Ṣ'hr language
Ṣ'hr, previously known as "Ṣaħiri" in Proto-Zākh, is an indigenous language of Ausalon, spoken by the people residing in the arid expanses north of the Jablū ʿaẓimī mountains.
Over time, this unique language has undergone several distinct shifts that have shaped its phonetic identity. One of the most significant changes has been the loss of final vowels, which has resulted in a consonant-rich phonetic structure. Further, it has also seen the introduction of additional emphatic consonants, adding to its distinct character.
Due to its geographical positioning, Ṣ'hr has evolved under the influence of its arid environment. This environment has shaped not only its lexicon, with many words relating to desert life and survival, but also its phonetics. As a result, the language is characterized by hard consonants and a rich variety of guttural sounds.
The evolution of the Ṣ'hr language is particularly evident in its verb system, which has become more complex over time, featuring a range of tense-aspect distinctions. This added complexity is believed to be a response to the need for precise communication in the harsh desert environment.
Ṣ'hr is also characterized by its distinctive oral literature, which is rich in tales of survival, heroism, and the harsh beauty of the desert. Storytelling in Ṣ'hr is not merely a form of entertainment, but also a way of passing down vital survival knowledge from one generation to the next.
Overall, the Ṣ'hr language is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its speakers, who have managed to forge a unique linguistic identity in one of Ausalon's most challenging environments.
Sound Change
The transition from Proto-Zākh to Ṣ'hr involved a series of interesting phonological changes that contributed to its distinct phonetic identity. The key changes include:- Loss of Final Vowels: Vowels in the final position of words are lost, leading to the emergence of many more final consonants.
- Introduction of Emphatic Consonants: Certain consonant sequences (such as /kt/, /pt/, /st/) become emphatic.
- Vowel Raising: Mid and low vowels /e/, /a/, /o/ raise to /i/, /ä/, /u/ respectively in stressed syllables.
- Consonant Voicing: Voiceless consonants /p/, /t/, /k/, /s/ become voiced /b/, /d/, /g/, /z/ between vowels.
- Nasal Assimilation: Nasal consonants /m/, /n/ assimilate to the point of articulation of the following consonant.
- Degemination: Consonant gemination is lost, with originally geminate consonants being simplified.
- Final Devoicing: Voiced consonants at the end of words are devoiced.
- Shortening of Long Vowels: Long vowels are shortened.
- Consonant Cluster Simplification: Consonant clusters are simplified, often through the deletion of a consonant.
- Vowel Lengthening: Short vowels lengthen in open syllables.
- Stress Shift: Stress shifts from the final syllable to the penultimate syllable.
- Diphthongization: Long vowels /ī/, /ū/ become diphthongs /ei/, /ou/ respectively.
- Glottalization: Certain consonants in the coda position become glottalized.
- Palatalization of Velars: Velar consonants /k/, /g/ palatalize to /č/, /ǧ/ respectively before front vowels.
- Rhotacism: The alveolar fricative /z/ becomes /r/ between vowels.
Root Languages
Spoken by