Goosujati
Public linguanthropological record
Property of the Royal Atheneum of Hövnís, Eörpe
Goosujati is an ideographic writing system solely used for leaving concise but important messages that are visible at a far distance. The symbols can be painted on any flat or semi-flat stone surface (called a 'Tjakha') using harjgga, often just by using one's hands. Tribes have been known to haul large rocks for long distances if no natural surfaces are available to paint on in the vicinity where the message needs to be left.
History
The majority of the Goosujati glyphs are significantly older than many of the gjevasudit languages and dialects in use today. It was the only writing system in existence until the Ljuuhovii began developing the ahsamaruut alphabet a few years ago. It has changed very little across the ages.Orthography
Though Goosujati appear simple in construction and use, it does have some basic rules. Any one marker typically has a maximum of three glyphs of the glyphs used for building the meaning of the marker, plus up to five of stone glyphs whose only purpose is to denote distance measurements. The glyphs that builds the marker's meaning can be ordered freely, both vertically and horizontally, and depend heavily on the painter's capability to create a contextual image that any onlooker later (hopefully) can interpret. The distance marker glyphs are always placed in a line beneath the glyphs that form the message's meaning. In order to be easily seen at a distance, each glyph is at least fist-sized, often larger.Linguistical Data
Anthropological Data
Identified Glyphs
Stone
Used for measurements in conjunction with other glyph. Each stone glyph correspond to one stone throw's distance.
Boulder
Marks an impassable path.
Water
Marks a hazard related to water, such as rapids, waterfalls, strong undercurrents, or avalanches.
Land
Marks hazards related to ground, such as moors, bogs, mudpits, or landslides.
Long Trail
Marks a stretch of a trail with difficult or dangerous terrain. Can be combined with other glyphs to specify type of terrain or danger.
Hole
Marks the existance of a nearby hole, cave, crevice, canyon, or similar opening in the ground.
Ajovoun
Marks a safe trail or location. Common to combine with distance markers to the nearest Lamass.
Oniijavat
Marks a dangerous trail or location. If not combined with other glyphs, it refers to the area being cursed, or containing an unknown threat.
Piddes
Marks a location with foraging/fishing capabilities nearby. These locations are common points to stop and set camp.
Hukhajya
Marks a point where a Hukhajya herd trail intersects with a tribe migration trail. Can also mark a known location good for foraging.
Lejipolma
A general sign for caution, which can include minor hazards or the presence of aggressive wildlife in the area.
Muursamul
Marks a location or region with few or no sources of water or food.
Taljakka
Marks treacherous terrain. Original used to mark rocky areas rich in morros, an igneous rock type that has a highly reflective surface.
Tursatjek
Placed close to water sources, marking them as not drinkable, tainted, or dangerous.
Tjaetsiimaj
Almost exclusively used with the Hole glyph in conjunction with the distance marker, in an Oniiji Tjakha.Common Tjakha Messages
Below are a few examples of found Tjakha messages, can you interpret them?
That glyph means there's an impassable water hazard three stone's throws away? I love this so much. I like all the thought you've put into each glyph.
Thank you! Was unexpectedly challenging to both keep it as minimal as possible yet also consider what'd be easy for the planet's inhabitants to universally interpret. :)