[2435] in tlhIngan-Hol
Re: Klingon translator
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU)
Mon Jan 3 10:26:45 1994
Reply-To: "Klingon Language List" <tlhIngan-Hol@klingon.East.Sun.COM>
From: Will Martin <whm2m@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu>
To: "Klingon Language List" <tlhIngan-Hol@klingon.East.Sun.COM>
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 94 10:24:46 EST
On Dec 30, 10:19pm, David Barron wrote:
> Subject: Klingon translator
>
> While the topic has turned to Klingon Translators I would lIke to
> give my suggestion on what might be the IDEAL KLINGON TRANSLATOR.
> 1) It Must be designed by someone who KNOWS the language and not just
> has TKD on a shelf.
> 2) Easy Klingon-to-English English-to-Klingon word search.
> 3) Easy affix referance.
> 4) A text editor for thoughs who would use it to translate.
> 5) Mouse compatable.
> 6) Able to add new words as they are discovered.
> 7) All these options made on an accessable pulldown menu.
> 8) A word parcer.
>
> d'Armond Speers' has an early version of this translation tool with
> many of the mentioned improvements planned for future versions.
>
> DOes anyone else have additions to this IDEAL KLINGON TRANSLATOR????
You didn't mention platform. I would prefer Windows compatible, but I
know others here use Macs and Unix boxes and DOS based pre-386s.
I was prepared to take a different, less ambitious approach, creating a
Microsoft Access based database for quick lookup of words (either English or
Klingon) with definitions, usage notes and citings for usage in cannon. The
intent was to make it a Windows-based, annotated dictionary that can be
freely updated. I also have the Distribution Kit, so if I create something,
it can be distributed to those who use Windows, but do not necessarily have
Access. I'd probably call it ch-tlh-H-m (charghwI' tlhIngan Hol mu'ghom, in
the spirit of the OED). It would be intended ONLY as a suppliment for those
who own TKD, so as to avoid concerns over copywrite. I expect it will be
quick to develop, then slow to fill, since the quantity of data entry exceeds
my free time. I want a reference manual, not a de-coder.
Given the inconsistent quality we ALL show (except perhaps Krankor) in
translating between Klingon and English with all the massively parallel
processing power of our minds, I doubt any of us will develop a true
translator any time soon. That's why I want to use my computer for an
appropriate task. It can look things up quickly. I don't mind doing the
grammar myself. I prefer it.
charghwI'
