[Vnbiz] Language question

[Tran Dinh Hoanh]

 Dear broter Toan, sisters Khanh & Romi & CACC,

Assuming that "moi" here is an adverb as sisters Kha'nh & Romi & brother
Toan said, it would not make sense, while may bring a lot of trouble.

An adverb's function is to modify a verb.  That is why it is call ad-verb.
In "ban hanh moi luat," if the adverb "moi" is to modify the verb "ban hanh"
(to newly promulgate), then we are free to add an adjective to modify the
noun "luat," like "ban hanh moi luat cu" (to newly promulgate the old
laws).  But, this usage is impossible in Vietnamese, since we all agree that
"ban hanh moi luat" can only mean "to promulgate NEW LAW."  There can't
be OLD law when
"moi" follows "ban hanh."

So "moi" (new) actually modifies "luat" (law) (and doesn't modily "ban hanh"
(promulgate)).  "Moi" indicates that the law is new.  It doesn't indicate
that the promulgating act is new (for an old law, for example).

In addition, in common sense, we only care whether the law is new or not.
Who cares if the promulgating act is new or is old?

Then, "moi" has to be an adjective.  If so it has to be behind the noun:
Ban hanh luat moi.

Last argument:  What is wrong with "ban hanh luat moi"?  This phrase is
100-percent correct grammatically, and sounds 100% smooth and natural to the
ear.  What is the reason to use "ban hanh moi luat," a phrase that not only
sounds awkward to the ear but also is grammatically questionable?

Would you want to tell your lady "anh se mua cho em mot chiec ao moi?"  or
 "anh se mua moi cho em mot chiec ao?"  Come on!

Could anyone provide the answer?

Have a great day!

Hoanh



On 12/6/06, ToanDucPham at GMail.com < toanducpham at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> [ Vietnam Business Forum ]
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear anh Hoanh, and the rest of CACC,
> That is something quite commonly used by local media and local govt
> officials these days, and "mới" here means "newly":
>
>    - "sẽ ban hành mới 1.000 luật" = 1,000 brand-new laws will be
>    promulgated, and not any of them are derived from an existing one;
>    - "sẽ xây mới 1.000 trường học" = 1,000 brand-new schools will be
>    built, and not any of them are upgraded from an existing one; and
>    - "sẽ đóng mới 1.000 tàu thuyền" = 1,000 brand-new ships and boats
>    will be built, and not any of them are existing ships and boats renewed.
>
> Em Toan.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Tran Dinh Hoanh, LLB, JD
> Attorney of Law
> Washington DC
>
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