New Language, minimal phonology

On Fri, 25 Feb 2000, Matt Pearson wrote:

> >Hey, since we've been talking about massive phonologies, how about the other
> >extreme?  Any ideas for a conlang with as FEW consonants and vowels as
> >possible?  I'm thinking something like the following nine:
> >
> >Vowels: a i u (3)
> >Consonants: p t k s m l (6)
Fun.  How's this?

Not only does this language have a minimal phon ology, it also has the
broadest possible division of conceptual space, making context important
and innuendo easy.  For example:

ptak = to take, to give
kik = freedom, hope, power, refuge
mal = community, family, any close group of people
tama = teaching, law, truth, wisdom
umi= three
stal = abstract idea counter
sa = term of respect, name marker
i = accusative marker
u = locative marker "in, on, near, by"
at = definite article
ak = first person singular nom. pronoun

Hence, the Three Refuges, or "umi stal kik"

ak ptak i kik u puta-sa
I take refuge in the Buddha.

ak ptak i kik u tama-at
I take refuge in the teaching.

ak ptak i kik u mal-at
I take refuge in the community.

Which could also mean:

I give refuge in (the name of) the Buddha.
I give refuge through the teaching.
I give refuge to the community.

Or

I take freedom from the Buddha.
I take freedom from the teachings.
I give freedom to the community.

Mmmmm.  I've got a warm happy feeling.  ;)