KLBC

KLBC is the abbreviation of "Klingon Language Beginners' Conversation" on the tlhIngan-Hol mailing list. This has been set up for the beginners to have a place to start(1).

Background

A few years ago, before there was such a thing as the KLBC, we noticed that a newcomer would ask a fairly simple question (how do I say "my name is X?"), and receive 10 opinions on the grammatical nature of double-object verbs, and a tangential thread on transitivity to boot, without receiving a straight answer.

We considered breaking the list up into two separate mailing lists, one for introductory-level grammatical discussions that would bring people up-to-speed, and the high-paced list that tlhIngan-Hol had become. But that would be bad, since our numbers are rather small. And, if we never let people see skillful use of the language, they would be missing a valuable experience with the language. So, the decision was made to keep one, single list, and somehow distinguish between discussions at the beginner's level, and more detailed, esoteric discussions of the language. Thus, the KLBC was born. There's a rotating post, called the "Beginner's Grammarian" (BG), and this person has the responsibility of giving attention to posts directed to the KLBC. Furthermore, posts which are part of the KLBC are expressly off-limits to anyone but the BG, until the BG has responded. Once the level of discussion goes to a depth beyond introductory, it is moved out of the KLBC. Once the BG has responded, the post is fair-game. Of course, if you see a post marked KLBC and you want to comment on the content, rather than the grammar, there's no need to wait for the BG to fire the first shot.

The KLBC started as a suggestion for beginners to have beginner's level conversations with each other, that didn't require advanced skills with the language to follow, and wouldn't become clouded with complex discussions of grammar. The Beginner's Grammarian (BG) position was instituted to provide beginners with clear, straightforward, and personally-directed guidance with the language.

Today, the KLBC has become less of a "conversation," and more of a question/answer type of forum. But don't feel you have to use it that way. If you want to write Klingon in the KLBC, go ahead!

Usage

So, how do you use it? To use the KLBC, just start your subject of with "KLBC". Others are free to respond to your post in Klingon; only the BG may address the grammar.

Also, try to exercise some common sense with the use of the KLBC. If a newcomer comes along, how is that person supposed to know of the existence of the KLBC, other than having read this excellent FAQ? If someone starts a message off like, "Hi, I've been here for two days, I'm going to try to introduce myself, here goes!" and then proceeds to use some Klingon incorrectly, don't just jump in with corrections simply because they didn't put KLBC in the subject line. It's obviously a newcomer, obviously needing the BG's attention.

The Beginners' Grammarian

The Beginners' Grammarian's job is to help out newcomers and beginners in learning Klingon. He corrects grammar and provides advice for those trying to learn Klingon. If you put KLBC at the beginning of the subject line of a message, it marks it as a beginner level topic. This may be a question for the BG, or just conversation with other beginners in general. KLBC is not limited onto to participation by beginners, though! Anyone may contribute. The rule here is that the first person allowed to discuss the grammar of a KLBC post is the BG. Once He has got through with it, if there are any corrections or additions you think of, go ahead and post. This system keeps the beginner's confusion down to a minimum. If possible, you should also include what you were trying to say, in English. This will make it easier for the BG to make sure that you say what you are trying to say.

See also

• FAQ for the Klingon Mailing List

References

1 : http://higbee.cots.net/Holtej/klingon/faq.htm#2.4 FAQ for the Klingon Mailing List