Choose bIH for plural non-language-users, chaH for plural language users, and 'oH for one non-language-user.
Choose bIH for plural non-language-users, chaH for plural language users, and 'oH for one non-language-user.
tlhInganpu' bIH treats Klingons like non-language-users, while a group capable of language requires chaH.
Marc Okrand lists bIH in The Klingon Dictionary as the pronoun for “they” or “them” when the referents are not capable of language. No further derivation is attested.
What does bIH mean?
bIH means “they” or “them” for animals, plants, body parts, objects, and other plural referents not treated as capable of language. It can also correspond to “these” or “those” when pointing them out.
How is bIH pronounced?
bIH is pronounced /bɪx/, with I like the vowel in English bit and the strong, rough Klingon H sound.
What is the difference between bIH and chaH?
bIH refers to plural non-language-users. chaH refers to a group of beings capable of using language.
Can bIH refer to animals and body parts?
Yes. Animals, plants, body parts, and inanimate objects all take bIH in the plural unless they are being treated as capable of language.
When is bIH stated beside a verb?
Verb prefixes often make a third-person plural subject or object clear. bIH adds emphasis or removes ambiguity, and it also serves as the predicate in identity statements.