Re: THEORY: Number and animacy

BP Jonsson wrote:
>
> I found another interesting system, inverse number, which
> is tempting to copy: it basically basically means that for
> animates singular is the expected number, [**]while for
> inanimates plural is the expected number[**]...,
That seems rather strange :-) though I see there's a way around it with the
"inverse" marker.

> since in all languages with an
> animate/inanimate distinction there are some words which are
> animate although the phenomena they designate are not
> 'scientifically' animate,
As in Kash-- various natural phenomena, and a few other things, but a very
random selection. I occasionally consider making body parts animate, but it
would require too many changes in already written stuff.