Goblin
Goblins speak Goblin, which is a strange mix of words, phrases, purrs, clicks, seemingly random noises, and tonal cries. Unlike many mortal languages, Goblin doesn't seem to have any sort of language it came from, and as far as scholars can tell, it has existed in it's current form since the first Era.
Oddly, Goblins seem to almost have an instinctive grasp on their language, with some believing that it's some sort of passed down knowledge or instinct, but this has never been proven.
Writing System
Goblin language is fairly rare since it is mostly unused, Goblins usually do not write down stories or similar things as a rule, preferring to relate things orally. However, they do have a runic language that mostly consists of slashes, lines, and other simple shapes that can be made with paint, dirt, blood, or any other substance nearby. Goblins have no specific method of writing, but generally speaking, they write from the tallest point down, or from the closest point to themselves to farther away.
Phonology
On the surface, Goblin seems like a random array of sounds with no specific phonology. However, the 4th Era has brought for the first time Goblin scholars to the field of language study, and it has been found that the tonal difference changes how words are perceived and the intent behind them.
For example, a low pitched sound may indicate a concerned whisper, while a higher pitched version indicates excitement or shock.
Morphology
Goblin has a few morphemes, most of which indicate possession, identification, or comparing objects. They prefer to use context words to describe situations (ex. Big group of 5) rather than attaching any plural morphemes.
Syntax
Goblins have a rather interesting and oddly rigid syntax structure of Direct Object Verb\Noun Subject, such as "Bucket mine now". It is speculated that this is more about removing all unnecessary words when communicating over battle or similar conditions.
Vocabulary
While Goblin Language Vocabulary has not changed much, it has been observed that tribes/clans/groups have invented new sounds for new things that they have not encountered before (and thus providing credence to the Ancestral Memory theory) and then as the different Goblin groups interact, they share the new phrase or words for describing it.
Phonetics
Goblin sounds are a mix of chips, purrs, mangled words from other languages, clicks, and tonal projections. The tone indicates the overall "mood" of the speaker or words, while the sounds make up the message. It has been observed that Goblins often use body language as well (gestures, dances, etc), but it is thought that this is more of the fact that they are an excitable species, rather than an actual part of their language.
Tenses
Goblins have three ways of referring to the past ('Nug', 'Nett', 'Nuom'), one for the present ('Pirr'), and two for the future.
They are appended to whatever word is being explained with a "-", such as "Gobo ayy-nug", which translates to "Goblin hurt recently".
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nug | Recent Past, as in the same day or week. |
| Nett | In the past, within the last Season/Year |
| Nuom | Far in the past (more than a year) |
| Pirr | Present |
| Maag | Soon to happen, within the same day or week |
| Mett | Happening in the future, within the same season or year |
Sentence Structure
Goblins almost exclusively use Simple Sentence Structure, with a few specific examples (mainly more complicated concepts) being Compound Sentence Structures.
Adjective Order
The Adjective Order of Goblin is:
- Determiners
- Age
- Size
- Shape
- Material
- Observations
Dictionary
Common Phrases
Comments