Starkhaven alienage is one of the myriad places in Thedas that operates with two languages. Some natives to the alienage might speak entirely in the dialect, though it is extremely unusual. More common is for people to speak only Trade and only to understand the dialect, or to not understand the dialect much at all, although throughout the alienage and different families proficiency in the language exists on a spectrum. The Hahren usually tries to encourage it being learned and taught, as a means to remember the old ways. It has no formal written form.
The dialect is said to have evolved from when elves first were first enslaved in the Free Marches, when they still spoke the language of Elvhenan. This is, of course, just a legend that circulates. In reality they have no idea how the dialect really evolved, just that it was their own.
In general, no one from outside the Starkhaven alienage can speak or understand more than a few fragments.
In terms of what it is, most words and phrases are Scottish Gaelic, unless in searching I couldn’t track down a specific Scottish Gaelic word and could find an Irish Gaelic one. Phrases, terms etc that I found entirely in Scottish or Irish Gaelic were left entirely in their original form. Some phrases which I couldn’t find translations for or that have been made up are extremely awkwardly cobbled together using Scottish and Irish Gaelic words and English syntax and maybe smooshed around a bit, for which I apologise profusely.
If you have suggestions for changes or to improve/correct them or website you’d recommend, please let me know! I’d be delighted to revise them, but in the meantime I’ll pretend it’s because it’s just a fantasy version.
Intro Notes for a made up thing (Starkhaven Alienage Dialect)
The dialect is said to have evolved from when elves first were first enslaved in the Free Marches, when they still spoke the language of Elvhenan. This is, of course, just a legend that circulates. In reality they have no idea how the dialect really evolved, just that it was their own.
In general, no one from outside the Starkhaven alienage can speak or understand more than a few fragments.
In terms of what it is, most words and phrases are Scottish Gaelic, unless in searching I couldn’t track down a specific Scottish Gaelic word and could find an Irish Gaelic one. Phrases, terms etc that I found entirely in Scottish or Irish Gaelic were left entirely in their original form. Some phrases which I couldn’t find translations for or that have been made up are extremely awkwardly cobbled together using Scottish and Irish Gaelic words and English syntax and maybe smooshed around a bit, for which I apologise profusely.
If you have suggestions for changes or to improve/correct them or website you’d recommend, please let me know! I’d be delighted to revise them, but in the meantime I’ll pretend it’s because it’s just a fantasy version.