Difference between revisions of "Kefan language"
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| − | '''Kefan language''' is the language spoken in [[Leykaron]]. It originated in [[Afanyu]] and was spoken by the Kefan people. Kefan is closely related to [[Nalarli]] and has then replaced Nalarli as the language of the region. | + | '''Kefan language''' is the language spoken in [[Leykaron]]. It originated in [[Afanyu]] and was spoken by the [[Kefan people]]. Kefan is closely related to [[Nalarli]] and has then replaced Nalarli as the language of the region. |
Kefan's grammar is not especially difficult, but the language is known for its contextual complexity and a tendency to have words with very nuanced meanings. This close relationship between the language and the Kefan culture makes it very hard for foreigners to understand correct word usage. | Kefan's grammar is not especially difficult, but the language is known for its contextual complexity and a tendency to have words with very nuanced meanings. This close relationship between the language and the Kefan culture makes it very hard for foreigners to understand correct word usage. | ||
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|"na"||used when caught by surprise by a question; informal, rude; mood: annoyed | |"na"||used when caught by surprise by a question; informal, rude; mood: annoyed | ||
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| − | |"Ionar"||being extremely surprised, and being prepared to act on it; can be used in formal settings; used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action | + | |"Ionar"||being extremely surprised, and being prepared to act on it; can be used in formal settings; can be considered very improper if used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action |
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| − | |"Ionak"||being extremely surprised, but communicating that no action is coming; can be used in formal settings; used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action to begin with | + | |"Ionak"||being extremely surprised, but communicating that no action is coming; can be used in formal settings; considered very improper if used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action to begin with |
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|"aala"||being politely surprised; used in family settings, including the family of the bride/groom | |"aala"||being politely surprised; used in family settings, including the family of the bride/groom | ||
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|"tulanar"||used when describing a senior person being surprised in a formal setting; this word cannot be used towards anyone junior in relation to the speaker, which would be considered highly improper and disrespectful towards the current state of the hierarchy | |"tulanar"||used when describing a senior person being surprised in a formal setting; this word cannot be used towards anyone junior in relation to the speaker, which would be considered highly improper and disrespectful towards the current state of the hierarchy | ||
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| + | This is a very extreme example, but having 3-4 important meanings of a word, misusing which might lead to awkward situations, is common, making it challenging for foreigners to speak proper Kefan. | ||
Latest revision as of 19:43, 30 January 2022
Kefan language is the language spoken in Leykaron. It originated in Afanyu and was spoken by the Kefan people. Kefan is closely related to Nalarli and has then replaced Nalarli as the language of the region.
Kefan's grammar is not especially difficult, but the language is known for its contextual complexity and a tendency to have words with very nuanced meanings. This close relationship between the language and the Kefan culture makes it very hard for foreigners to understand correct word usage.
For instance, there are at least 11 words that mean "surprise".
| "aalanar" | being surprised; used in formal settings to express genuine surprise, but stress control over one's feelings due to stature and respect for the participants of the proceeding |
| "aalanak" | being midly surprised; used to express superiority, that one was not as surprised as they were expected to be |
| "enae" | being surprised and at the same time slightly mesmerized by the experience; mood: thoughtful |
| "enaer" | being surprised and even somewhat bewildered; mood: slightly annoyed |
| "na" | used when caught by surprise by a question; informal, rude; mood: annoyed |
| "Ionar" | being extremely surprised, and being prepared to act on it; can be used in formal settings; can be considered very improper if used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action |
| "Ionak" | being extremely surprised, but communicating that no action is coming; can be used in formal settings; considered very improper if used in settings when one is not authorized to initiate action to begin with |
| "aala" | being politely surprised; used in family settings, including the family of the bride/groom |
| "zarr" | used when caught by surprise by a physical action; informal, rude; mood: annoyed |
| "nana" | an informal way to express surprise when being surprised, either positively or negatively, by a misbehaving animal |
| "tulanar" | used when describing a senior person being surprised in a formal setting; this word cannot be used towards anyone junior in relation to the speaker, which would be considered highly improper and disrespectful towards the current state of the hierarchy |
This is a very extreme example, but having 3-4 important meanings of a word, misusing which might lead to awkward situations, is common, making it challenging for foreigners to speak proper Kefan.
