Query to linguists

[Paul B. Gallagher]

Andrew Jameson wrote:

> I am writing a lecture on translation and meaning with regard to
> Russian, and have got stuck on the question: Is "number" part of
> "language"? Or is it something else, and if so, what..
> Bit abstruse, but maybe someone can reply off list with a reference,
> Thanks.

I would have said "elliptical," but be that as it may...

Many languages have grammatical and semantic number categories
(sg./dual/pl., 1/2/3/..., few/some/many, etc.). If that's what you mean,
I would say yes.

If you have something else in mind, you'll have to clarify for this
linguist tuned to a different wavelength.

--
War doesn't determine who's right, just who's left.
--
Paul B. Gallagher
pbg translations, inc.
"Russian Translations That Read Like Originals"
http://pbg-translations.com

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