number of grammar differences between the varieties and clusters. Further research by Dr. Margaret Sharpe detailed these finer differences. Noun declensions All varieties within the family use suffixes to decline nouns. Most are universal; however, there are a few poignant differences. A complex system exists whereby suffixes are categorised into orders, with the order and use governed by universal rules. Locative A past and non-past form of the locative exists in Githabul, Yugambeh and Minyangbal. Abessive The abessive is present in Yugambeh and Githabul, being used on nouns and verbs (use on verbs does not occur further south). Gender A system of marking four grammatical genders (two animate – human and animal, and two inanimate – arboreal and neuter) with the use of suffixes is present in three of the clusters. The morphological forms and usage of these gender suffixes vary between the clusters, with some dialects marking both demonstratives and adjectives, others marking solely adjectives. Verbal morphology The extensive use of suffixes extends to verbs as well; the suffix system is the same throughout the language group with a few minor differences. The imminent aspect (used in other varieties for most instances that use the English future tense) has shifted in the Tweed-Albert Language to an irrealis mode, now denoting the potential mood, while the continuous aspect in conjunction with a time word is now used for future tense situations. Example of differences in -hny suffix usage: Wiyabal Yugambeh (Proper) Yugambeh (Proper) The purposive suffix is -yah in the Tweed-Albert and Condamine-Upper Clarence languages, while it is -gu in the other two branches. Yugambeh (Proper) Wahlubal Vocabulary See also Bundjalung people Bundjalung Nation Timeline Dirawong List of Aboriginal languages of New South Wales References Notes Bibliography External links Bibliography of Bundjalung language and people resources, at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Bibliography of Arakwal language and people resources, at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Bundjalung people Endangered indigenous Australian languages in New South Wales Severely endangered languages