A GRAMMAR OF WAMBAYA - Cryptm.org

In this function, the difference between the two types is very similar to the difference
between 'this' and 'that' in English. The proximate forms are usually used to refer to
things that are close to the speaker, while the remote forms are used for things that are
further away from the speaker. The proximate forms can also be used to refer to a
perceived event; similar to the use of 'here' in an English sentence such as 'here's
something interesting going on'. Thus in the following example, taken from Text A.1,
the fire is referred to with the demonstrative yana despite the fact that it is a
considerable distance from the speaker.
(4-209) "Ngangaba yana gi-n naj-bi ."
fire:IV(NOM) this:IV:sg:NOM 3sgS(Pres)-Pr burn-nF
"There's a fire burning (there)."
Demonstratives also perform an important discourse function: they are used in the
organisation of information and tracking of reference. Demonstratives can be used to
refer to things previously mentioned or alluded to in discourse. The difference between
the proximate and remote demonstratives is metaphorically extended in which case the
'proximate' meaning is metaphorically extended into this function. Proximate forms are
used when the antecedent or topic is close (in terms of time of utterance) to the
utterance of the demonstrative (generally in either the same or preceding clause, but no
more than two clauses back):
(4-210) Indirra wurrudbanyi-j-ba, ngujari-j-ba yana.
root:IV(ACC) pull-TH-Fut break-TH-Fut this:IV:sg:ACC
Pull up the root, (and) break it.
(4-211) Garndarndawuga barrawu g-aji mirra.
few:IV(NOM) house:IV(NOM) 3sgS-Hab:Pst sit(nF)
Yana irr-a yardi garnguja.
this:IV:sg:ACC 3plA-Pst put(nF) many:IV(ACC)
There used to be a few houses. (Now) they've built lots of them.
The following example is taken from Text A.1. In the clauses leading up to this one,
the two eaglehawks are telling their two sons that they should prepare a bed for the two
boys who have to leave early in the morning. Then there is one short sentence in which
it is said that the two eaglehawks pick up a round stone and a digging stick (by now all
four other characters are asleep) and: