[lojban-beginners] taxonomic .a descriptive

[Jonathan Jones <eyeonus@gmail.com>]

Before I get into the the nitty-gritty of the actual purpose of this, I want to make sure a few things are clear.

Firstly, I am not intending to begin a debate, discussion, argument, what-have-you with this, I am merely curious as to the opinions of our community as a whole and the reason for these opinions. So, this is more like a poll. I am of course willing to have debate, discussion, et al., so if anyone else wants to, I invite you to do so on the lojban list.

Secondly, to the best of my knowledge, neither method is "correct" or "official", although I believe that, traditionally at least, taxonomic beats out descriptive.

So, on to the poll.

I have recently been thinking about a subject about which, in the past, I have been very vocal about, that being Lojban names for various species. At this time, there are basically two ways we do things, which I refer to as taxonomic, i.e. basing the lojban name upon the Linnaean (did I spell that right?) name, such as {bramlatu la.acinonyx.jubatus.} (big-cat of species Acinonyx jubatus), and descriptive, i.e. basing the name on it's distinguishing characteristics, such as {bramlatu la traji sutra} (basically - big-cat of species "The Fastest"), both of which are what we call, in English, the Cheetah.

So, the poll is, what is your personal preference for species' names, and why? Do you prefer taxonomic, descriptive, neither both, either depending on circumstances, etc. etc., and what are your reasons?

Please do not be afraid to speak up, because the point of this is to get a reading of the community. I am very curious, and the more of you who answer - and the more detailed your answer is - the happier I will be, even if the majority opinion is decidedly opposite of my own (, which is part of the reason why I have been careful to avoid expressing mine in this message.)

Also, I would love to see other examples of Lojban names for things, such as, if anyone has another idea for what to call a Cheetah, or a Red-tailed Hawk (which is actually a buzzard, I recently learned), or any other creature.

Remember, any discussion, debate, arguing, what-have-you on the main list, this beginner's list thread is only for voicing your opinion.

-- 
mu'o mi'e .aionys.

.i.a'o.e'e ko cmima le bende pe lo pilno be denpa bu .i doi.luk. mi patfu do zo'o
(Come to the Dot Side! Luke, I am your father. :D )

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