[clicks &] * creating words*

In a message dated 17.01.2002 05:23:18 AM, DigitalScream@AOL.COM writes:

>On word creation: I'm a big fan of translation, for two reasons: (1)
>Obviously it forces you to create more words, but more importantly, (2)
>if you translate something that's heavily imbedded in the semantics of a
given
>language and culture (take Shakespeare, for example), it will force you
>to think about how your culture would convey the idea.  Because you can read
>Shakespeare and know what the idea is he's trying to convey, and then look
>at the words he uses.  From there, all you need to do is decide which words
>you want to use to convey the same thing.  Something as simple as "the gods
>above" can come out way differently.  After all, who says gods need to
>be above?  Why not below or all around or under the rug?  It's fun.  :)
    LOL so true/tres bien. IIRC there is some native South American language
that has no word for "worship" or "pray." Instead they have the metaphor of
"wagging [one's] tail at god(s)."  Kinda apt imagery if you consider us
humans Higher Primates...

    Any other similar word/metaphor creations in conlangs? eh?
∞
czHANg23, Agent Provocateur for Creative Chaos

"There is no total revolution, there is only perpetual Revolution,
like love, dazzling at every moment." ~~~ Paul Eluard

"All Power to the Imagination and the Revolution of the Everyday!"
                                    ~~~ graffiti [translated from French],
Paris, 1968

"Occupation?"
"Resistance."