tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Tue Feb 24 12:40:59 2004
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[tlhIngan-Hol] Re: Need a translation -newbie
From: "G. Roderick Singleton" <[email protected]>
>
> > mu'ghom chu' tIjom!
> > mu'ghommey chu' tIjom!
> > Install new dictionaries! (pl.)
> >
> > The plural suffix {-mey} is optional, since the imperative prefix {tI-}
> > implies a plural object (i.e. "Do (something) to them!"). If space is
> > short - and you want to show off for some Klingonists - you can omit it.
>
> Much obliged.
Actually, the plural suffix {-mey} is almost always optional, even if
there's nothing else that makes it clear whether you're talking about a
singular or plural word. Sometimes it doesn't matter whether something is
singular or plural. But don't go dropping the plural if it makes your
sentence difficult to understand.
The only time a plural is required is when you're distinguishing between
{Hoch X} "each X" and {Hoch Xmey} (or {Hoch Xpu'} or {Hoch XDu'}) "all Xs,
taken collectively."
The only time the plural marker is forbidden is when {'ar} "how many, how
much?" follows a noun. {Duj 'ar} "how many ships?"
SuStel
Stardate 4150.2
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