Eileanach

Somehow, it was even harder to understand him when he tried to speak Giltiaith, and I speak that! - Unknown Sailor

Eileanach is the language of the Albannach people of Ynys, and the Dòbhran Selkies of the Arcaibh Islands. It is based on Scots Gaelic.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Eileanach spoken throughout northern Ynys. In fact, it sometimes seems that each village or family of the Albannach have their own dialect of the tongue and complains that all the others are unintelligible. The most prominent dialects are the Dòbhran dialect spoken by the Selkies of the Arcaibh Islands, the Gaidhealtachd dialect used in the kingdoms of Rheged and Deira, and the Sgiathanach dialect found on the islands of Eilean Skìth and Eilean Mòr.

Interesting Features

Eileanach is legendarily difficult for outsiders to understand, so much so that the Egregoric Force pushes speakers of the language towards incomprehensibility. In locations that are more subject to this force (such as the city of Aerendel, native Eileanach speakers find themselves pushed further into their accents, as the force attempts to make them conform to the stereotype. This can be equally entertaining and frustrating to all involved.

Related Languages

Eileanach is related to the other languages of Ynys and the surrounding islands, including Ynyswr, Cymbraġec, Albidosian, and Amhrán. It is most similar to Amhrán, and native speakers can sometimes establish communication without learning each other's language, if they can overcome the accent difference.

Naming Traditions

Like Amhrán, names in Eileanach follow a pattern where the given name precedes the family name, which is frequently an inherited patronymic. Children are named at birth, and typically carry the same given name throughout their lifetimes, although nicknames and epithets are not uncommon. Women will typically adopt the family name of their spouse when they marry, although they will revert to their maiden names if their spouse dies or the marriage ends in some way.

Writing System

Eileanach uses the same writing system as the Alibidosan language of northern Ynys. It has an alphabet with 24 characters, many of which features spirals or circles in various combinations. The characters are typically read from left to right and top to bottom on a page.

Geographical Distribution

Eileanach is spoken primarily in northern Ynys and in the Arcaibh Islands. Pockets of Eileanach speakers do exist further south, most notably on the islands of Eilean Skìth and Eilean Mòr in Dalriada. It is rarely learned by outsiders, as most consider it to be nearly impossible to understand.

Spoken by

• Albannach
• Dòbhran

Common Phrases

• Ciamar a tha thu? - How are you?
• Beannachd leat - Farewell to you
• Tapadh leat - Thank you to you
• Tha eagal orm gu bheil thu taingeil - I fear that you're welcome
• Cuin do ghabh thu comhairle? - When will you take counsel?
• Ma tha sibh airson - If you desire
• Ciamar a tha thu fhèin? - How are you yourself?
• Ma's e do thoil e - If it is your will
• Chan eil mi 'gad thuigsinn - I do not comprehend you
• Càite a bheil...? - Where is...?

Common Female Names

• Mòrag
• Eilidh
• Rìona
• Iseabail
• Catrìona
• Mairi
• Aileas
• Fionnuala
• Aoife
• Siùsaidh

Common Male Names

• Alasdair
• Iain
• Ruairidh
• Calum
• Fionnlagh
• Niall
• Lachlann
• Seumas
• Aodh
• Eòghan

Common Unisex Names

• Ainslie
• Cameron
• Grian
• Lìon
• Teàrlach
• Ailbhe
• Ùisdean
• Ealasaid
• Mìcheal
• Aingeal

Common Family Names

• MacLeòid
• MacGilleBhràth
• MacÌomhair
• MacMhathain
• NicDhòmhnaill
• MacAoidh
• MacFhionghuin
• MacGhilleRuaidh
• MacAilein
• NicAmhlaidh