tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Mon Jun 02 08:23:40 2014

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Re: [Tlhingan-hol] Objects with -moH

SuStel ([email protected])



On 6/2/2014 11:07 AM, Robyn Stewart wrote:
Yes, the “prefix trick” and some excellent discussion that unites the
canon is specifically referenced at the bottom of my first e-mail. I’m
not confused about the grammar here. I want to make sure I’m neither
being too careful nor too presumptuous in stating what is uncontroversial.

Are you suggesting that I introduce the prefix trick for the beginner
now, reduce the material presented, or leave it the same? I want the
beginner to know that there is more here than meets the eye, or they
will assume some way is correct and start using it. **I** can avoid any
situation that requires a choice of objects, but without pointing out to
the beginner that the peril exists, I can’t keep her away from it.

You don't want to introduce the prefix trick here, as that opens the way to asking questions about what an object actually is, whether Klingon cares about direct and indirect objects, how those are used, and so forth. TKD never makes the distinction until the addendum. In your explanation, you're also avoiding the issue by not mentioning direct and indirect objects, but you speak of a "second object," though you immediately say it's beyond the lesson's scope.

I recommend not adding more to your current explanation. "Beyond the scope" is a good way to say that the issue is complex, but let's not think about it right now.

You might want to make a note about HOW a student can avoid this problem. However, I suggest NOT phrasing it in terms of adding causation to a transitive sentence, or of transforming one sentence into another by adding -moH). Rather, you should recommend that students avoid attempting single-verb sentences about one noun causing a second noun to do something to a third noun, because it is unclear how the grammar works. You can even give an example, perhaps of such a sentence split into grammatically uncontroversial parts.

--
SuStel
http://www.trimboli.name/

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