There are a lot of modern languages that don't have a pure "yes"/"no". Likely, this was not uncommon in history either.
Alternatives to "yes"/"no" in those languages can vary. They generally include methods such as "not (that)" or negating the (sometimes (mis-) implied/interpreted/understood) verb of the question.
5 Comments
Litebit@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 1y
Apparently, "The expression 'thank you' doesn’t appear until about the 14th century"
fxomt@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 9 pts · 1y
flueterflam@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 1y
There are a lot of modern languages that don't have a pure "yes"/"no". Likely, this was not uncommon in history either.
Alternatives to "yes"/"no" in those languages can vary. They generally include methods such as "not (that)" or negating the (sometimes (mis-) implied/interpreted/understood) verb of the question.
fxomt@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 7 pts · 1y
pelespirit@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 1y
That's because most people couldn't read or write, so they would shake their head yes or no.
::: spoiler spoiler I have no idea why, I'm just making shit up. :::
PugJesus@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 1y
Latin is a very... funny language. Very contextual.
Very rich language in ways to describe violence, though!
fxomt@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 7 pts · 1y
Sergio@slrpnk.net · 3 pts · 1y
In classical latin, you disagreed by stabbing them, and you agreed by making them emperor.