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'''Thonthal''' /'θɒnˌθʌl/ is a North-Central [[Continent]] language, first spoken in the end of the first revolution by peoples that have formed [[Leykarya]]. It is the state language of Leykarya and was the state language of [[Darda]] and [[Xornerian]]. It is the lingua franca of the Continent and one of the most commonly spoken foreign languages.

'''Thonthal''' /'θɒnˌθʌl/ is a North-Central [[Continent]] language, first spoken in the end of the first revolution by peoples that have formed [[Leykarya]]. It is the state language of Leykarya and was the state language of [[Darda]] and [[Xornerian]]. It is the lingua franca of the Continent and one of the most commonly spoken foreign languages.

Thonthal was spoken in the end of the first revolution in Leykarya. Even then it was described as "the language of ancestors", possibly making Thonthal the oldest language in use.

Thonthal was spoken in the end of the first revolution in Leykarya. Even then it was described as "the language of ancestors", possibly making Thonthal the oldest language in use.

Surviving [[Western Dantrian Civilization|Western Dantrian]] records shed little light on its origins, as most documents seem to have been written in [[Mandae]]. However, Thonthal is thought to be based on a language or several languages in Central Dantria, since [[New Dawn]] travelers spoke a very similar language and [[Darda]] easily adopted Thonthal as state language in the 1580s [[dantrian_calendar|SR]].

Surviving [[Western Dantrian civilization|Western Dantrian]] records shed little light on its origins, as most documents seem to have been written in [[Mandae]]. However, Thonthal is thought to be based on a language or several languages in Central Dantria, since [[New Dawn]] travelers spoke a very similar language and [[Darda]] easily adopted Thonthal as state language in the 1580s [[dantrian_calendar|SR]].

As Leykarya used its seafaring capability to establish international ties, Thonthal spread to several other [[Eastern_Dantrian_civilization|eastern countries]] as a useful foreign language: peoples that traded with Leykarya began benefiting from sharing Thonthal, and it became a lingua franca first in the south and then in the north. Thonthal is not commonly spoken in Yammoe.

As Leykarya used its seafaring capability to establish international ties, Thonthal spread to several other [[Eastern_Dantrian_civilization|eastern countries]] as a useful foreign language: peoples that traded with Leykarya began benefiting from sharing Thonthal, and it became a lingua franca first in the south and then in the north. Thonthal is not commonly spoken in Yammoe.

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

 

The meaning of the word "thonthal" is famously unknown, although, given Thonthal's ancient roots, hardly surprising. Although Thonthal's development was extremely slow in the past 3000 years, it had its share of change, and while many ancient documents are readable, they are still different enough that a native speaker wouldn't be able to fully or immediately understand them.

The meaning of the word "thonthal" is famously unknown, although, given Thonthal's ancient roots, hardly surprising. Although Thonthal's development was extremely slow in the past 3000 years, it had its share of change, and while many ancient documents are readable, they are still different enough that a native speaker wouldn't be able to fully or immediately understand them.

Modern pronunciation does not reflect that hypothesis, instead treating "thonthal" as compound of "thon" and "thal", which makes the word meaningless.

Modern pronunciation does not reflect that hypothesis, instead treating "thonthal" as compound of "thon" and "thal", which makes the word meaningless.

Traditionally, the closest pair of words, associated with Thonthal are "thone" and "thaly", which mean "elephant" and "pointed hat", leading to Thonthal being humorously represented with an image of an elephant wearing a pointed hat.

Traditionally, the closest pair of words, associated with Thonthal are "thone" and "thaly", which mean "elephant" and "pointed hat", leading to Thonthal being humorously represented with an image of a pointed hat riding an elephant.

== Features ==

== Features ==

There exists no special symbol in Thonthal to indicate this spoken rule. This might lead to potentially losing information when committing speech to writing, which is why written Thonthal is usually slightly different to spoken Thonthal and creates a stylistic gap between the spoken and written language, with the written language sounding either more formal and pedantic or, conversely, very flowery and poetic.

There exists no special symbol in Thonthal to indicate this spoken rule. This might lead to potentially losing information when committing speech to writing, which is why written Thonthal is usually slightly different to spoken Thonthal and creates a stylistic gap between the spoken and written language, with the written language sounding either more formal and pedantic or, conversely, very flowery and poetic.

For instance, in written Thonthal "marme" would only have a meaning of "step", and if one wants to say "staircase", the word "tirtoir" would be used, which means "staircase". Using "tirtoir" in speech would sound a bit too formal, unless it is used to denote a very special staircase, such as a palace staircase or a staircase of extreme value to the speaker. But describing an ordinary staircase at one's house would usually require one to say "marme" /mɑrmə/.

For instance, in written Thonthal "marme" would only have a meaning of "step", and if one wants to say "staircase", the word "tirtoir" would be used, which means "staircase". Using "tirtoir" in speech would sound a bit too formal, unless it is used to denote a very special staircase, such as a palace staircase or a staircase of extreme value to the speaker. But describing an ordinary staircase at one's house would usually require one to say "marme" /'mɑrmə/.