Lojban a natural language?

[Logical Language Group <lojbab@access.digex.net>]

>The voice of soapy reason saith:
>> >Advocating grammar change in Lojbania is like advocating gun control in
>> >the USA; sweet reason neither butters parsnips nor carries the day.  My
>> >ambition is to look back in my dotage and tell my grandchildren "See
>> >that cmavo?  It was me that got it into the language"
>> Come on, And!  Isn't this true for any natural language?
>
>Lojban isn't one, though.

Yes, but if Lojban is to be used for linguistics research, then at some
time, we have to treat it like one.  That means that at some point no
individual will have the inherent ability to make either a defacto or
maybe even a dejure change in the language.


>> IF the Lojban design is complete, THEN we should allow no grammatical
>> change except through natural linguistic evolutionary processes.
>
>What is complete?  A hut is a complete dwelling, but it is not a palace.
>You are willing that the hut's roof be fixed if it leaks, but not that
>new storeys replete with ornate miradors be added, nor even that it be
>given a new coat of paint.

I mean complete in the same sense that we say any natural language is
complete.  We do not and cannot fix the leaky roof of the English
language, and many would say that no one has a "right" to.

>Your will is representative of the Lojban community at large,

I'd like to think so, but the last few months have made be wonder, given
the unsettledness and unsettleability of some of the issues that have
been raised.

> and you also are at least rirni of the language,

I like that description, given my understanding of parenting.  You have
to let your child grow up, gaining ever-increasing independence and
self-determinantion as it shows maturity.  JCB is a parent who could not
let go; I hope to do better.

>even if you would not consent to be considered a rorci.

I would consent to being a component of loi rorci

>Therefore what I say should be interpreted as a lament, not as a
>complaint.

Of, I did indeed interpret it that way, rest assured zo'o.

lojbab