tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Sun Jun 29 16:25:14 1997
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KLBC: qIm/qImHa'
- From: "Neal Schermerhorn" <[email protected]>
- Subject: KLBC: qIm/qImHa'
- Date: Sun, 29 Jun 97 22:55:55 UT
qIm = pay attention, concentrate (v)
The definition is of the intransitive sense of "concentrate". In fact, since
we have buS = concentrate on (v) as well, qIm clearly is an intransitive verb.
We also have in TDK qImHa' = disregard (v). I cannot think of a useful meaning
of "disregard" that is intransitive. (Neither can Webster!) The word always
takes an object.
There is a definite conflict between the suffixed and unsuffixed verb - it
does not seem that -Ha' should suddenly change an intransitive verb, which as
I have shown doesn't need to be forced into a transitive role, into a
transitive verb!
We also have, from TKW, buSHa' = ignore (v). Seems to me "disregard" and
"ignore" differ differently than "concentrate" and "concentrate on". I would
assume buSHa' is transitive, since the root verb is, and we would say
HIbuSHa'Qo' = Don't ignore me!
If my logic is correct, one of the following premises is correct.
A) qImHa' is intransitive because its root is, and a sentence like *jIqImHa' =
I disregard* is acceptable. Not likely.
B) qImHa' is transitive, and so is qIm - but why have qIm as a transitive verb
when MO went through the trouble of providing buS as well, and making it
specifically transitive? It doesn't seem reasonable to assume this.
C) qIm is intransitive and (perhaps by magic?) qImHa' is transitive. This
would just plain upset me. Nowhere is there any indication that -Ha' can
change a verb in this way. Unfortunately, it appears that, unpleasant as it
is, this must be the correct answer! (And we all know *someone* is going to
run with this where they ought not to, and say that this means taDHa' = melt
(v.t.) and other such nonsense!)
Sustel, yIqeltaH 'e' vISov! DuH Dawuqbogh Daja'neS (DawuqlaHchugh!).
Qermaq