tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Mon Dec 24 10:00:33 2007
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Re: How does one say Merry Christmas?
[email protected] wrote:
>How does one say Merry Christmas?
On this list, Christmas is usually transcribe *{QISmaS}, though some people
prefer *{toDwI'ma' qoS} "our savior's birthday". Holiday and birthday
greetings are usually given using the verb {tIv} "enjoy".
So, the imperative form is:
QISmas yItIv!
Enjoy Christmas! [to one person or a group of people]
Stated less aggressively as a desire or wish, use {-jaj}:
QISmas DatIvjaj
may you (sg.) enjoy Christmas [to one person]
QISmas botIvjaj
may you (pl.) enjoy Christmas [to a group]
If you're a Christian speaking to other Christians, you might prefer to say:
toDwI'ma' qoS DatIvjaj
may you (sg.) enjoy Our Savior's birthday
but if you're a non-Christian speaking to Christians, this becomes:
toDwI'lI' qoS DatIvjaj
may you (sg.) enjoy your (sg.) savior's birthday [to one person]
toDwI'ra' qoS botIvjaj
may you (pl.) enjoy your (pl.) savior's birthday [to a group]
You can always add {-qu'} "emphatic" (mutatis mutandem):
QISmas DatIvqu'jaj!
may you (sg.) really enjoy Christmas
(i.e. Have a very merry Christmas!)
In these politically correct times, you can choose the multiculturally
non-specific:
yupma'(mey) tItIv!
Enjoy the festivals! (i.e. Happy holidays! [pl.])
yupma'lIj DatIvjaj
may you (sg.) enjoy your (sg.) festival! [to one person]
yupma'raj botIvjaj
may you (pl.) enjoy your (pl.) festival! [to a group]
Other options include substituting the noun {lop} "celebration" and/or
using the verb {lop} "observe, celebrate (a ritual)". E.g.:
QISmas Dalopchu'jaj!
May you (sg.) celebrate Christmas well!
(i.e. Have a nice Christmas!)
etc...
Personally, I always go with the all-purpose:
yupma'lIj yItIv!
Enjoy your festival/holiday!
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons