Hello

[Fezman92]

Hello, I'm new here. I have been a Star Trek fan for many years now. I have always admired the Klingons. This year I plan to learn Klingon, acquire a Batleth a, D'k tahg and a Mek'leth. Overall, I want to enjoy other fellow Klingon admirers.  (The only issue I might have is the legality of the Klingon weapons. I have searched this site and haven't found anything on that)

[qoSagh]

Welcome to the fray. The legality of any weapon is going to vary by jurisdiction. Here in the United States weapons laws, especially about edged weapons vary from state to state. Some are based on blade length and some are based on the number of edges. My Bird of Prey dagger is illegal to carry (but not to own) in two states hat I know of for two different reasons. Batleths are a whole different matter as few states outlaw swords. That being said, the main concern I would have about any of these weapons is not the legality but the usefulness. Remember that these were designed to look good not to actually function in combat.

[Fezman92]

I know that they are not designed for combat, just want to make sure I can own them.

[Klythe]

    Welcome to the Klingon Imperial Forums.  I am here to help you if you have problems with these forums as are Kesvirit and when she is here Lady K'zin.  Particularly more technical questions I handle, but we all work together.
   
    We do aim to have fun here as we learn as much as we can about all things Klingon. 

    Many Klingons have come through these forums, but you are the first I know who has made a New Year's Resolution to acquire Klingon weapons and language.  The Klingon weapons for display are obtainable.   From experiences with language acquisition, I would caution you to be more clear with your Klingon language goals.   After all, you didn't learn English in a year, you would not expect to master Japanese or Russian in a year.  Learning a languge is a difficult task and is difficult to maintain without reguar use.  I would suggest setting subgoals, so you can enjoy many small victories on your course to a large victory and also to keep your learning targeted accurately.  Try not to push yourself and try to learn too fast as I did.  The more words you memorize before your pronunciation becomes solid the more unlearning and relearning you'll have to do.

[qurgh_]

you would not expect to master Japanese or Russian in a year.  Learning a languge is a difficult task and is difficult to maintain without reguar use.

Not to contradict the most honourable Klythe, but you can easily pick up the basics of Klingon in a year or less:

At the 2009 qep'a' (Klingon Language Institute conference) two guys showed up who spoke no Klingon. They were interested and took a few lessons from Captain Krankor, but only stayed for one day and we heard no more from them. Then, last year (2010) one of the two showed up again on Friday and stayed through Sunday. On Saturday he took the first level of the Klingon Language Certification Program and passed it with flying colors. It was a great example of how it is possible to learn a language in a year, as long as you put the effort forward.

On the flip side, there was also a guy at the qep'a' who has tried to pass that same test a half dozen times and kept failing, even though it was obvious he had the required knowledge. He says it's because he's not smart enough, but I believe it's because he's now in the mindset of expecting failure. If you believe you will fail at something, then you'll probably fail at it.

There were also several members of last years Klingon Christmas Carol cast in Chicago who, while memorizing their lines for the play in less than 3 months, also learned enough grammar to start putting together simple phrases. I visited them at the start of the process and again once the play was on (about a 2.5 month gap) and I could really notice the change in their skills. They were coming up to me and actually speaking Klingon beyond what they had to learn. Another great example of being able to do anything once you put your mind to it.

I managed to learn the basics of Japanese in less than 6 months (two semesters of Japanese at NKU).

[Fezman92]

I already have the books and audio books. Just need to use them.

[qurgh_]

If you have a podcast reader (most smartphones and MP3 players do) then I recommend subscribing to DaHjaj Hol at http://www.lawrencemschoen.com/category/podcasts/feed/

It's a new podcast that teaches Klingon by Lawrence Schoen, the Director of the KLI. You can learn more here: http://www.lawrencemschoen.com/news/ill-help-you-learn-klingon-in-2011-tlh-tlhingan/

You can also check out my Klingon Dictionary site at http://hol.kag.org/. It has lots of resources to help you learn.

[Klythe]

you would not expect to master Japanese or Russian in a year.  Learning a languge is a difficult task and is difficult to maintain without reguar use.

Not to contradict the most honourable Klythe, but you can easily pick up the basics of Klingon in a year or less:

    No contradiction.  I said it is generally realistic to expect to master a language in a year, and you said the basics can be easily picked up in that time.  That was the whole rest of my point, to break the war to language mastery into smaller battles, so small victories bring more confidence in language learning prowess rather than frustration.

    The most importantthing to remember is a muscle that is not used grows weak.  The more Klingon Language you use the more Klingon language you will remember.