The word "Litaja" means "tongue;" as in English tongue, and is the native language of a race of people who called themselves "xlel" (which means people, as in "human race"). The language has one particular characteristic, which is that every word-ending will tell you what kind of word it is.
An animal word (horse, bird, fish, etc.) ends in "l", a word having to do with numbers, including words like "unity," ends in "h." All verbs end in "k," all adjectives end in "nem" or "m," and all adverbs end in either "teo" or "o".
Also: except for specific words which refer to a person of the masculine gender, or a person of the feminine gender, all Litaja nouns are nongender-specific. There is no such thing as a guardsman, or guardswoman: both are wahtar which means "guard." Even the word teymar, which means "sir" or "madam," actually means "respected one," and refers to either a man or woman, adult or child
The language can be used by anyone who wishes to speak it; it requires no special knowledge or body-parts, nor is t especially difficult to write, using English phonemes, or read. There is a fairly large dictionary/thesaurus.
I will write everything out in English phonemes, giving you a part of that dictionary, with verb conjugation and simple sentence structure. I am not really a teacher; I will only do my best.
The actual writing is runic (like Nordic or Celtic languages are; there are 44 symbols (called jerunas [jeh-rooh-nahs] or pho- nemes/"letters") in Litaja, (which are phonetic, meaning that each symbol has its own sound. Further information (for those who are seriously masochistic) provided upon request.
Sepcial words: Because Litaja was originally the language of an alien race, there are words which have no true significance to people of Earth. For example: the xlel use psionic power as people of Earth use prayer or magic spells, to effect change (to heal, to divine the truth, etc.).
In addition, their word for "god" is a bit different. The word "sha" actually refers to the totality of all spirits, all power, etc., and this "god" does not interfer in the affairs of people. The Xlel believe that, instead, "god" saw to it that people had the intelligence and power to make things happen, if they were willing to pay a price for it.
So those things which are associated with sacred and holy concepts are those where the person connected with them is specially in tune with his or her inner self (that part of himself that "touches" Sha especially well). Power is every- where, and it only requires talent and training to make it work.
Therefore, How Litaja should sound: There are very few hard consonants in this language (k, ch, t, g), but otherwise, you can almost chant their speech, much like the old Norse tongues or even Welsh (especially with its nearly impossible pronunciations at times).
Pronunciation: Unless a different syllable is underlined, the accent goes on the second-to-last syllable (use a as in "cap"/ah as in "father"/ay as in "race"/eh as in "set"/ee as "see"/er as in "father"/ih as in "it"/ai as in "ice"/o as in "on"/oh as in "no"/ooh as in "move"/oo as in "look"/oy as in "toy"/uh as in "ugly"/yoo as in "music").
What follows is a brief glossary of words, complete with pronunciation instructions:
Time (Refer to As Time Goes By)
calendar: pergeras [pehr-gehr-ahs] (lit. "the days")
(water) clock: bjalla [b'jahl-lah]
year: zeera [zee-rah]
month: gelba [gehl-bah]
week: vafa [vah-fah]
day: gera [gehr-rah]
hour: zelua [zeeh-loo-ah]
minute: zefa [zeh-fah]
"moment": zoda [zoh-dah]
second: zida [zai-dah]
*now: jyte [j(uh)-yih-teeh] (at this moment)
Seasons & Time of Day:
winter: kolothe [koh-lah-the]
summer: komenthe [koh-men-the]
spring: lorevale [loh-reh-vah-leh]
fall: simame [sihm-ahm-meh]
dawn: kwacha [kwah-chah]
day: joura [jow-oorah]
evening: abanda [ah-ban-dah]
midnight: oulma [owl-mah or ool-mah]
generation: nomrat [nohm-raht] (16 years)
past, the: vithbla [vith-blah]
present, the: kidarsa [kih-dahr-sah]
future, the: kzuna [kuh-zoohna]
Common words:
(You) be (the one who's) careful: everjogher (ste) [eh-vehr-joh-gher]
"Hi": huja [hoo-jah]
(I'll) see you: Tey(tav) vaar(ik) (stal) [Tay(tahv) vahr(rihk) (stahl)]
Hello/Greetings: Hujatins [hooh-jah-tinz]
Good-bye: see "hello"
Hey!: heej! [heezh]
Stay!: Pazik (ste)! [pah-zihk (steh)]
Yes: lan [lahn]
No: tro [troh]
what: eknap? [ehk-nahp] (huh?)
Who?: kestap [kehs-tahp]
Here (I am!): hiteo [hih-teh-oh]
When?: hwango [huh-wan-goh]
Do You Know?: Witak (ste)? [wih-tah (steh)]
please: plahj [plahzh]
thank you: levarezh/esbahik/charak (sta)
[leh-vahr-ezh/ehs-bah-hihk/chahr-rahk (stah)]
Excuse (me): Ugrehk (sta) (I regret) [ooh-grehk (stah)]
(Your) welcome: (formal) Morak (sta) [moh-rahk (stah)]
Your welcome: charak (ste) ("de nada") [chahr-rahk (steh)]
To explain: Levarezh is a formal term-it means: (you've)
relieved (me - of obligation, mostly). Esbahik
(sta) means "(I'm) astonished" and Charak (sta) means "(I'm) delighted."
Morak (sta) means: "I demure" or
"Twas nothing," whereas Charak (ste) basically means says: (oh no!) it is you
who has delighted me!")
I, me: mintav [mihn-tahv]
you(singular): antav [ahn-tahv] (idiomatic: teytav [tay-tahv])
he/she: ditav/sitav [dih-tahv/sih-tahv]
it: fotav [foh-tahv]
he/she (both): woditav [woh-dih-tahv]
we: sertav [sehr-tahv]
they: tertav [tehr-tahv]
you (plural): yaltav [yawl-tahv]
left-hand: xifodasta [ksai-foh-dahs-tah] (swordhand)
right-hand: yexadasta [yehks-ah-das-tah] (daggerhand)
Geography/Weather:
cliff: ukliva [ook-lih-vah]
continent: lezona [leh-zoh-nah]
desert: lerana [leh-rah-nah]
forest: vana [vah-nah]
hill: loma [loh-mah]
island: eya [eeh-yah]
ice: ngla [(i)ng-lah]
lake: thelassa [theh-lays-sah]
lightning: (los)nazala [lohs-nah-zah-lah] cloud fire
marsh: howusa [how-wooh-sah]
meadowland: ngesta [(i)ngeh-stah]
moor(land): shida [shai-dah]
mountains: hotas [hoh-tas]
planet: shofa [shoh-fah]
pond: tjorna [t(uh)-zhor-nah]
prairie: jludita [j(uh)-looh-dih-tah]
river: rithea [rai-thee-ah]
sea water: halsa [hahl-sah]
star: sidra [sih-drah]
sun: zona [zoh-nah]
timber: wida [wai-dah]
valley: hofa [hoh-fah]
wind: winsa [wihn-sah]
world: ylda [yil-dah]
Parts of the body:
arm: etara [eeh-tahr-rah]
brain: ditha [dih-thah]
ear: aelifna [ah-ehl-lihf-nah]
eye: avaga [ay-vah-gah]
back(side): baeka [bah-eeh-kah]
face: gesika [gee-see-kah]
fang: vanga [vang-gah]
finger/digit: vinnea [vih-nee-ah]
foot: busa [booh-sah]
hair: ergra [ehr-grah]
hand/paw: dasta [dah-stah]
head: kepha [kehp-hah]
mouth: arpara [ahr-pah-rah] (jaw)
nose: fuma [fooh-mah]
skin: ila [ai-lah]
tail: ngofra [(i)ngoh-frah]
tooth: danta [dahn-tah]
Clothing/Toiletries:
belt: balza [bahl-zah]
boot: babusa [bah-booh-sah]
brush: xroza [ks'roh-zah]
cloak: aesa [ah-ee-sah]
comb: okara [oh-kah-rah]
glove: badasta [bah-dahs-tah]
pants: xehra [kseh-rah]
slippers: erasas [ehr-rah-sas]
tabard: baxhemda [baks-hehm-dah]
tunic: xhemda [kshem-dah]
(Inside the) House:
bed: beta [bee-tah]
blanket: kensa [kehn-sah]
box/chest: kampsa [kamp-sah]
cup/mug: epana [eeh-pay-nah]
dish: fanxa [fanks-sah]
door: dara [dahr-rah]
floor: llawra [luh-lahw-rah]
pillow: fula [f'yoo-lah]
privy: oraypa [oh-ray-pah]
wall: odava [oh-day-vah]
Other Things:
book: lboha [l'boh-hah]
paper: thipza [thihp-zah]
quill: erpa [ehr-pah] (pen)
ship: shabba [shahb-bah]
People & trade:
stranger: jefir [jeh-fihr]
non-person: see stranger & also lalasa [lah-lah-sah] (someone not of the
"people")
dragon: kidikal [kih-dih-kahl]
monster: zamil [zah-mihl]
friend (but outsider): aiter [ah-ih-teer]
government: walta [wahl-tah]
city: erkaiha (clanhold) [ehr-kah-ai-hah]
ally: akilar (of another clan) [ay-kih-lahr]
village: wika [wih-kah]
guest rights: zenat [zeh-naht] (hospitality)
money: araiga [ahr-ai-gah] (coins)
market: fora [fohr-rah]
Sir/Madam: teymar (respected one; from teyma: respect)
lord/lady (sir/madam): sargonr [sahr-g(o)n-ner] (As a title: Sar [Name])
Measurements:
"foot": gerda [ger-dah] (14")
"meter": kuvit [kooh-viht] (42")
Common Phrases:
How much?: Eknap loga? [ehk-nap loh-gah] (What price?)
I don't understand you: Tro seynikk sta [troh see-yih-nikk stah]
(It's) mine: mintay [mihn-tay] (It's) yours: antay [ahn-tay]
I like that: thrik (sti) [thrihk (stih)] (It pleases me)
What is your name: Eknap sti zhomek? [ehk-nap stih zhoh-mehk]
Stop!: Pazik (ste)! [pah-zihk (steh)]
Dammit, stop!!: Deej! [deezh!]
Get out! (Go away!): Farak! [fah-rahk]
Speak! (Say something): Fanak (ste) [fah-nahk (steh)]
(Pay) Attention!: Kimha! [kihm-hah!]
(My) god!: Sha-sa (more as in: wow) [sha-sah]
'Tis false (no way!): fakorr (ste)! [fah-koor (steh)]
My apologies: Groatose ("Sorry!") [groh-ah-toh-seh]
And some all-important words:
nejur: psionic "priest" [neh-joor] (who has trained to use his or psychic
power)
kedar: priest/cleric of Sha/God [keh-dahr] (who lives to serve people with
less talent)
kuymal: greatwolf (dire wolf-sized) [kuh-yai-mahl]
lowell: coyote/little wolf [loh-wehll]
kolunel: dog/wolf (usu. "dog") [koh-looh-nehl]
likosal: canine species (generic) [lih-koh-sahl]
jedir: puppy/youth/child [jee-dihr] "little one"
A short sample of insults:
false-seer: fakorr [fah-kohr]
brawler: thatchir [that-chihr]
liar: italser [ih-tahl-ser]
thief: lunatir [looh-nah-tihr]
(one who is) garbage: tanter gef daag [tahn-ter gehf daahg]
coward: isgarenem [ihs-gah-reh-nem]
brainless: so-dihthar [soh dih-thahr]
dandy/fop: osukar [oh-sooh-kahr]
smelly: smula [smooh-lah]
cheater: thanter [thahn-tahr]
waster: sielwar [sih-ehl-wahr] (major insult!)
dishonored one: chijer [chih-jer]
unclean (one): punate(r) [pooh-nah-teh(r)]
misfit: chepar [cheh-pahr]
demon: degar [dee-gahr] (who causes dishonor)
"cat": jypil [juh-yai-pahl]
god-rejected: tanter gef sha [tahn-ter gehf shah]
(It) does not please: sothrik (stih) [soh-thrihk (stih)] (I don't like
that)
A short sampling of weaponry:
spear: lonka [lohn-kah] or shinka [shihn-kah]
shortsword: kowtila [kowh-tih-lah]
blade (any): yexa [yeh-ksah]
axe (any): iglina [ihg-lih-nah]
sword/longsword: xifosa [ksai-foh-sah]
sling: klinga [klihn-gah]
bow/longbow: arwa [ahr-wah]
(sling)bullets: koxa [koh-ksah]
arrow/dart: saijkda [saihjk-dah]
net/snare: zhosri [zhos-rih]
armor (any): zhumne [zhoom-neh]
rope/lariat: esuga [eh-soo-gah]
sickle/scythe: elba [ehl-bah]
weapons (general): xhopa [ksai-hoh-pah]
mind-sword: shaymora [shay-moh-rah]
boomerang: zhyma [zhai-mah]
fang(s): vanga(s) [van-ga(s)]
claw(s): yexdasta(s) [yehks-dahs-tahs] (hand-knives) (always plural)
daggarclaw: yexdasta-yexa [yehks-dah-stah-yeksah] (claw-blade)
Numbers
one: veh [veh] six: vifsah [vihf-sah]
two: kah [kah] seven: hesah [heh-sah]
three: eltuh [ehl-tuh] eight: dokah [doh-kah]
four: relah [reh-lah] nine: gih [gih]
five: jafah [jah-fah] ten: dakalah
[dah-kah-lah]
DOG COMMANDS (Verb infinitives end in "k")
Lan: good (dog) [lahn] ("yes")
Tro: no (bad dog) [troh]
venir: come (here) [veh-nihr] (from venirik)
kotak: "place" [koh-tahk]
kuvik: kill, slay [kooh-vihk]
usek: heel [ooh-sehk] (follow me)
jakkak: fetch [jahk-kahk] (hunt)
shemek: shut up! [shehm-mehk]
welek: (go for a) walk [weh-lehk]
ruhik: lie down [rooh-hihk]
osorik: drop (it) [oh-sohr-rihk]
beta: bed [bee-tah]
beita: food [bee-aih-tah] (or ogesfa/oh-gees-fah)
odytok: (go in) enter [ow-dyuh-tohk]
pitas: bones, biscuits [pih-tas]
odose: O.K.! ("good") [oh-dos-seh, from odosen, goodness]
Sti kakk: Want that? [stih kahkk]
trohek: "show me" (what you want) [troh-hehk]
chulla(k): roll over [chooh-lah(k)]
risak: stand (up) [rai-sahk]
erfleha: (play) ball [ehr-flee-hah]
seder: sit (down) [seh-der, from sederikk, to sit]
rangeh: wrong! (uh-uh!) [ran-gheh]
frappik: attack!!! [frap-pihk!]
pazir: stay (steady) [pah-zihr, from pazirik, to stay still]
fanak: Speak (bark)! [fah-nak]
farak: (go) outside [fahr-ahk]
Food/Drink:
drink (generic): ada [ah-dah]
food (generic): beita [bee-aih-tah]
bread: arana [ayr-rah-nah]
butter: erima [er-rai-mah]
buttermilk: ahna [ahn-nah]
carrot: asola [ay-soh-lah]
egg(s): shersa(s) [sher-sa(s)]
ice: ngla [(i)ng-lah]
meat: ogesfa (animal flesh) [oh-gees-fah]
milk: alba [ayl-bah]
"cheese": ailbeita [ayl-bee-aih-tah]
nut(s): zhixa(s) [zhihk-sa(s)]
grain(s): erkia [ehr-kih-ah]
salt: sara [sah-rah]
tea: ronada [roh-nah-dah]
water: thunda [thoohn-dah]
Muscial instruments (etc):
Wind chimes: (Ceramic) erfora [er-foh-rah]
Wind chimes: (Metal) erloga [er-loh-gah]
Wind chimes: (Wood) erwila [er-wai-lah]
harpsicord: jabekua [jah-beeh-koo-ah]
Flute: lawana [lah-wah-nah]
oboe: ubeka [ooh-bee-kah]
zither: jithara [jih-thahr-rah]
lyre: ngerla [(i)ng-ehr-lah]
harp: shumbeka [shoom-bee-kah]
"cube" player: ngimba [(i)ngihm-bah]
(quartz) cube: thamba [tham-bah] (See Psionics)
music (all): abina [ah-bih-nah]
symphony: elsura [ehl-soo-rah]
singer/chanter: aedir [ah-ee-dihr]
choir: kaypalla [kay-pahl-lah]
musician: waitar [wah-ih-tahr]
one who has good hearing: alfir [ahl-fihr]
silver-tongued: aular [ay-yoo-lahr]
Cycles/Sexual Terms
Please note: As do wolves, the Xlel experience a sprimg breeding
cycle. The turning of the seasons is an
important part of these peoples' life, as it would be with any race.
And yet: no sexually explicit word will ever be used as an insult,
except perhaps the immortal phrase
uttered in a defunct television show about another alien race ("Your mother
mates out of season"). And, since
such things are important among the Xlel, some "sexual" words (etc.) follow
below:
desire/lust: lubyata [loob-yah-tah]
spring cycle: reoke [reh-oh-keh]
breeder: ruasir [roo-ah-sir] (from ruasek: to breed: male or female)
Nongendered nonbreeder: soruas(nem or nir) [soh-roo-ahs-(nehm/nihr)]
"Hermaphroditic" nonbreeder (gender): ilasar [ih-lah-sahr]
heterosexual: sosam(nem or nir) or see "breeder" [soh-sam-nihr]
homosexual: koxsamnir/samnir [koks-sam-nihr/sam-nihr]
bi/pan-sexual: iendar [ai-ehn-dahr]
Hermaphrodite: siwosa (essentially: both) [sih-woh-sah]
female (gender): wosa [woh-sah]
"sheathing": minbayexa [mihn-bah-yeh-ksah]
to sheathe: (Polite) bayexak [bah-yeh-zahk]
"blade": minyexa [mihn-yeh-ksah]
male (gender): siwoa [sih-woh-ah]
childhood (age): tyife [tuh-yih-feh]
adolescence: tylerife [t'yai-leh-rih-feh]
adulthood (age): tyhinfe [t'yai-hihn-feh]
noncopulatory sex (fore/after-play): frigkak [frihg-kahkk]
male "husband" neela [nee-lah]
lesbian "wife:" nina [nai-nah] (Note: these are not marriages, but among
samnir, is recognized as a relationship
and legal).
FAMILY AND CLAN-ORIENTED TERMS:
Xlel group together in clans (the natural extension of a wolfpack,
actually). All clans are patrilinear and
patrilocal, so that each term refers to which side/family they come from, as
well as their importance as far as
(clan) alliances ar concerned. Group terms (those words that relate to more
than one part of the clan) are
astericked (refer to the bottom of this page)
Legend: f=father, m=mother, s=son, d=daughter, br=brother, si=sister,
h=husband, w=wife,
ff - dhama/[duh-hah-mah] "grandfather"/paternal
mf - desa/[deh-sah] "grandfather"/maternal
fm - boshka/[bohsh-kah] "grandmother"/paternal
mm - fwesa/[f'weh-sah] "grandmother"/maternal
fbr - dhema/[duh-hee-mah] "uncle"/paternal
mbr - dava/[day-vah] "uncle"/maternal
fbrw - nana/[nay-nah] "aunt"/paternal
mbrw - noka/[noh-kah] "aunt"/maternal
f - dawoa/[dah-woh-ah] "father"
m - woda/[woh-dah] "mother"
h - nila/[nai-lah]"husband"
w - neena/[nee-nah] "wife"
br - knafa/[k-nah-fah] "brother"
si - disisa/[dih-sih-sah] "sister"
sih - fusa*/[fooh-sah] "brother-in-law"
fbrs - dalta"(1st) cousin"/paternal
mbrs - naga/[nah-gah] "(1st) cousin"/maternal
fbrd - fela*/[fee-lah] "cousin"
off - eide(r)/[ee-ih-de(r)] "offspring/child"
s - choda/[choh-dah] "son"
d - chepana/[cheh-pay-nah] "daughter"
brs - chosa/[choh-sah] "nephew"
brd - fela*/[fee-lah] "niece"
dh - fusa*/[fooh-sah] "son-in-law"
sw - pena/[pee-nah] "daughter-in-law"
ss - mihda/[mih-dah] "grandson"/paternal
ds - nofa*/[noh-fah] "grandson"/maternal
sd - mihla/[mih-lah] "grandaughter"/paternal
dd - nofa*/[noh-fah] "grandaughter"/maternal
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NON-RELATED AFFILIATES:
"aunt"/paternal: fsi - fela* [fee-lah]
"aunt"/maternal: msi - fela* [fee-lah]
"uncle"/material: fsih - fusa* [foo-sah], & msih - fylja [f'yil-jah]
"cousin"/maternal: includes fsis - nofa* [noh-fah], msis - fonsa*
[fohn-sah], fsid - nofa* [noh-fah], msid -
fonsa* [fohn-sah]
"niece"/maternal: sid - nofa* [noh-fah]
"nephew"/maternal: sis - nofa* [noh-fah]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FAMILY AND CLAN-ORIENTED TERMS:
Remember that all clans are patrilinear and patrilocal, so that each
term refers to which side/family they
come from, as well as their importance as far as (clan) alliances ar
concerned. Group terms (those words that
relate to more than one part of the clan) are astericked (refer to the bottom
of this page)
Legend: f=father, m=mother, s=son, d=daughter, br=brother, si=sister,
h=husband, w=wife,
ff - dhama/[duh-hah-mah] "grandfather"/paternal
mf - desa/[deh-sah] "grandfather"/maternal
fm - boshka/[bohsh-kah] "grandmother"/paternal
mm - fwesa/[f'weh-sah] "grandmother"/maternal
fbr - dhema/[duh-hee-mah] "uncle"/paternal
mbr - dava/[day-vah] "uncle"/maternal
fbrw - nana/[nay-nah] "aunt"/paternal
mbrw - noka/[noh-kah] "aunt"/maternal
f - dawoa/[dah-woh-ah] "father"
m - woda/[woh-dah] "mother"
h - nila/[nai-lah]"husband"
w - neena/[nee-nah] "wife"
br - knafa/[k-nah-fah] "brother"
si - disisa/[dih-sih-sah] "sister"
sih - fusa*/[fooh-sah] "brother-in-law"
fbrs - dalta"(1st) cousin"/paternal
mbrs - naga/[nah-gah] "(1st) cousin"/maternal
fbrd - fela*/[fee-lah] "cousin"
off - eide(r)/[ee-ih-de(r)] "offspring/child"
s - choda/[choh-dah] "son"
d - chepana/[cheh-pay-nah] "daughter"
brs - chosa/[choh-sah] "nephew"
brd - fela*/[fee-lah] "niece"
dh - fusa*/[fooh-sah] "son-in-law"
sw - pena/[pee-nah] "daughter-in-law"
ss - mihda/[mih-dah] "grandson"/paternal
ds - nofa*/[noh-fah] "grandson"/maternal
sd - mihla/[mih-lah] "grandaughter"/paternal
dd - nofa*/[noh-fah] "grandaughter"/maternal
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NON-RELATED AFFILIATES:
"aunt"/paternal: fsi - fela* [fee-lah]
"aunt"/maternal: msi - fela* [fee-lah]
"uncle"/material: fsih - fusa* [foo-sah], & msih - fylja [f'yil-jah]
"cousin"/maternal: includes fsis - nofa* [noh-fah], msis - fonsa*
[fohn-sah], fsid - nofa* [noh-fah], msid -
fonsa* [fohn-sah]
"niece"/maternal: sid - nofa* [noh-fah]
"nephew"/maternal: sis - nofa* [noh-fah]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROUP TERMS:
Fonsa: children-cousins of non-clanmembers (mother's clan)
Fela: any former (or female) clanmember (except daughter)
Fusa: any male who marries a former (or female) clanmember
Nofa: any offspring of a former (or female) clanmember
Chyana: (Nuclear) family member [ch'yah-nah]
Merla: (any) clan member [mer-lah]
WHITHER COMES THE NAMES THEY GAVE THEE?
Proper names come from many things: the names of plants
(lobea/loh-bee-ah> rose, jlana/j'lah-
nah> daisy), animals & birds (shangral/shan-grahl> eagle,
kopiral/koh-pih-rahl> greyfox, shalal/shay-
lahl> weasel), the elements & nature (lee/leeh> wind, kzala/k'zah-lah> fire,
mara/mah-rah> sea, sidra/sih-
drah> star), seasons (kolothe/koh-law-theh> winter, komenthe/koh-men-theh>
summer), qualities both
desirable and not-so-desirable (like sarvan/sahr-vahn> stubborn,
evade/ee-vah-deh> beautifullyblossoming,
sadhe/sah-deh> simple, pure), and especially colors (ghura/ghrr-rah>
ravenblack, abletta/ah-bleht-tah> white,
mare/mahr-reh> dark or twilight, ragila/rah-gih-lah> silver-colored),
etc.
You will actually find many animal names here, as many other languages
do, as well as plants, etc.
Names are all highly symbolic and (usually) appropriate to its
possessor. Some names have -- in due
course of time -- been altered to become other names. Examples: Kahn,
meaning strength, can become
Kang. Koraxal, meaning raven, also can be Korax (usually this is due to
varying dialects in different areas,
and other planets).
Other alterations occur in the merging of two (sometimes three or more)
words to become one name. One
example: Shadakk comes from sha (meaning god) and dokah (which is the number
8. Eight is a sacred
number to them, for it is the four elements and the four seasons entwined).
Another example: Pohmir comes from pohkene (meaning dark or
lightlessness) and lianmir (which means
grey or silver-tipped, as in fur). Always, when names are made this way,
they are ALL highly symbolic and
appropriate to the possessor.
In native Xlel culture, an adult will have a total of five names in his
or her lifetime. The first name is given at
birth by his or her mother --- indictative of her first impressions, or her
wishes for his future; the second name is
given by the youth's father at eight years old --- also indicating his
impressions, or the child's deeds by that age;
the third name is given to the adolescent, by the clan's leader, upon hitting
puberty (usually at fourteen or fifteen
years of age) --- this gives the clanleader's impressions of the young adult,
and is often the "use" or profession's
name (a name known by all, sometimes instead of the birth or 1st name).
The fourth name is a secret, spiritual name and is said to be given by
their nameless, uncaring god called
Sha in visions or dreams (in fact, this is one of the most important days of
their lives, where they will go off by
themselves, into a locked room or out in the wilds, to find this name. And
finally, there is the clan name, which
they are given provisionally at birth, and earn the right to bear at the age
of eight (after they pass a survival test
& physical/psychic examination), as well as the right to wear the clanpin
thereafter.
Among these people, the first name is one's "use" name (the one "used"
by all); the second is known among
friends and other intimates and the third name is used in ceremonies and
rituals, and some artists, writers and
musicians often use this last name on their compositions.
Often, parts of 2 or more names can be combined to make one (these names
are usually reserved for highly-
ranked & psionically powerful individuals). In this culture, parents are
quite fond of playing "tricks" with words,
especially in naming their most powerful and talented people. So
alliterations of words sacred or otherwise
important to the way of life are also used, usually for highly-ranked or
special people (like vangar [fanged one]
or aular [silver-tongued] as a kenning for wolf or dog, for example).
A short glossary of names common to this language follows at the end of
this chapter. In addition: one might
also look through all the other chapters and find appropriate words there
[NOTE: Almost any name might also
have an "r" or "gher" added to it (or it can be removed if here). This means
(for "r") one who is and (for
"gher") one who does.]
Aarda> rock/stone [ah-ahr-dah]
Abir> swimmer [ah-bihr]
Abletta> white [ah-bleht-tah]
Aemosa> gale/windstorm [ay-ee-moh-sah]
Ager> active one [ah-ger]
Ahual> gazelle/deer [ah-hoo-ahl]
Akuiner> wise one [ay-kwih-ner]
Alfir> one w/good hearing [ahl-feehr]
Aular> silver-tongued [ay-yoo-lahr]
Baidar> brave one [bah-ai-dahr]
Balusur> delayer [bah-looh-soor]
Batakhe> precious [bah-tak-hee]
Bifskar> strong-willed [bihf-skahr]
Chroger> proud one [chroh-gehr or khroh-gher]
Chuma> smoke, fog [choo-mah]
Dabar> follower [dah-bahr]
Dantar> toothed one [dahn-tahr]
Diamar> thinker, careful one [dih-ah-mahr]
Donir> honored one [doh-neehr]
Dutgente> steadfast, durable [doot-jehnt-teh]
Ealine> determined [eh-ah-lih-neh]
Eidirner> little one(undersized) [eh-ih-dihr-ner]
Elaer> stalwart one, strong one [ee-lah-(h)ehr]
Elahal> elk [ee-lah-hal]
Enivir> achiever [eh-nih-veehr]
Esbahir> astonishing one [es-bah-heehr]
Eschir> player [ees-chah-ir, as in higher]
Eskuer> one who escapes [ehs-koo-ehr]
Everjor> cautious, wary one [eh-ver-johr]
Eyrlea> elf [ee-yeer-le-ah]
Eryr> (one) who soars [eer-ee-ir]
Finehdin> immoveable [fihn-neh-dihn]
Fliba> southeast wind [flih-bah]
Gallin> splendid, bright [gahl-lihn]
Gensar> flexible, pliant one [gehn-sahr]
Ghura> black, ravenblack [ghur-rah]
Gurde> intelligent, knowing [gur-deh, as grrr]
Heynir> creative one [heh-y(ih)-nir, as in higher]
Hoska> reflection, shadow [hohs-kah]
Hota(s)> mountain(s) [hoh-ta(s)]
Hreysar> one who hides [h'ray-sahr]
Humar> wise one [hooh-mahr]
Hundater> gatherer, hunter [hoohn-dah-tehr]
Ikemshe> strong-minded [ih-kehm-shee]
Jabril> stork/ibis [jah-brihl]
Jedir> "little one" [jee-dihr] (puppy)
Jestre> unyielding [jehs-treh]
Jkise> small [j'kais(eh)]
Jlana> daisy-like flower [j'lah-nah]
Juhner> giant one [jooh-nehr]
Juyegher> killer [joo-yeh-ghehr]
Kahletaar> phoenix [kah-lee-taahr]
Kahn> strong man [kahn]
Kanus> mousegrey, grey (a rare name) [kah-noos]
Kathless>transparency, clarity [kath-lehss]
Kolothe> winter [koh-lawth-(eh)]
Komenthe> summer [koh-mehn-theh]
Kopiral> fox [koh-pih-rahl]
Kor> one w/keen eyesight [koor]
Koraxal> raven [kohr-raks-sahl]
Korban> of great worth [kohr-bahn]
Kostille> hot-tempered [kows-tihl-leh]
Krass> boulder(s) [kras(s)]
Krathose> hardness, stoniness [kra-thoh-seh]
Kurir> spear-fighter [koo-rir, as in rear]
Kwacha> dawn [kwah-cha]
Kykrin> quickness, agility [k-yai-krihn]
Kyme> fit, suitable [k-yih-mee]
Kyon> loyalty [k'yai-on]
Lee> wind [lee]
Leemara> seawind [lee-mah-rah]
Lianmir> silver tipped [lih-ahn-mihr]
Liatha> smokegrey [lih-ah-tha]
Liyana> waterfall [lih-yahn-nah]
Lobea> rose [loh-bee-ah]
Lokor> looker, searcher [loh-koor]
Lonka> spear/lance [lohn-kah]
Lorevale> spring [lor-ree-vah-lee]
Maha> moon [mah-hah]
Mala> maelstorm, turmoil [mahl-lah]
Mara> sea [mahr-rah]
Mare> dark, twilight [mahr-ree]
Myrvyn> sea-spirit [mir-rivhn]
Ngeyosa> meadowspirit [(i)ng-ay-yoh-sah]
Ngosa> (small) wood-spirit [(i)ng-oh-sah]
Nu-i-kar> probe, scout [noo-ih-kahr]
Nyejela> ivory-black [n'yeh-jehl-lah]
Odinar> gentle, tame one [oh-dihn-nahr]
Ogerer> defiant one [oh-geh-rehr]
Ogyer> citadel [awg-yehr]
Olfa>elf/old concept of Kynrrel) [ohl-fah]
Olgera> elf-spear [ohl-geh-rah]
Orastiner> beloved [oh-rahs-tih-nehr]
Orgor> actor, performer, doer [ohr-gohr]
Ornil> white eagle [ohr-nihl]
Ortikoskar> shepherd, leader [ohr-tai-koh-skar]
Osaskar> defender [oh-sas(s)-kahr]
Oterana> fort [awt-teh-rah-nah]
Otloner> lawmaker, proxy [awt-loh-nehr]
Oulma> midnight [owl-mah or oohl-mah]
Ovil> black-tipped white eagle [oh-vihl]
Owhre> elf-wise [ow-hreh]
Palar> protector [pah-lahr]
Peter> repeater [pee-tehr]
Piran> merit, value [pai-rahn]
Pohkene> lightlessness, dark [poh-kee-nee]
Raedinir> explainer [rah-ehd-dihn-nihr]
Ragila> silver-coloured [rah-tihl-lah]
Rhet> authority, power, right [r'heht]
Riregher> one who laughes [ree-rih-ghehr]
Ru> migrant (usu. prefix or suffix) [roo]
Sadhe> pure, simple [sahd-heh]
Saijkda> arrow, dart (stilleto) [sah-ihj-k'dah]
Sargon> nobleness [sahr-gohn]
Sarvan> stubborn [sahr-vahn]
Selwyn> friend (clan) [sel-w'yihnn]
Shala> weasel [shay-lah, or shah-lah]
Shan> singleness, unity [shahn]
Shangral> black & white eagle [shang-grahl]
Shen> introspective [shehn]
Shida> moor [shai-dah]
Shinkar> spear-thruster [shihn-kahr]
Simame> autumn, fall [sih-mah-mee]
Skeohan> proud spirit [skee-oh-hahn]
Smiljan> unfading, immortal [smihl-jahn]
Strihar> striking one, hitter [strai-hahr]
Tan> individual, entity [tahn]
Tarl> sparrow-hawk [tahrl]
Tayhan> inquisitive, curious [tay-hahn]
Tengar> swift one [tehn-gahr]
Tesjuval> (bald) eagle [tehs-joo-vahl]
Tesmel> hawk [tehs-mehl]
Teyki> guardedness [teh-keh]
Thachir> scuffler [that-chihr]
Theian> honour [thee-ai-ahn]
Thelassa> freshwater lake [theh-lay-sah]
Themar> spry one [theh-mahr]
Thyre> gay, merriness [th'yai-reh]
Tior> tamer [tee-ohr, rhymes with Eeyore]
Toher> one who is unbreakable [toh-hehr]
Torin> watchtower [tohr-rihn]
Tuhan> running [too-hahn]
Uela> windspirit [yoo-ee-lah]
Uhola> island woods/forest [yoo-hohl-lah]
Urobe> immortal, everlasting [yoo-roh-beh]
Usama> palegrey, pearlgrey [ooh-sahm-mah]
Vaar> one who sees [vah-ahr]
Vangar> fanged one [van-gahr]
Velain> swiftness, promptness [veh-lah-ihn]
Verlina> enclosed sea [vehr-lih-nah]
Visan> cleverness [vai-sahn]
Voigher> wanderer (obs) [voy-ghehr]
Voir> wanderer [voy-ir, ir as in "ear"]
Vyiser> guardian [v'yih'-sir, as above]
Vytir> pursuer, chaser [v'yuh-tir]
Wahtar> watcher [wah-tahr]
Wida> timber [wih-dah]
Winsa> wind [wihn-sah]
Witar> sage [wih-tahr]
Wudua> wood [woo-doo-ah]
Xifra> brawl, fight [ksai-frah]
Xifosa> knife, sword [ksai-foh-sah]
Yexa> hunting blade [yehk-sah]
Yua> jewel, gemstone (yoo-ah)
Zafra> cobalt blue [zah-frah]
Zatir> director, guide [zah-teer]
Zheke> illusion, phantom [zheh-keh]
SPECIAL COMBINED NAMES & SHORT FORMS
These following are special names: either combined from two (sometimes three) names to make one, or short
names ("nicknames") used for first names. Generally, these sorts of names are only given to highly-ranked (for
that: read high-powered) individuals, or to Kynrrel, or to those whose place in life is unique, prophetically
appropriate, or if s/he will change things in an unusual or dramatic way.
Agerhumar> active wise one [ah-gehr-hoo-mahr]
Agernal> active man [ah-gehr-nahl]
Ahualvytir> deer-chaser [ah-hoo-ahl-v-yih-teer]
Chrogedantar> proud toothed one [chroh-geh-dahn-tahr]
Chrogeenivir> proud achiever [chroh-geh-eh-nih-veer]
Chrogegallin> bright & proud [chroh-geh-gahl-lihn]
Chrogeheynir> proud creative one [chroh-geh-heh-yih-neer]
Chrogekopiral> proud fox [chroh-geh-koh-pih-rahl]
Chrogeornil> proud eagle [chroh-geh-ohr-nihl]
Chumadanter> grey toothed one [chooh-mah-dahn-tahr]
Chumagallin> bright fog [chooh-mah-gahl-lihn]
Chumanal> smoky man (smoke=grey) [chooh-nah-nahl]
ChumaZheke> shadowy fog [chooh-ma-zheh-keh]
Donicherrin> duty (to) honour [dohn-nih-cher-rihn]
Donirtheian> twofold honour [dohn-nih-thee-ai-ahn]
Eidirvangar> little fanged one [eh-ih-dihr-vang-gahr]
Elaerkyon> stalwart & loyal [ee-lah-her-k'yai-ohn]
Enivirskeohan> achieving proudspirit [eh-nih-vihr-skee-oh-hahr]
Eskverelahal> escaping elk [ehs-vehr-ee-lah-hal]
Gallindantar> splendid toothed one [gahl-lihn-ee-lah-her]
Gallinelaer> splendid & stalwart [gahl-lihn-ee-lah-her]
Gallinornil> splendid eagle [gahl-lihn-ohr-nihl]
Gallinvaar> splendid bright seer [gahl-lihn-vahr]
Gar> short for "Vangar"(also spelled: gaar) [gahr]
Ghuradantar> black toothed one [ghoor-rah-dahn-tahr]
Humanal> wise man [hooh-mah-nahl]
Jkisedantar> small toothed one [j(uh)-kais-dahn-tahr]
Jkisetesmel> small hawk [j(uh)-kais-dahn-tahr]
Juval> short for "Tesjuval" [jooh-vahl]
Kang> strong one (from "kahn") (pron. southern dialect) [kang]
Koskar> leader (from"ortikoskar") [koh-skahr]
Kuin> wise one (from "akuiner") [k'yoo-ihn]
Ky> (usu.) Kykrin or Kyon [kai]
Kyonager> actively loyal [k(uh)-yon-ah-gehr]
Letta> white (from "abletta") [leht-tah]
Maramalar> sea-storm [mahr-rah-mah-lahr]
Odinahual> tame deer [oh-dihn-ah-hooh-ahl]
Ornilhoska> eagle's shadow [ohr-nihl-hohs-kah]
Poh> short for "pohkene" [poh]
Pohkenemalar> dark turmoil [poh-kee-nee-mah-lahr]
Pohma> short for "pohkenemalar" [poh-mah]
Pohmyrvyn> dark sea-spirit [poh-m'yir-v'yihn]
Pohoikoat> dark spirit [poh-oy-koh-aht]
Pohoikoatgar> dark fanged soul [poh-oy-koh-aht-vang-gahr]
Sargonvangar> noble fanged one [sahr-gon-vang-gahr]
Tan Ru> migrant bird [tan-rooh]
(Note: this is also a kenning for "starship")
Tengaornil> swift eagle [tehn-gahr-ohr-nihl]
Tengarvangar> swift fanged one [tehn-gahr-van-gahr]
Tes> short for "Tesmel" or "Tesjuval" [tehs]
Theiandonir> honour (twofold) [thee-ai-ahn-doh-nihr] (note: see Donirtheian also)
Theianvangar> noble fanged one [thee-ai-ahn-van-gahr]
Themakopiral> spry fox [theh-mah-koh-pihr-rahl]
Urobeuela>immortal wind(spirit) [yoo-roh-beh-yoo-ee-lah]
Usamachroge> grey pride [ooh-sah-mah-chroh-geh]
Usamadantar> grey toothed one [ooh-sah-mah-dahn-tahr]
Usamavangar> grey fanged one [ooh-sah-mah-van-gahr]
Vangadaar> fang-toothed one [van-gah-dahr]
Velainelahal> swift elk [veh-lah-ihn-ee-lah-hahl]
Visankopiral> clever fox [vai-sahn-koh-pihr-rahl]
Voivangar> wandering fanged one [voy-van-gahr]
Zatishar> god-directed one [za-tih-shahr]
Zhekevangar> phantom fanged one [zheh-keh-van-gahr]
Simple sentence structure:
The way it goes is like this:
(The) Subject-Noun [adjective] Object-Noun [adjective] verb verb-tense (plus anything which relates to the verb)
For example:
[Mintav] teytav zhurek sta pernem opall ghura.
Strict translation:
I-subject you-object gave I-do the horse black.
Or:
I give you the black horse.
The first noun or pronoun seen will be the subject, the second is the object, and any adjectives which relate to
the subject or object. After that comes the verb & verb-tense, followed by any adverbs needed, and then any
noun associated with the verb (what I gave you & what it looked like).
Very often, the subject is left out, because it is assumed in the verb tense (I do, you do, he/she does, we do,
they do, you-all do). And sometimes, the word "the" is left out.
So the sentence might really be:
Teytav zhurek sta opall-ghura.
This assumes you know that "sta" means "I-do" and that you know that there is no need for the word "the."
In a simple question: the verb and the verb-tense come first, followed by the subject (plus adjectives) and then
the object-noun. So a question might read:
Stu kakk [sertav] [pernem] kolunel?
Strict translation:
?we-do to-want [we] [the] dogwolf?
Or:
Do we want the dog?
All verbs are accompanied by a verb-tense. Verb-tenses are conjugated, like so:
Present tense:
I do: sta
you do: ste
he/she/it does: sti
we do: sto
they do: stu
you-all do: sty (pronounced "yuh")
Past tense:
I did: stak
you did: stek
he/she/it did: stik
we did: stok
they did: stuk
you-all did: styk (pronounced "yuh")
Future tense:
I will: stal
you will: stel
he/she/it will: stil
we will: stol
they will: stul
you-all will: styl
....More to come.....
