Learning a language is more than memorizing words—it is learning how the language feels in your mouth, how it is written, and how it is used to express thought. In Eldaran, sound and symbol are inseparable. Every word is meant to be spoken with care, and every letter has its own rhythm. In this chapter, you will learn how to pronounce Eldaran correctly, understand its symbols, and start forming your first words and simple sentences.
1. The Sounds of Eldaran
Eldaran is intentionally phonetic: every letter corresponds to a single sound. Once you learn the sounds, you will always know how to pronounce a word.
Vowels
There are five vowels in Eldaran, and each one has a consistent sound. Practice these by speaking them slowly and clearly:
a – pronounced ah, like the 'a' in father. Example: lath (to hear).
e – pronounced eh, like the 'e' in bed. Example: sel (friend).
i – pronounced ee, like the 'i' in machine. Example: mir (heart).
o – pronounced oh, like the 'o' in stone. Example: gor (fire).
u – pronounced oo, like the 'u' in rule. Example: suv (blood).
Practice tip: Say each vowel aloud ten times. Then combine them in simple syllables: ma, lo, si, tu, re. Notice how each sound feels in your mouth.
Consonants
Consonants in Eldaran are pronounced cleanly, without slurring. Common consonants are:b, d, g, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v
Special consonants include:
th – soft, like in think. Example: loth (see).
sh – like shadow. Example: shal (tree).
zh – like the 's' in vision, used for poetic or ceremonial words. Example: azher (knowledge).
Practice tip: Make a list of consonants and vowels, and speak them aloud slowly. Try combinations like sha, thir, goz, lun, mir. This builds muscle memory for correct pronunciation.
Stress and Rhythm
Stress in Eldaran generally falls on the first syllable of each word. Words are spoken evenly and deliberately.Example:
EL-da-ran
LO-tha
MI-nor
Speaking slowly at first will help you develop a natural rhythm. Eldaran is meant to feel calm, grounded, and musical when spoken.
2. Symbols and Writing
Eldaran can be written in two forms:
Transliterated Script – Using Latin letters. This is the easiest for beginners and is used throughout this book.
Runic Script – A symbolic form inspired by ancient carvings. It is meant to feel ceremonial and mystical.
While the runic script is optional, it adds an authentic touch to writing Eldaran. Each rune corresponds to a single sound. Later chapters will provide a full rune chart for reference.
Practice tip: Start by writing simple words in the transliterated script before attempting runes. Writing by hand helps reinforce pronunciation.
3. Building Your First Words
Here are some of the most basic and important words in Eldaran. Memorizing these will allow you to form simple sentences immediately.
mi – I
ti – you (singular)
sa – he, she, it
min – we
tin – you (plural)
sin – they
manu – food
ket – stone
shal – tree
dom – house
sor – sun
lun – moon
gor – fire
mir – heart
az – know
tan – eat
var – go
loth – see
Practice tip: Pick five words and use them in short sentences using the SOV structure. For example:
Mi manu tan-o. – I eat food.
Sa shal loth-a. – She saw the tree.
Min dom var-i. – We will go home.
Repeat aloud until the words feel natural in your mouth.
4. Combining Words into Phrases
Once you know your first words, you can start combining them to make meaningful phrases.
To say "my house", add the possession suffix -sul: mi-sul dom.
To say "the tree", use the article te: te shal.
To say "I see the tree", combine words and tense: Mi te shal loth-o.
Remember, the sentence order is always Subject, Object, Verb. The placement of words is deliberate and consistent.
5. Simple Questions and Negation
In Eldaran, questions are formed by adding ka at the end of the sentence.
Ti loth-o ka? – Do you see?
Mi var-i ka? – Will I go?
To make a sentence negative, place na before the verb.
Mi na az-o. – I do not know.
Sa na var-a. – He/She did not go.
6. Pronunciation Exercises
Practice is essential. Spend at least five minutes each day reading aloud, using your first words. Try these exercises:
Say the vowels aloud slowly: a, e, i, o, u.
Combine consonants and vowels into syllables: ma, lo, si, tu, re, sha, thir.
Speak simple sentences:
Mi manu tan-o. – I eat food.
Sa shal loth-a. – She saw the tree.
Min loth-i te sor. – We will see the sun.
Form negative sentences:
Mi na az-o. – I do not know.
Ask questions aloud:
Ti loth-o ka? – Do you see?
7. First Chant: The Sound of Eldaran
To help your mouth get used to the flow of the language, try this short chant. It uses only the first words you have learned:
Mi loth-o te sor, mi tan-o manu, mi var-o te dom.I see the sun, I eat food, I go to the house.
Repeat aloud three times. Listen to the rhythm, the stress, and the musicality of Eldaran. Even simple phrases carry the feeling of an ancient tongue when spoken with intention.
8. Closing Thoughts for Chapter Two
By learning the sounds, symbols, and first words of Eldaran, you have laid the foundation for speaking, writing, and thinking in this language. The next chapters will expand your vocabulary, introduce proverbs, names, and ceremonial phrases, and help you form more complex sentences.
Remember: Eldaran is meant to be spoken, written, and felt. Treat each word as if it carries meaning beyond the page. Practice daily, speak aloud, and allow the language to become a part of your life.
"Words endure when they are spoken with purpose. Let Eldaran live through you."