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English dictionaries are notorious for vague, circular definitions that refer you to your own experience in the use of a word, but don't actually tell you what it means. English words don't have a meta-language that we can all agree on. The words don't categorize, or define neatly. I, of course, think a good conlang should have such a meta-language. In a conlang you want to define "car". You want to be able to say what it is about a car that makes it a car. That definition should let me look at a thing and know based on its attributes if it is a car (and if so why), and if it is not a car (and if so why). To be a car, it has got to have an engine, or it is not really what we mean by "car". So the presence of an engine is definitely part of the meaning of "car". If it is informal or the structure is loose we can still accept it as a conference. I think the English meaning of conference only implies structure and formality. This "back story" of the meaning of a word belongs in the encyclopedia of English rather than in the Dictionary of English. There is also an excellent principle I read on a conlang site that a conlang design should not force a speaker to say things the speaker does not intend to say. Is it better that the conlang designers make me say "informal conference" because conferences are defined as formal or is it better that the conlang designer make me say "formal conference" because conferences need not be formal? I suggest leaving it at meeting and if the speaker wants to imply formality and/or structure, let him specify it. Ok, my ex-wife is right. I talk alot. FaqSphinx --- In Latejami@yahoogroups.com, Rick Morneau <ram@...> wrote: > > MorphemeAddict@... wrote: > > > > How about: > > Dasu cakopa bavi zogimbiva kutezugi kuntesye facula kintomay kuhi. > > > > My intented meaning: I want to attend the conference but it's too far away. > > > > "Zogimba" is AP/F-d and means 'to arrive at'. 'Attend' should be AP/F-s > "zoginza". > > Also, I think that 'attend' should have its own activity root. > "Zoginza" literally means 'to stay at'. > > It would also probably be a good idea to have an additional root for > 'conference' because "kutezugi" means 'meeting', which could be informal > and for as few as two people. "Conference" implies formality or > structure and typically involves many people. > > Advice, anyone? > > > Regards, > > Rick Morneau > http://www.eskimo.com/~ram >