tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Sat Jan 26 17:21:40 2002
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RE: I Object!
- From: "Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen" <[email protected]>
- Subject: RE: I Object!
- Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2002 17:21:04 -0500
ghItlh SuStel:
>What in
>English is represented by the concept of an indirect object, Klingon uses a
>noun suffix for, not an entity called an indirect object. To speak of
>"direct" and "indirect" objects in Klingon is to impose a structure that
>doesn't exist in the language.
Two imaginary bonus points to David for a clever subject line. {{{:-)
I believe I understand the *intent* here, but the distinction that is being
made could just as easily be dismissed as disingenous. The main reason, as
I see it, we can't speak of direct and indirect objects in Klingon is
because we lack the terminology to so. But otherwise, if it walks like a
duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, it might actually be a Pluvian
Slug Beast but everyone will know what you mean if you describe it as a
duck.
Does any language actually "have" grammatical features? Naturally occuring
ones don't; linguists have simply opted to classify the language's features
using various taxonomies, observing and describing patterns and rules,
similarities and differences.
For my money, the real question becomes: Does Klingon have circumstances in
which certain nouns function as indirect objects?
* - * We now return you to your previous argument, already in progress. * - *
Lawrence