Return-Path: <@FINHUTC.HUT.FI:LOJBAN@CUVMB.BITNET> Received: from FINHUTC.hut.fi by xiron.pc.helsinki.fi with smtp (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #1) id m0qx47Z-00006SC; Tue, 18 Oct 94 04:17 EET Message-Id: Received: from FINHUTC.HUT.FI by FINHUTC.hut.fi (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 7164; Tue, 18 Oct 94 04:18:00 EET Received: from SEARN.SUNET.SE (NJE origin MAILER@SEARN) by FINHUTC.HUT.FI (LMail V1.1d/1.7f) with BSMTP id 7161; Tue, 18 Oct 1994 04:17:48 +0200 Received: from SEARN.SUNET.SE (NJE origin LISTSERV@SEARN) by SEARN.SUNET.SE (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 2727; Tue, 18 Oct 1994 03:14:39 +0100 Date: Mon, 17 Oct 1994 18:45:32 -0400 Reply-To: Sylvia Rutiser Sender: Lojban list From: Sylvia Rutiser Subject: Re: lo [nonexistent] X-To: lojban@cuvmb.cc.columbia.edu To: Veijo Vilva In-Reply-To: <199410121000.AA07861@nfs1.digex.net> Content-Length: 652 Lines: 17 coi doi ro I would like to follow up on Bob Michael's comment. IMHO, one of the uses for language is the discussion of whether or not some object, relationship, or state exists. For example, the existence or non-existence of deities is a frequent source of discussion and/or quarrel. Also, ether, pholstogon, and songs sung by Milli Vanilli. I would like to suggest that the distinction to be made is not whether one or more examples of what you are talking about actually exists, but whether the speaker is making a claim, or just a 'suppose' kind of statement. I think that there are UI selma'o cmavo to express the distinction. mi'e silvian