[tlhIngan Hol] {moch} in noun-noun constructions

[Lieven L. Litaer]

Am 18.03.2020 um 18:50 schrieb mayqel qunen'oS:
> But my goal isn't to translate the concept of "superior" as in "greater
> skill"; my problem is how to translate "superior" as in "of higher rank".

Thanks for this clarification.

In this case, I think that {moch Qel} does not work that way. It seems
like a parallel to {veSDuj} "warship" or "ship of war" but it feels odd,
because in {veSDuj} the word {veS} somehow includes the purpose of
{Duj}, but the way you intend this, a {moch Qel} is not a Qel serving a
moch.

I would not surprised if Maltz reveals that {moch} can be used as an
adjective, and {Qel moch} would mean "higher rank doctor". Until we know
for sure, I would prefer to avoid that construction.

The general question here is, whether a the first noun in a
N-N-construction can be used to modify the second noun. What is a
{ra'wI' Qel}? A {SuvwI' Qel}? ... I think this leads back to my question
of a few weeks ago, where I suggested if there is some kind of negative
appostion, as seen in {QaDmoHwI' DIr}.


--
Lieven L. Litaer
aka the "Klingon Teacher from Germany"
http://www.klingonisch.de
http://www.klingonwiki.net/En/Apposition