Linguistics

Languages

There are a number of dialects which are spoken in Scandiaca today; many of them have long histories and regional versions as well. There are a handful of languages which can be spoken in most regions of the continent. These are referred to as the common tongue, or the common language. There are a couple of dead languages which are no longer spoken as a primary language in any culture, but are nonetheless widespread enough that they come up frequently in ancient sites or texts. These are referred to as the ancient languages. Also, there are several regional languages which are still spoken regularly within certain circles in some territories. These are simply referred to as regional languages.

Common Languages

Limba

Thanks to the conquest of the Eruben Empire from the 3rd age of man (the Halcyon Age), their common tongue is the most prevalent language spoken amongst mankind. It was spoken by almost everyone in the north, west, and central regions of Scandiaca. This language is used as the standard "common" tongue across the entire realm. If not the most used language in a particular region, it is always at least the second most used.

Deni

This language is different from Limba in that it was originally a common language spoken only in the city-state of Three Rivers. It is a modern derivative of Jagan, the regional language of this territory (see below). Because Three Rivers is the largest and most integral settlement on the continent, and continues to be a common trade hub for the surrounding areas, its common tongue, Deni, is still spoken by much of the realm as well. However, it has become the second language in most cultures because Limba is still used far more.

Ancient Languages

Eruben

Again, helped largly by the Eruben influence across the map, the ancient language of the Eruben people has had widespread usage. Most old-world scholars came from the northwest territories, and they standardized on the ancient Eruben language long ago, so there are many ancient scholarly texts which are originally written in Eruben. Although the language is no longer a primary language anywhere, it is a common language of ancient books and manuscripts.

Prostin

Originating in the southwestern territories near Myoran and Korid, Prostin was a language which spread quickly given the naval dominance of Myoran in the 1st and 2nd ages of man. Because of their large navy, and their prowess in navigating the continent, the Myoran language at the time, Prostin, spread farther than any other language in old times. Prostin is no longer a current language anywhere either, but is certainly found in older written documents throughout the coastal areas of Scandiaca.

Regional Languages

Jagan

This language originated in the central plains are between Three Rivers, Elarios, and Myoran.

Kridat

This language is still spoken in some places in the southern edge of Scandiaca, as well as the jungles in Fairwinds Moor and up as far as Quellian.

Montri

This language is localized in the southwestern region surrounding Korid as well as the Naerscova Islands.

Oddra

This language can be encountered in the northeast territories, centered around QasTorian, as well as Aruvyn Island.

Ridi

This language is the native tongue of the native tribes of north central Scandiaca.

Mioglaux, Linguistics of Scandiaca - Volume 1: Language and Lexicon