Glossary

Like any writer, I wanted my characters to feel "real". Early on in the world building process, I sat down and thought hard on what shapes a society. One of the first aspects that came to mind was language, for how we say what we say and how we chose to say it reflects not only one's personality but one's society as well. I created a language for the Vaakans in my story in order to give them depth and as an exercise for me to understand them better. To a lesser extent, I created partial languages for the Yonnians and the Mirzazi.
–Marybeth




Welcome to the Glossary
Entries are listed in alphabetical order and follow this format:

word: (language/dialect) | pronunciation | translation
pronunciations are links to QuickTime audio files that are hosted on my website



Vaakan, Yonnian, & Mirzazi languages © 2005-2011, Marybeth Carr, All Rights Reserved.

A

Aulak: (Vaakan/high) | Aŭl ● āk |
  • masculine honorific meaning "advisor", used after a name ex: Orak Aulak
  • the individual who holds this title is the emperor's chief advisor and a member of the Royal Court

B


C


D


E


F


G


H

House: (Vaakan: kitak)
  • Vaakan family unit; House distinctions are the equivalent of a surname among Vaakans

I


J


K


L


M


N

Niak'ia: (Vaakan/high) | Nī ● āk' ● īă |

  • feminine honorific meaning "councilor";  equivalent to the Vaakan masculine honorific Niak'na. The honorific is reserved for members of the Vaakan High Council, the main governing body of the Vaakan Empire.
  • used after a name: ex: Irvu Niak'ia is the Councilor of the Treasury.
 Niak'na: (Vaakan/high) | Nī ● āk’ ●  nă |

  • masculine honorific meaning "councilor";  equivalent to the Vaakan feminine honorific Niak'ia. The honorific is reserved for members of the Vaakan High Council, the main governing body of the Vaakan Empire.
  • used after a name: ex: Rivaik Niak'ia is the Councilor of the Military.



O

Oidun Aie Dal: (Vaakan/high) | Oī ● dun Aie Dăl |

  • literally "the city of Aievak on the Bay" the capital of the Vaakan Empire
  • The city is located on Vaak on the north eastern shore of the planet's main continent, Arrak, at the mouth of the Huna Akai River and along the shores of Onia Bay. Named in homage to Aievak, the Vaakan goddess of life, the ancient city boasts numerous shrines and statues to their beloved deity.

P


Q


R


S


T


U


V

Vaak: (Vaakan) | Vāak |
  • the home world of the Vaakan species; for more info see the "Worlds" section
  • the patron god of the empire in the Vaakan pantheon; for more info see the "Species" section 
Vaak, House of: (Vaakan) | Vāak |
  • the ruling family of the Vaakan Empire
Vak'ia: (Vaakan/high) | Vāk’ ● īă |

  • feminine honorific meaning "empress";  equivalent to the Vaakan masculine honorific Vak'na. The honorific is reserved for a female ruler of the Vaakan Empire
  • honorific follows the name of the ruler, ex: Oiska Vak'ia
Vak'na: (Vaakan/high) | Vāk’ ● nă |
  • masculine honorific meaning "emperor";  equivalent to the Vaakan feminine honorific Vak'ia. The honorific is reserved for a male ruler of the Vaakan Empire
  • honorific follows the name of the ruler, ex: Hieliro Vak'na

W


X


Y


Z


 
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