Lirëath

Phonology
The Slyph language, known as Lirëath, is designed to reflect their immortal and melodic nature. The phonology emphasizes fluid, vowel-rich syllables interspersed with soft consonants to create a lilting, musical effect.

Consonants:
• Nasals: m, n, ŋ
• Plosives: p, t, k (softly articulated)
• Fricatives: f, s, ʃ (sh), h
• Liquids: l, r
• Glides: w, j (y)
Vowels:
• Front: i, e, æ
• Central: a
• Back: u, o
Diphthongs:
• ai, ei, au, iu


Phonotactics:
• Syllable structure: (C)V(V)(C)
• Words often end in vowels, enhancing the flowing sound.
• Avoidance of harsh clusters; blends like “sh” or “l”+vowel are common.

Writing System
The script, called Sylvan Etchings, is an elegant logographic system with each symbol representing a concept or word. The symbols are drawn with flowing curves and intricate flourishes, resembling the veins of leaves or the flow of water.

Grammar
1. Sentence Structure:
• Flexible SVO/SOV: Lirëath allows flexibility depending on emphasis, but SVO is more common in everyday speech.
2. Nouns:
• No Plural Marker: Context or numerals indicate plurality.
• Case Markers:
○ Nominative: unmarked
○ Genitive (of): -irë
○ Dative (to/for): -mál
○ Accusative: -ven
3. Pronouns:
• Singular:
○ I: nia
○ You: tai
○ He/She/It: lai
• Plural:
○ We: nial
○ You (plural): tair
○ They: lair
4. Verbs:
• Verbs are marked for aspect, not tense, emphasizing the action’s quality over time.
○ Perfective: -tha
○ Imperfective: -yan
• Example:
○ To sing (base form): lior
○ I sing: nia lior-yan
○ They sang: lair lior-tha
5. Particles:
• Questions: Ending particle “-sa” indicates a question.
○ Example: Tai lior-yan-sa? (Do you sing?)
• Negation: “ne” precedes the verb.
○ Example: Nia ne lior-yan. (I do not sing.)

Lexicon
Lirëath incorporates concepts inspired by nature, spirituality, and Slyph culture.
Sample Words:
• Star: ëlan
• Water: sirë
• Tree: alaë
• Spirit: miyën
• Eternal: ahlúrë
• River: norë
• Mountain: tarë
• Forest: cilmë
• Flower: linëa
• Meadow: välë
• Bird: aiwë
• Sky: menel
• Moon: isilë
• Sun: anarë
• Stone: ondë
• Path: tyalië
• Garden: lóran
• Grass: sámen
• Wind: súlë
• Rain: vilmë
• Sword: máhan
• Shield: turmë
• Castle: marë
• Knight: rindalë
• Banner: túrinë
• Feast: melyan
• Festival: alcarë
• Lord: tárië
• Lady: tarilë
• Armor: celmë
• Battle: caranë
• Harvest: yavënë
• Seed: erumë
• Leaf: lassë
• Bloom: alirë
• Soil: marnë
• Tool: yoltë
• Fruit: melmë
• Willow: tindalë


Cultural Notes
• Lirëath is seen as a sacred gift among the Slyph, and songs and poetry are the most esteemed forms of expression.
• The flowing structure of Lirëath mirrors the interconnectedness of life, a core belief in Slyph philosophy.

Example Sentences
1. Nia lior-yan ëlanirë. (I sing of the stars.)
2. Tair alaëven lívë. (You see the tree.)
3. Lair ne sirëven lívë-sa? (Do they not see the water?)