Language Guide
While there is only one singular language spoken in all of Mereldia, there are still local language variations (dialects) and pronounciation variations (accents) in certain regions. This page gives an overview of different language practices that have been established in canon.
List
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Monabur
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Waria
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Santugan
- Belrador
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Alvaren
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Celmere
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Teria
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Nordberg
- Irrlicht
- Eisstädt
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Waria
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northern
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southern
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western border
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Phonetics
Language Study Terminology
Phonetics is a branch of linguistics that mainly concerns the articulation and perception of speech sounds. The minimal linguistic unit of phonetics is the phone or a speech sound.
It differs from the minimal linguistic unit of phonology, which is a phoneme. Phonemes are abstract categorizations of phones and are defined as the smallest units in any given language that affect meaning.
Pragmatics
Pragmatics is the study of how context contributes to meaning. The field of study evaluates how language is utilized in social interactions, as well as the relationship between the interpreter and the interpreted.
Mereldia (general)
Phonetics
Phonetics vary depending on region to region. Most accents and dialects are similar to those we know in our world, but they are not separate languages. Dialect-specific words and phonetic differences are outlined for the specific regions below.
Pragmatics
The language of Mereldia developed from that of the gods (ancient fae) who ruled the world after the First Folk (humans) drove themselves to extinction. Because the language already existed beforehand, it still contains references to human anatomy in certain idioms and expressions.
While modern speakers refer to body parts using species-appropriate terms such as hoof, claw, paw, or wing, established expressions like lend me a hand or help someone get back on their feet remain in common use. These phrases are understood as general idioms rather than literal references to anatomy.
As in real-world languages, the origins of many common expressions have simply been lost to time. Unless your character is a linguist, they're unlikely to question why a particular phrase is used. This is no different from English words such as goodbye, which originated as God be with ye. Most speakers never consider its historical meaning and simply understand it as a farewell. Likewise, Mereldian speakers use many ancient expressions without questioning their original references.
Mereldia-specific Words
aura [noun]
/ˈɔːrə/
-
the personal mana field generated by every living being capable of magic, surrounding the body as a manifestation of the individual's mana and reflecting its strength, flow, and nature
Example: He felt a nudge at his aura as his friend reached out through mana speech. -
the total amount of mana possessed by an individual; by extension, a measure of a person's overall magical capacity
Example: “With an aura like that, she must be faekin.” -
the magical grip or control exerted over an object through mana interaction, regardless of the specific technique used
Example: He startled, and the book slipped from his aura, falling to the floor.
Usage note: While the first meaning refers specifically to the mana field surrounding an individual, the second is commonly used when discussing a person's magical potential or reserves. The third meaning is largely informal and serves as a convenient shorthand for maintaining magical control over an object without specifying the exact method, such as levitation or telekinesis.
Caspanas [noun]
/.../
-
name of the Caspanas curse that turns rootkin horses into faekin
Example: She bears the Caspanas curse. -
plural term to refer to multiple individuals under the Caspanas curse
Example: There are probably more Caspanas out there.
Caspana [noun]
/.../
-
term to refer to a single individual affected by the Caspanas curse
Example: He's a Caspana.
Usage note: Since the term with the "s" ending is itself the curse's name, it can also be used interchangably in singular form, though that is less common.
hold [noun]
/həʊld/
-
a personal pocket dimension formed within an individual's aura, used to store and retrieve physical objects through magic
Example: She reached into her hold and pulled out a rolled map. -
(less commonly) any artificial pocket dimension created or maintained through magic
Example: The research notes were sealed inside a hold that only the archivist could access.
Etymology: Shortened from holding space, referring to a magically maintained space used to hold possessions.
Usage note: Hold is the everyday term for what scholars formally call a pocket dimension. Unless otherwise specified, the word refers to an individual's innate pocket dimension rather than an artificial one.
wildlander [noun]
/.../
-
a term used by those living in cities, villages and other such communities to refer to an individual living in the wild without housing
Example: “I met a wildlander on my travels who told me about it.” -
a derogatory term used as an insult to point out uncivilised or rude behaviour
Example: “Do you have no table manners? You eat like a wildlander.”
Usage note: Settlers look down on wildlanders as uncivilised and believe them to be of less intelligence/worth, so the term carries xenophobic undertones.
Koruna
Phonetics
Due to the cities being rather far apart, each has developed its own accent influenced both by the first settlers and those who later immigrated to the region, as well as common trade traffic. While not 100% identical, the accents lean on those of the romance languages and are as follows:
Monabur | Italian (fancy)
Belrador | mixture of Italian and French
Maroven | mixture of Italian and French
The entire Coastal Region | Spanish
Santugan | Italian (rural)
Nemris | mixture of Italian, French and Japanese
Keep in mind that these accents only apply to the pronounciation of the language, not to the actual words! There are no words of the mentioned real world languages mixed into the actual vocabulary!
Pragmatics
text
Region-specific Words
prayer charm [noun]
/preə ʧɑːm/
-
a small token or trinket, often carrying symbolic or devotional significance, used to represent a prayer, intention, or blessing
Example: She tied a prayer charm to the branch, hoping it would guard the travellers.
Usage note: Prayer charms are often personalised or consecrated and may be worn, carried, or placed in a specific location. Their purpose is both devotional and symbolic, serving as a tangible focus for thoughts, hopes, or blessings.
coastal pond [noun]
/ˈkəʊstᵊl pɒnd/
-
an informal term for the coastal region west of Koruna, encompassing several neighboring countries
Example: “I’d rather not deal with all the border controls in the coastal pond.”
Usage note: Used chiefly by merchants, sailors, and frequent travellers, often with an undertone that the region’s many closely packed countries and ports blur together.
Interjections
by the eighty-eight constellations [interjection]
/baɪ ði ˈeɪti-eɪt ˌkɒnstəˈleɪʃᵊnz/
-
an exclamatory phrase expressing strong frustration, exasperation, or disbelief; evokes the full set of known constellations as a forceful oath
Example: “By the eighty-eight constellations! How many times must I tell you not to touch the artfacts?”
Usage note: More formal and specific than general star-related oaths like “by the stars.” Often used by those familiar with the constellations, such as scholars, astrologers, or those who study the stars closely, but can appear in moments of intense emotion or sharp admonishment.
by the stars [interjection]
/baɪ ðə stɑːz/
-
an exclamation used to express surprise, disbelief, frustration, alarm, or emphasis by invoking the stars as sacred or powerful forces
Example: “By the stars, that was far too close.” -
used as an oath or plea, especially in moments of urgency or strong emotion
Example: “By the stars, tell me what happened.”
Usage note: The phrase is one of the most common religious exclamations and does not necessarily imply deep belief. It is often used colloquially, though in more devout contexts it may carry the sense of calling upon the stars themselves as witnesses or sources of aid.
firmament [noun]
/ˈfɜːməmənt/
-
the sky
Example: Dark clouds spread across the firmament. -
the celestial realm beyond the air, where the stars are anchored
Example: The priests taught that the stars were fastened to the firmament and guided by its turning. -
the highest and most distant region of the world, beyond weather and the reach of flight
Example: The mountain peak seemed to rise toward the firmament itself.
what in the firmament [interjection]
/wɒt ɪn ðə ˈfɜːməmənt/
-
an exclamation of surprise, confusion, disbelief, or alarm
Example: “What in the firmament are you doing up there?”
by the firmament [interjection]
/baɪ ðə ˈfɜːməmənt/
-
an exclamation used to express shock, frustration, emphasis, or urgency; often used in place of a stronger oath
Example: “By the firmament, that was close.”
orria [interjection]
/orrːːja/
-
a regional exclamatory form derived from alright, used to express reluctant acceptance, resignation, or determination; roughly equivalent to “okay then” or “fine”
Example: "Orria, I can get this paper done on time."
Usage note: The r is rolled very prominently, especially in connection with a sigh. Only used as an exclamation at the beginning of a sentence. Within a sentence, the word "alright" is still used.
Pronunciation note: The word is conventionally preceded by a sharp inhalation. This intake of breath is considered part of the expression and is necessary to produce the characteristic strongly trilled [r]. The inhalation is not normally represented in IPA transcription.
IPA note: if you use this IPA reader to read it out to you, use the Spanish (Spain) voice to pronounce it because the English one doesn't roll the r properly.
Shree [proper noun]
/ʃrɪ/
-
shortened form of “Umashree,” commonly used when referring to the historical and religious figure also known as Princess Shree
Example: “Shree guide us,” murmured the merchant.
(oh) Shree almighty [interjection]
/(əʊ) ʃrɪ ɔːlˈmaɪti/
-
an exclamation used to express shock, disbelief, frustration, awe, or alarm by invoking Umashree as a holy figure; often used in place of a stronger oath
Example: “Oh Shree almighty, please let this go well.”
Usage note: The phrase invokes Shree in her role as a revered figure associated with the stars and constellation summoning. “Almighty” is honorific rather than literal; even those who do not believe Shree was truly divine may still use the expression colloquially.
(oh) stars above [interjection]
/(əʊ) stɑːz əˈbʌv/
-
an exclamation used to express surprise, disbelief, alarm, awe, or strong emotion; evokes the stars as powerful or sacred forces
Example: “Oh stars above, this couldn't be happening!”
(oh) thank the stars [interjection]
/(əʊ) θæŋk ðə stɑːz/
-
an exclamation used to express relief, gratitude, or thankfulness, often after a close call or the resolution of a stressful situation
Example: “Oh, thank the stars, the child didn't get hurt.”
Endearments
starshine [noun]
/ˈstɑːʃaɪn/
-
the visible glow or illumination cast by the stars, especially when seen at night
Example: The starshine was bright enough to see by.
-
a mildly affectionate term of address used for a younger individual, friend, student, or acquaintance; generally warmer than a neutral address, but less intimate than a familial endearment
Example: “Don’t worry, starshine. It’ll be alright.”
starling [noun]
/ˈstɑːlɪŋ/
-
a term of endearment used primarily by parents or close caregivers toward a child; conveys affection, warmth, and care
Example: “Don’t run so fast, starling, you might trip.”
Usage note: Typically used alone, like “sweetie” or “dear,” rather than in a longer phrase. Its use implies intimacy and closeness, and it is generally reserved for children within the speaker’s care or family circle.
Trivia: The term was originally of fey origin, as seen by the -ling suffix, but it is not remembered as such and has become so commonplace of a term that no one, safe for linguists notice the suffix as a fey origin.
Forbidden Words and Phrases
by Cynfor [interjection]
/baɪ sɪnfɔːr/
-
an exclamatory phrase invoking Cynfor’s name, typically intended to express surprise, frustration, shock, or emphasis
Example: “By Cynfor, that was close!”
Usage note: Cynfor, as the first king of Koruna, holds a revered and untouchable position in history and legend. Invoking his name casually, in swearing, or in any expression of surprise, frustration, or emphasis is strictly taboo. Such speech is heavily frowned upon and may provoke social reprimand or censure.
North Lands
Phonetics
text
Pragmatics
text
Interjections
Fia! [interjection]
/fɪa/
-
an abrupt exclamation used to express shock, frustration, alarm, pain, or anger; commonly uttered as a standalone oath in moments of sudden emotion
Example: “Fia! I almost fell into the river.”
Usage note: Unlike “For Fia’s sake!”, this shorter form is typically instinctive and sharp, functioning more like a reflexive curse or cry than a full expression of emphasis. It is often used similarly to blunt one-word expletives such as “shit!” or “fuck!”
For Fia’s sake! [interjection]
/fɔː fɪas seɪk/
-
an exclamation used to express frustration, impatience, disbelief, or urgency; invoked as a conventional oath rather than referring to any known figure
Example: “For Fia’s sake, stop wandering off in the marketplace!”
Usage note: The identity of Fia is unknown and likely lost to history, but the phrase persists as a common expression of emphasis or exasperation.
Endearments
dearn [noun]
/deːɐ̯rn/
-
a familiar or affectionate form of address for someone younger, especially a child; local variant of “dear”
Example: “Careful on those stairs, dearn.” -
used to refer to a younger person regarded with fondness, sympathy, or mild exasperation
Example: “The poor dearn has barely slept all night.”
Usage note: Common in informal speech. Most often used by older speakers toward children or younger individuals. Depending on tone, it can express affection, concern, pity, or gentle reproach.
It does not sound like the word "dear" [dɪə] despite it looking similar in writing!
Feyness
text
Phrasings, turns of phrase and expressions commonly used by faekin, especially those that grew up outside of civilisation.
Phonetics
text
Pragmatics
text
Interjections
wilds [...]
/waɪldz/
-
referring to the "faewilds", most commonly meaning the forest of Jengu.
Example: “May the wilds have mercy on you.”
What in the wilds! [interjection]
/wɒt ɪn ðə waɪldz/
-
referring to the "faewilds", most commonly meaning the forest of Jengu.
Example: “What in the wilds is wrong with you?!”
Usage note: The faewilds are regarded as some sort of holy ground for most fae and the place where they truly belong.
Iron bells! [interjection]
/aɪən bɛlz/
-
an abrupt exclamation used to express shock, frustration, alarm, pain, or anger; commonly uttered as a standalone oath in moments of sudden emotion
Example: *realising the arrow didn't hit its target* “Iron bells!”
Usage note: iron and bells are both known as wards against fae, causing them pain and injury. Invoking both in a curse expresses frustration and is seen as lightly vulgar, synonymous with exclamations such as "shit!" and "fuck!"
Morrígan [proper noun]
/mˈɔː.ɹ.ɪɡən/
-
referring to the legendary war goddess Morrígan of the Tuatha Dé Danann
Example: “.”
Thank Morrígan! [interjection]
/θæŋk mˈɔː.ɹ.ɪɡən/
-
.
Example: “.”
By Morrígan! [interjection]
/baɪ mˈɔː.ɹ.ɪɡən/
-
.
Example: “.”
Morrígan's mercy! [interjection]
/mˈɔː.ɹ.ɪɡəns ˈmɜːsi/
-
.
Example: “.”
Usage note: .
Endearments
sweetling [noun]
/swiːtlɪŋ/
-
a familiar or affectionate form of address for someone younger, especially a child
Example: “No, sweetling, don't worry about it.”
Usage note: the suffix -ling is often used by fae to refer to someone they don't know the name for in address, with the main noun or adjective being something descriptive. Another example for this would be a fey predator addressing their potential prey as "meatling."