So, because I'm feeling obsessive over my languages (that never happens) I thought I'd give you an overview of the languages of Legea.
Rodronian (originally Rothalonan)
This is the oldest language of Legea. It was spoken by the Fathers of Men, and later by Rohator and Rothalon, the sister countries of early Legea. Rohator later fell, but Rothalon became Rodron and still existed in the Second Era and the time of The Journey.
Distinguishing marks: Broad vowel sounds. H's and r's. Hard c's and g's except before e. Faintly noticeable roll of the r. A heavy, powerful sound to the words; described as sonorous and majestic.
Other facts and characteristics: Rodronian has many words expressing concepts untranslatable to English, or at least untranslatable except by various lengthy phrases. It has eight regular tenses and nine verb endings for each tense.
Example: Eda thraëlcin-lossë, colo ligonaeëth ugthoda talnvar ihar martus geanossa.
(Holwena of Rothalon, Flare in the Darkness. NO SPOILERS OKAY PEOPLE)
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Thiredanian, also Old Ordenian
This language is the "Latin" of Legea. Currently in consistent use only among the noble's houses of Orden, it is considered in most northern Legean countries an essential part of a good education. Most places call it Old Ordenian, but the Rodronian people hold to its original name.
Distinguishing marks: Employs more of the narrow "e" and "i" sounds. V's, k's, m's. Diphthongs. The lisping "th" is common, but "th" as in "then" is never present. R's soft but rarely rolled. A lilting, gentle sound on the ear, described as a very "fair" tongue.
Other facts and characteristics: Has no b, p, soft g(as in giant), sh, or x sounds. People who have only spoken Thiredanian find it difficult to speak English, or Common tongue as it is generally called.
Example: Ane cirren, ionuter ette esar zareae ette esar scorio.
(Thireler the Conqueror of Orden to his people. The "e" is always pronounced "eh".)
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Werevulture, or Ugthoda Language
This kind, a race apart from men, have always been at enmity with them, desiring to rule over men instead of serve as their stewards like they were bidden. They are not shape-shifters, as the name commonly given them would indicate, but have two natures that they may switch at will. Their language, as one might expect, is conducive to the mouth of birds.
Distinguishing marks: S's, k's, g's. Harsh hissing noises and gurgling in the back of the throat. Sibilant, glottal, rasping. When spoken at ordinary conversation speed it is scarcely intelligible as an actual language except to the well-trained ear.
Example: Hriss iz kidiz khhassa-raik
(First line of an old werevulture saying. "Khh" is pronounced by rattling the saliva in the back of the throat while exhaling.)
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Enydhwyn, or Enedhwin
Enydhwyn, usually spelled Enedhwin by other countries, is another of the old languages of Legea. It bears resemblance to old Celtic languages of our world.
Distinguishing marks: Th- sounds, both hard and soft. Y's and i's, f's, v's(though in keeping with Gaelic appearance they are spelled bh). Very soothing on the ear. Often called a "soft" tongue.
Example: Dhùr dyth yrn-dhùrí hyn thíythef abh-abhon
(Line from a poem written on the back of a clan talisman. Dh is pronounced as "th" in "then", bh like "v", y like "i" in "hit".)
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Glumintor
Once a wise and great people, they fell to a dark legaeësse and have since lived in seclusion from other peoples, worshipping the werevultures and death. Their very name means "Wise in twisted things". Their language is a clear relative of Rodronian, but its sounds often leave a more sinister echo on the ear.
Distinguishing marks: Broad vowel sounds like Rodronian. Sh's and s's. Hard g's, n's. Sequences of several vowels. Slow-spoken and deep, soft and occasionally eerie.
Other facts: Falgor in The Journey was a Glumintorian.
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Eraharian
Erahar is south of Harotha and Menevace, bordering on Glumintor. It is a simple but often quite potent language, sometimes looking like old English.
Distinguishing marks: Rounded "oe" and "ae" sounds. Words tend to end in vowels. A close feel to the language; succinct, peaceful.
Other facts: Berethar of Mycraí is half Eraharian, and in fact his given name is Eraharian, meaning "Strong Stone"(Erahar means "Tall Stone"). His mother was Iloen of Edu Ghul.
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There's seven more, but that's all my tired mind has the capacity to go through right now.
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