Aro Grammar

[JardiniBoy]

I was just thinking about something ... is the plural of arowana, the same as the singular or is it arowanas?

I.e. 1 arowana, 2 arowanas ... or ... 1 arowana, 2 arowana (as in fish/deer)

?

Mods: I wasn't sure where this should go, but please feel free to move it if it isn't placed correctly.

 

[beblondie]

Arrowani

 

[meiling]

OK, This is a good question. I like it. The answer, I'm not too sure. So that makes me think of other animals names ending in a, so say "tarantula", it would be proper to add an s.

If Aro's ran in schools,herds, groups, coveys, pods, or whatever, it would be different too.

So I think adding the s is OK, but Arowana isn't an English word, so something may have been lost through translation. Without English translation, I don't see the s, but then again, if it's a Silver, than the spanish translation would be screwed up because it's a feminine use having an a at the end. blah blah blah

I think Arowana can hold it's own or have the s added, because in this country we really slay our proper grammar anyway. I'm looking foreward to the answers to come here......
I've used the word both with and without the s and never have really know either.
hmmmmmmmmmm

 

[meiling]

Arrowani

This was my first thought too, but I have never heard anyone use the term so I had dismissed it, but I think you're right scientifically.

 

[meiling]

Food for thought.....I just read the quoted response from WyldFya's Redesignation threat and the US Fish and Wildlife service used "arowanas" and "arowana" in a plural sense, so they don't even have it right????? Gee, no wonder the poor things are in danger of extinction.

 

[Crustman]

It seems like a word that is both plural and singular in meaning. Shark can also be singular or plural. The number relates to the verb in its usage.

 

[JardiniBoy]

Sorry ... I had forgotten about this tread, and just remembered about it now. I prefer using "arowana" as a plural, but "aros" when I shorten it.

I think I would say "arowana" could be a collective noun used to refer to all arowana. I.e. "Keeping arowana makes me happy."

... and aros when refering to more than one specific aro. I.e. "I have 3 aros, 1 pearl, 1 SR and a greenie!"