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Translation Dictionary

Author: 
Various
Librarian Comment: 

The new dictionary is laid out more like an actual dictionary. The format is pretty simple:

word - (part of speech1) definition. Example sentence. [Language of origin2]
Source: where the word and definition can be found.
Comment: a comment to clarify the origin or definition, or to provide general information. 

1 Phrases don't have parts of speech, and neither do Ehlnofex words (see linguistic notes below). 

2 Some words appear in multiple languages. In such cases, the earliest identifiable source has been listed.

 

This dictionary encompasses over 200 words from a dozen languages. To help you in your studies, I've written a short summary of the main eight languages in the dictionary.

Ehlnofex - the language of the Ehlnofey. It is written in ALL CAPS and relies more on poetic association than literal meaning.

Aldmeri - the language of the Aldmer, the first elves. Most other languages, like Dunmeri and Nedic, stem from here. Very similar to Ehlnofex, but more stable in meaning.

Ayleid - the language of the Highland High Elves. Surprisingly different from Aldmeri, it is stylistically reminiscent of Professor Tolkien’s Quenya.

Draconic - Dragon tongue, also used for the Nordic Thu'um. Verbs have no tense and many thematically related words sound alike. Game Informer has a good summary.

Dunmeri - the language of the Dunmer, many words are similar to Aldmeri.

Jel - the language of the Argonians and Hist. It is said to be “the closest speech to thought,” and presumably relies on multiple meanings and associations.

Kothri - the language of the Kothringi, a Nedic tribe living in southern Cyrodiil. The sample we have supposedly comes from the first half of the 1st era (c.1E240-1E1200). The language shows strong Aldmeri influence.

Ta’agra - the language of the Khajiit.

Yoku - the language of Yokuda and the Redguards.

 

  • By Lady N at 06/24/2010 - 21:03