Rūwhish
Writing System
- Script Type: Angular runes, deeply carved into stone or metal; some symbols represent both letters and numbers.
- Mediums: Stone walls, metal tablets, tools, and monuments. Rarely written on fragile materials.
- Effect: Writing feels eternal and enduring, meant to last centuries or millennia.
Phonology
- Overall Sound: Hard, clipped, and resonant; words sound like stone striking stone.
- Consonants: Heavy emphasis on plosives and stops (d, g, k, t, b) and trilled r’s.
- Vowels: Short and functional (a, e, i, o, u), rarely elongated.
- Effect: Speech conveys solidity, authority, and durability, mirroring dwarven craftsmanship and work ethic.
Morphology
- Word Length: Mostly short, monosyllabic or two-syllable words; compound words common for technical or craft terms.
- Agglutination: Words often combine multiple ideas into a single compound word (e.g., “Kharundal” = stone + forge + master).
- Reduplication: Rare; emphasis is usually conveyed by consonant doubling or stress rather than repetition.
Syntax
- Order: Subject–Verb–Object (SVO). Flexible for emphasis in formal or ceremonial speech.
- Modifiers: Adjectives and adverbs typically precede nouns or verbs for clarity and precision.
- Effect: Sentence structure reinforces clarity, precision, and the no-nonsense nature of dwarves.
Vocabulary
- Words emphasize craftsmanship, stone, metal, and endurance.
- Language reflects practicality; abstract words exist but are rare.
- Common expressions often include metaphors drawn from forging, mining, and stonework.
Phonetics
- Consonants: d, g, k, t, b, r (trilled) — strong and resonant.
- Vowels: a, e, i, o, u — mostly short.
- Syllable Structure: CV or CVC; compound words common for technical terms.
- Sound Traits: Clipped, precise, solid; resembles hammer-on-stone or forging sounds.
Cultural Notes
Speech mirrors dwarven values: precision, strength, endurance, and reliability.
Writing is treated with reverence; inscriptions are permanent records of achievements, laws, or family lineage.
Dwarves value clarity over flourish — their language is direct and efficient.
Comments