Tocoatl (Language)

For the Tocoatl race, click here.

Origin

The origin of the language is a rather organic one in comparison to most. As the Tocoatl emerged in the land around them they began to form their tongue through commerce with their other peoples. There was little influence from outside languages for a great deal of time as the Valois had yet to embark towards Belinard, leaving this domain almost purely their own in terms of large nations. Overall the various tribes formed this common tongue and when the foreigners came in, it was their language that was preserved. The Valois locals took words they lacked from their tongue to describe local flora and fauna and their isolation kept this tongue preserved when compared to others.

Description

The Tocoatl language is a rather gruff one, using much of the front of the mouth and throat for its pronunciation. There is a distinct and almost 'clicking' sound made on occasion in some of their words which are used to great effect. One of the greatest advantages of the language is its surprising clarity. Though it is difficult to learn to speak it, it is very easy to learn to listen if one speaks slowly enough. The language has evolved to be able to be pronounced rather loudly so that all can hear it within the lands at large.

The writing for Tocoatl is largely pictographic, or was before the Valois interpreters came to the island and began to transcribe it into their usual set of characters. With this letters such as the 'x' are far more common and apparent within their language as well as odd consonants being put together such as the 'tl' as seen in their namesake. Some scholars are able to read the pictographs, but these vary greatly from tribe to tribe, making it difficult to transcribe.

Basic Phrases

• Tecihuitl! (Hello!)
• Neltoca. (You're welcome.)
• Quintlazohcamachilia. (Thank you.)
• Quen ca tehuatl? (How are you?)
• Ma xinechtlapohpolhui (Sorry.)

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