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batsa with generic vs. definite/indefinite
- From: BestATN@hidden.email
- Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 23:25:33 EDT
- Subject: batsa with generic vs. definite/indefinite
- To: katanda@yahoogroups.com
Rick,
K-E defines "batsa" thus:
>batsa - be, be equal to, be the same as.
And in LS 11.0 the specificity of the three types of definiteness is stated:
>In the above examples, "tigers" and "ice cream" are generic, because they do not refer to specific entities, whereas definite and indefinite nouns always refer to specific entities.
Some of the examples with "batsa" combine an indefinite/definite (i.e. specific) patient with a generic (non-specific) focus. Can something specific "be the same as" something non-specific? I don't think so, and this is why I think the generic form should be replaced by the indefinite form using "va" in the sentences below. In addition, the indefinite form using "va" is already much more common than the generic form.
L9:
I learned that the sick person was a poor actor.
Kosinga mi pi batsa byo bucaygo getubyo busensa.
L21:
That sitting person with the yellow ruler is a wealthy astronaut.
Batsa byo fugo niju te monyo memyu gepebyo sensa.
L22:
It's unlikely that John will imitate you because he's an excellent friend.
Fobe goy batenza Kajobyo tumi vakxe batsa johi gelifye vicansa.
fobenzo - skeptical, doubtful, doubting. "Fobenzo" should be applied
to a person who has doubts, not to an event. Use "mafobenzo" for an
event whose outcome is in doubt. Batsa sekobyo gebyo fobenzo xeva =
The professor is a very skeptical person.
fugo - sitting (down), seated. Batsa byo fugo niju te monyo memyu
gepebyo = That sitting person with the yellow ruler is an astronaut.
vibendu - credulous (about), gullible, trusting, easily taken in,
inclined to believe. Batsa Kapedebyo gebyo vibento xeva = Peter is
a very credulous person.
vikogo - brilliant [extremely intelligent], genius. Batsa sekobyo
gemetabyo vikogo = The professor is a brilliant mathematician.
xonzasno - able, capable, competent, fit, having the ability to do
something. Batsa Kapedebyo gemetabyo xonzasno = Peter is a capable
mathematician.
Steven