Phonology
Silonê Phonology edit
The Silonê phonology is designed for a gritty aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Germanic, Gaelic, and Norse linguistic traditions. The phonology emphasizes long vowels, throaty consonants, and bold articulation to evoke the warrior culture of the Silonê-speaking tribes.
Vowels edit
Silonê vowels are divided into long and short categories, with long vowels marked by diacritics (â, ê, î, ô and û) to indicate full pronunciation and short vowels left unmarked for crisp articulation. If you've ever wondered about that while reading the books, now you know! When Eve of Snows was initially published, the diacritics were dropped as an editorial decision to ease the reader's workload with names and language. They were reintroduced as the books moved along. So, anywhere you see a diacritic, you know it is a long vowel. NOTE: You pronounce it any old way you like! As the author, I give you permission to make it sound good to you! LMAO. When speaking with readers, many folks call Ivin Ivan, but when I think or say the name, the I-i are both distinctly short "i" sounds.
Long Vowels edit
Long vowels are fully sounded, marked with diacritics, and carry a heavier, saga-ready weight. They are pronounced as follows:
| Vowel | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| â | "ai" as in "wait" | Krâg ("Kraig") | Rock |
| ê | "ee" as in "see" | Skêl ("Skeel") | Strike |
| î | "ie" as in "lie" | Vîgr ("Vyieg-r") | War |
| ô | "oh" as in "open" | Hôlk ("Hohlk") | Call |
| û | "oo" as in "moon" | Krûsh ("Kroosh") | Break |
Short Vowels edit
Short vowels are crisp, unmarked, and used for quick, clear articulation in everyday speech.
| Vowel | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | "a" as in "cat" | Thar ("Thar") | They |
| e | "e" as in "pet" | Sen ("Sehn") | She |
| i | "i" as in "bit" | Tib ("Tyib") | Clan |
| o | "o" as in "pot" | Fost ("Fost") | Capital |
| u | "u" as in "putt" | Hun ("Hun") | He (formal) |
Consonants edit
Silonê consonants include distinctive sounds with throaty and rolled articulations, alongside standard consonants.
Distinctive Sounds edit
The following consonants are unique to Silonê, contributing to its harsh, guttural sound profile. It's good to remember here that I have used Germanic, Gaelic, and Norse as my inspiration. Do I pronounce them perfectly? Oh, hells no! But it's fun to try. When naming characters I have gone light on using these sounds.
| Consonant | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| kh | Throaty, like "loch" | Khrâg ("Kh-rahg") | Rock |
| dh | Soft "th" as in "this" | Skrâdh ("Sk-rah-dh") | Ghost |
| th | Hard "th" as in "think" | Thûrvn ("Thoorvn") | Ox |
| sk | Rolled "s-k" | Skrûv ("Sk-roov") | Bush |
| gh | Throaty "g" | Ghrûvkh ("Gh-roov-kh") | Street |
| sh | /ʃ/ as in "ship" | Shûvdh ("Shoov-dh") | Shortsword |
| ch | /tʃ/ as in "church" | Chôerkin ("Choh-er-keen") | Clan name |
| zh | /ʒ/ as in "vision" | Tûnzjîn ("Toonz-yeen") | Warhost |
Other Consonants edit
Standard consonants include: b, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, y, z. These are articulated clearly, without special modifications, to maintain accessibility in spoken Silonê.
Stress edit
Stress in Silonê typically follows these rules:
- Primary Stress: Usually on the first syllable, e.g., Sîkhak ("SEEKH-ak", sight).
- Suffix Influence: Certain suffixes may shift stress to later syllables, e.g., Tîblârthar ("TYEB-lahr-thar", the clan lord), where stress falls on "lârth".
Phonological Notes edit
- Consonant clusters like skh (e.g., Skhêmvkh) are pronounced with a hissed "s" and throaty "kh", but newer terms simplify these (e.g., -vâsk instead of -vskh) for reader clarity.
- Vowels and consonants are articulated boldly, with long vowels (e.g., â in Krâg) carrying greater emphasis than short vowels (e.g., a in Thar).