tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Tue Aug 31 08:29:12 2004

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Re: Klingon WOTD: leSpal (n)

Steven Boozer ([email protected]) [KLI Member] 

> > Klingon word:      leSpal
> > Part of Speech:    noun
> > Definition:        type of stringed instrument

   Finally, a fourth type of instrument is one with strings, a
   {HurDagh} ... The word {HurDagh} refers to any of these stringed
   instruments, of which there are several different types, the most
   commonly found being the relatively small {Supghew}. The midsize
   {leSpal} is fairly widely used, while the large {tIngDagh} is
   rarely heard except in conjunction with the performance of an
   opera." (KGT 76)

Note the verb {chu'} "play an instrument".  There are more specific verbs 
available:

   Each string is a {SIrgh}, a word also used for any thread or
   filament... To produce music, one may either pluck ({pang}) or
   strum ({yach}, which also means "stroke" or "pet") the strings.
   The tone produced is varied by touching the string or strings
   at various points while plucking or strumming. The verb used
   for this, perhaps translatable as {to finger}, is the same as
   the one used for wind instruments: {Heng}.  (KGT 76)

   The verb {Heng} "finger holes in a musical instrument" is a general
   term. When a specific finger is being referred to, one of the finger
   verbs is usually used..." (HQ 10.2:8)

These finger verbs are: {Sen}/{rIl} "use the thumb", {SIq} "use the index 
finger", {qay} "use the second finger", {qew} "use the ring finger" and 
{qan} "use the pinkie".

   The "finger verbs" are used when talking about specific ways of
   using a particular device (weapon, computer control panel, even
   musical instrument)  (HQ 10.2:7)

> > Additional Notes:  KGT.  Note pun.

Philip:
>chaq "Les Paul"?  *pun vIleghchu'be'.

bIlugh.  I'm informed that Les Paul invented the electric guitar and the 
Gibson "Les Paul" is one of the most famous and popular guitars for blues, 
jazz, rock.

There's another pun in the "relatively small" {Supghew}:  A ukulele is 
named for the flea-like jumping movement of the player's fingers; the 
Hawaiian word for flea is *'uku lele* "jumping bug".  {Sup} "jump" and 
{ghew} "bug}.

Any musicians out there recognize puns for the other two instrument words: 
{HurDagh} and {tIngDagh}?  Interestingly, they both end in {-Dagh} which 
can't be a coincidence.



-- 
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons

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