Baanang

This language, meaning "Common language" is the original language of the Baan people. Most other groups in the area speak related, mutually intelligible languages that could be considered dialects of this more common one.

Writing System

Baanang is written vertically from left to right. It uses an alphabet and structures syllables into blocks. Vowels are written beneath the consonant, and additional consonants are written to the right of the block. If a syllable begins with a vowel, a placeholder consonant (Two strokes that appear like a 7) takes the first position. This placeholder makes no sound. The next syllable is written below the first one, unconnected, with a larger space between words.
When a vowel is doubled, the line of the vowel (vertical in masculine vowels and horizontal in feminine vowels) is doubled. A vowel with a Y in front of it adds an extra stroke on the right side.

Phonology

Vowels:

7 Basic Vowels
A as in apple (M)
E as in ten (F)
I as in free (N)
O as in not (M)
Ô as in go (M)
U as in lute (F)

Doubling a vowel makes it long. Long vowels have the same sound but it’s held longer.
Diphthongs:
AE as in sang (M)
UI as in oo-ee (F)
YA
YE
YÔ
YU

Vowel Harmony: a word can only contain all masculine or all feminine vowels. Neutral I can mix with either. If I is the only vowel in a word, it’s considered to be feminine.

Consonants

Vocalized Consonants (Must have a vowel before or after)
M as in map
N as in new
G as in good
L as in Loose
B as in bad
V as in villain in initial position, otherwise w
R as in rat
Unvocalized Consonants (Can have a vowel but not required)
Ts as in German Zucker
J as in judge
Z as in zip
S as in sad
D as in dog
T as in top
Sh as in shin
Ch as in chain
H as in hot in feminine or neuter words, back of throat in masculine