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== Classification ==
  
== Classification ==
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Alethi is a Vorin language which evolved from an ancestral proto-language, which had an unknown urheimat, which was likely situated in eastern Roshar.{{wob ref|3977}} As a Vorin language, it is related to Veden, Bav, Herdazian, Kharbranthian, and Natan.
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Alethi is a Vorin language which evolved from a proto-Vorin language, which had an unknown urheimat, which was likely situated in eastern Roshar.{{wob ref|3977}} As a Vorin language, it is related to Veden, Bav, Herdazian, Kharbranthian, and Natan.
   
 
Alethi is most closely related to Veden and Kharbaranthian, with Thaylen, Herdazian and Natan being more distantly related.{{wob ref|3977}}{{wob ref|7125}}
  
Alethi is most closely related to Veden and Kharbaranthian, with Thaylen, Herdazian and Natan being more distantly related.{{wob ref|3977}}{{wob ref|7125}}
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{{image|Oathgate Locations.jpg|Early proto-Thaylo-Vorin script depicted written along the edge of the map, listing the names of the Silver Kingdoms|side=right|width=300px}}
  
{{image|Oathgate Locations.jpg|Early proto-Thaylo-Vorin script depicted written along the edge of the map, listing the names of the Silver Kingdoms|side=right|width=300px}}
   
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As a Vorin language,{{wob ref|3977}} it ultimately descends from an ancestral language which evolved over time to become modern Alethi. This ancestral language itself likely has basis in an unnamed Ashynite language or set of languages spoken by the Ashynites that migrated to Roshar around 7000 Rosharan years, or 7700 standard years, before the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa4|14}}{{book ref|sa4|76}}
 +
As a Vorin language,{{wob ref|3977}} it ultimately descends from a proto-Vorin language which evolved over time to become modern Alethi. Proto-Vorin itself likely has basis in an unnamed Ashynite language or set of languages spoken by the Ashynites that migrated to Roshar around 7000 Rosharan years, or 7700 standard years, before the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa4|14}}{{book ref|sa4|76}}
   
 
It historically made use of the Dawnchant script, adapted to fit with their own language. This led to gradual changes compounding over time, experiencing various transitionary stages,{{wob ref|12981}}{{file ref|Oathgate_Locations.jpg| Oathgate Locations}} and eventually evolving into proto-Thaylo-Vorin radicals, which ultimately became modern Vorin glyphs.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}
 
It historically made use of the Dawnchant script, adapted to fit with their own language. This led to gradual changes compounding over time, experiencing various transitionary stages,{{wob ref|12981}}{{file ref|Oathgate_Locations.jpg| Oathgate Locations}} and eventually evolving into proto-Thaylo-Vorin radicals, which ultimately became modern Vorin glyphs.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}
   
  ⚫
The Women's script began to form some time prior to 1800 years before the True Desolation, where it was known as the protoscript.{{book ref|sa2|77}} This eventually became the modern Women's Script.
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At some point during the Silver Kingdoms era, the Alethi language went through a period known as classical Alethelan, this stage requires trained scribes to decipher.{{book ref|sa3|104}}
  
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⚫
The Women's script began to form more than 1800 years before the True Desolation, where it was known as the Alethi protoscript.{{book ref|sa2|77}} This eventually became the modern Women's Script.
 
   
 
Over this period, the language itself underwent various changes, enough so that writings from around 1800 years before the True Desolation{{book ref|sa3|56}} are considered highly difficult to understand by educated modern speakers; despite ultimately remaining mutually intelligible.{{book ref|sa2|77}}
  
Over this period, the language itself underwent various changes, enough so that writings from around 1800 years before the True Desolation{{book ref|sa3|56}} are considered highly difficult to understand by educated modern speakers; despite ultimately remaining mutually intelligible.{{book ref|sa2|77}}
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* The t/d/r/th/l group was historically alveolar, and s/z/n/sh/h were historically postalveolar.{{wob ref|11464}} ''L'', however, remained alveolar.
  
* The t/d/r/th/l group was historically alveolar, and s/z/n/sh/h were historically postalveolar.{{wob ref|11464}} ''L'', however, remained alveolar.
 
* The k/g/y/ch/j group used to have [[wikipedia:Doubly articulated consonant|dual articulation]], similar to a velarized postalveolar consonant. As of {{rosharan date|1174}}, the articulation has separated, with some phonemes becoming velar and others becoming postalveolar.{{wob ref|11464}}
  
* The k/g/y/ch/j group used to have [[wikipedia:Doubly articulated consonant|dual articulation]], similar to a velarized postalveolar consonant. As of {{rosharan date|1174}}, the articulation has separated, with some phonemes becoming velar and others becoming postalveolar.{{wob ref|11464}}
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* The [[wikipedia:voiced postalveolar affricate|voiced postalveolar affricate]] and [[wikipedia:voiced palatal approximant|voiced palatal approximant]] merged in certain dialects.{{wob ref|11464}}
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* The [[wikipedia:voiced postalveolar affricate|voiced postalveolar affricate]] and [[wikipedia:voiced palatal approximant|voiced palatal approximant]] merged in certain dialects.
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* A vowel shift occurred where /a/ shifted to /e/ in certain environments.{{wob ref|12121}}{{wob ref|4404}} This occurred some time after the Last Desolation,{{wob ref|4404}}
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* A vowel shift occurred where /a/ shifted to /e/ in certain environments.{{wob ref|12121}}{{wob ref|4404}} This occurred some time after the Last Desolation.{{wob ref|4404}}
 
* In [[Rathalas]] Alethi, various phonemes were nasalized,{{book ref|sa3|11}} this change occurred prior to {{rosharan date|1141}}.{{book ref|sa3|11}}
  
* In [[Rathalas]] Alethi, various phonemes were nasalized,{{book ref|sa3|11}} this change occurred prior to {{rosharan date|1141}}.{{book ref|sa3|11}}
   
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== Phonology ==
  
== Phonology ==
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The phonetics and phonology of the Alethi language differ from one dialect or accent to another, typically without interfering with mutual communication between speakers.{{book ref|sa3|11}}{{book ref|sa3|16}}
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The phonetics and phonology of the Alethi language differ from one dialect or accent to another, typically without interfering with mutual communication between speakers.
   
 
=== Consonants ===
  
=== Consonants ===
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| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Alveolar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Alveolar central approximant -->
  
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Alveolar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Alveolar central approximant -->
 
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Post-Alveolar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Post-Alveolar central approximant -->
  
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Post-Alveolar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Post-Alveolar central approximant -->
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| style="border-right: 0;" | J/Y{{wob ref|11464}} || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Palatal central approximant -->
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| style="border-right: 0;" | J{{wob ref|11464}} || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Palatal central approximant -->
 
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Velar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Velar central approximant -->
  
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Velar central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Velar central approximant -->
 
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Glottal central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Glottal central approximant -->
  
| style="border-right: 0;" | <!-- Voiced Glottal central approximant --> || style="border-left: 0;" | <!-- Voiceless Glottal central approximant -->
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=== Phonotactics ===
  
=== Phonotactics ===
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An Alethi syllable includes a syllable nucleus consisting of a vowel sound, with an optional onset or coda. As it is currently known, a syllable can begin with up to two consonants, and end with up to two.{{book ref|sa2|9}}{{book ref|sa2|82}}{{book ref|sa3|16}} This gives a Alethi syllable the structure (CC)V(CC).{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">While transliterated as two letters, Ch, Th, and Sh are depicted as a single letter in the Vorin orthography.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 2.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 2}} and represent a singular phoneme, and are thus considered as one consonant in terms of syllabic structure.</span>}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">The syllable structure could potentially be more complex, with (CC)V(CC) simply being the greatest cluster currently observed.</span>}}
 +
An Alethi syllable includes a syllable nucleus consisting of a vowel sound, with an optional onset or coda. As it is currently known, a syllable can begin with up to two consonants, and end with up to two.{{book ref|sa2|9}}{{book ref|sa2|82}}{{book ref|sa3|16}} This gives a Alethi syllable the structure (CC)V(CC).
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Stress appears to be put on the first syllable.{{book ref|sa2|9}}
  
   
 
== Grammar ==
  
== Grammar ==
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=== Noun Modification ===
  
=== Noun Modification ===
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Alethi primarily makes use of suffixes to modify words, most notably in names.{{book ref|sa3|7}}{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|52}}{{wob ref|3199}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">As seen in Adolin, Renarin, and Kaladin, each making use of the suffix *-lin* translating to "born unto", which modifies the central noun of their name. This can also be seen in Dalinar, with the suffix -nar, meaning "like unto".{{book ref|sa3|52}}</span>}} However, compound words have the modifying word placed before the noun it modifies.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}}
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Alethi primarily makes use of suffixes to modify words, most notably in names.{{book ref|sa3|7}}{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|53}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">As seen in Adolin, Renarin, Oroden, and Kaladin, each making use of the suffix *-lin* or *-len*, translating to "born unto" or "child of", which modifies the central noun of their name.</span}} The exact pronunciation and spelling of the suffix is influenced by the noun that it modifies.{{book ref|sa3|7}}{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|53}} However, compound words have the modifying word placed before the noun it modifies.{{cite}}
   
 
=== Numerals ===
  
=== Numerals ===
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The Alethi language does not appear to distinguish between ordinal and cardinal numerals, and numbers are situated before the noun that they modify.{{wob ref|6461}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">''Vev'' is used for the cardinal number four, and also is used in ''Vev Gesheh'' for Bridge Four.{{wob ref|6461}}</span>}}
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The Alethi language does not appear to distinguish between ordinal and cardinal numerals, and numbers are situated before the noun that they modify.{{wob ref|6461}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">''Vev'' is used for the cardinal number four, and also is used in ''Vev Gesheh'' for Bridge Four.</span>}}
   
 
=== Pronouns ===
  
=== Pronouns ===
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{{for|Glyphs}}
  
{{for|Glyphs}}
   
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Glyphs are a pseudo-logographic script primarily used among Alethi men. They are made up of various phonetic radicals descended from Dawnchant script, with the phonemes flipped or distorted to fit the shape of the glyph.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} Over time, glyphs change in shape and lose the phonetic information coded into them, leaving them as logographs.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} However, it is possible to still read the phonemes if one knows what one is looking for.{{book ref|twok|27}}
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Glyphs are a pseudo-logographic script primarily used among Alethi men. They are made up of various phonetic glyphs descended from Dawnchant script, with the phonemes flipped or distorted to fit the shape of the glyph.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} Over time, glyphs change in shape and lose the phonetic information coded into them, leaving them as logographs.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} However, it is possible to still read the phonemes if one knows what one is looking for.{{book ref|twok|27}}
   
 
The creation of new glyphs makes use of these phonemes. It takes a trained calligrapher, with a deep knowledge of how how the glyph may be expressed without overly obscuring the meaning, in order to make new glyphs.{{wob ref|6461}} Glyphs are made into bilaterally symmetric pictographs, so that they can be read by the illiterate, and ultimately act as a logography.{{book ref|twok|3}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} For example, the glyph for [[Zatalef|zatalef]] is shaped like a zatalef, so that it can be understood even without reading the phonemic components.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}}
 
The creation of new glyphs makes use of these phonemes. It takes a trained calligrapher, with a deep knowledge of how how the glyph may be expressed without overly obscuring the meaning, in order to make new glyphs.{{wob ref|6461}} Glyphs are made into bilaterally symmetric pictographs, so that they can be read by the illiterate, and ultimately act as a logography.{{book ref|twok|3}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}} For example, the glyph for [[Zatalef|zatalef]] is shaped like a zatalef, so that it can be understood even without reading the phonemic components.{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 1.jpg|Alethi Glyphs: Page 1}}
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=== Women's Script ===
  
=== Women's Script ===
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{{image|OB_Endnote.jpg|A ketek written by [[Jasnah Kholin]].|side=right|width=150px}}
  
 
{{for|Women's script}}
  
{{for|Women's script}}
   
−
Women's script is an alphabetic script primarily used by women in Vorin nations, including Alethkar. It came into use over 1800 years before the True Desolation as the Alethi protoscript, before taking on its modern form.{{book ref|sa2|77}}
 +
Women's script is an alphabetic script primarily used by women in Vorin nations, including Alethkar.
   
 
There is a shorthand form of Women's script, which makes use of simplified versions of letters, and a tendency to shorten words or use replacements.{{wob ref|12187}}
  
There is a shorthand form of Women's script, which makes use of simplified versions of letters, and a tendency to shorten words or use replacements.{{wob ref|12187}}
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Pronouns are gendered in the written script, unlike in the spoken language.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
  
Pronouns are gendered in the written script, unlike in the spoken language.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
   
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Questions are indicated by ending a sentence with the interrogative particle "ha."{{file ref|Ship_Designs.jpg|Ship Designs by Navani Kholin}} It is not confirmed if this is unique to the written form, or if it is a standard part of the spoken language.
 +
Questions are indicated by ending a sentence with "ha."{{file ref|Ship_Designs.jpg|Ship Designs by Navani Kholin}} It is not confirmed if this is unique to the written form, or if it is a standard part of the spoken language.
   
 
=== Numerals ===
  
=== Numerals ===
 
Alethi numerals make use of a vertically oriented positional system, with digits oriented from the bottom to the top.
 
Alethi numerals make use of a vertically oriented positional system, with digits oriented from the bottom to the top.
   
  ⚫
In the past, Alethkar made use of a system of writing numerals that are referred to as archaic Alethi numerals.{{book ref|sa3|27}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">It is not confirmed if this system directly evolved into the modern system, or if it was replaced by it.</span>}}
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Numerals can be depicted in the traditional manner depicted in the table below, or could be heavily stylized to fit within a larger glyph.{{file ref|Bridge_Four_tattoos_page.jpeg|Bridge Four Tattoos Page}}
  
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⚫
In the past, Alethkar made use of a system of writing numerals that are referred to as archaic Alethi numerals.{{book ref|sa3|27}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">It is not currently confirmed if this system directly evolved into the modern system, or if it was replaced by it.</span>}}
  
   
 
{| class=infobox width=100%
  
{| class=infobox width=100%
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Within Akethkar, there is considerable variation along lines of social class and region alike, with some traits being considered distinctly darkeyed or lighteyed in nature, a major example being the palatal approximant-postalveolar affricate merger, which is considered a feature of lower-class Alethi.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa3|54}}{{wob ref|11464}}
  
Within Akethkar, there is considerable variation along lines of social class and region alike, with some traits being considered distinctly darkeyed or lighteyed in nature, a major example being the palatal approximant-postalveolar affricate merger, which is considered a feature of lower-class Alethi.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa3|54}}{{wob ref|11464}}
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=== Kholinar ===
  
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The accent spoken by people in Kholinar is distinct and noticeable, enough to differentiate it from other Alethi peoples.{{book ref|sa1|43}} Though its features are unknown.
  
   
 
=== Koron ===
  
=== Koron ===
 
An accent in central Alethkar near the [[Sunmaker Mountains]].{{book ref|sa3|16}}
  
An accent in central Alethkar near the [[Sunmaker Mountains]].{{book ref|sa3|16}}
   
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Koron accents are described as possessing a slow drawl.{{book ref|sa3|16}} They pronounce some vowels differently than standard Alethi.{{book ref|sa3|16}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">Speakers of the Koron accent are depicted pronouncing "to" as "ta", which potentially indicates the presence of a minor vowel shift in their history.</span>{{book ref|sa3|16}}}}
 +
Koron accents are described as possessing a slow drawl.{{book ref|sa3|16}} It likely underwent a vowel shift from standard Alethi.{{book ref|sa3|16}}{{ref|group=fn|text=<span style="font-size:90%">Speakers of the Koron accent are depicted pronouncing "to" as "ta", which potentially indicates the presence of a minor vowel shift in their history.</span>{{book ref|sa3|16}}}}
   
 
=== Lighteyed Accents ===
  
=== Lighteyed Accents ===
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=== Rural Accents ===
  
=== Rural Accents ===
 
Many darkeyes talk in an accent described as rural, which is considered indicative of their class.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa3|54}} One feature of several of these accents is the lack of a merger between the voiced postalveolar affricate and voiced palatal approximant.{{wob ref|11464}} Another feature that is considered distinctly rural is the clipping of words in a manner considered blunt to some speakers.{{book ref|sa2|25}}
  
Many darkeyes talk in an accent described as rural, which is considered indicative of their class.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa3|54}} One feature of several of these accents is the lack of a merger between the voiced postalveolar affricate and voiced palatal approximant.{{wob ref|11464}} Another feature that is considered distinctly rural is the clipping of words in a manner considered blunt to some speakers.{{book ref|sa2|25}}
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=== Northern Accent ===
  
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A recognizable accent spoken in nothern Alethkar. This is the accent that [[Taln]] took on after his Return shortly before the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa2|i|7}}
  
   
 
=== Unnamed Ancient Dialect ===
  
=== Unnamed Ancient Dialect ===
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==== Azish ====
  
==== Azish ====
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The Azish accent is considered elevated and lofty to some Alethi speakers.{{book ref|sa2|41}}{{book ref|sa2|55}} It is also described as smooth.{{book ref|sa1|14}}
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The Azish accent is considered elevated and lofty to some Alethi speakers.{{book ref|sa2|41}}{{book ref|sa2|55}} What this implies about the traits of this accent is unclear.
   
 
==== Bav ====
  
==== Bav ====
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The [[Bav]] accent puts further emphasis on certain sounds than other accents, and they talk at a slower rate.{{book ref|sa2|28}}
 +
The [[Bav]] accent puts further emphasis on sounds than other accents, and they talk at a slower rate.{{book ref|sa2|28}}
   
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==== Herdazian ====
  
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The Herdazian accent is distinct and notable for being quick and often letting words flow together.{{book ref|sa1|32}}{{book ref|sa1|40}}
  
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==== New Natanan ====
  
==== New Natanan ====
 
The New Natanan accent involves the lengthening of certain vowels in their speech.{{book ref|sa1|54}}
  
The New Natanan accent involves the lengthening of certain vowels in their speech.{{book ref|sa1|54}}
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==== Riran ====
  
==== Riran ====
 
The Riran accent involves the lengthening of certain vowels in their speech.{{book ref|sa3|19}}
  
The Riran accent involves the lengthening of certain vowels in their speech.{{book ref|sa3|19}}
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==== Thaylen ====
  
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The Thaylen accent is distinguished by an underpronunciation of vowels, resulting in consonant clusters where they would not exist in other accents and dialects.{{book ref|sa1|2}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
  
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==== Tukari ====
  
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The Tukari have a distinct accent when speaking Alethi.{{book ref|sa4|30}} Though its features are unknown.
  
   
 
==== Unkalaki ====
  
==== Unkalaki ====
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The Unkalaki accent is distinct and noticeable to Alethi speakers, one speaker is described as pronouncing [[Kaladin]] as “kal-ah-deen,” instead of the standard Alethi “kal-a-din.”{{book ref|sa2|9}} They put stress on different syllables than native speakers.{{book ref|sa2|9}} And draw out various vowel sounds.{{book ref|sa3.5|7}}
 +
The Unkalaki accent is distinct and noticeable to Alethi speakers, one speakers is described as pronouncing [[Kaladin]] as “kal-ah-deen,” instead of the standard Alethi “kal-a-din.”{{book ref|sa2|9}}
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⚫
Heavier Unkalaki accents have a tendency to drop pronouns where the subject is implied or already known,{{wob ref|4584}} or apply gendered pronouns to inanimate objects.{{book ref|sa2|24}}
  
   
  ⚫
Heavier Unkalaki accents have a tendency to drop pronouns where the subject is implied or already known,{{cite}} or apply gendered pronouns to inanimate objects.{{cite}} Likely based on the grammatical rules of the Unkalaki language.
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==== Veden ====
  
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Veden accents are considered very similar to each other by the Alethi.{{book ref|sa2|28}} They are also considered to sound exotic.{{book ref|sa2|28}}
  
   
 
== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==

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