[ExI] language question

[David Lubkin]

Dan TheBookMan wrote:

>For instance, if I say 'we went to the party,' does that mean 'you 
>and I went to the party' or 'some other people (not including you) 
>and I went to the party' or 'you, some other people, and I went to 
>the party'? In many situations, that's ambiguous and the listener 
>has to ask for more information if 'they';) are unsure.

I love Tok Pisin, which makes that distinction, has dual and trial 
forms, and doesn't consider sex.

If the universe is (you, me, Spike, Gina, Keith) and I'm talking to you,

me + Spike = mitupela (i.e., me two fella)
me + you = yumitupela (you me two fella)

me + Spike + Gina = mitripela (me three fella)
me + Spike + Gina + Keith = mipela (me fella)

If I'm speaking to you and Spike, it's

me + you + Spike = yumitripela (you me three fella)

If I'm speaking to you, Spike, and Gina, it's

me + you + Spike + Gina = yumipela (you me fella) OR yumi (you me)

I'm not sure what form they use for a trial or plural that includes 
the speaker, the listener, and others not present.


-- David.