tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Sun Oct 16 13:12:14 1994
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KLBC: Compound verbs
- From: Terry Donnelly <[email protected]>
- Subject: KLBC: Compound verbs
- Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 15:12:02 -0500 (CDT)
When I was composing the joke I recently posted, I considered turning the
phrase {QoQ lIng} "produce music" into a compound verb: {QoQlIng} "to
play music". I'm assuming from the example of {HoSghaj} in TKD that
compound verbs are theoretically possible. Are there any guidelines for
forming them?
My understanding of compounds in general is that you use a compound when
the meaning of the compound word is sufficiently different from the two
words as a phrase to be considered a new concept (a rather subjective
criterion!). I have trouble extrapolating this to active verbs. Is
{QoQlIng} sufficiently different from {QoQ lIng}?
It's easier for me to see this with "adjectival" concepts, such as
{HoSghaj}. In this case, I think the distinction is between permanent
and temporary states. So
(reH) HoSghaj yaS.
The officer is always powerful.
DaHjaj HoS ghaj yaS.
Today the officer has power.
Is this true? If so, this could open the way to a whole range of
"adjectival" concepts that are currently lacking in Klingon. Of course,
since these are actually verbs, they'd have to be used accordingly. For
example:
quvghaj
to be honorable
reH quvghaj tlhInganpu'
Klingons are always honorable.
DaHjaj Heghpu' quvghajbogh tlhIngan.
Today has died an honorable Klingon.
toH, chay' bIQub?
- Terry
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