tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Tue Feb 18 07:38:14 2014
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next]
Re: [Tlhingan-hol] Klingon Word of the Day: jengva'
> Klingon Word of the Day for Tuesday, February 18, 2014
>
> Klingon word: jengva'
> Part of speech: noun
> Definition: plate (for eating)
> Source: KGT
Singular only; the plural form is {ngop} "plates (for eating).
nuqDaq 'oH jengva''e'
Where is the plate? KGT
raSDaq jengva' vItatlh
I return the plate to the table. (st.k 7/99)
KGT 33f.: Another grammatical feature of Klingon about which children frequently become confused involves nouns that are inherently plural, such as {cha} (torpedoes) and {ngop} (plates [for eating]), as opposed to their singular counterparts {peng} (torpedo) and {jengva'} (plate). Instead of using the special plural forms, children tend forms plurals of these words by simply adding the plural suffix {-mey} to the singular forms ({pengmey}, {jengva'mey}), as would be done with most other nouns ... would be used), such as {yuQmey} (planets). Adults also add {-mey} to these nouns, but they do so to indicate that the items are scattered about ({jengva'mey}, plates scattered all over the place). For children who say {jengva'mey}, it apparently means simply "plates"; that is, it is nothing more than the plural form of {jengva'}. Children seem to be aware of the existence of the inherently plural forms, however, for they use them as well, though usually with the suffix {-mey} superfluously appended: {chamey} (torpedoeses), {ngopmey} (plateses). Inherently plural nouns are considered singular as far as how they fit into the overall grammatical structure. Thus, the singular pronoun {'oH} (it) is used for both {jengva'} (plate) and {ngop} (plates) in sentences such as {nuqDaq 'oH jengva''e'?} ("Where is the plate?") and {nuqDaq 'oH ngop'e'?} ("Where are the plates?"). Children, however, tend to use the plural pronoun {bIH} (they) with {ngop} (as well as with {jengva'mey} and the redundantly suffixed {ngopmey}): {nuqDaq bIH ngop'e'?} ("Where are the plates?").
KGT 99: Each dish [{nay'}] is brought to the table ({raS}) on a platter ({'elpI'}), usually made of metal. The food is arranged not haphazardly but in a way that helps the food look appealing. For example, in some dishes, pieces are placed with the veins clearly visible so that the blood still inside them can be seen. A diner transfers a portion to his or her plate ({jengva'}, though the plural form is {ngop} [plates]), if one is available, by simply grabbing the desired quantity of food with a hand. If the {'elpI'} (serving platter) is not close by, it is quite acceptable to just reach across the table or to walk around the table to a more convenient position. If necessary, two hands may be used to break off ({wItlh}) a slab of the desired fare. If {ngop} (plates) are provided, they will probably be in a pile somewhere on the table. It is acceptable to reach over and grab one; it is not acceptable to ask someone else to grab a plate and pass it down. If there is no pile of plates, none will be furnished, and it is quite improper to ask for one.
Related words:
De' jengva' CD, compact disc (n) (TNK)
"Data plate" - apparently {jengva'} can be used for disk/disc in general; if so:
Similar words:
gho circle (n)
rutlh wheel (n)
Qeb ring (for finger) (n)
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons
_______________________________________________
Tlhingan-hol mailing list
[email protected]
http://mail.kli.org/mailman/listinfo/tlhingan-hol