From sbelknap@xxx.xxxx Sat May 29 19:48:33 1999
X-Digest-Num: 152
Message-ID: <44114.152.910.959273824@eGroups.com>
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 21:48:33 -0500
From: Steven Belknap <sbelknap@xxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Well...

The vocabulary generating abilities of lojban are quite rich, much more so
than natural languages such as English. In alluding to the apparent lack of
words, perhaps you are referring to the gismu list, which can be thought of
as "word atoms." The "atoms" can be used as words themselves, but can also
be combined to form complex metaphors. You can also use words from other
languages by adapting them to lojban using a formal recipe for adapting
words in other languages to lojban.

Technically, you are correct: the current vocabulary of lojban is
incomplete. But that can be corrected by creating metaphors using the
lojban combining forms. With time, some of the compound lojban words may
become familiar metaphors recognized by all in lojbanistan.

>From: WorldMaker <world_maker@yahoo.com>
>
>Hello, I'm new here and really intrigued by Lojban. It seems to me that
>the major problem is the lack of a sufficient vocabulary... Has anyone
>thought about going through Abridged/Pocket Dictionary and making a list
>of needed words? What about embarking on larger translation works, for
>instance an H. G. Wells or Jules Verne novel? (Both of which should be
>public domain). Or even a more relevant translation of computer terms and
>manuals (Linux manuals are usually public domain)?
>
>--WorldMaker--
>(wyrldmaiker?)
>
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Steven Belknap, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria