Nushanga (nuʃaˈŋa)
The language of merfolk, found in hieroglyphics in the Pikaen Sea Caves and in some underwater carvings.
Writing System
The pictographs found within the Pikaen Sea Caves were originally thought to be nothing more than crude artistic drawings. Scholars from the Pikaen University in Kiwo identified a system of representation within the drawings and codified it into a rough language in 155. The language and pronunciations found in this entry are estimations based on the stories of Naylor Scott, a Chereladian sailor who claims to have spent several weeks with merfolk off the coast of the Southern Pikae Islands.
Geographical Distribution
Merfolk hieroglyphics are found only in the Pikaen Sea Caves and on artifacts found nearby. The spoken language has only been observed by Naylor Scott, but given the complexity of his understanding and fluency in the language, it seems unlikely that he just made it up. It bears no resemblance to any recorded language found on the surface, not so much as a borrowed word between Nushanga and Pikaen, its nearest geographical contact.
Vocabulary
Most of the concepts presented in the hieroglyphics also correspond to a sound grouping in Scott's described spoken language. Based on what he has provided, Chereladian scholars have been able to identify more concepts and nuances than originally found in the hieroglyphics.
Sentence Structure
Merfolk word order runs Subject Object (prepositional phrase) Verb.
Adjective Order
Adjectives are placed before the noun they describe.
Dictionary
Common Phrases
Common Female Names
Nushom, Angud, Nurikaa, Nuli
Common Male Names
Jiriv, Ngamang, Ngakain, Ngan
Common Unisex Names
Ngia, Shorar, Kaukial, Nijo
The side section of common phrases is a nice touch, Great article :)