Difference between revisions of "Languages"
From Myths of Atalan Wiki
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The Trade tongue was developed during the early years of [[the Coalition]] to enable easier communication between all of the races of [[Eramere]]. Frequent trade among the native races within Eramere saw the creation of a unified, and simplified, language that could be used to express oneself with very few words. They began to combine common and simple phonetics, also using words that sounded similar between two languages that might mean the same thing. Each major non-human language contributed to the development of the Trade Tongue, as harsh consonants, akward spelling and hard-to-pronunce words and phrases were eliminated. Before long, a simple-character alphabet was created for it to enable even greater communication. | The Trade tongue was developed during the early years of [[the Coalition]] to enable easier communication between all of the races of [[Eramere]]. Frequent trade among the native races within Eramere saw the creation of a unified, and simplified, language that could be used to express oneself with very few words. They began to combine common and simple phonetics, also using words that sounded similar between two languages that might mean the same thing. Each major non-human language contributed to the development of the Trade Tongue, as harsh consonants, akward spelling and hard-to-pronunce words and phrases were eliminated. Before long, a simple-character alphabet was created for it to enable even greater communication. | ||
| − | Over time the 'Trade Tongue' has been expanded and refined, and even today, the language has new words and terms being added as the use of the Trade Tongue continues to unite the people of Eramere. The humans, | + | Over time the 'Trade Tongue' has been expanded and refined, and even today, the language has new words and terms being added as the use of the Trade Tongue continues to unite the people of Eramere. The humans, when they began to arrive in Eramere, have proven the effectiveness of the 'Trade Tongue' with their ability to learn it easily from the [[Gnomes]] and [[Haerkglar|Dwarves]]. |
| − | The Trade Tongue is NOT native to Halmoria or other areas of the mainland, | + | The Trade Tongue is NOT native to Halmoria or other areas of the mainland, although it was taught there only within some schools in preparation for travel to Eramere in more recent years. Most people boarding ships were not exposed to the language previously, and were simply taught a few basic words to get by, before their arrival in Atalan. This is particularly evident within the current communities of [[New Halmor]], [[Meretokis]], and [[Tir-Algiraas]]. |
Almost every non-human character will speak fluent Trade Tongue, as opposed to the humans who are newer to it. | Almost every non-human character will speak fluent Trade Tongue, as opposed to the humans who are newer to it. | ||
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==Haerkglaran== | ==Haerkglaran== | ||
Structurally and grammatically, the Dwarven language is different from the other languages within Eramere. To most it sounds like a series of harsh consonants with a few vowels thrown in. It is not a complicated language to learn, however, most humans who attempt to speak it will spit all over themselves at least a few times before getting the hang of it. While Zvarkglaran is still the proper term for the language, most people have adopted the name to suit the Haerkglar's new name for themselves.<br> | Structurally and grammatically, the Dwarven language is different from the other languages within Eramere. To most it sounds like a series of harsh consonants with a few vowels thrown in. It is not a complicated language to learn, however, most humans who attempt to speak it will spit all over themselves at least a few times before getting the hang of it. While Zvarkglaran is still the proper term for the language, most people have adopted the name to suit the Haerkglar's new name for themselves.<br> | ||
| − | Dwarven is heard only within Eramere | + | Dwarven is heard only within Eramere, and it is a common choice for a second language among Erameran humans. |
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==Gnomish== | ==Gnomish== | ||
Gnomish is primarily a nasal language. It is not a harsh language; rather a playful, almost taunting language, that may seem annoying to those who do not speak it themselves. One of the other features that are characteristic about Gnomish is the fact that they rise in tone at the end of each sentence, almost as if they are asking questions with each statement.<br> | Gnomish is primarily a nasal language. It is not a harsh language; rather a playful, almost taunting language, that may seem annoying to those who do not speak it themselves. One of the other features that are characteristic about Gnomish is the fact that they rise in tone at the end of each sentence, almost as if they are asking questions with each statement.<br> | ||
| − | Gnomish is extremely rare outside of Eramere, with some very few on the mainland studying it within Ephaesean Academies. | + | Gnomish is extremely rare outside of Eramere, with some very few on the mainland studying it within Ephaesean Academies. It is a common choice for a second or third language among Erameran humans. |
| − | == | + | ==Chorav== |
| − | + | Chorav language is complicated and difficult for a person who was not raised in their society to learn. Nouns are characterized by gender (feminine, masculine and neutral), and sentences are usually built along similar patterns (subject, then verb, then object). Written, their language and alphabet are completely unique, consisting of 21 consonants and eight vowels. <br> | |
| + | Chorav is heard only within Eramere, and it is now a common choice for a third language among Erameran humans. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Syl'vaen== |
| − | + | Elvish is a beautiful and mysterious language that flows gently from syllable to syllable. Elvish consists of masculine and feminine words, and a simple sentence structure, however, the difficulty is not in creating a sentence, but enunciating it. It is a language that is often spoken softly and with much reverence by those who were not raised with it.<br> | |
| + | Only a very small handful of humans have managed to learn a sufficient amount of the Syl'vae language. | ||
==Orcish== | ==Orcish== | ||
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It is a combination of the tribal languages deriving from orc clans all over Eramere. Individual clans use dialects that are widely different, but still not to the degree that they cannot understand each other.<br> | It is a combination of the tribal languages deriving from orc clans all over Eramere. Individual clans use dialects that are widely different, but still not to the degree that they cannot understand each other.<br> | ||
Orcish has yet to be learned by more than a very small handful of humans. | Orcish has yet to be learned by more than a very small handful of humans. | ||
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| + | ==Halmorian== | ||
| + | Halmorian is an archaic language with ancient roots that hasn't changed much in many centuries. The Halmorians are proud of their strong and extensive vocabulary, and Halmorian is viewed as "the mother of all languages" by many linguists on the mainland in Halmoria. This staccato language is difficult to understand and even more difficult to learn, as the grammatical structure is extremely tortuous and complex. It can easily sound overly elaborate to some due to the pronunciation, while others might find it sophisticated.<br> | ||
| + | In Eramere, Halmorian is primarily only spoken in New Halmor and occasionally the Docks area of Torica. However, others have passed the language down from earlier generations in High Reaches and beyond as well. | ||
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| + | ==Lakoi== | ||
| + | The most characteristic feature of Lakoi is the syllable bearing consonants, and the many consonant clusters in the language. It can sound harsh to many as the words are primarily formed in the throat rather than in the front of the mouth. Lakoi originated as a pidgin, (a trade tongue), influenced by many trade connections, and slowly evolved into a creole, (an established language), used today by the Lakoi.<br> | ||
| + | Lakoi is primarily used by a few residents of Torica, but it has also been passed down from earlier generations outside of Torica as well. | ||
==Valkshir== | ==Valkshir== | ||
The Valkshir tongue is very characteristic an easily recognized among the many languages of the world. <br> | The Valkshir tongue is very characteristic an easily recognized among the many languages of the world. <br> | ||
| − | It is easy to separate the individual words, as they tend to apply alot of pressure to the first syllable of almost every word. Apart from that it is a very soft language, and every sentence covers a broad selection of tones, that makes it sound almost like singing. | + | It is easy to separate the individual words, as they tend to apply alot of pressure to the first syllable of almost every word. Apart from that it is a very soft language, and every sentence covers a broad selection of tones, that makes it sound almost like singing.<br> |
| + | In Eramere, there are a few families within High Reaches that still learn Valkshir as their second tongue, and others in Torica and beyond who recall the language from earlier generations of settlers. | ||
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| + | ==Ancient Atalanian== | ||
| + | Only a tiny handful of Erameran Humans have been able to learn enough to translate ancient texts in Ancient Atalanian. Much is unknown about this language. | ||
==Other Languages== | ==Other Languages== | ||
| − | Many different languages have been heard | + | Many different languages have been heard or studied in the past, but are generally considered unknown by any Erameran Humans. These languages have been recorded thus far as: |
*Goblin/Snowmaw | *Goblin/Snowmaw | ||
*Karr | *Karr | ||
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*Kalimvaran | *Kalimvaran | ||
*Saerglar | *Saerglar | ||
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Other languages theorized but unproven include: | Other languages theorized but unproven include: | ||
*That of the obelisk and its runes | *That of the obelisk and its runes | ||
*Draconic | *Draconic | ||
Revision as of 20:54, 3 January 2016
Contents
The Trade Tongue
The Trade tongue was developed during the early years of the Coalition to enable easier communication between all of the races of Eramere. Frequent trade among the native races within Eramere saw the creation of a unified, and simplified, language that could be used to express oneself with very few words. They began to combine common and simple phonetics, also using words that sounded similar between two languages that might mean the same thing. Each major non-human language contributed to the development of the Trade Tongue, as harsh consonants, akward spelling and hard-to-pronunce words and phrases were eliminated. Before long, a simple-character alphabet was created for it to enable even greater communication.
Over time the 'Trade Tongue' has been expanded and refined, and even today, the language has new words and terms being added as the use of the Trade Tongue continues to unite the people of Eramere. The humans, when they began to arrive in Eramere, have proven the effectiveness of the 'Trade Tongue' with their ability to learn it easily from the Gnomes and Dwarves.
The Trade Tongue is NOT native to Halmoria or other areas of the mainland, although it was taught there only within some schools in preparation for travel to Eramere in more recent years. Most people boarding ships were not exposed to the language previously, and were simply taught a few basic words to get by, before their arrival in Atalan. This is particularly evident within the current communities of New Halmor, Meretokis, and Tir-Algiraas.
Almost every non-human character will speak fluent Trade Tongue, as opposed to the humans who are newer to it.
Haerkglaran
Structurally and grammatically, the Dwarven language is different from the other languages within Eramere. To most it sounds like a series of harsh consonants with a few vowels thrown in. It is not a complicated language to learn, however, most humans who attempt to speak it will spit all over themselves at least a few times before getting the hang of it. While Zvarkglaran is still the proper term for the language, most people have adopted the name to suit the Haerkglar's new name for themselves.
Dwarven is heard only within Eramere, and it is a common choice for a second language among Erameran humans.
Gnomish
Gnomish is primarily a nasal language. It is not a harsh language; rather a playful, almost taunting language, that may seem annoying to those who do not speak it themselves. One of the other features that are characteristic about Gnomish is the fact that they rise in tone at the end of each sentence, almost as if they are asking questions with each statement.
Gnomish is extremely rare outside of Eramere, with some very few on the mainland studying it within Ephaesean Academies. It is a common choice for a second or third language among Erameran humans.
Chorav
Chorav language is complicated and difficult for a person who was not raised in their society to learn. Nouns are characterized by gender (feminine, masculine and neutral), and sentences are usually built along similar patterns (subject, then verb, then object). Written, their language and alphabet are completely unique, consisting of 21 consonants and eight vowels.
Chorav is heard only within Eramere, and it is now a common choice for a third language among Erameran humans.
Syl'vaen
Elvish is a beautiful and mysterious language that flows gently from syllable to syllable. Elvish consists of masculine and feminine words, and a simple sentence structure, however, the difficulty is not in creating a sentence, but enunciating it. It is a language that is often spoken softly and with much reverence by those who were not raised with it.
Only a very small handful of humans have managed to learn a sufficient amount of the Syl'vae language.
Orcish
Orcish is a harsh language by any standards.
Many claim it sounds like a drunken Haerkglar that has stuffed a sack of potatoes in his mouth.
It is a combination of the tribal languages deriving from orc clans all over Eramere. Individual clans use dialects that are widely different, but still not to the degree that they cannot understand each other.
Orcish has yet to be learned by more than a very small handful of humans.
Halmorian
Halmorian is an archaic language with ancient roots that hasn't changed much in many centuries. The Halmorians are proud of their strong and extensive vocabulary, and Halmorian is viewed as "the mother of all languages" by many linguists on the mainland in Halmoria. This staccato language is difficult to understand and even more difficult to learn, as the grammatical structure is extremely tortuous and complex. It can easily sound overly elaborate to some due to the pronunciation, while others might find it sophisticated.
In Eramere, Halmorian is primarily only spoken in New Halmor and occasionally the Docks area of Torica. However, others have passed the language down from earlier generations in High Reaches and beyond as well.
Lakoi
The most characteristic feature of Lakoi is the syllable bearing consonants, and the many consonant clusters in the language. It can sound harsh to many as the words are primarily formed in the throat rather than in the front of the mouth. Lakoi originated as a pidgin, (a trade tongue), influenced by many trade connections, and slowly evolved into a creole, (an established language), used today by the Lakoi.
Lakoi is primarily used by a few residents of Torica, but it has also been passed down from earlier generations outside of Torica as well.
Valkshir
The Valkshir tongue is very characteristic an easily recognized among the many languages of the world.
It is easy to separate the individual words, as they tend to apply alot of pressure to the first syllable of almost every word. Apart from that it is a very soft language, and every sentence covers a broad selection of tones, that makes it sound almost like singing.
In Eramere, there are a few families within High Reaches that still learn Valkshir as their second tongue, and others in Torica and beyond who recall the language from earlier generations of settlers.
Ancient Atalanian
Only a tiny handful of Erameran Humans have been able to learn enough to translate ancient texts in Ancient Atalanian. Much is unknown about this language.
Other Languages
Many different languages have been heard or studied in the past, but are generally considered unknown by any Erameran Humans. These languages have been recorded thus far as:
- Goblin/Snowmaw
- Karr
- Kobold
- Tauroc
- Pixies
- Kutaran
- Kalimvaran
- Saerglar
Other languages theorized but unproven include:
- That of the obelisk and its runes
- Draconic
