Mytesya

"If you don't have a tail, you will speak Mytesya poorly. If you can't use your hands, you will barely be able to speak it all." - Miyagi Yumeko, in a letter to her son.

Mytesya is the language of the Myteyar people of the far northern Myteyar Archipelago. It is the only remaining Zmei language native to the Northern Region. It is inspired by Nenents.

Dialects

There are two major dialects of Mytesya. The one learned by most foreigners is the southern dialect, which is spoken on the island of Myté. The majority of the Myteyar speak the northern dialect, which is found throughout the rest of the Myteyar Archipelago. The two dialects are quite different from one another and while it is possible for a speaker of one dialect to understand the other, it is a struggle and does not allow easy communication.

Interesting Features

Mytesya incorporates sign and spoken words in equal measure, including signs that are difficult to make if you do not have a tail. This is likely because congenital deafness is very common among the Myteyar, with up to half of all individuals in some communities being unable to hear. Outsiders first learning Mytesya often fail to grasp that the signed portions are the more significant part of any communication, with spoken components providing emphasis, tone, and nuance. For example, when the Mytesya speak sarcastically they will say and sign opposite things, with the signed element being their true opinion. Foriegn visitors are frequently confused by this, to the great amusement of the Myteyar. They consider languages that are only spoken or only signed to be lacking in character and depth.

Related Languages

Mytesya is very distantly related to the other Zmei languages, but at such a remove that only a linguist can identify the common elements. It is not mutually intelligible with any of them. It does have a number of loanwords from the other languages spoken in the Northern Region, especially those spoken on the island of Tallurutit.

Naming Traditions

The Myteyar give names to eggs before they are hatched. This name is carried throughout the individual's life, and is not changed by life events or milestones. Each name is a single word, comprised of a personal prefix and a suffix which indicates the Yenuttala the person was hatched into. Names are spoken and signed simultaneously, and neither component is considered complete on its own. Like in most of the Zmei and Kikipua languages, names are not gendered. An example name is Mardyak, with Mar being the personal prefix and Dyak indicating the Yenuttala they were a member of.

Writing System

There is no written form of Mytesya still in use. According to legend, there was a written version of the language from before the fall of Muria, but it has not been known for thousands of years.

Geographical Distribution

Mytesya is found in the Myteyar Archipelago, and on some nearby islands in the Northern Region. It is rarely spoken by foreigners and almost never outside this area.

Note

All the items listed here are incomplete without the proper accompanying signs.

Spoken by

• Myteyar

Common Phrases

• Nadyuktay tána – Warm greetings
• Sápaya vónma – Goodbye
• Targuy nyaya – Thank you
• Nyedruk vyanta – You’re welcome
• Ngaryut saksha! – Help!
• Kadyay tyemi – Please
• Kheryéyak támi? – Where is the shelter?
• Tyumruytalya pyantak? – How much does it cost?
• Mardyak áranma – I am lost.
• Vyertik nolak – Danger approaches

Common Unisex Names

• Ta-
• Ki-
• Ma-
• Ya-
• Nu-
• Su-
• Pe-
• Ro-
• Li-
• Ko-

Common Family Names

• -tan
• -len
• -yam
• -dak
• -ruk
• -yev
• -pon
• -tik
• -nai
• -sek

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