Varhanic Languages
Varhani languages were the first non-human languages learned by humans in Torvalen, but far from the easiest. Most humans who have attempted to learn their languages fail to learn little more than an handful of phrases and those poorly. The reason for this is three-fold: All varhani languages are tonal, varhani speech is very quick, and they incorporate sounds that are difficult for humans to approximate, since the lack the requisite syrinxes and other anatomical features.
Varhani phonology is characterized primarily by a variety of trills, warbles, and whistles punctuated by coos and clicks. The space between these sounds and the tone they are spoken in determine meaning. To the untrained ear, a phrase or statement may sound like a cacophonous (or melodious) burst of sound.
Despite these difficulties, enterprising human students do not lack for willing teachers. Most varhani who have spent at least a few months in human settlements have become moderately fluent a human language, finding them easy to learn, if ugly sounding. Varhani speaking human languages do so without any noticeable accent, usually choosing to match the accent and speech pattern of the person they are speaking with. Some people find this jarring and off-putting though, especially when the varhani have suddenly switched from their own languages.
Many varhani to be found in large port cities will teach a human for nothing but the pleasure of hearing them attempt the impossible sounds. Others, who have gotten over the amusement, require payment, but often this payment is no more than a quart of rum or whiskey. In Port Ayenkar, some old-timer varhani have established themselves as expert language teachers. Their valuable services are sought after by wealthy merchants and scholars.
Humans with the means often purchase semiotic devices designed to help distinguish varhani sounds and tones as well as others that help convert their attempted sounds into true varhani sounds and improve their speed and tonality.
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