Alzhedo

Nearly any language spoken in the Realms is heard in Calim­shan's markets. Most merchants and traders know the Realms common tongue, for to not learn it is to lose potential cus­tomers to the north-barbarians though they may be. Other prevalent foreign languages include the languages of Chult, Lan­tan, and the Shaar, though these are primarily used by people of Chultan, Lantanna, or Shaaran descent rather than for business or social discourse. The most important language in Calimshan, though, is the native Alzhedo.
Alzhedo is a language beautiful to the ears of most native Faerunians. It is the closest any human tongue comes to the melodic nature of the elf language. It is difficult for outsiders to learn, though many do learn it to prevent being taken advantage of in important Calishite markets. Its linguistic roots lie far away on the Elemental Plane of Air, as the genie rulers of earliest Cal­imshan brought Alzhedo with them and taught it to their slaves. Were a djinni or another denizen of the Plane of Air to arrive in modern Calimshan, she or he would consider the native spoken language to be a guttural pidgin form of his or her native tongue mixed with elements of common, elvish, and dwarvish.
Alzhedo is the language used by members of the ruling class, at the court of the syl-pasha, and in all official documents, from those written by the druzirs on up to the syl-pasha. Of course, members of the ruling class can speak in common to those who do not know Alzhedo, but only if they must. In general, everyone in Calimshan attempts to speak Alzhedo, but the subtle differences in meaning it conveys by inflection and tone are difficult to master, even for one who has learned the language from birth. In truth, only elves and creatures native to the Elemental Planes learn Alzhedo easily.
Calishites are exceedingly proud of their language, as they are about many things. They are usually honored by outsiders who learn and use even a smattering of Alzhedo. However, while the upper classes might sneer at doing business with one who does not know Alzhedo, most others do not. They see profit as the ultimate goal, and having to speak common as merely a trifling inconve­nience, and adapt accordingly.
Alzhedo, like most primarily human tongues, used the Thorass alphabet.

Writing System

Phonology

Alzhedo was a derivative language of Untheric and was in the same language family as Midani.