Gol-Kaa Language in D&D World | World Anvil
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Gol-Kaa

The language of the Goliath  and the Feral Gargun. Structurally similar to Common, this language has three main tenses (past, present and future) as well as adjectives and adverbs that will precede words to modify them. However, nouns aren't gender specific and there are no articles in the language. The language is spoken almost entirely in the active voice (e.g. Pathwatcher slaughtered the goat) as opposed to in the passive voice (e.g. The goat was slaughtered by Pathwatcher) as structuring as such is gramatically torturous.   The language only recently adopted a written format via the Dwarven script. As the language is entirely phonetic, transcription is not only easy, but also entirely impossible to read unless you already know Gol-Kaa. Even Dwarves who spend their whole lives studying their robust language cannot decode Gol-Kaa writing without any previously known words.

Geographical Distribution

Goliaths only live in the Bull Peaks. Further north is the only known areas where the Feral Garguns live where their own dialect is known. As both races are generally cloistered off, the distribution is bare.
Common Phrases
Aulak Thala Kaua Gamala
Literally translated as "Hunt the herd one animal at a time." This is a Gol-Kaa proverb that encourages patience and planning
Kavalio
This is a shortened corruption of "Kavaki Kae Lilio" which translates to "May Kavaki Grant ____"; usually used as a way of saying "please" or "I hope" in a formal setting.
Gath
Has no meaning on its own, but adds emphasis to whatever word precedes it.
Gol ilakae kathana kulia
Literally translated as "Make sure your spear shaft is straight." Broadly used to say "Mind your own business."
Kuli gumatha goli kanakath
Literally translated as "My shoulder is at your back." A promise of teamwork.
Gol Maula kae
Literally translated as "You have exceeded me." Used as an admission of defeat as well as an apology.
Goli lenamaka nae
Literally translated as "Keep your antlers up." Used as a warning to keep alert.
Kuli ananaka kulae aulaka
Literally translated as "My heart is in my head." Used as a declaration of excitement.
Lothkal lanae lulakamana
Literally translated as "An elk in a berry-bush." Used as a declaration of luck.
Elieka kukanath mali kothek, naulae kukanath mali anemakua.
Litherally translated as "Fast goats provide drink, slow goats provide food." An expression to incite hurry.
Kuthalam gailek naua namamek thanea
Literally translated as "Respect the with, don't fear the height." Used to point out to be aware of danger, but not to let it hinder progress.
Kauma nau emaka nauth
Literally translated as "The mountain will not climb itself." Used to express a desire to move on or tackle a newfound challenge with enthusiasm.
Thaaval
Roughly means "Rotten Carcass." An all-purpose Gol-Kaa curse word.
Common Female Names
Because nouns aren't gender specific and are constructed phonetically, Gol-Kaa names are pieced together from syllables for Goliaths. Feral Garguns, however, have more traditional name sets.   Feral Gargun Female Names: Evva, Maka, Kamin, Prenna, Vulla
Common Male Names
Because nouns aren't gender specific and are constructed phonetically, Gol-Kaa names are pieced together from syllables for Goliaths. Feral Garguns, however, have more traditional name sets.   Feral Gargun male names: Agam, Agath, Gethik, Gothan, Thokan
Common Unisex Names
Because nouns aren't gender specific and are constructed phonetically, Gol-Kaa names are pieced together from syllables for Goliaths. Feral Garguns, however, have more traditional name sets.   Feral Gargun last names are typically given from their mother's name and are usually given as "Gra'aal ____". If a Gargun wishes to adopt their father's name, they must perform a great deed that is only approved by the elders of the settlement. Few are able to do so and there is no shame in failure.

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