casus der auf ihr besonderes bezogenen algemeinheit

English translation: tentatively ....

02:36 Jun 7, 2006
German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Linguistics / Case
German term or phrase: casus der auf ihr besonderes bezogenen algemeinheit
This is from an 1847 grammar of Manx Gaelic, in the section concerning genitive case. The author does not capitalize nouns, and employs non-standard spellings throughout. Concerning the genitive case, he explains how he calls it "der casus der auf ihr besonderes bezogenen algemeinheit." Any suggestions?
Timoshka
Local time: 05:43
English translation:tentatively ....
Explanation:
and with low confidence level, I'd suggest that it is something like "the genitive is the case which relates the general to that which is particular about it", or "relates the general to the particular" or "the general seen in terms of the particular". The "ihr" must I think belong to "Algemeinheit", being the only feminine noun in sight. So to reword, the genitive is "der casus der Algemeinheit bezogen auf ihr besonderes".

In other words, if "whiskers" is a general term, then "the cat's whiskers" brings out what is particular about the general whiskers.
Selected response from:

Armorel Young
Local time: 10:43
Grading comment
You're a lifesaver! I'm convinced your interpretation of the line is 100% correct, based on the context. It all makes sense now...thanks to you!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
2 +4tentatively ....
Armorel Young


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5 peer agreement (net): +4
tentatively ....


Explanation:
and with low confidence level, I'd suggest that it is something like "the genitive is the case which relates the general to that which is particular about it", or "relates the general to the particular" or "the general seen in terms of the particular". The "ihr" must I think belong to "Algemeinheit", being the only feminine noun in sight. So to reword, the genitive is "der casus der Algemeinheit bezogen auf ihr besonderes".

In other words, if "whiskers" is a general term, then "the cat's whiskers" brings out what is particular about the general whiskers.

Armorel Young
Local time: 10:43
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 20
Grading comment
You're a lifesaver! I'm convinced your interpretation of the line is 100% correct, based on the context. It all makes sense now...thanks to you!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Ingeborg Gowans (X): I think you are on the right track;;;it makes me think of the book: DEr Genitiv ist der DAtiv sein Feind" or something similar, trying to sort out the fine points of grammar
3 hrs

agree  Brie Vernier: Sounds good ... @ Ingeborg: it is "Der Dativ ist dem Genitiv sein Tod"
4 hrs

agree  Rebecca Garber: sounds like he's trying to describe pars pro toto genitive: the part of the whole or the whiskers of the cat/cat's whisker's
5 hrs

agree  Wenjer Leuschel (X): Nice explanation.
19 hrs
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