[tlhIngan Hol] difference between -meH and -wI' in purpose-clause compound nouns

[Lieven]

Hi,

first of all, how would you linguistically call that what I am talking 
about?

I have noticed that some words are translated like {pe'meH taj} "cutting 
knife", while others use -wI': {toSwI' qal'aq} "jungle gym".

And then, sometimes I wondered, why -wI' and not -meH?

Of course, all phrases make sense in both ways, but is there a 
difference? Why is it not {toSmeH qal'aq} "structure for climbing"? Why 
say {chevwI' tlhoy'} and not {chevmeH tlhoy'} for "territiorial wall"?
"suntan lotion" is translated as {DIr QanwI' taS} - why not {DIr QanmeH 
taS}?

What do you think about that?

Next, I think there is also a difference between combinations where the 
meH-ed verb directly influences the noun (pe'meH taj means that the 
knife is for cutting) while other situations are just real noun-noun 
combinations (as in {nISwI' DaH} which is a "array of disruptors" and 
not a "array to disrupt").

I'm just lacking the right terms to say what I think, so maybe you can 
clarify.

BTW, I started a page in the Klingon language wiki with some examples. 
The page still has a strange name though:
http://www.klingonwiki.net/En/CompoundNounsWithAVerb


-- 
Lieven L. Litaer
aka Quvar valer 'utlh
Grammarian of the KLI
http://www.facebook.com/Klingonteacher