Pure functions in D (OT)

[Paul D. Anderson]

BCS Wrote:


> I wonder if any language have the full tensor of pronouns?
> 
> 1st/2nd/3rd person X singular/plural X male/female/mixed/neutral
> 
> If you don't omit any as impossible that would be 24 words. That wold be 
> a mouth full, including duplicates (him/her vs. he/she, we vs. us) I count 
> 9 in English (add on me, you and them).
> 
> 

FWIW, your list isn't long enough -- Maori (along with most other Polynesian languages) has a dual case as well -- singular/dual/plural. The language also distinguishes between the inclusive and exclusive use of "we" -- including or excluding the person being spoken to. "We're going to the baseball game" (And you're not!) vs. "We should get together sometime." (You and I should get together.)

You also overlooked the reflexive pronouns -- myself, ourselves, itself, themselves, etc. English can be a little ragged in that area, again with regard to gender. If a person of indeterminate gender should take some reflexive action does he/she do it himself? herself? itself? themself? -- Even the otherwise servicable "they" doesn't work since it is invariable plural, "themselves", when used reflexively.

And interrogatives are sometimes considered pronouns -- who/whom, etc. Do even the artificial languages (Esperanto, LogLan, etc.) fill all these slots??

Paul