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Aiwendil · 01-31-2003, 10:24 AM

I see no contradiction, gross or subtle, between Legolas's Sindarin descent and his reference to himself as Silvan. Aratlithiel gave the example of children whose parents had emigrated from one country to another prior to their birth. It works even in more generalized cases. Someone whose family has been in the United States for generations is certainly an "American"; but the person may call himself or herself "Italian" without contradiction.

Further, "Silvan" is not a term like "Avari". That is, it is not a taxonomical group, and it is not defined in relation to the Great March. I don't see any reason why "Silvan" and "Sindarin" should be mutually exclusive.

01-31-2003, 10:24 AM	#6
Aiwendil Late Istar Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,224	I see no contradiction, gross or subtle, between Legolas's Sindarin descent and his reference to himself as Silvan. Aratlithiel gave the example of children whose parents had emigrated from one country to another prior to their birth. It works even in more generalized cases. Someone whose family has been in the United States for generations is certainly an "American"; but the person may call himself or herself "Italian" without contradiction. Further, "Silvan" is not a term like "Avari". That is, it is not a taxonomical group, and it is not defined in relation to the Great March. I don't see any reason why "Silvan" and "Sindarin" should be mutually exclusive.