grammar distinguish the two.


Marind roots, as opposed to compounds and inflected forms, invariably take final stress (Drabbe 1955: 16.) This motivates two patterns of syncope in Mbian and Kumb, and sometimes in Atih.

In disyllables where unstressed /*a/ is followed by unoccluded fricative /*h/, it is droppped in (at least) Mbian. Only /*a/ is known to be thusly affected:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*haCV(C) hCVC hVCVC
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]
*(C)ahV(C)(C)hV(C) (C)ahV(C)
accompany *ahik hi'kam a'hik
goura pigeon*mahuk mhuk mahukmahuk [+hg] mahuk maɣuk [pd]
mahuk [bo]
louse *nahun nhun
go up *kahek khek kahek [+hg] kahek [bo]
open mouth *wahin vin [hg] vahin [hg]

One example in which fricative /*s/ and velar non-stop /*ɣ/ has been irregularly deoccluded to /h/ undergoes the same change:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*a/_sø/_h aa aa
pig*basik bihik ~ bhikbasikba'sik [+hg]basikbasik [+bo]

Trisyllables received secondary stress on the first syllable, while the second syllable was destressed. This led to syncope and the formation of medial consonant clusters, which otherwise don't occur in roots, in both Mbian and Kumb and sometimes in Atih:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCCV(C) (C)VCCV(C) (C)VCVCV(C)(C)VC(V)CV(C) (C)VCVCV(C)
sago petiole *ij[e]mi iz'mi [pd]
izmi [hg]
izimi [hg] ihémi [hg] ihimi [bo]
one *ijako[d] eska iskad ~ iskod izakod sakod heakod
tear(s) *awasi af'si avasi
body *uahani wah'ni wahni 'wahani [+hg] wahani ~ wahni [pd]
wohani [hg]
wahani
cold *s[a/o]sode[h] sosdeh sasode
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
stand (one leg)*waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]
above *ɾawaɾaw lavlav ɾavɾav ɾavaɾav lahala lahʷalah

In some instances, this is followed by the loss of one or the other consonant in the resulting cluster:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*C₁VC₂C₁C₁C₂C₁VC₂C₁VC₂ C₁VC₂
drum *kandaɾa ka'ndakandra kandara kandala kandala
*C₁VC₂C₂C₂ C₁VC₂C₁(V)C₂ C₁VC₂
mouth*babake bake babake
short*dohakVs dokes dokis doha'k_s dok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s

One reduplicated compound is likewise affected:

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*C₁C₂C₁C₁VC₂
tomorrow*ɣap-ɣap ɣa'pap hap-'hap

One example undergoes syncope in Kumb, but (apparently) not in Mbian:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C) (C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)
water*adeka adika ~ ada'ka adka adaka ~
adi'ka [pd]
adaka [hg]
adaka adaka [+bo]

The Mbian medial vowel in one example is suspect because medial /v/ is realized as [f], suggesting a cluster (above):

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)
nest*ewesa wefe'sa evesa

Failure to undergo syncope may indicate compounding or a loan, or that syncope isn't invariable for some other reason:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C) (C)VCVCV(C)(C)VCVCV(C)
break (stone)*aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap
mountain/hill*baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
animal *namakud namakud namkud
work *saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
scabies *samani 'samani samani [+hg] samani [bo]
straight *ɣaedeha 'ɣaedeha he'da

A small number of roots …:

Marind MbianKumbEast Atih West
*-[a]n[a] -Cn -Cna
tusk of pig *gom[a]n[a] gomn ~ gomaɾ [hg] gomna [bo]
ashes *gum[a]n[a] gum gum [+hg] gu:mn ~ goᵘm [rl]gumna [bo]
fin(s) of ray*pandap[a]n[a] pandabn [hg] pandapna [bo]
*-[a]ɾ[a] -Cɾ -Cala ~ -Cla
tree sp. *mumb[a]ɾ[a] mumbɾ [hg] mumbala [bo]
dry sand *paɾup[a]ɾ[a] paɾupɾ [hg] palupla [bo]
tree sp. *mbot[a]ɾ[a] bótr ~ mbótr [hg] mbotla [bo]
machete *wak[a]ɾ[a] va'kra [pd]
vákɾ [hg]

… reduplications…:

Marind MbianKumbEast Atih West
*…
root *itit ititi ~ i'tit [pd]
it-it [hg]
ititi [pd]
itit(ʰ) [rl]
ititi [pd]
itit [bo]
bird sp. *ende[n/nd] endénd [hg] enden [bo]
watercress sp.*eɾeɾ eɾ-éɾ [hg] elel [bo]
light (weight)*akak a'kak a'kak
lung(s) *ahah a'hah
cloud/sky *omom o'mom [pd]
óm-om [hg]
omom [rl] omom [bo]
mango *uiui wiwi [hg] wiwi [bo]
Job's tears *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
sea turtle sp.*baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
croton sp. *nini ni-ni [hg] nini [bo]

…:

Marind MbianKumbEast AtihWest
*…
bird sp. *paɾi-paɾi paɾi-paɾi [hg] palpali [bo]
plant sp. *uati-uati wati-wati [hg] watiwati [bo]
luminescence*ndaki-ndaki daki-ndaki [hg] ndakindaki [bo]
lapwing sp. *taɾe-taɾe taɾé-taɾé [hg] taltale [bo]
oriole sp. *kaue-kaue kawé-kawé [hg] kaw(e)kawe [bo]

…:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*…
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
lizard sp.*podapod pod-a-pod [hg] podapod [bo]
pufferfish*baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
bird sp. *mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]
fly (n.) *mbuɾambuɾ mbaɾa'mbuɾ [pd]
mbuɾ-a-mbuɾ
[hg]
mbulambul [bo]
wet *dubadub daba'dub [pd]
dab-a-dub ~
dub-a-dub [hg]
above *ɾawaɾaw lavlavravravravarav lahalalahʷalah
thick *jumbVju[m/mb] zumba'zum [pd]
zumb-a-zumb
[hg]
infant *ɣ[o/u]naɣon hon-a-hon [hg] ɣunaɣon [bo]

…:

Marind MbianKumbEast AtihWest
*…
fin(s) of ray*pandap[a]n[a] pandabn [hg] pandapna [bo]
dry sand *paɾup[a]ɾ[a] paɾupɾ [hg] palupla [bo]

Vowels /*i *u *e *o *a/ occur in all positions. In monosyllables, all five vowels are invariably retained as such in all descendants, as are vowels of identical quality in disyllables.

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*i i i i i i
anus *bi bi [hg] bi [bo]
parents *wi vi
sing/song *ji zi hi hi
expel from body *in in in
weeping/crying *iw if iv
base/molar *mit mit mit [+hg]
knee *mig mig mig [+hg] mig ~ mig̚ [rl] mig [bo]
be sitting (sg.)*miɾ miɾ [hg] mil [bo]
bow *mij miz miz miz [+hg] mih mih [+bo]
cheek *pip pip pip [bo]
grasp/hold *bik bik [hg] bik [bo]
petiole *bi[ŋ/ŋg] biŋg [hg] biŋ [bo]
flatten/smooth *mbin bin ~ mbin [hg] mbin [bo]
sister's husband*mbit mbit [hg] mbit [bo]
lie down (dist.)*nin nin [hg] nin [bo]
forehead *diŋg diŋg
stork sp. *ndik ndik [hg] ndik [bo]
bird sp. *si[m/mb] simb [hg] sim [bo]
sago w/banana *siw siv [hg] sihʷ [bo]
eye *kind kind kind kind kind kind
go *wiɾ viɾ [hg] hʷil [bo]
shin *jin zin zin [+hg] hin [hg]
*iCi iCiiCiiCi iCi iCi
croton sp. *nini ni-ni [hg] nini [bo]
root *itit ititi ~ i'tit [pd]
it-it [hg]
ititi [pd]
itit(ʰ) [rl]
ititi [pd]
itit [bo]
nail/claw *itiɾ i'tiɾ [+hg] itil [bo]
see *idih idih idih i'dih idih idih
name *igij i'giz i'giz
winkle sp. *kindin kindin [hg] kindin [bo]

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*u u u u u u
plant sp. *bu bu [hg] bu [bo]
sleep *nu nu nu
mother *wu vu vu vu hu hu
tree sp. *ɾu ɾu [hg] lu [bo]
be hungry *hu[n] hu hun
call by name *ɾu[ɣ] ɾu ~ ɾuh [hg] lu [bo]
elbow *muk muk [+hg] muk [+hg] muk̚ ~ mug̚ [rl]muk [bo]
feather(s) *put put [+hg] put [+hg] put [bo]
breast *bub bub bub bub [+hg] bub bub [+bo]
tree sp. *bud bud [hg] bud [bo]
eucalyptus sp. *bus bus [hg] bus [bo]
cut animal *bug bug [hg] bug [bo]
gills *mbu[m/mb] bumb ~
mbumb [hg]
mbum [bo]
rattan *tup tup tup tup [+hg] tup tup [+bo]
butterfly *dud dud
coast/beach *duw duv duh duh
shy *duɾ dul duɾ
crayfish sp. *kus kus [hg] kus [bo]
crab sp. *ŋgus gus [hg] ŋgus [hg] ŋgus [bo]
banana leaf *wuw vuv [hg] huh [hg] huh [bo]
plant shoot(s) *ɾun ɾun [hg] lun [bo]
almond tree *ɾug ɾug [hg] lug [bo]
body hair/fur *ɾuɾ lul ɾuɾ [+hg] lul [bo]
wife *jum zum zum zum hʲum hʲum
*uCu uCu uCuuCu uCu uCu
skin *ugu u'gu
leave (3 sg.) *um-u-w um-u-v um-u-v um-u-v [+hg] um-u-h um-u-h [+bo]
bird *ujub uzub uzub uzub uhʲub uhʲub
waterfowl sp. *kuɣu kuhu [hg] kuɣu [bo]
pick up (3 sg.)*k-um-u-w k-u'm-u-v k-u'm-u-v [+hg]

Mid front vowel /*e/ in simple environments is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)e(C) (C)e(C) (C)e(C)(C)e(C) (C)e(C) (C)e(C)
scar *e e e [+hg] e [bo]
future *-e -e -e -e [bo]
intestines *pe pe [pd]; pé [hg] pe [bo]
mother *ne
root *te te te
tree/wood *de de de de de de
grandfather *je ze he he
dig *eg eg eg
perfective *mend- mend- mend- [bo]
old/ripe/dry *mes mes mes [+hg] mes [rl] mes [bo]
way *meŋg meŋg [hg] -meŋ [rl] meŋ [rl]
chest *beɾ bel beɾ [+hg] bel [bo]
hole *teb teb
nail/claw *tek tek ték [hg] tɛ(:)k̚ [rl]
cook in ground*sep sép [hg] sep [bo]
back *sew sef [pd]
sév [hg]
sev'ta [pd]
sévt ~ séwt [hg]
sews [bo]
taro *kemb kemb ~ kemb kemb kemb kemb kemb
tree sp. *heh héh [hg] heh [bo]
grandchild *jeb zeb zeb
*(C)eCe(C) eCe
chin *ete ete
this m. *ehe ehe
hunger *emeɾ emeɾ [pd]
eméɾ [hg]
emel [bo]
bird sp. *ende[n/nd] endénd [hg] enden [bo]
watercress sp.*eɾeɾ eɾ-éɾ [hg] elel [bo]

Mid back vowel /*o/ in simple environments is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*o o oo o o
tail of crocodile*bo bó [hg] bo [bo]
blood *do do do do do do
bittern sp. *ko kó [hg] ko [bo]
liver *on on on
sugarcane *od od od od od od
tree sp. *oj oz [hg] ohʲ [bo]
2 sg. *oɣ oh oh o
mucus *mo[m/mb] mom momb [pd]
mómb [hg]
mom [bo]
lake/swamp *bob bob [hg] bob ~ mbobʰ [rl] bob [bo]
1 sg. *nok nok nok nok nok nok
young/new *noɣ noh noɣ
rope *ndo[n/nd] ndónd [hg] nɖɔ:nd ~
ndon [rl]
ndon [bo]
nɖɔ:nd [rl]
bamboo knife *sok sok sok
bamboo sp. *so[ŋ/ŋg] soŋg [hg] soŋ [bo]
tree sp. *kond kónd [hg] kond [bo]
leaf *ŋgoɾ ŋgoɾ [pd]
ŋgóɾ [hg]
ŋgol ŋgol [+bo]
lie down (pl.) *hok hók [hg] hok [bo]
fight *wow vóv [hg] hoh [hg]
make fence *ɾod lo'd-a ɾod-a [pd]
ɾód [hg]
lod [bo]
fornication *jo[m/mb] zom [pd]
zómb [hg]
hʲom͜b [bo]
watch/guard *ɣon hon [hg] ɣon [bo]
vomit *ɣod ɣod hod [hg] ɣod [bo]
*oCo oCo oCo
scrotum *ombo ombo o'mbo [pd]
ombó [hg]
ombo [bo]
urine/bile *kon[o] kon ko'no
cloud/sky *omom o'mom [pd]
óm-om [hg]
omom [rl] omom [bo]
spread mat *omos omos [hg] omos [bo]
cross cousin *onos onos [hg] onos [bo]
morning star *owom ovom [hg] ohom [rl] ohom [bo]
fruit *mokom mo'kom

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

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*a a a a a a
future *ma- ma- ma- [bo]
younger sib *am am
armpit *ab ab ab [+hg] ab [bo]
father (add.) *ad ad [hg] ad [bo]
fish sp. *ad ad [hg] ad [bo]
give birth *ah ah
head *pa pa pa pa [+hg] pa pa [+bo]
excrement *na na na
sago *da da da da da da
sand *sa sa sa sa sa
resultative *-ɾa -la [~ -a -ta] -ɾa [~ -a -ta] -la [~ -ta] [bo]
come (sg.) *ma[n] ma man man [+hg] man man [+bo]
sago bark *mam mam [hg] mam [bo]
skin/bark *paɾ paɾ paɾ [pd]
páɾ [hg]
pal pal [+bo]
thorn/needle *ban ban ban [hg] ban [rl] ban [bo]
louse *mba[m/mb] mbamb [pd]
bamb [hg]
mbam [bo]
neck/throat *naɣ naɣ nah
wing *tah tah
spear *da[m/mb] damb dam dam [+hg] dam dam
big *samb samb samb samb samb samb
hit/beat *sak sak sak
sweet potato *kaw kaf kav [pd]
káv [hg]
-kah [rl] -kah [bo]
sour *kaj kaz kaz
hear *gan gan gan gan gan gan
dog *ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat ŋgat [+hg] ŋgat ŋgat [+bo]
unripe fruit *ŋgaɾ ŋgáɾ [hg] ŋgal [bo]
take/receive *han han han han [+hg] han han [+bo]
speak *ɾaɣ laɣ ɾah
husband *jam zam zam zam ham ham
night *ɣap ɣap hap hap ap ɣap
light/bright *ɣad ɣa'da -had
beard *ɣas ɣas has
*(C)aCa(C)(C)aCa(C) (C)aCa(C)(C)aCa(C) (C)aCa(C)(C)aCa(C)
house *aha aha aha aha aha aha
red clay sp. *awa ava ~ hava [hg] aha [hg] ahʷa [bo]
Job's tears *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
sea turtle sp. *baba ba-ba [hg] baba [bo
grandmother *dada da'da
buttocks *paŋga pa'ŋga pa'ŋga [+hg] paŋga [bo]
coconut spathe *paɣa paha [hg] paɣa [bo]
thigh *baɣa ba'ɣa ba'ha
now/today *nama na'ma nama ~ namha nama nama nama
egg/seed *kana ka'na
jungle fowl *kata ka'ta ka'ta [+hg] kata [bo]
light (weight) *akak a'kak a'kak
lung(s) *ahah a'hah
split open *aɣab ahab [hg] aɣab [bo]
lotus sp. *mamat mamat [hg] mamat [bo]
wife's brother *mandaɣ manda [hg] mandaɣ [bo]
egg *magaw ma'gaf
tooth/teeth *maŋgat maŋgat maŋgat [+hg] maŋgat maŋgat [+bo]
sago splints *pandaɾ pandaɾ [hg] pandal [bo]
armband sp. *mbaɾaɾ mbaɾaɾ [hg] mbalal [bo]
wallaby *saɣam sa'ɣam saham sa'ham saʔam saɣam
miss/pass *haɾad aɾad ~ haɾad [hg] halad [bo]
become loose *haɾak haɾak [hg] halak [bo]
remove clothes *waman vaman [hg] hʷaman [bo]
coucal sp. *ɾaɾag ɾaɾag [hg] lalag [bo]
half-ripe *jajak zazak [hg] hʲahʲak [bo]
belly *ɣandam handam ha'ndam andam ɣandam
become clear (?)*ɣajad hazad [hg] ɣahʲad [bo]
*CaCaCa CaCCa CaCCa CaCaCa CaCaCa CaCaCa
drum *kandaɾa ka'nda kandra kandara kandala kandala
*CaCaCaC CaCCaC CaCCaC CaCaCaC CaCaCaC CaCaCaC
plait (?) *aɣajab ahazab [bo] a:jab [hg] aɣahʲab [bo]
bundle *aɣajak ahazak [hg] a:jak [hg]
stand up (pl.) *uaɣaman wahaman [hg] waɣaman [bo]
frog sp. *pakapak pak-a-pak [hg] pakapak [bo]
thin *paɾapaɾ pa'ɾapaɾ [pd]
paɾ-a-paɾ [hg]
pufferfish *baŋgaba[ŋ/ŋg] baŋg-a-baŋg
[hg]
baŋgabaŋ [bo]
tree sp. *ŋgaɾasaɾ ŋgaɾsaɾ
~ gaɾsaɾ [hg]
ŋgalasal [bo]
above *ɾawaɾaw lavlav ɾavɾav ɾavaɾav lahala lahʷalah

Any vowel /*i *u *e *o/ may follow low central /*a/ in preceding syllables.

Words of the form /*(C)aCi(C)/ as well as /*(C)aCaCi(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants, except where syncope has led to the loss of a medial vowel (above):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)aCi(C)(C)aCi(C) (C)aCi(C) (C)aCi(C) (C)aCi(C) (C)aCi(C)
sneeze *asi asi
body decor. *maɣi mahi [hg] maɣi [bo]
bird sp. *paɾi-paɾi paɾi-paɾi [hg] palpali [bo]
luminescence *ndaki-ndaki daki-ndaki [hg] ndakindaki [bo]
tinea *kambi kambi [hg] kambi [bo]
say *aɣi[n] aɣin ahi ahi [+hg] aʔi ahi ~ aɣei [pd]
aɣi [bo]
sit down (sg.) *ambid ambid ambid
person/people *anim anim anim [+hg] a'nim [rl] anim [bo]
3 pl. *anip anip anip anip anip anip
stand up (sg.) *atin atin atin a'tin [rl] atin [bo]
accompany *ahik hi'kam a'hik
call *aɾin a'lin a'ɾin
slow *aɾiɾ a'lil a'ɾiɾ
rat *mambit ma'mbit [+hg] mambit [rl]
get angry *mahid mahid [hg] mahid [bo]
fish sp. *mbambit bambit [hg] mbambit [bo]
paradise sp. *sakiɾ sa'kil sa'kiɾ [+hg] sakil [bo]
make *kamin ka'min ka'min
areca nut *kanis kanis [hg] ka'nis [rl] kanis [bo]
die *kahi[wV]d kahivð kahivd kahid kahid
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]
spit *haɾiɣ haɾih [hg] haliɣ [bo]
take care of *wagib vagib [hg] hʷagib [bo]
Atih *ɣatiw hativ atih ɣatih
be sated *ɣadin ɣadin hadin [hg] ɣadin [bo]
eat *ɣawi[ɣ] havik havik ~ havi [pd]
havi [hg]
ahi ɣahʷiɣ [+bo]
*(C)aCaCi (C)aC(a)Ci(C)(C)aCCi(C)(C)aCaCi(C) (C)aC(a)Ci(C) (C)aCaCi(C)
tear(s) *awasi af'si avasi
snake *ajaki azaki azaki ahʲaki ahʲaki
scabies *samani 'samani samani [+hg] samani [bo]
betel pepper *dadami[h] 'dad(ə)mi(h) [rl] dadami [bo]
cheek *aɣadiɾ ahadir [hg] a:dil [hg]
nit(s) *kajabit kazabit [hg] kahʲabit [bo]
stand (one leg)*waɣamin vaɣmin [hg] vahamin [hg]

…:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*aCiCiCiCiCiCiCiCi aCiCiaCiCi
river*(a-)ɾik-ili'k-i rik-i ri'k-i [hg]a-lik-i a-lik-i [+bo]

…:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*CasiCC(i)hiC CasiCCasiC CasiCCasiC
pig*basik bihik ~ bhikbasik ba'sik [+hg]basik basik [+bo]

Words of the form /*(C)aCu(C)/ as well as /*(C)aCaCuC)/ are retained as such in all descendants, except where syncope has led to the loss of a medial vowel (above):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)aCu(C) (C)aCu(C) (C)aCu(C)(C)aCu(C) (C)aCu(C) (C)aCu(C)
leaf fan *pandu pandu [hg] pandu [bo]
nape/neck *mbaku mbaku [pd]
baku [hg]
mbaku [bo]
smoke *haku ha'ku
tired *jaju za'zu za'zu
woman *anum anum a'num [md] anum [+hg] anum [rl] anum [bo]
3 sg. f. *anup a'nup anup a'nup anup anup
tie up *aɣun ahun [hg] ɛʔ'un ~ aʔun [rl]aɣun [bo]
pull out *awus avus [hg] ahus [bo]
shade/shadow *matuɾ matuɾ [hg] matul [bo]
bend (tr.) *masud masud [hg] masud [bo]
bend (intr.) *masuk masuk [hg] masuk [bo]
far *mahut ma'hut
goura pigeon *mahuk mhuk mahuk mahuk [+hg] mahuk maɣuk [pd]
mahuk [bo]
tuber sp. *paɾu[ŋ/ŋg] paɾuŋg [hg] paɾuŋ [bo]
louse *nahun nhun nahun [rl]
bird sp. *saɾuk saɾuk [hg] saluk [bo]
break (wood) *kagub ka'gub ka'gub
Rahuk *ɾaɣuk ɾahuk laɣuk
pelican sp. *jabug zabug ~ -k [hg] habug [hg] hʲabug [bo]
*(C)aCaCu(C)(C)aCaCu(C) (C)aCaCu(C)
sago vein (?)*saɾaku saɾaku [hg] salaku [bo]
fish sp. *kaɾambu kaɾambu [hg] kalambu [bo]
animal *namakud namakud namkud

Words of the form /*(C)aCe(C)/ as well as /*(C)aCaCe(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants, except where syncope has led to the loss of a medial vowel (above):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)aCe(C)(C)aCe(C) (C)aCe(C) (C)aCe(C) (C)aCe(C) (C)aCe(C)
shrub sp. *ake aké [hg] ake [bo]
ridge *paɾe paɾé [hg] pale [bo]
arrow *taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge taŋge
lapwing sp. *taɾe-taɾe taɾé-taɾé [hg] taltale [bo]
saliva/spittle *kase kase kase
man *anem anem a'nem [md] anem [+hg] a'nem [rl] anem [bo]
3 sg. m. *anep anep anep anep anep anep
overtake *aheb aheb [hg] aheb [bo]
laugh *awed aved
paradise sp. *mbate[n/nd] baténd [hg] mbaten [bo]
friend *namek namek namek
banana *napet napet napet napet napet napet
grasshopper *taŋgen taŋgen [pd]
taŋgèn [hg]
full *tahe[b] taheb
coconut flower *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
prawn sp. *saɾeɣ saréh [hg] saleɣ [bo]
fat/grease *kabeɾ kabel kabeɾ
go up *kahek khek kahek [+hg] kahek [bo]
pound sago *ɣawek havek [hg] ɣahʷek [bo]
*(C)aCaCe (C)aCCe(C)(C)aCaCe(C)(C)aCaCe(C) (C)aCaCe(C)(C)aCaCe(C)
mouth *babake bake babake
Sanggase *saŋgaje saŋgaze saŋgahe
sun *katane katane katane katane katane katane
pinch/trap (3 sg.)*matap-e-b matap-e-b [hg] matap-e-b [bo]
dry *kapaɾet kapaɾét [hg] 'kapalet [rl] 'kapalet [rl]
sago beater *ka-ɣawek ka-havek [hg] kaɣahʷek [bo]

Words of the form /*(C)aCo(C)/ as well as /*(C)aCoCo(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants, except where syncope has led to the loss of a medial vowel (above):

Marind Mbian KumbEast Atih West
*(C)aCo(C) (C)aCo(C)(C)aCo(C)
worm *aɾo
rat *ɣabo habó [hg] ɣabo [bo]
right (side)*atow
pull out *ahok ahók [hg] ahok [bo]
bird sp. *mbaɣoɾ bahoɾ [hg] mbaɣol [bo]
mud *daɾoh daɾóh [hg] dalo ~ daloh [rl]dalo [bo]
orphan *ndamom da'mom nda'mom
foam *ndaɾo[m/mb] daɾómb [hg] dalom [bo]
hang *waɣob vahob [hg] hʷaɣob [bo]
*(C)aCoCo(C) (C)aCoCo(C) (C)aCoCo(C)
frog *ɣadoɾo adolo ɣadolo

Any vowel /*i *u *e *o/ may by followed by low central /*a/ in subsequent syllables.

Words of the form /*(C)iCa(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)iCa(C)(C)iCa(C)(C)iCa(C)(C)iCa(C) (C)iCa(C)(C)iCa(C)
net *kipa ki'pa ki'pa
fish sp.*kiwa kiva [hg] kihʷa [bo]
Imah *imaj imaz imah
two *inah inah inah inah inah inah
path *isas i'sas i'sas
village *miɾaw mi'laf mi'ɾav [pd]  miɾáv [hg]mi'lah [rl] milah [bo]
tree sp.*mijaɾ mizaɾ [hg] mihal [bo]
bird sp.*mbisambis mbis-a-mbis
[hg]
mbisambis [bo]

Words of the form /*(C)uCa(C)/ as well as /*(C)aCoCo(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian KumbEast Atih West
*(C)uCa(C)(C)uCa(C)(C)uCa(C)
fence *uta uta [hg] u'taʔ ~ utah [rl]uta [bo]
bamboo *suba suba suba
bandicoot sp.*tuban tu'ban tu'ban [+hg] tuban [bo]
pour *ɾuɣad ɾuad ~
ɾuhad [hg]
luɣad [bo]

Words of the form /*eCa/ as well as /*eCeCa/ are retained as such in at least Mbian and Southeast Marind:

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*eCa eCa eCa
rib(s)/side*emba e'mba e:mba
sweat *ena e'na e'na
*eCeCaeCeCaeCeCa
nest *ewesa wefe'sa evesa

Words of the form /*(C)oCa(C)/ as well as /*(C)oCaCa(C)/ are retained as such in all descendants, except where syncope has led to the loss of a medial vowel (above):

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*(C)oCa(C)(C)oCa(C)(C)oCa(C)(C)oCa(C)(C)oCa(C)(C)oCa(C)
coconut *oŋgat o'ŋgat oŋgat o'ŋgat [+hg] oŋgat oŋgat [+bo]
widow/widower*moɣa 'moɣa 'moha
knob *boka bóka [hg] boka [bo]

[under construction]

… /*i/ …

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*i/(C)_Co(C)i i i i i
dark*dino[h] dinoh dino:
*i/(C)_CaCuCi i i i i
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipaludkipalud
*i/… i i
work*saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]

One word with an unusual pattern is mandatorily a compound due to stress rules:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*i/uaC_CaCi i i i i
good*uaniŋgap wa'niŋgapniŋgapwa'niŋgapwa'niŋgapwa'niŋgap

Words of the form /*iCuC/ are reflected as /iCiC/ in Mbian and as /uCuC/ elsewhere:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*iCuCiCiCuCuCuCuC uCuCuCuC
tongue*inum i'nim unum unum ~ u'nomunum unum
lip(s)*itup u'tup

…:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*i₂ a i e i i i
flea *as[a/o]bi₂nasoban [hg] asabin [hg] asabin [bo]
nose *aŋgi₂p a'ŋgap aŋgep ~ aŋgipa'ŋgip aŋgip aŋgip
penis *owi₂k o'vak u'vik
face *neni₂h ne'nah na'nih
mosquito*naŋgi₂t niŋgit ~ niŋgatnaŋgit na'ŋgit naŋgit naŋgit
bite *hani₂ɣ hnag hani [pd]
hanih [hg]
ha'nɛʔ ~
ha'neʔ [rl]
haniɣ [bo]

… /*u/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*u/… u u u u u
canoe *iawun ja'vunjavun ja'vun jahun jahun
*u/iC_C u u u u u
tongue *inum i'nim unum unum ~ u'nomunum unum
lip(s) *itup u'tup
*u/(C)_Ci i
boil (n.) *buŋg[i] buŋg bu'ŋgi [+hg] buŋgi [bo]
*u/CeC_C u u
nape *temuk te'muk
navel *dekum de'kum da'kum
*u/CVCVC_Cu u u u u
wet *dubadub daba'dub
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
goanna sp.*kadewuk kadivuk [hg]kade'huk [rl]kadihuk [bo]

… /*u₂/ …:

Marind Mbian KumbEast Atih West
*u₂a u
cough/phlegm*kepu₂ɾke'pal ka'puɾ [+hg]kepul [rl]kapul [bo]

… /*e/ …

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*e/(C)_CoCe e e e e
salt/sea *etob
think (3sg.)*wetok vetok ve'tokhʷetokhʷetok
*e/CeC_C e e e e e
ear *kembet ke'mbetkambet~kembetkambetkambetkambet

… /e/ in Mbian and /a/ elsewhere:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*e/_CiCe aa a a
face *neni₂h ne'nah na'nih
command *teŋgiɣ teŋgiɣ taŋgi [pd]
taŋgih [hg]
taŋgiɣ [bo]
ankle *seniŋg se'niŋg sa:'niŋg
raw/unripe *kendi kend- ka:'ndi
defecate *keɾim ke'lim ka'ɾim
*e/_CuCe aa a a
garden *mVɾu mulu [hg] maɾu [+hg] ma'lu [rl]malu [bo]
foot *tegu tagu ta'gu tagu
star *ndeku ndaku
nipa palm *temu ta'mu [+hg]
nape *temuk te'muk
navel *dekum de'kum da'kum
cough/phlegm*kepu₂ɾ ke'pal ka'puɾ [+hg] kepul [rl]kapul [bo]

One counterexample, together with rare initial /*mb/, suggests a recent loan:

Marind MbianKumb East Atih West
*e/_Cieee ee
stone axe*mbeɾi mbelimbelimbe'ɾimbelimbeli ~ mbel

Words of the form /*CeCa(C)/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*e/C_Ca(C)e aa aa
hand/palm *seŋga se'ŋga saŋgasa'ŋgasaŋgasaŋga
belch *tebak tebak ta'bak
fire/firewood*tekaw tekav ~ te'kaftakavta'kavtakahtakah
stone *ketaɾ ka'taɾkatalkatal

One counterexample, in direct contrast to /*seŋga/ “hand” above, is most likely a loan from Mbian into Kumb (cf. /*kataɾ/ in all other descendants):

MarindMbian Kumb EastAtihWest
*ee e
stone*seŋgase'ŋgaseŋga

… /*o/ …

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*o/C_CaCVC o oo o o
short *dohakVs dokes dokisdoha'k_sdok_s
~ dahok_s
dohak_s
~ dahok_s
*o/CiC_C o oo o o
dark *dino[h] dinoh dino
*o/CeC_C o oo o o
think (3sg.) *wetok vetokve'tok hʷetok hʷetok
*o/(C)VCaC_Co oo o o
break (stone)*aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
*… o oo o o
mountain/hill*baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
cold *s[a/o]sode[h] sosdeh sasode

In words of the form /*oCiC/, unstressed /*o/ is raised to /u/ in …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*o/_CiCo [o u]uo [o u]o [o u]o
many/all*otiw u'tiv utiv o'tiv utih otih
long *ogid u'gid ugid ogi
penis *owi₂k o'vak u'vik

In words of the form /*oCuC/, unstressed /*o/ is raised to /u/ in …:

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*o/_CuC
urinate*kosun ko'sun ku'sun

… /*a/ …

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*a a a a a a
afterbirth *iaɣau ja'ɣaw
break (stone)*aehaɣok aha'ɣok eha'hok
grandfather *amai
leech *ambai a'mbai
water *adeka adika ~ ada'ka adka adaka ~
adi'ka [pd]
adaka [hg]
adaka adaka [+bo]
nose *aŋgi₂p a'ŋgap aŋgep ~ aŋgip a'ŋgip aŋgip aŋgip
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap
body *uahani wah'ni wahni 'wahani [+hg] wahani ~ wahni [pd]
wohani [hg]
wahani
sharp *uaɾoaka 'waloaka woɾo'waka
moon *mandou mandoᵘ ~
ma'ndow
mandaᵘ mandaᵘ ~
ma'ndaw [pd]
mandow [hg]
mandaᵘ mandaᵘ [pd]
mandaw [bo]
earth/below *mak[a/o]nma'kan makon ~ makan ma'kan makan makan
small *papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs papVs
mountain/hill*baetoka bato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl] betok [bo]
old (person) *bakau ba'kaw
belch *tebak tebak ta'bak
fire/firewood*tekaw tekav ~ te'kaf takav ta'kav takah takah
centipede *tad[o/u] ta'do ta'du
hand/palm *seŋga se'ŋga saŋga sa'ŋga saŋga saŋga
work *saesaɣi sasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
tie *kipaɾud kipɾud ~ kipludkipaɾud kipalud kipalud
inside *kVmaɣ ke'maɣ ku'mah kumaɣ
goanna sp. *kadewuk kadivuk [hg] kade'huk [rl] kadihuk [bo]
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a kavea kavea ~ kavia kavi'a kahe kahʷaⁱa
straight *ɣaedeha 'ɣaedeha he'da

Vowel sequences realized as diphthongs include /*iu *ei *ou *ai *au *ae/ [*iᵘ *eⁱ *oᵘ *aⁱ *aᵘ *aᵉ]. They are phonetically distinguished from other vowel sequences (below) by stress, as final sequential /*VV(C)/ is realized as [V'V(C)] but diphthongs as ['Vᵛ(C)].

… /*iu/ …:

Marind MbianKumb East Atih West
*iu iᵘiᵘ iᵘ iᵘ
crocodile *kiu kiᵘ kiᵘ kiᵘ kiᵘ
pandanus sp.*iuma juma [hg] juma [bo]
be *jiua ziwa [hg]hiwa [hg]

… /*ei/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*eieⁱ [eⁱ i]eⁱ [eⁱ aⁱ i] eⁱ [eⁱ] eⁱ [eⁱ i] eⁱ [eⁱ aⁱ i]
like/similar*-hei -hi ~ -haⁱ -hei ~ -heⁱ ~ -hi -hi -hi
drink/eat *ɣei ɣeⁱ ~ ɣi heⁱ heⁱ [pd]
hi ~ héi [hg]
heⁱ [pd}
i: ~ ej [rl]
ɣeⁱ [pd]
ɣi [bo]
ghost *ɣeis ɣeⁱs his ~ heⁱs ~
haⁱs [pd]
heis [hg]
heⁱs eⁱs ɣeⁱs [pd]
ɣis- [bo]

…:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*[ei/ai] eⁱ [eⁱ i]eⁱ [eⁱ aⁱ i]eⁱ [eⁱ] eⁱ [eⁱ]eⁱ [eⁱ aⁱ]
cassowary *k[ei/ai] keⁱ keⁱ keⁱ keⁱ kaⁱ
help *ɣ[ei/ai]na heina [hg] ɣajna [bo]
hornbill *ɣ[ei/ai]wui heivui [hg] ɣajhuj [bo]
raptor sp.*kab[ei/ai] kabai ~ kabei
[hg]
kabaj [bo]
bird sp. *suɾin[ei/ai] suɾinei [hg] sulina [bo]

…/*oi/ …:

Marind MbianKumb East Atih West
*oi oioi oi oi
lime/white *koi koi koi koi koi
parrot sp. *woi voi [hg] hoj [bo]
new garden *poia poja ~ paja [hg]po'ja ~ pojah [rl]poja [bo]
mourning band*soia sója [hg]

… /*ou/ is retained as such in Mbian and merged with the reflexes of /*aᵘ/ (below) elsewhere:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ouoᵘ [oᵘ] aᵘaᵘ [aᵘ oᵘ] aᵘaᵘ
moon*mandoumandoᵘ ~
ma'ndow
mandaᵘmandaᵘ ~
ma'ndaw [pd]
mandow [hg]
mandaᵘmandaᵘ [pd]
mandaw [bo]

… /*ai/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ai eⁱ [e ei] aⁱ [ai]aⁱ [aⁱ ai] aⁱ [ai]aⁱ [ai]
bird sp. *dai dai [hg] daj [bo]
white cockatoo *kai kai ~ kaï [hg] kʌj [bo]
fall/fall apart*hai hai [hg] haj [bo]
father *wai ve ~ vei vai vai ~ vaⁱ hʷai hʷai
paddle (3 sg.) *ø-wai ø-vé ~ ø-vai [hg] ø-vai [hg] ø-he [hg] ø–hʷaj [bo]
grandfather *amai
leech *ambaiⁱ a:'mbai
dance *mahai mahai [hg] mahaj [bo]
first *maɣai maɣai ~ majĕ [hg] mahai [hg] maé [hg]
heart/breath *beakai beake be'kai [pd]
békai [hg]
beke [rl] bekaj [bo]
nibung palm *ŋgoŋgai góŋgai ~
ŋgo-ŋgai [hg]
ŋgoŋgaj [bo]
clearing *hekai hékai ~
heikai [hg]
hekaj
assemble *wewai vé-vai [hg] hʷehʷaj [bo]

… /*au/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*au aᵘ [aᵘ au aw]aᵘ [aᵘ]aᵘ [aᵘ aw] aᵘ [aᵘ]aᵘ [aᵘ]
turtle sp. *gau gaw gaw [hg] gaw [bo]
oriole sp. *kaue-kaue kawé-kawé [hg] kaw(e)kawe [bo]
brain(s) *ɣaum[o/u] 'haumu [pd]
haumó [hg]
ɣomu [bo]
burn (intr.)*ɣaunip hónip ~
hunip [hg]
unip̚ [rl] ɣunip [bo]
χaunip̚ [rl]
light fire *ɣausig hu'sig [pd]
hausig ~
husig [hg]
ɣosig [bo]
afterbirth *iaɣau ja'ɣaw
canoe pole *beɣau béhaw ~
béhéw[hg]
beɣaw [bo]
old (person)*bakau ba'kaw
breadfruit *baɾau ba'ɾaw [+hg] balaw [bo]
sarus crane *ndaɾau daɾaw [hg] ndalaw [bo]

Drabbe (1955: 16) states that East /aᵘ/ in the following root, given as “stoken” rather than as “verbranden” (1954: 41,) may be heard as either [aᵘ] or [u]. It differs from the examples above in being followed by a consonant:

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*auaᵘ [u]aᵘ [u]
burn/cook*ɣaus ɣus haᵘs

… /*ae/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ae aᵉ [a ae]aᵉ [ei ~ aⁱ]e [e e] e [e e]e [e e]
break (stone)*aehaɣokaha:'ɣok eha'hok
mountain/hill*baetokabato'ka beto'ka bɛtok- [rl]betok [bo]
work *saesaɣisasa'hi sesahi [pd]
sa-sahi [hg]
sasaɣi [bo]
rain *ɣae ɣa hei ~ haⁱ he [pd]
hei [hg]
e ɣe
fetch *ɣae[t] -ɣaet -he
straight *ɣaedeha'ɣaedeha he'da
sweet *ɣaeɾ ɣael- heɾ

Vowel sequences ….

The sequence /*ia/ is found nearly only initially, where it retained as such in all descendants and is heard as semivowel-initial segment [ja]:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*iaia [ja]ia [ja]ia [ja]ia [ja]ia [ja]
revenge *iaha jah ja'ha
canoe *iawun ja'vun javun ja'vun jahun jahun
bird sp. *iaɾo jaɾó [hg] jalo [bo]
afterbirth *iaɣau ja'ɣaw
mourning band*soia sója [hg]

The sequence /*ui/ is retained as such in all descendants. When it occurs initially, it is realized as semivowel-initial segment [wi]:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ui/#_ ui [wi] ui [wi]ui [wi] ui [wi]ui [wi]
spirit/soul *ui wi wi ~ wai wi wi wi
mango *uiui wiwi [hg] wiwi [bo]
beg *uihig wihig ~ wig [hg] wig [bo]
sweet coconut*uimap wimap [hg] wimap [bo]
*ui/C_ ui [u'i]ui [ui]ui [u'i uⁱ] ui [ui]ui [ui]
flesh/meat *mui mui ~ muj [pd}
mui [hg]
mui mui [pd]
muj [bo]
tail *ŋgui ŋgu'i gui [pd]
ŋgui [hg]
ŋguj [bo]
tremble *ɣuiew hujév [hg] ɣujeh [bo]
egret sp. *ioui jowi ~ juwi [hg] jowi [bo]
carry w/head *awui avui [hg] ahuj [bo]
savanna *mamui mamui [hg] mamuj [bo]
hornbill *ɣ[ei/ai]wui heivui [hg] ɣajhuj [bo]

The sequence /*ua/ is found nearly only initially, where it is retained as such in all descendants and is heard as semivowel-initial [wa]:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ua ua [wa]ua [wa]ua [wa] ua [wa] ua [wa]
net bag *uad wad [hg] wad [rl] wad [bo]
tail *uak 'wak [md] wak [hg] wak [rl] wak [bo]
run *uaɾak
body *uahani wah'ni wahni 'wahani [+hg] wahani ~ wahni [pd]
wohani [hg]
wahani
shorebird sp.*uandako wandakó [hg] wandako [bo]
kava *uati wati [hg] wati [bo]
plant sp. *uati-uati wati-wati [hg] watiwati [bo]
good *uaniŋgap wa'niŋgap niŋgap (?) wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap wa'niŋgap
hibiscus sp. *uakati wakati ~
wokati [hg]
wakati [bo]
long *uagVtVk wag_t_k
~ waga'tok
wag_t_k wag_t_k
sharp *uaɾoaka 'waloaka woɾo'waka [sic]
be *jiua ziwa [hg] hiwa [hg]
endurance *jiuaɾ ziwaɾ [hg] hiwal [hg]
snake sp. *kuɾuam kulwam [hg] kuɾwan [hg] kulwam [bo]

The sequence /*eo/, known from only one example, is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*eoeo [eo]eo [eo]eo [ᵉo eo]eo [eo]eo [eo]
2 pl.*eoɣ eoɣ eoh eoh ~ ᵉoh eo eoɣ

The sequence /*ea/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*ea eaea [ea e]ea [ea e] aⁱa [aja] aⁱa [aja]
know *mea[i/e]me'ai me'ae [pd]
méai [hg]
ma'jaj ~ mɛjaj [rl] majaj [bo]
speech/voice*mean me'an mean ~ men me'an [pd]
méen [hg]
majan [pd]
ma'jan ~ mɛjan [rl]
majan [+bo]
cuscus sp. *mbeam be'am bajam [hg] mba'jam [rl] mba'jam [rl]
heart/breath*beakai beake be'kai [pd]
békai [hg]
beke [rl] bekaj [bo]

The sequence /*oa/ is retained in (at least) the East and Mbian dialects:

Marind Mbian KumbEast AtihWest
*oa oa oa [oa o'wa]
throw away*koag[i/e]nkoagen koagin
sharp *uaɾoaka 'waloaka woɾo'waka

Longer vowel sequences which include diphthongs also occur.

The sequence /*iua/ is retained as such in (at least) East and Mbian dialects:

Marind Mbian KumbEast Atih West
*iua iᵘa [iwa]iᵘa [iwa]
young woman*iuag -iwag -iwag [pd]
iwâg [hg]
iwag [rl]iwag [bo]
wind *kiuaɾ ki'waɾ
old woman *mes iuag'mes-iwag 'mes-iwag [pd]
més-iwâg [hg]
mes-iwag [bo]

The sequence /*aia/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*aia ea [ea]ea ia iaeaⁱa
paddle (n.)*ka-wai-akavea kavea ~ kaviakavi'akahe kahʷaⁱa

The sequence /*aue/ is retained as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*aueaᵘe [awe]aᵘe [awe]aᵘe [awe]aᵘe [awe]aᵘe [awe]
fish*aue awe awe awe awe awe

The sequence /*aua/ is retained as such in (at least) …:

Marind MbianKumbEast Atih West
*aua aᵘa [awa]aᵘa [awa]aᵘa [awa]
left*auaɣ

… /*aiau/ …:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*aiauaⁱaᵘ [aⁱaᵘ iaᵘ]aⁱaᵘ [aⁱaᵘ iaᵘ]aⁱaᵘ [aⁱaᵘ iaᵘ eaᵘ] aⁱaᵘ [aⁱaᵘ iaᵘ]aⁱaᵘ [aⁱaᵘ ehaᵘ]
bone*haiau haiaᵘ ~ hiau hajaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ hajaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ [pd]
hajéw ~ héjaw [hg]
hajaᵘ ~ hiaᵘ hajaᵘ ~ hehaᵘ [pd]
hajaw [bo]

… /*uaia/ and is preserved as such in all descendants:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*uaiauaⁱa [waja] uaⁱa [waja]uaⁱa [waja]uaⁱa [waja]
star*uaiaɾ wa'jal waɾai [sic]wa'jaɾ wajal wajal

Gender ablaut

[under construction]

… (van der Kolk 1926, Drabbe 1955: pages, Usher and Suter 2015: 111-119, Olsson 2015.)

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
*e/*u/*i e/u/ie/u/i e/u/i e/u/i e/u/i
man *anem anem a'nem [md]anem [+hg]a'nem [rl]anem [bo]
woman *anum anum a'num [md]anum [+hg]anum [rl] anum [bo]
person/people*anim anim anim [+hg]a'nim [rl]anim [bo]
3 sg. m. *anep anep anep anep anep anep
3 sg. f. *anup a'nup anup a'nup anup anup
3 pl. *anip anip anip anip anip anip
grandfather *je ze he he
grandmother *ju zu
*ai/*u/*ie/u aⁱ/u aⁱ/u/iaⁱ/u aⁱ/u
father *wai ve ~ vei vai vai ~ vaⁱ hʷai hʷai
mother *wu vu vu vu hu hu
parents *wi vi
*a/*u/*? a/u a/u a/u a/u a/u
husband *jam zam zam zam ham ham
wife *jum zum zum zum hʲum hʲum

Adjective agreement (Drabbe 1955: 23-24) …

Pronouns

[under construction]

Drabbe (1954: 142, 1955: 28-31, 150-151) gives Marind nominative pronouns as follows, with third person forms distinguished from one another by gender ablaut:

Marind Mbian Kumb East Atih West
1 sg. *nok nok nok nok nok nok
2 sg. *oɣ oh oh o
3 sg. m.*anep anep anep anep anep anep
3 sg. f.*anup a'nup anup a'nup anup anup
1 pl. *nok (ke)nok (ke)nok kenok (ke) nok kenok ke
2 pl. *eoɣ eoɣ eoh eoh ~ ᵉoheo eoɣ
3 pl. *anip anip anip anip anip anip

Drabbe (1955: 28-31) gives the third persons as emphatic forms … demonstratives …:

MarindMbianKumbEastAtihWest
that m. *epe epe
that f. *upe upe
that pl.*ipe ipe

MarindMbianKumbEastAtihWest
1 sg.
2 sg.
3 sg. m.
3 sg. f.
1 pl.
2 pl.
3 pl.

Verbal morphology

[under construction]

There are three fundamental types of Marind verb stems, depending upon their cooccurence with personal object prefixes or infixes. Sycnhronically, these objects often function as subjects in what Olsson (2016) calls “middle marking.” The class designated here as type III does not inflect for person, so is not discussed here.

Type I verb stems follow the most usual Trans New Guinea pattern of a personal object marker followed by the root of the final verb. Only a limited number of verb stems fall into this class::

MarindMbianEastAtihWest

Significantly more common than type I stems are those of type II, in which the object marker is preceded by what is called here a complement, presumably derived from zero marked serial constructions if not also incorporated nominals, and followed by a usually monosyllabic auxilliary which was originally the final verb. The initial vowel of the auxilliary together with the presence or absence of a final vowel in the complement governs the form of the object markers.





In a few examples, all with a final vowel in the complement, it may be seen that an auxilliary which once must have been present has been completely elided:



A limited number of stems appear to be formed from successive type I stems, such that the object appears as both a prefix and an infix; these objects invariably agree in person:







Loans from and to neighboring languages

[under construction]

… Central Digul River … Although Marind along with the other Fly River families is distantly related to the Digul River-Ok families, with which they share a small number of legitimate cognates, the terms below are not found in other Fly River or Digul River-Ok subfamilies and must be considered loans in one direction or the other:

Marind Awyu Wambon
canoe *iawun *jaxʷuN *ja[p]un
scrotum *ombo *wɔbu-ɾɔ *wambu(-ɾɒp)
goura pigeon*mahuk *mɔxɔ[x] [S.]
earth/below *mak[a/o]n*m[ɔ]kaN
mosquito *naŋgi₂t *n[a]gi
bamboo *… *sumb[ɛ/a]
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a *kaxʷe̞
smoke *haku *aku
copulate *jo[m/mb] *jɔN

Awyu rounded velar fricative /*xʷ/ has been found only in loans from Marind, where it reflects Marind /*w/, thus mandating that “canoe” and “paddle (n.)” are loans into rather than from Awyu. The term for “earth/below”, found in Yaqay as [mo'qon] (Drabbe,) is thought most likely a loan from Marind because velar voiceless stop /*k/ is regularly fricated to /*x/ in Awyu. Initial /*h/ in “smoke” reflects /*ɸ/ and has been dropped in Awyu, while again native medial /*k/ would be fricated to /*x/ (although the uncommon rounded velar /*kʷ/ does not undergo frication.) The term for “goura pigeon” is found only in South Awyu, where it replaces the native term /*…/.

These loans must postdate the breakup of proto-Central Digul River, but it is not clear that they postdate proto-Awyu. As proto-Marind is significantly more recent than and is not now particularly adjacent to either of these families, nor are there an appreciable number of recent loans, this presents somewhat of a puzzle. The terms for “canoe” and “earth/below” date back to at least proto Marind-Yaqay, while “mosquito” and the verbal root of “paddle (n.)” date to proto-Fly River (q.v. Usher and Suter 2015: 128-129, though merely /*-wai(a)/ not /*kawea/.) This stratum, then, should be seen as representing a stage prior to proto-Marind, most likely proto-Marind Yaqay as Awyu also shares terms which have been found only in Yaqay.

The vowels in the term for “scrotum” (cf. Drabbe's Yaqay ['wamba]) perhaps suggest this to be a loan into pre-proto-Marind from Central Digul River or one of its subfamilies rather than vice-versa. It is also conceivable, though somewhat unlikely, that it is a legitimate cognate dating from the common ancestor of Digul River-Ok and Fly River, as the medial consonant regularly corresponds.

Patterns of influence between Marind and the West Morehead River family to the east can be divided roughly into two stages. In the first, a small number of basic terms are borrowed from West Morehead into proto-Marind. … Jéi attestations are drawn from Drabbe (1954: 53-68) [pd], (Ngkntra) Ngkolmpu from Drabbe (1954: 53-68) [pd] and Carroll (2015) [mc] and Arammba from Mittag (2015) [em]:

Marind Jéi Ngkolmpu BensbachArammba W. Morehead
canoe *iawun jʌwɜn [em]
knowledge *mea[i/e]
star *ndeku dəgø [em]
bamboo sp.*so[ŋ/ŋg]soŋk [mc] *θoŋg sɔŋ [em] *θoŋg
fat/grease*kabeɾ kabɜl [pd]ko'bɛl [pd]*kVpVɽ *kVbVɽ
dog *ŋgat *ŋɐθɐ *ŋɐθɒ

All of these roots except /*iawun/ “canoe”, which is native to Marind and Marind-Yaqay and was loaned into Arammba (possibly from Lake Murray, cf. Drabbe's Boazi [za'vun],) violate proto-Fly River phonotactic rules, and as a set suggest that the influence of West Morehead River was the driving force behind Marind's innovative contrast betwen plain and prenasalized voiced stops. The term for “canoe” on the other hand is undoubtedly Marind-Yaqay in origin, and its presence in Arammba, along with the borrowed word for “star” (also found in Lake Murray, q.v. Voorhoeve 1970: 13) can only evidence a prior state in which the predecessors of these two subfamilies were geographically adjacent.

In more recent times … Jéi forms are drawn from Drabbe (1954: 53-68) [pd] and Geurtjens (398-433) [hg], Ngkntra from …, Bädi from Donohue (1996: 18-50) [md] … and South Kanum from Donohue (1996: 18-50) and from Sohn Lebold and Kriens (2009: 31-42) [ms]:

Marind Jéi Ngkntra Bädi S. Kanum
axe *imbasom jɜmba:'t͜ʃɜm [pd] mpɛ'som [pd]
mpæsʷəm [mc]
mpæsun [sic] mpæsun [md]
'm̩pʌsõm [ms]
water *adeka 'ataka [pd]
'atəka [mc]
atəka
sneeze *asi asi [hg]
cloud *omom ɒmɒm
star *uaiaɾ wa'jɜl [pd]
tail *uak wak [pd]
moon *mandou mandɛo [md]
'mɑnɖeu [rl]
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]bma:'rub [pd]
skin/bark *paɾ par [pd]
hair extension*… beisam [hg] ? ? ?
pig *basik bɜt͜ʃek [pd]
breadfruit *baɾau baliaw [hg] mpe'wɛ [pd] ? ?
nipa palm *temu tɜ'mu [pd]
ta:mu [hg]
tɛ'mu [pd] ? ?
foot *tegu tɛ'gu [pd] təgu
rattan *tup tup [pd]
rattan *tuban tu'ban [pd]
navel *dekum dɛ'kum [pd] ? ?
coast/beach *duw duv [hg]
wallaby *saɣam segam [hg]
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a ka:be'ao [pd] kəpiwɛ [mc] 'kəpʲuwʌ [ms]
kəpuwə ~
kɛpijɒ [md]
stone *ketaɾ kɛtər ~ kətəl
snake sp. *kuɾuam 'puɭʌm [ms]
(m)pulɒm [md]
river *ɾik li'ko [pd] lɛkɒ liku [md]

Of the forms above, only “axe” (/*m͜bæsɵm/) has reflexes in other Bensbach River languages, and thus might be considered a loan into Marind rather than vice-versa. Several have Marind-Yaqay (/*tup/) or Fly River /*dekum/, /*kawaia/) etymologies and thus cannot be loans from Yei or Kanum into Marind .

The term for “moon” has been reloaned …

In several of these examples, the Kanum language forms provide supporting evidence (/*adeka/, /*dekum/) or the only known evidence (/*tegu/, /*ketaɾ/) for the proto-Marind vowel pattern /*CeCV(C)/ which has been neutralized to /*CaCV(C)/ in the Central Marind dialects.

It is curious that /*ka-wai-a/ “paddle (n.)” has been borrowed with medial /p/ in the Kanum languages. Unlike other West Morehead River languages, Kanum does not have a bilabial fricative /ɸ/, being the only descendant which preserves /*p/ as such. West Morehead /*b/ has merged with /*p/ in Bensbach River, leaving [p ɸ] as the only bilabial occlusives besides the [b p] which reflect rounded velars /*kʷ *gʷ/ (hence the South Kanum reflex of /*kuɾuam/,) the reflexes of semivowel /*w/ being unoccluded. This makes sense then if the loan came immediately from an eastern dialect of Marind in which /*w/ is reflected as /v/.

… Bulaka River … (Usher 2014: 43, 44, 46, 47.) While each Bulaka River language has borrowed from Marind, it is doubtful that any of these loans date to proto-Bulaka River, Due to its easterly location, Maklew has been substantially more influenced by Marind than has Yelmek or Yab. both lexically and phonologically, with non-stops /*w *j/ fricated to /h s/ in codevelopment with the western dialects while velar non-stop /*ɣ/ is reflected as /h/ as in Kumbe River and Southeast Marind. Yelmek and sometimes Yab merge fricative /*s/ with /t/. Jélmèk attestations are drawn from Drabbe (1950: 545-574,) Jab from Geurtjens (1933: 398-433) and Makléw from Drabbe (1950: 545-574) [pd] and from Lebold, Kriens and de Vries (2010: 46-52) [rl]:

Marind Makléw Jélmèk Jab
young woman *iuag jua [pd]
axe *imbasom 'mbasom [pd] batom ?
two *inah i'na-ge [pd] ina inah
sneeze *asi ati-ŋɛ ati-ŋje:
cloud *omom ? omom
star *uaiaɾ wa'jal [rl]
bow *mij 'mijɛs [rl] miz
old woman *mes iuag mɛsiwag [rl] met(w)agomɛsiwag
moon *mandou 'mandow [pd]
'mandaw [rl]
far *mahut ma'hut [rl]
new garden *poia poja [pd]
heart *beakai beke [pd]
breadfruit *baɾau baraw
cuscus sp. *mbeam bajam ?
nipa palm *temu tamu [pd]
rattan *tup tup tup
mourning band*soia ? ? toja
bamboo knife *sok(-wak[a]ɾ[a])soka-'hakəl [pd] tok-wakəlsok
heavy *k[e/a]niɾ kənil [pd] ?
fat/grease *kabeɾ kabel [pd] ?
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a kahia [pd] kawja kavia
dog *ŋgat ŋgat [pd]
think *wetok hetok [pd]
beard *ɣas has [pd]

It's not clear why /*iuag/ “young woman” should be borrowed by Yelmek as [jua] /iua/, as final /*g/ is preserved in the loan /*mes iuag/ “old woman.”

There is no clear evidence that any Marind dialect has borrowed from either Bulaka River language; the direction of influence appears to be entirely one-way. Most likely this is also true of the sound changes shared by Maklew.

… Marianne Strait and Kolopom … Although Moraori (below) is a member of the Kolopom family, it is assumed that all these loans are quite recent, dating from Marind's arrival in the Marianne Strait region (/*imaj/) and greatly postdating the breakup of proto-Kolopom, thus are historically unrelated patterns. No Marind words have been found in Ndom. Mombum attestations are drawn from Drabbe (1950: 566-574) and from Geutjens (1933: 398-433) [hg], Riantana and Kimaghama from Drabbe (1949: 14-24):

Marind Mombum RiantanaKimaghama
two *inah ɛ'naβa
moon *mandou ma'nta
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]b'malab
skin/bark *paɾ par
nape/neck *mbaku mbaku
cuscus sp. *mbeam 'bajamu
bamboo knife*sok sok [hg]
cassowary *k[ei/ai] kai
jungle fowl *kata kar

As with Bulaka River, there is no clear evidence that Marind has borrowed from any of these western languages.

By far the greatest amount of Marind lexical influence is found in Moraori, a member of the Kolopom family, from which it has evidently been geographically separated by the southward expansion of the Marind dialects to the coast… with Moraori attestations drawn from Drabbe (1954: 53-68) [pd], from Donohue (1996: 18-50) [md], from Sohn Lebold and Kriens (2009: 31-42) [ms] and from Arka (2015) [wa]

Marind Moraori
egret sp. *ioui
axe *imbasom
two *inah
root *itit
one *ijakod
fish *aue
leech *ambai
water *adeka
light (weight)*akak
worm *aɾo
cloud *omom
liver *on
penis *owi₂k
kunai grass *omasa
kava *uati
fence *uta
bird *ujub
sit *miɾ
old woman *mes iuag
garden *mVɾu
goura pigeon *mahuk
rainbow *maɾ[e/o]b
widow/widower *moɣa
buttocks *paŋga
skin/bark *paɾ
thin *paɾapaɾ
feather(s) *put
thorn/needle *ban
pig *basik
breadfruit *baɾau
thigh *baɣa
cuscus sp. *mbeam
friend *namek
banana *napet
young man *noɣ anem
nipa palm *temu
nape *temuk
heel *tepod
foot *tegu
arrow *taŋge
grasshopper *taŋgen
bandicoot sp. *tuban
navel *dekum
spear *da[m/mb]
mud *daɾoh
wet *dubadub
coast/beach *duw
sand *sa
work *saesaɣi
bamboo *…
dry *kapaɾet
jungle fowl *kata
spit/spittle *…
paddle (n.) *ka-wai-a
sago beater *ka-ɣawek
lime/white *koi
tail *ŋgui
machete *wak[a]ɾ[a]
make fence *ɾod
thick *jumbVjumb
ghost *ɣeis

It is not clear why final /*t/ in /*put/ “feather(s)” should be lost in Moraori.

Moraori has also borrowed extensively from Yei and the Kanum languages, leaving it with much less native Kolopom vocabulary than would otherwise be expected.