tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Wed May 07 23:04:19 1997

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Re: KLBC: epitets and invectives



> ghItlh fonseca
> >I think it's quite impossible to insult in other language, or it doesn't
> >have the same power, but it's really interesting when I do it in Klingon.
> >
>
> Why go to the extent of translating them?  Klingon curses have their own level
> of meaning.  Granted that English is also fairly rich in curses, but you can't
> just say that things like toDSaH and QI'yaH mean specific words.
> Qapla'
> qoror

        As you said, "Klingon curses have their own level of meaning". The matter is 
not an accurated translation, but, an approximate meaning. The cultural values of each 
people has their strengh among them. Insulting in our own language is stronger than 
insultin in other one. 

	I have an american friend, who lives here more than 20 years, and I always hear 
his insults in english. One day I asked him why he spoke in english and not in 
portuguese and he said that it doesn't have the same strengh! And he was right! In 
Klingon it's not different, but it's very nice and interesting.
	
	If I ask to an ocidental guy that he has shit in his moustache, he'll probably 
laugh .. but if I say it to a mussulman, I sign on my death sentence. In Klingon it can 
be a terrible insult too. :)))   rollIjDaq DI tu�lu�bej  or other appropriate word for
debris.

	Understanding the meaning of Klingon invectives, I can use them in right 
sentences or anywhere and I'll not be afraid to commit a big mistake. On the other hand 
I can do it in my real life (nobody will understand :)), but it'll be funny) but it 
won't have the same effect of a great insult! We can behave as a Klingon but we never 
be one of them.

-- 
Francisco Fonseca; Eduardo "Edy" Fonseca
Belo Horizonte MG - Brasil
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/2460



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