Datapoint Gurindji Kriol/Order of cardinal numeral and noun

Numerals are a subclass of nominals in Gurindji Kriol which are derived from Kriol and characterized by the -bala suffix (< fellow). They may precede or follow the nominal they modify. They may also form a part of a discontinuous NP. It is not clear what drives this variation.

Values

Numeral precedes noun Frequency: 80.0%

Example 72-12:
Nyawa jirribala malyju dei bin lukaran bo kirrawa.
Nyawa
this
jirri-bala
three-num
malyju
boy
dei
3pl.sbj
bin
pst
luk-aran
look-around
bo
dat
kirrawa.
goanna
These three boys are searching for goannas.

Source: Meakins 2003-2006

Confidence:
Very certain

Numeral follows noun Frequency: 20.0%

Example 72-13:
Imin grabim im leg wanbala, nyilangku pujikattu.
Im-in
3sg-pst
grab-im
grab-tr
im
3sg
leg
leg
wanbala,
one
nyila-ngku
that-erg
pujikat-tu.
cat-erg
That cat grabbed one of his legs.

Source: Meakins 2007-2008

Confidence:
Very certain