[tlhIngan Hol] Klingon Word of the Day: Duj

[Steven Boozer]

Klingon word: Duj
Part of speech: noun
Definition: instincts
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(TKW 27):  The Klingon word for instincts is {Duj}, and it is grammatically correct to treat it as singular (a bundle or collection of instincts) or plural (individual instincts).

Duj tIvoqtaH 
Always trust your instincts. TKD

DujlIj yIvoq 
Trust your instincts. 

(TKW 27):  {Duj} also means ship or vessel, so a possible interpretation of the aphorism is trust your ship. In this context, a vessel could symbolize oneself. To a Klingon, this reveals a deep truth.

QaQ qeylIS Duj | ghe'tor 'elmeH yapbe' may' 'e' Sovchu' 
Kahless knows by instinct a fight will not suffice to enter the land of the dead. PB

On the idiom:  {vaj Duj chIj} "navigate a warrior ship": 

(KGT 113-115):  This is a way to say "have strength of character". This sense clearly came about because of the existence in Klingon of two words pronounced {Duj}, one meaning ship, vessel, the other meaning instincts. If {Duj} is taken in its 'ship' sense, then {vaj Duj} means "warrior ship", something that is certainly appropriate to navigate ({chIj}). On the other hand, if {Duj} is taken to mean instincts, then {vaj Duj} means "warrior instincts" and the phrase {vaj Duj chIj} ("navigate warrior instincts") makes no sense unless interpreted idiomatically. To a Klingon, this would be to set and direct the course or use of these instincts--that is, to be in control of them. The phrase {vaj Duj} ("warrior vessel" or "warrior instincts"), even without the verb {chIj} (navigate), is taken to mean strength of character, though it can also be used literally. 
    It is noteworthy that in this idiom the word for warrior is not the frequently heard {SuvwI'}, which would denote an individual warrior, but rather is {vaj}, which refers to the whole idea of being a warrior. Thus, when {Duj} is taken to mean instincts, {vaj Duj} refers to the instincts associated with being a warrior or the instincts needed for combat; {SuvwI' Duj} would mean the instincts of a specific warrior. If {Duj} is taken to mean ship, {vaj Duj} (warrior ship) would suggest that the ship itself has the characteristics of a warrior, a perfectly reasonable notion. To express that a ship is that of a specific warrior, the word {SuvwI'} is appropriate: {SuvwI' Duj} (warrior's ship). 
    The idiom, referring to strength of character, may be used in sentences such as {vaj Duj DachIj} ("You navigate a warrior ship"--that is, "You have strength of character") or {vaj Duj chIjbe'} ("He/she does not navigate a warrior ship"--that is, "He/she lacks strength of character").

SEE ALSO:
jeQ 		be self-confident (v)
toDuj 		courage, bravery (n)
qajunpaQ 	courage, audacity, *kajunpakt* (n)
tova'Daq  	mind sharing,  *tova'dok* (n)

(KGT 204):  Thus, Federation Standard has no word meaning the same as Klingon {tova'Daq}, a sort of mind sharing or insight into one another's thoughts

--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons