Tivayi

Tivayi
Spoken By	Spirit • Osiari
Region(s)	Adaris
Family	Language of the spirits
Status	Living

Introduction

Tivayi is the language of the spirits of Adaris. All spirits speak it, and many also speak the language of the region or realm in which they live. Advanced Osiari learn it as part of their training.

Etymology

Tivayi is a Tivayi word of unknown origin.

History

The origin of Tivayi is unknown. Many of the oldest names in Adaris are Tivayi, among them Napadéh, Ákyar and Dalel, and most spirits bear Tivayi names.

Distribution

Tivayi is spoken by spirits in every realm of Adaris. Among mortals it is known mainly to advanced Osiari. The ranks of the Osiari, from Hikkasi to Andirakasle, are Tivayi words.

Phonology

Tivayi has five vowels, a, e, i, o and u, each short or long. Long vowels are written with an acute accent, as in Ákyar and Náiluv. The diphthongs ai and au are common, as in Pavkanai. The consonants include the nasal ñ, which may begin a word or a cluster, as in Ñolautúv and Tñarilu. The sounds l, r, v and y are frequent, and many words end in a vowel or in l, n, v or h.

Cultural Significance

Knowledge of Tivayi marks an advanced Osiari. Many names in Dalel, including those of regions, realms and spirits, are Tivayi in origin.