Am 11.11.2021 um 20:40 schrieb Alan Anderson:
I'm unsure about what the fundamental meaning of {chotlh} actually is. It can be used for looking intently at something, but also for not looking at anything? It sounds as if it's actually two somewhat related words, one used only with an object and one used only without.
The question originated from a character in the story who is just staring into the sky; Not watching the stars or so, just looking up with no target. Nothing is being observed or examined. I see the difference to the other verbs like {legh} is used more like "see" in general as opposed to "not see": "Do you see that cat over there?" {bej} is defined as "watch, observe". The proverb from TKW {bISutlhnISchugh jaghlI' mInDu' tIbej.} If you must negotiate, watch your enemy's eyes. is a hint to "observe" your opponent's eyes, but surely not stare at them intently. And here is the difference. When you are at a romantic dinner and you look into your girlsfriend's eyes, that's {chotlh}. And then, if you noticed (i.e. you {legh} ) another nice woman passing by, you can "ogle" at her, that is {chotlh} too. I guess there is a slight overlap betwen {bej} and {chotlh}, but if it's for staring at something - intently or stupidly - then it's clearly {chotlh}. -- Lieven L. Litaer aka the "Klingon Teacher from Germany" http://www.tlhInganHol.com http://klingon.wiki/En/AliceInWonderland