Rīwish
The ancestral and base form of the Elven language, spoken by early elves across Whenua, evolved into three distinct dialects, each adapted to different environments and cultures: Rīwhit (ceremonial and ritualistic), Rīwhat (forest and nature-focused), and Rīwhot (secretive and dark).
Despite their differences, all four share a common structure, vocabulary roots, and script origin, allowing Rīwhs to recognize elements of each other’s speech.
Writing System
- Rīwhs: Elegant, flowing script; base for all dialects.
- Rīwhi: Musical-score-like, visually rhythmic and ceremonial.
- Rīwha: Carved symbols on wood or leaves; natural, organic shapes; simpler than Rīwhi.
- Rīwho: Angular, sharp runes; dark ink on stone or metal; combines Rīwhi script fluidity with harsh edges.
Phonology
- Rīwhs: Smooth and flowing; vowels are long, consonants soft; neutral melodic cadence.
- Rīwhi: Clear, precise, ceremonial; long vowels with rising/falling tones; almost sung.
- Rīwha: Softer, earthier; nasal vowels; rhythm mimics forest sounds (rustling, birdsong).
- Rīwho: Hissing, sibilant-heavy; sharp consonants and glottal stops; quick and clipped rhythm.
Morphology
- Rīwhs: Words moderately long (2–4 syllables occasional repetition for emphasis.
- Rīwhi: Multi-syllable words with flowing vowels; repetition used for ritual emphasis.
- Rīwha: Shorter, slightly irregular words; repetition mirrors natural rhythms.
- Rīwho: Short, clipped words; consonant-heavy; doubling for emphasis in secretive or formal speech.
Syntax
- Rīwhs: SVO; flexible for poetry, ritual, or everyday speech.
- Rīwhi: SVO; parallelism and lyrical phrasing in ceremonial speech.
- Rīwha: Flexible SVO; cadence irregular, reflecting natural storytelling patterns.
- Rīwho: SVO or VSO in commands; clipped, precise, often parallel for emphasis.
Vocabulary
- Rīwhs: Neutral, broad vocabulary; adaptable for nature, ceremonial, or secretive contexts.
- Rīwhi: Abstract, poetic, ceremonial; metaphors from stars, light, and music.
- Rīwha: Nature-focused; metaphors from trees, rivers, wind; practical for survival and hunting.
- Rīwho: Hierarchy, darkness, deception, underworld; layered or secret meanings.
Phonetics
Rīwhs
- Consonants: l, r, s, m, n, t, d, v — soft and flowing.
- Vowels: a, e, i, o, u — long and musical.
- Syllable Structure: CV or CVC; words mostly 2–4 syllables.
- Sound Traits: Smooth, neutral melody; foundation for dialects.
Rīwhi
- Consonants: l, r, s, m, n, t, d, v — soft, flowing, ceremonial emphasis.
- Vowels: Long, melodic; rising/falling pitch.
- Sound Traits: Almost sung; lyrical, ritualistic cadence.
Rīwha
- Consonants: l, r, n, m, w — softer and more nasal.
- Vowels: Short or nasalized; mimics forest sounds.
- Sound Traits: Earthy, irregular cadence; organic, natural rhythm.
Rīwho
- Consonants: s, sh, h, k, t — sharp, sibilant-heavy.
- Vowels: a, e, i, o, u — short and clipped.
- Sound Traits: Fast, clipped, secretive; harsh edges; commanding tone.
Cultural Notes
- Rīwhs: Studied by scholars and elders; preserves ancient forms and meanings.
- Rīwhi: Sacred and ritualistic; song-like recitation in formal ceremonies.
- Rīwha: Intimate, tied to forests; oral storytelling preserves history and lessons.
- Rīwho: Speech conveys secrecy and command; mastering it is key to understanding society and power structures.
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