Ibi sunt feminae.

Esme Gosling

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May 7, 2013, 4:44:41 PM5/7/13

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Hi!

I just found this group - yes, in hopes of getting an answer to this question! (: And to start to connect with other beginners!

I am learning Latin on my own for enjoyment and quite loving it.

In the book I am reading, it says:

Ibi sunt feminae. Their translation: There are the women.

Could it be: There are (sunt) women (feminae) there (ibi).

To me, that simply makes it a change of emphasis. (Where? There. What's there? Women!)

Just wondering if my translation could also be considered correct (if there was more context built into the sentence/paragraph.) Or is word order important with the word ibi, indicating that it had to be the first word, as in the book's translation?

Thanks!
Esme

Ed Cryer

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May 7, 2013, 5:24:37 PM5/7/13

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Languages that have evolved in cultural contexts weren't invented by
scientists or philosophers. Nor were they invented in the full light of
complete knowledge about the universe, its history or its size.
They evolved as did animal life; ad hoc solutions to pragmatic problems.
When the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz dissected a human eye in
the 19th century, he declared that there were better cameras.

You're quite right about the alternative translation. And, as you say,
context usually solves the issue. And with spoken language there are
other pointers, such as intonation and stress.

If you think English is free from ambiguity, consider these sentences;
The lady hit the man with an umbrella
He gave her cat food
They are hunting dogs.

Ed

P.S. Stick with us here. We're always glad to encourage someone learning
Latin.

John W Kennedy

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May 7, 2013, 6:16:52 PM5/7/13

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Classic example in the Loglan community: It's a pretty little girls' school.

> P.S. Stick with us here. We're always glad to encourage someone learning Latin.

--
John W Kennedy
"'Your art then,' said Vertue, 'seems to teach men that the best way of
being happy is to enjoy unbroken good fortune in every respect. They
would not all find the advice helpful.'"
-- C. S. Lewis. "The Pilgrim's Regress"

B. T. Raven

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May 7, 2013, 6:30:41 PM5/7/13

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Die Tue May 07 2013 15:44:41 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time) Esme
Gosling <esme...@gmail.com> scripsit:

Eduardus Aestimatae* sal. plur. dic.:

I think your translation is better than the one given by the textbook.
Btw, what is the title of that book? I want to avoid it.

There are the women [over there] = Illic feminae or maybe even Ecce feminae.

utinam bono die fruaris.

*apparently Esme is from this Latin word rather than from Esmeralda
(which would be Smaragdis). I assume you are female. If not, it should
read: Aestimato. Any relation to Ryan Gosling, the actor?

Esme Gosling

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May 13, 2013, 1:42:25 PM5/13/13

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Thank-you for all the responses and the kind welcome!

I am using "Latin Made Simple." And, really, it is working for me at the moment, especially having found such an informative forum!

And the ambiguity I can handle - once I gain confidence in my understanding!

I will continue to read and learn here and ask questions when I get stuck!

Esme Gosling

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May 13, 2013, 1:47:08 PM5/13/13

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Yes, I am an Esme, not an Esmerelda and was aware of the Latin connection. I have been known, on occasion, to call myself Mrs. Ryan Gosling but, alas, no relation except in my little fantasy world! (; (No, I'm actually not that big a fan; he does have good taste in last names, I will give him that!)