[quote author=Tim Ward link=board=what;num=1073901195;start=0#5 date=01/12/04 at 11:57:38]Not to digress, but isn’t it interesting how we have different forms of verbs for people versus animals and things?
Oh, digress away. Why not, now that the original question’s been answered?
In Apache, verb constructions distinguish among large animals (including humans), small animals, and nonanimals (including flora) as well as a host of other material criteria.
I also find it interesting that some languages distinguish between the animals themselves, and the meat we eat:
pig/pork, cow/beef, etc. (In English this is attributed to the English/French fusion post 1066, but may exist in other languages as well.)
Thanx for the overwhelming response..i was awe stuck by finding so many replies…actually i myself is not so good in English….do carry on the discussion on the word..by the way , I was looking for the word ‘Filly’ ..thanx Tim for the reply….
The difference between animates and inanimates is also essential for Slavonic languages for purposes of declension, particularly concerning the accusative and genitive singular and the nominative accusative plural.
Brazilian dude.
In Polish, there’s a difference in some cases between inanimates and animates (animals and humans), whereas in other cases there’s a distinction between humans and animals (and all the rest). Very confusing!
The term ‘filly’ is used for a young female horse, but it is poorly defined in terms of ‘young’. Some horse organisations use it for female horses under 3 years, some for under 4 years, other for under 5 years.
Also, the terms foal, yearling, suckling can also be used (although they apply for both genders).
The term ‘mare’ is used for a mature horse. However, as it is used for horses over 3 years, which is still very young (equivalent to human teenager), a young female horse could still be called a mare.
Hi Sema, thanks for your post, and the reference to the site. Luke gets a bit antsy about people who advertise garbage, but your contribution is not one of those.
Pit ponies used to haul coal out of mines in Wales. Would a young female pit-pony be a bit-pit-pony?
Thank you Douglang. Continuing the logic, it you gave it a small amount to eat, it would be a tidbit to a bit-pit-pony. Can you say this 10 times fast?
