[646] in tlhIngan-Hol
Re: Klingon Sociolinguistics #1: Greetings and Partings
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU)
Thu Apr 22 05:26:28 1993
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Reply-To: "Klingon Language List" <tlhIngan-Hol@village.boston.ma.us>
From: Letty Smith <lettuce@u.washington.edu>
To: "Klingon Language List" <tlhIngan-Hol@village.boston.ma.us>
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1993 00:04:23 -0800 (PDT)
In-Reply-To: <9304220329.AA28817@ bush.cs.tamu.edu>
The problem with the idea that there must be a conversation opener before
you can really start to talk is that that is a cultural thing... certainly
not required, even among Terran culltures. The Chinese, for instance,
use 'Have you eaten' or 'Where are you going' or 'What are you doing' as
standard greetings. It's the context that lets them know they are going
to talk.
One could easily assume that Klingons know they are going to talk because
they look at each other. Catching the eye means one is going to speak.
It's all situational, and there is no need to add it in.
Granted, it still feels funny to me, but that's because I'm used to being
polite. It takes WORK to be that rude.
Any other thoughts?
DrujIv
