Marc Okrand made the verb and adverbial identical while adapting dialogue for Star Trek III. A changed subtitle required qama'pu' jonta' neH to support both the idea of wanting prisoners and the words 'engine only.'
Marc Okrand made the verb and adverbial identical while adapting dialogue for Star Trek III. A changed subtitle required qama'pu' jonta' neH to support both the idea of wanting prisoners and the words 'engine only.'
What does neH mean?
As a verb, neH means 'want.' As a special adverbial, it means 'only,' 'just,' or 'merely.'
How is neH pronounced?
neH is pronounced /nɛx/. The final H is the harsh sound heard in German Bach.
Is neH a verb or an adverb?
It is both. The spelling and pronunciation are identical, while the position in the sentence shows which use is intended.
How does neH express wanting an action?
The desired action comes first as a complete clause, followed directly by a prefixed form of neH. Unlike most sentence-as-object constructions, no 'e' or net is placed between them.
Where does adverbial neH go?
It follows the noun or verb it limits. After a noun it means 'only that one,' and after a verb it presents the action as merely that and nothing more.
What is the difference between neH and poQ?
neH expresses ordinary desire. poQ marks a strong need, demand, or sense that something is required.
Can neH be ambiguous?
Yes. An unprefixed neH after a verb can mean either 'he or she wants it' or 'merely.' A pronoun, a verb prefix, punctuation, or wider context can make the reading clear.
Why do the two meanings of neH sound alike?
Marc Okrand introduced the identical forms while adapting Star Trek III dialogue so one Klingon line could support the ideas 'I wanted prisoners' and 'engine only.'