tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Wed Aug 15 03:03:31 2001
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nuq DaHar or nuq boHar tlhIH
I have a question re an area I have problems with:
When You should be You (pl) or visa versa.
When writing this email I know that it could be read by everyone on the List but It could be written as if I was asking an individual. Should my YOU be singular or plural.
nuq DaHar SoH or nuq boHar tlhIH
Maybe this email is not a good example but consider prize draw notifications e.g. Readers Digest .. They are standard letters sent to thousands but written as if they were a personal letter from the draw manager to increase their impact.
The idea I have generally used is if the meaning I desire was unchanged by saying "you all" in place of the "you" I would use the plural you and if not I'd use the singular.
nuq boHar tlhIH - What do YOU-all believe?
or
nuq DaHar SoH - What do YOU believe?
Personally I would like to know what you-all believe but I would be happy if I only get an answer from YOU (Yes you!.. That's right you the one reading this email!).
I can think of other cases where I could be talking to an individual but be referring to a group. Talking to a politician and asking, "What do you plan to do about this?" I am talking to the person as an individual but unless raving would probably be referring to his political party.
nuq Har (clipped, as I'm not sure)
qe'San