1. Gender and Class Grouping nouns by their behaviour

4. Traditional system Class 4 bala Inanimate and inedible items, Trees, stones, mud, noise, language Class 3 Balam Edible things fruits and vegetabls and the trees that produce them Class 2 Balan Women, fire, dangerous things Girl, shield, coals, nettle, bird, sun, stonefish Class 1 BAYI Male things Males, kangaroos, fish, fishing lines, rainbow, moon, storm

5. Young people’s Dyirbal Class 4 Fruits, vegetables, fire, sun, moon, star, fishing lines, shields, etc Class 3 Class2 All females Class 1 All males All animals