tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Fri Dec 27 06:32:27 1996
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Re: Klingon CD-Rom
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>Date: Fri, 27 Dec 1996 00:41:52 -0800
>From: [email protected]
>
>In a message dated 96-12-26 17:48:34 EST, you write:
>
><< However, I wouldn't expect to hear many Klingons running around and saying
>
> {qatlho'} very often. It's not a very Klingon thing to say.
>
>I challenge a point here. I have been studying language and linguistics for
>35 years and still make many erroneous judgments regarding a language new to
>me. OTOH, my professors stressed that if a language has a word within it,
>not having obviously borrowed the word from another language, the culture has
>need for the word. Remember how important snow is in the Eskimo's culture.
> There are numerous words for snow. In Klingon we have numerous words for
>weapons because weapons are important. The Klingon language has a word for
>"thank" while not having words for "please" and "you're welcome" because
>Klingons do show respect and gratitude. We do not beat around the bush with
>"please"; we command. But, we do honor another with an expression of
>gratitude.
A good point, and one that shouldn't be forgotten. However, there's still
*so* much room for variation on cultural points like this we're not all
that much better off. Sure, there's a Klingon word for "thank." And
therefore there's probably a use for it. And I'm certain there is. In a
culture as violent as Klingon society, there are very likely times that
someone COULD have killed you, say, but didn't. The question remains, WHEN
would a Klingon use the word? Would it be used, say, when a superior
officer goes out of his way to save your life or career or honor? Almost
certainly. Would it be used after stopping a stranger on the street and
asking for directions? Um... maybe, maybe not. Would it be used when the
waiter brings the meal you ordered? Maybe, maybe not (though less likely
than the last case. i.e. if it's not used in the previous case, it almost
certainly wouldn't be here, but not necessarily the other way 'round). I
remember in a class I took being told that in Japan you don't say "thank
you" to waiters or store attendants for their politeness and service, since
after all, you're PAYING them to be polite and helpful (though there is a
special phrase for the waiter that's used when someone serves you food.)
There's a lot of room here. Maybe Klingons only use "thank you" when they
*really* mean it, when a lot was at stake and someone put a lot on the line
(or even gave something up) to help you, and not for trivialities. Maybe
they use it a lot, to emphasize honoring each other (I'd tend to lean
towards believing that they use it less rather than more, myself, but we
really don't know.)
~mark
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