Re: Long Languages

Dans un courrier dat=E9 du 05/05/99 00:15:47  , vous avez =E9crit :

<< English, and the fact that many common one-syllable words in
 English (pronouns, determiners) have two-syllable analogues
 in Tokana. >>

you're right, it's the main reason for compactness of English v. other=20
languages I know, together with absence of cases, 1-syllable-prepositions, n=
o=20
transitive inflexion, etc. I admire English and I'm relieved English native=20
speakers still don't fret about lengthening their own conlangs.

 But I don't fret about it too much.  For a sense
 of perspective, think about Tolkien's Entish language, in
 which it takes all afternoon just to say your name!  :-) >>

Thanks

Mathias