15 November 2005

Language I

Most of the languages spoken in the world I'm creating are much like the main languages of our reality (mainly Latin-based languages) but two of the principal characters speak Dreize. Pronounced dray-zhe, this is the spoken language of those who are decended from the Elder Dragon clans. Names in Dreize have a specific meaning, most of the time tied to personality traits, although occassionally they can translate to something as mundane as Earthen or Lacking Spirit.

Format:
Dreize word/term: (pronounciation) translation and use

• Nai: (nigh) Usually translated as 'wind,' although the more correct translation would be 'as the wind' or 'like the wind.' Normally it is used in names, although sometimes it's used in sayings such as "He runs near as fast as the wind" and "Bad omens come on an ill wind."
  
  
• Nya: (nee-ya) 'Wind' in the commonly used form. Usually attributed to wind as in a heavy storm, it is also used by sailors and all who make their living near the sea. It can also mean 'golden wind' as many Dreizen girls with blond hair have nya somewhere in their given names.
  
  
• Karan: (kah-rhan) The general translation of this word is 'bright' or 'brilliant' in reference to colours. It is infrequently used save for in names for the most part, although on occassion those who speak Dreize will use it to ridicule someone of the common tongue who is acting in a foolish manner.
  
  
• Ado: (ah-doh) 'Gentle' or 'calm.' This is used to describe anything from temperment to touch to the weather.
  
  
• Krish'ne: (kuh-reesh-nay) Basically, 'the world' or 'the earth beneath the feet.' Dreizen use this often in naming villages and townships.
  
  
• Tor: (tore) 'Sea' or 'lake,' depending upon whether the suffix following is el or al. The name of the township Krish'ne Torel translates to 'the land by the sea.'
  
  
• Sharan: (shah-rhan) Depending upon gender, this means either 'son of the Great Dragon King' or 'daughter of the Great Dragon King.' It is used as a surname by those Dreizen who are direct descendants of Shar, the Father God of the dragon race. At this time, there are only two living descendants of Shar in the world.
  

Updated 1:13 PM
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