[tlhIngan Hol] meaning of an {x-mo' verb-be'} sentence

[Alan Anderson]

On Jan 9, 2020, at 4:33 PM, SuStel <sustel at trimboli.name> wrote:
> 
> I'm saying that the only way you can use the culture part of the game to control the language part of the game is when we've been told how the culture part controls the language part.

I agree with this. So why do you discount what Power Klingon tells us about Klingon culture and its influence on how best to use Klingon language?

> “Let us start by demonstrating how acceptable Klingon conduct, derived from generations of battle behavior, can be conveyed through language. Above all else, Klingon warriors value four main ideals of behavior: accuracy, straightforwardness, aggressiveness, and strength. By careful use of language you can immediately signal your respect for these ideals, thus gaining respect. If you are going to operate in Klingon society you must have respect.”


Being vague goes against the ideal of accuracy. Being wittering goes against the ideal of straightforwardness. Being indecisive goes against the ideal of aggressiveness. A Klingon whose speech is “vague, wittering, and indecisive” is not respecting those ideals, is thus not respected, and therefore is not well equipped to operate in Klingon society.

I believe we have adequate guidance to accept the claim that “Klingons wouldn’t say that” when the suggested phrasing is contrary to the ideals of behavior. It doesn’t mean a Klingon *couldn’t* say it, of course, but it strongly suggests that a Klingon should say it in a different fashion.

— ghunchu'wI'