Padraic Brown wrote:
>
> You could set up a system of classifiers by which the nouns are given
> categories based on the verbs they are associated with. Example
> (exclusive of tones):
>
> ma-ringo-nara gua-dang-busho-er ma-dang-ring-luo; a ma-er-nara
> gua-wo-dakdak-er ma-dang-busho-luo a.
>
> The cue ball struck the object ball; which went into the
> pocket.
>
> dang-ring = cue ball (ball of driving)
> dang-busho = object ball (ball of objectivity)
> wo-dakdak = pocket, basket (place of nuts)
> ringo = drive
>
> ma- = wheel classifier: round objects, objects moving
> cyclically
> gua- = rock classifier: any object at rest
>
> -luo = primary object relational
> -er = secondary object relational
> -nara = atemporal time (time unspecified)
>
> Note that dang-busho changes from gua- to ma- (static to motive) when
> it is now the subject of a verb of (circular) motion.
>
> The blow by blow action:
>
> [round class action]-action of striking-[atemporal] [at rest class
> object]-objectball-[secondary relational] [round class
> object]-cueball-[primary relational]; [open dependant clause] [round
> class action]-action of going-[atemporal] [at rest class
> object]-pocket-[secondary relational] [round class object]-objectball-
> [primary relational] [close dependant clause]
>
> Padraic.
>
Hey! I like that very much! Which language is it? Constructed or
natural? is there an URL where I can find information on it? :)
--
Christophe Grandsire
Philips Research Laboratories -- Building WB 145
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E-mail: grandsir@natlab.research.philips.com