tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Wed Sep 15 09:17:47 2004
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RE: jIb
-----Original Message-----
From: ngabwI'
> AFAIK, we have only one example of {jIb} in canon, from PK:
>
> {DaH jIbwIj vISay'nISmoH} "I must wash my hair now."
>
> So we have at least a "mass interpretation" of the word.
Unless there is an elided plural on jIb (i.e. jIbDu'wIj). I don't think
this line proves we can use it as a mass noun. It's still up for grabs
and I don't think anyone can complain even if you use it both ways,
until we get more information. I do agree with Voragh, though, that if
you are using it as a mass noun wa' jIb doesn't make a whole lot of
sense. I would automatically interpret wa' jIb as one strand of hair.
And, lay'tel Sivten, perhaps I can try to help you. The "experts" don't
want to contradict Okrand. If they state that they prefer a particular
usage and Okrand later states that the actual usage is different, they
have to not only correct their own usage, but now they are responsible
for the incorrect usage of others. Therefore, when asked a question
about usage, they prefer to only quote canon - then they know they won't
be wrong. They are willing to use the language in ways that haven't
been confirmed, but they are not willing to give any strength to the
usage even by saying, "well, this is how I prefer to use it." Until
someone starts doing statistical analysis of usage across multiple
speakers, the only answer you are ever likely to get is the canon
answer. I would even recommend you stop asking questions like "How do
I..." and instead ask, "Does canon indicate how I should..." And then
when there is not enough information, make up your own usage. If canon
doesn't specifically show that you are incorrect, and you have
communicated well, then no one can say you are wrong.
Jeremy