View source for Human languages of Golarion

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There are countless [[human]] languages spoken on the surface of [[Golarion]]. Below is a sample of human languages spoken around the globe.

== Common ==

'''Common''' is a relative term used to denote the most prevalent [[human]] language spoken in a particular region. For instance, [[#Taldane|Taldane]] is the most widely spoken language on the [[continent]]s of [[Avistan]] and [[Garund]] and so is referred to as Common in the [[Inner Sea region]]. In [[Tian Xia]], however, the most widely spoken language is [[#Tien|Tien]], and so that is classed as Common on that continent. It may be that on other continents, other human languages are classed as Common.<ref>{{Cite web
| author = [[Judy Bauer]]
| date   = March 1, 2012
| title  = List of Languages
| page   = Paizo Messageboards
| url    = https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2n4fu?List-of-Languages#19
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| author = [[Rob McCreary]]
| date   = December 1, 2011
| title  = Pathfinder Adventure Path #52: Forest of Spirits (Jade Regent 4 of 6)
| page   = Paizo Product Messageboard
| url    = https://paizo.com/products/btpy8ow9/discuss&page=2?Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-52-Forest-of-Spirits#88
}}</ref>

== Dtang == <!-- Dtang (language) redirects here -->

Dtang is the tongue of the [[Tian (human ethnicity)|Tian]] ethnic group known as the [[Tian-Dtang]] who primarily inhabit the nation of [[Dtang Ma]] in southeastern [[Tian Xia]].<ref name="DEG-49">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|49-51}}</ref> It is also spoken by a sizable minority population in the city-state of [[Goka]].<ref name="DEG-24">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|24}}</ref>

== Erutaki == <!-- Erutaki (language) redirects here -->

This is the native tongue of the [[Erutaki (human ethnicity)|Erutaki]] people of the [[Crown of the World]].<ref>{{Cite book/The Hungry Storm|58}}</ref>

== Hallit == <!-- Hallit redirects here -->

This harsh, guttural tongue spoken in rapid staccato is native to the the [[Kellid (human ethnicity)|Kellid]] people originally from the north of Avistan, and centers around survival and war.<ref name="CS-220"/><ref name="ISR-6">{{Cite book/Inner Sea Races|6}}</ref> Although many northern [[barbarian]] tribes use versions of Hallit that have no written form,<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|41}}</ref> at least one ancient one does exist.<ref>{{Cite book/Hungry are the Dead|14}}</ref> It is spoken by a significant portion of the population in the following countries: [[Brevoy]],<ref name="CS-66">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|66}}</ref> [[Galt]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|74}}</ref> [[Mendev]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|98}}</ref> [[Nirmathas]],<ref name="CS-112">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|112}}</ref> [[Numeria]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|114}}</ref> [[Razmiran]],<ref name="CS-124">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|124}}</ref> the [[River Kingdoms]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|126}}</ref> and the [[Worldwound]].<ref name="CS-148">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|148}}</ref>

== Hon-La == <!-- Hon-La redirects here -->

Hon-La is the native language of the [[Tian-La]] people who reside in northernmost [[Tian Xia]], mostly in the nations of [[Hongal]] and [[Shaguang]].<ref name="DEG-49"/> It is also spoken by a sizable minority population in the city-state of [[Goka]],<ref name="DEG-24"/> in the [[Wall of Heaven Mountains]],<ref name="DEG-41">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|41}}</ref> and in the mountain nation of [[Zi Ha]].<ref name="DEG-45">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|45}}</ref>

== Hwan == <!-- Hwan redirects here -->

Hwan is the native language of the ethnic [[Tian-Hwan]] of [[Hwanggot]], although it also became popular among those rebelling against the empire of [[Lung Wa]] and those who now fight against its [[Successor States]].<ref name="DEG-49"/> Hwan is also spoken by a sizable minority in the city-state of [[Goka]].<ref name="DEG-24"/>

== Iobarian ==

The Iobarian language is the native tongue spoken in the [[Iobaria]]n area of the continent of [[Casmaron]] by many species, not just the [[Iobarian (human ethnicity)|Iobarian]] ethnic humans. It has a runic script.<ref>{{Cite book/Maiden, Mother, Crone|11}}</ref>

== Kelish ==

{{Main|Kelish}}

Kelish is the language of the [[Kelesh|Great Padishah Empire of Kelesh]] far to the east of the Inner Sea.<ref name="CS-220"/> It is a throaty, phlegmatic language rich with poetry, scholarly writing, and history, having served the empire for countless generations. It is also widely spoken by the [[genie]]s of that land,<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|24-25}}</ref> and in the [[Inner Sea region]] in [[Absalom]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|54}}</ref> [[Alkenstar]],<ref name="CS-58">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|58}}</ref> [[Geb]],<ref name="CS-76">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|76}}</ref> [[Katapesh]],<ref name="CS-86">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|86}}</ref> [[Nex]],<ref name="CS-108">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|108}}</ref> [[Taldor]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|136}}</ref> and of course [[Qadira]], the westernmost [[satrapy]] of the Great Empire.<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|120}}</ref> The traders of Kelesh are so ubiquitous that the language is even spoken by a sizable minority in the great city of [[Goka]], in distant Tian Xia.<ref name="DEG-49"/> The language evolved from the tribal languages spoken within the Empire of Kelesh.<ref name="ISR-6"/>

== Minatan == <!-- Minatan redirects here -->

Minatan is the common language of the [[Wandering Isles]], spoken by those who travel among the hundreds of isolated communities found throughout [[Minata]], and is the native language of the [[Tian-Sing]] people. The local languages are all related to Minatan, and a speaker of Minatan can generally communicate effectively with its people. It is most commonly spoken in southeastern Tian Xia,<ref name="DEG-49"/><ref name="DEG-7">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|7}}</ref> and is also spoken by a sizable minority in the city-state of [[Goka]].<ref name="DEG-24"/>

== Minkaian ==

Minkaian,<ref>{{Cite book/Forest of Spirits|76}}</ref> sometimes called "Minkan", is spoken in the [[Minkai|Minkai Empire]] as the native language of the [[Tian-Min]] peoples. The language is related to [[#Tien|Tien]]<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|33}}</ref> and is also very widely spoken in Tian Xia, especially the northern and central regions of that continent, including particularly [[Jinin]], [[Shokuro]], [[Chu Ye]], [[Wanshou]],<ref name="DEG-49"/> and the city-state of [[Goka]].<ref name="DEG-24"/>

== Osiriani ==

This is the most widely spoken language on the continent of Garund. It is a direct descendant of [[Ancient Osiriani]], which modern speakers can partially understand.<ref name="CS-220"/> It is a majority language in [[Osirion]],<ref name="CS-118">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|116}}</ref> [[Alkenstar]],<ref name="CS-58"/> [[Geb]],<ref name="CS-76"/> [[Nex]],<ref name="CS-108"/> and [[Thuvia]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|138}}</ref> and spoken by a sizeable minority in [[Katapesh]]<ref name="CS-86"/> and [[Rahadoum]].<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|122}}</ref> Osiriani has a deep lexicon of precise [[magic]]al terminology.<ref name="ISR-6"/>

== Polyglot ==

Polyglot is the collective name given to the numerous dialects of the [[Mwangi (human ethnicity)|Mwangi]] tribesfolk inhabiting central and western [[Garund]]. The various tribes can generally understand each other, and it is believed all of the dialects are derived from an unknown root language.<ref name="CS-220"/> Polyglot is spoken mainly in the [[Mwangi Expanse]],<ref name="CS-104">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|104}}</ref> [[Sargava]],<ref name="CS-130">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|130}}</ref> and the [[Shackles]].<ref name="CS-132">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|132}}</ref>

=== Words ===

* '''ali''': "to be eaten"
* '''mzali''': "the eaten palace" or "devoured palace", the name of the city of [[Mzali]]<ref>{{Cite book/Heart of the Jungle|38-39}}</ref> 

== Senzar ==

{{See also|Nonhuman languages of Golarion#Senzar}}

Senzar is the truly ancient language of the [[spirit]]s of [[Tian Xia]], and spoken most frequently by the [[kami]] of the [[Forest of Spirits]] as well as the inhabitants of the [[Wall of Heaven Mountains]]. Scholars believe that it may be the root language of all human tongues on the continent, as many words associated with the spirit world or [[dragon]]s have Senzar roots.<ref name="DEG-49"/> It is also spoken by minority populations in the nations of [[Chu Ye]]<ref>{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|20}}</ref> and [[Hongal]].<ref>{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|25}}</ref>

== Shadowtongue ==

Spoken with any frequency only in the shadowy country of [[Nidal]], where it is used for ceremonial purposes and to keep outsiders from eavesdropping.<ref name="ISR-6"/><ref>{{Cite book/Cities of Golarion|37}}</ref> Shadowtongue is a mix of Taldane, [[Languages of the Great Beyond#Infernal|Infernal]], and [[Dead languages of Golarion#Azlanti (Ancient Azlanti)|Azlanti]].<ref name="ISWG-251"/> It is a sibilant language of quiet hisses and whispered words. Many words are pronounced with a delicate intake of breath. Non-speakers who hear it often remark that it sounds like it is being spoken backwards. The [[strix]] of the [[Devil's Perch]] mountains in nearby [[Cheliax]] refer to it as Whisprin and believe that it is not only inherently evil, but that it is the cause of Nidal's cultural malignancy.<ref>{{Cite book/Gazetteer|17}}</ref>

== Shoanti == <!-- Shoanti (language) redirects here -->

Spoken by the [[Shoanti (human ethnicity)|Shoanti]] people of [[Varisia]], this language has many similarities to Hallit, Varisian, [[Nonhuman languages of Golarion#Giant|Giant]], and ancient [[Dead languages of Golarion#Thassilonian|Thassilonian]].<ref name="ISWG-251"/><ref>{{Cite book/Humans of Golarion|16}}</ref> A person who speaks any of these three language can communicate basic ideas to a Shoanti, although learning the language is necessary to truly earn these proud people's trust.<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|147}}</ref> Shoanti speakers often embellish the language with eloquent metaphors.<ref name="ISR-6"/>

== Sign languages ==

Several groups use sign and gesture languages to communicate. As deafness and muteness are unusually common among [[Varisian]]s, many know a highly developed sign language. This method is also used by the [[Sczarni]] as a silent thieves' cant.<ref name="BM-24">{{Cite book/Black Markets|24}}</ref>

Members of the [[Pathfinder Society]] also use their own system of signs to silently communicate, though this system is not as robust as a true language, and it can only be used to communicate basic ideas.<ref name="BM-24"/>

== Skald ==

{{Disambiguate|Skald|Skald}}

Skald is the language of the people of the far north-west of Avistan, in the [[Lands of the Linnorm Kings]]. It sounds both sonorous and harsh to the southern ear and has a chanting, sing-songy quality with long, complex words.<ref name="ISR-6"/><ref name="CS-220"/> Skald uses the [[dwarven]] alphabet with a few letters imported from Taldane.<ref name="CS-220"/> Other than in its homeland, it is also spoken in [[Brevoy]],<ref name="CS-66"/> [[Irrisen]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|80}}</ref> and [[Ustalav]].<ref name="CS-140">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|140}}</ref>

{{Anchor|Taldane}}
== Taldane (Common) ==

Taldane is the most widely spoken language in Avistan and Garund; indeed, it is often referred to as '''Common''' across the [[Inner Sea region]]. It is a trade language which takes its alphabet from ancient [[Jistka]] and its numerals from Kelish. Most of the terms and grammar are based on ancient Azlanti, although Taldane also borrows from Varisian.<ref name="CS-220">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|220}}</ref> It is thought to be one of the oldest human languages still spoken in the Inner Sea region, and is certainly the most widely spoken.<ref name="ISWG-251">{{Cite book/The Inner Sea World Guide|251}}</ref> Many localities in Avistan have their own particular slang words or phrases, and the most well-known of these is [[Korvosan slang]].<ref name="GK-4">{{Cite book/Guide to Korvosa|4}}</ref>

Taldane is also spoken in the north and west of the continent of [[Tian Xia]] by those who trade heavily with the Inner Sea region. It is also the national tongue of the Taldan colony of [[Amanandar]] there, and is beginning to spread to other countries in that region.<ref name="DEG-49"/>

{{Anchor|Tien}}
== Tien (Common) == <!-- Tien redirects here -->

This complex language is spoken by the [[Tian (human ethnicity)|Tian]] people from regions of the once-great [[Lung Wa|Imperial Lung Wa]]. Its use is so prevalent that it is often referred to as '''Common''' in that part of the world. It contains nearly 24,000 pictographs and is a tonal language with thousands of homophones.<ref name="CS-220"/><ref name="ISWG-251"/> Even though Lung Wa has long since faded from prominence, Tien remains the official tongue of most of mainland Tian Xia.<ref name="DEG-49"/> A pidgin Tien is spoken in the [[Valashmai Jungle]].<ref name="DEG-40">{{Cite book/Dragon Empires Gazetteer|40}}</ref>

== Varisian == <!-- Varisian (language) redirects here -->

Varisian is the language of the native [[Varisian (human ethnicity)|Varisian]] people of Varisia. Vocabulary and grammar are based on a mix of [[Nonhuman languages of Golarion#Orc|Orc]], Taldane, [[Nonhuman languages of Golarion#Giant|Giant]], ancient Thassilonian, and a now defunct proto-Varisian language.<ref name="CS-220"/> It is known for its subtle nuances and double-meanings, and is a perfect tool for innuendo.<ref name="ISWG-251"/><ref name="ISR-6"/> It is spoken by a minority of the population of any of the countries these nomadic people have traveled to or settled in over the millennia, including [[Brevoy]],<ref name="CS-66"/> [[Lastwall]],<ref name="CS-90">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|90}}</ref> [[Molthune]],<ref name="CS-102">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|102}}</ref> Nidal,<ref name="CS-110">{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|110}}</ref> Nirmathas,<ref name="CS-112"/> and Ustalav.<ref name="CS-140"/>

== Varki ==

Varki is the native language of the semi-nomadic [[Varki]] people who live in the far north of [[Golarion]], centered in [[Icemark]] in the [[Lands of the Linnorm Kings]].<ref>{{Cite book/Night of Frozen Shadows|58}}</ref>

== Vudrani ==

Vudrani is believed to have been born in the [[Dhavala River]] basin in distant [[Vudra]], and has been heavily influenced by both Tien and Kelesh. Speakers tend to add many prefixes and suffixes in conversation, making for many difficult-to-pronounce and lengthy words.<ref name="CS-220"/> Derived from the language of its ancient kings,<ref name="ISR-6"/> Vudrani is the primary language of Vudra, and [[Vudrani (human ethnicity)|its people]] believe it is the tongue of the [[Vudran pantheon|gods]].<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|39}}</ref> It is also spoken on the island of [[Jalmeray]],<ref>{{Cite book/Campaign Setting|84}}</ref> and in [[Katapesh]]<ref name="CS-86"/> and [[Nex]].<ref name="CS-108"/> On the continent of [[Tian Xia]], Vudrani is the most commonly spoken foreign tongue. It can be frequently heard in the trade city of [[Goka]] as well as the southwestern parts of that landmass.<ref name="DEG-49"/>

{{Languages navbox}}

== References ==

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[[Category:Languages]]