From: "Robert B Wilson" <han_solo55@...>
> > >I can't swim. - I haven't learned how.
> > >vs.
> > >I can't swim. - I have a red hot poker jabbed into my thigh.
> >
> > French has the same distinction, using "savoir" vs. "pouvoir":
> > Je ne sais pas nager: I can't swim - I haven't learned how.
> > Je ne peux pas nager: I can't swim - they cut my legs and arms.
>
> tolkien's quenya also has this distinction:
> lá istan <swim>: i can't swim (i don't know how)
> lá polin <swim>: i can't swim (i am physically unable)
> as well as:
> lá lertan <swim>: i can't swim (what exactly would this mean?)
Possibly "I can't swim (it's forbidden me)" ?
*Muke!
--
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