Quenya for yes/no? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Roccotari Eldandil · 05-05-2003, 10:35 PM

Does anyone know what the Quenya words are for yes and no? I've looked around quite a bit and can't find anything.

Legolas · 05-05-2003, 10:51 PM

There are none (though ú- is the prefix for not). The vocabulary for Elvish is incomplete.

Tar Elenion · 05-05-2003, 11:47 PM

It seem that JRRT considered using la to mean yes in Quenya. It also seems he considered using la to mean no in Quenya as well. This may give additional insight to the saying: "Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes."
[img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Scott · 05-06-2003, 04:21 PM

The Ardalambion website names la and va as being used to deny facts. It also lists the prefix vaquet- for forbidding or refusing things as with ava-.
As for the yes problem… I think the elves just shook their heads a lot.
They could have also said things like ilye anwa, that is true.

DaughterofVana · 05-07-2003, 01:34 PM

The late and great Ravendah (or was it Ravandah... I remember *one* spelling to be wrong and he corrected me on it) said in the late and great Language forum that there *was* no "yes" or "no." The answer should be formed with "I agree" or "That is not right." There wasn't one word answers. Yeah, maybe they did shake their heads. :grin:

-'Vana

PS Oh! and the u- prefix was only used in Sindarin. I know that much. Quenya is completely different.

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]

Tar Elenion · 05-07-2003, 05:45 PM

For clarification, the information in my post above was drawn from the article 'Negation in Quenya' by Bill Welden, published in VT 42. It cites an unpublished vocabulary list by JRRT from ca. 1960 with the following quote:
"Q. lá 'yes'"
...and it also cites an unpublished essay from ca. 1970 with the following quote:
"Q. lá 'no'".

05-05-2003, 10:35 PM	#1
Roccotari Eldandil Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: the stables of Lorien Posts: 79	Quenya for yes/no? Does anyone know what the Quenya words are for yes and no? I've looked around quite a bit and can't find anything. __________________ "Come, come!" he shouted, swinging his axe. "Since Gandalf's head is now sacred, let us find one that is right to cleave!" -Gimli, after hearing Galadriel's message to him in TTT

05-05-2003, 10:51 PM	#2
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	There are none (though ú- is the prefix for not). The vocabulary for Elvish is incomplete. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

05-05-2003, 11:47 PM	#3
Tar Elenion Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 359	It seem that JRRT considered using la to mean yes in Quenya. It also seems he considered using la to mean no in Quenya as well. This may give additional insight to the saying: "Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes." [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ Tar-Elenion

05-06-2003, 04:21 PM	#4
Scott Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ohio/Grey Havens Posts: 183	The Ardalambion website names la and va as being used to deny facts. It also lists the prefix vaquet- for forbidding or refusing things as with ava-. As for the yes problem… I think the elves just shook their heads a lot. They could have also said things like ilye anwa, that is true. __________________ Those who the Gods would destroy, They first make mad. ~Those Crazy Greeks

05-07-2003, 01:34 PM	#5
DaughterofVana Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: twirling contentedly in a flower-filled field Posts: 134	The late and great Ravendah (or was it Ravandah... I remember one spelling to be wrong and he corrected me on it) said in the late and great Language forum that there was no "yes" or "no." The answer should be formed with "I agree" or "That is not right." There wasn't one word answers. Yeah, maybe they did shake their heads. :grin: -'Vana PS Oh! and the u- prefix was only used in Sindarin. I know that much. Quenya is completely different. [ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ] __________________ "There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious. It is too good to waste on jokes." Hi! Did you miss me?

05-07-2003, 05:45 PM	#6
Tar Elenion Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 359	For clarification, the information in my post above was drawn from the article 'Negation in Quenya' by Bill Welden, published in VT 42. It cites an unpublished vocabulary list by JRRT from ca. 1960 with the following quote: "Q. lá 'yes'" ...and it also cites an unpublished essay from ca. 1970 with the following quote: "Q. lá 'no'". __________________ Tar-Elenion