Makeyani

Makeyani is a language primarily spoken in the Makeyan Archipelago. It is the official language of the Guild.
Modern Makeyani evolved from a dialect spoken on the island of Luria, with influences from Oramas and Ralam. There remains some variation in spoken dialects between the larger and smaller islands, but the influence and laws of the Guild have led to a language that is largely standardized.

Geographic Distribution

Makeyani is spoken throughout the Makeyan archipelago as the de facto national language of each island. Through the Guild, it has also been adopted as a common trading tongue in port cities around the world. Most sailors, regardless of Guild membership, speak at least some Makeyani for business purposes. Outside of the archipelago, the language is rarely formally taught to those not of Makeyan heritage, as the Guild provides translators for the vernacular of every port. Instead, most non-Makeyans pick it up via exposure in the markets or immersion aboard a ship.

Vocabulary

Makeyani is a very lyrical language, heavy with metaphor and imagery. Word choice is often as much about aesthetic as about meaning. The language is especially rich with words that describe the sea, the sky, and weather conditions, as all three are central to life in the archipelago.

Spoken by

• Makeyan