Re: Stirring it up

["William H. Martin" <whm2m@server1.mail.virginia.edu>]

On Tue, 23 Feb 1999 23:23:06 -0800 (PST) WestphalWz@aol.com 
wrote:

> At the qep'a' loSDIch I readily admitted that I have the unenviable role of
> stirring up discussions regarding "holes" in our understanding the Klingon
> language.  Some seem to have forgotten that and think I am only making
> trouble.
> 
> I intend to continue to hash out points of possible disagreement until we get
> this language tempered by fire into a crystal which outshines all dilithium
> crystals.

This would be interpreted as other than just stirring up trouble 
if you preceeded your self-assigned role of finding holes in the 
language by simply showing command of it first.

That would indicate respect for Okrand's accomplishment. Since 
you have not shown a willingness to develop that kind of 
expertise with the language yet, still having some basic 
problems expressing fairly basic things, like when to use 
perfective, I wonder why you think we should accept you in the 
role of revealing the holes in the language.

Would you walk into a meeting of housing contractors and take on 
the role of criticizing modern construction techniques without 
ever picking up a hammer and building anything? Would you expect 
the contractors to respect you for it? If they had an online 
mailing list, would you expect them to appreciate your flooding 
their list with your opinions?

Build a house first.

Use the language.

If you will use only Klingon for at least two thirds of your 
messages, I will do the same. Will you accept that challenge?
 
> peHruS

charghwI' 'utlh