Theiling Online    Sitemap    Conlang Mailing List HQ   

Re: lexicon

From:Mike Ellis <nihilsum@...>
Date:Thursday, May 29, 2003, 21:41
JS Bangs wrote (but reversed):

>This is the sort of nuance that synonyms bring. You're welcome to omit >them if you'd like, but I consider it invaluable.
*dives in* If the language is attached to a culture, the speakers will end up developing synonyms with slightly different connotations, even if the difference is only one of formality, or positive/negative attitude towards something. A good dictionary will explain the subtle differences between any "synonyms" given; it seems that fewer synonyms are *exactly* the same in connotation.
>How about the distinction between "sell" and "vend"? Or "sell" and >"offer" (leaving aside the other uses of "offer")? "I'm selling the car >for $2000" and "I'm offering the car for $2000" are strictly synonymous, >but the second version implies greater willingness to bargain, and less of >a fixed transaction than "sell".
There are two words for "sell" in Rhean: |vendek| and |zbrudak| (both are ripped off, but one more obviously than the other). |zbrudak| is to exchange something for money, more like "to sell off" something that you own. This is what you do when you get rid of your house or car. |vendek| is to sell things as a profession, to "vend" (obviously) like a "vendor" does. Krodin zbrudam. "I sell books" (I have some debts to pay, so I'm selling off this bunch of books that I have in order to get some needed money) Krodin vendim. "I sell books." (I have a store where people come in and buy books from me)
>Jesus asked them, "Who do you say that I am?" > >And they answered, "You are the eschatological manifestation of the ground >of our being, the kerygma in which we find the ultimate meaning of our >interpersonal relationship." > >And Jesus said, "What?"
Oiva silc'o z'e... ("That's a great quote") M