Is Dragonborn based on a real language?
In the world of fantasy, languages are often created to add depth and richness to the cultures and civilizations depicted. One such example is the language of Dovahzul, spoken by the Dragonborn in the Elder Scrolls series. But is Dragonborn based on a real language?
No, Dovahzul isn’t intentionally based on any particular natural language
According to Emil Pagliarulo, the creator of Dovahzul, the language was designed to be its own unique entity, separate from any existing language. While it may share some similarities with languages such as Old English or Gothic, it is not directly inspired by any one language.
Influence from various languages
However, Dovahzul does draw inspiration from various languages, including:
- Old English: The language’s inflectional endings and grammatical structure are reminiscent of Old English.
- Gothic: The language’s phonology and orthography show similarities with the Gothic language.
- Other languages: The language’s vocabulary also draws from other languages, including Latin, Greek, and Old Norse.
What makes Dovahzul unique?
Despite its influences, Dovahzul has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from other languages. Some of these features include:
- Tonal system: Dovahzul has a complex tonal system, with pitch and intonation playing a crucial role in conveying meaning.
- Agglutinative morphology: The language’s grammar is based on agglutination, where morphemes are added to roots to form words.
- Logographic writing system: Dovahzul uses a logographic writing system, where symbols represent words or concepts rather than sounds.
Comparison to real languages
Here is a comparison of Dovahzul with some real languages:
| Language | Tonal system | Agglutinative morphology | Logographic writing system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dovahzul | |||
| Old English | |||
| Gothic | |||
| Chinese |
As you can see, Dovahzul has a unique combination of features that sets it apart from other languages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dovahzul may draw inspiration from various languages, it is not based on any one real language. Its unique combination of features, including its tonal system, agglutinative morphology, and logographic writing system, make it a distinct language that adds depth and richness to the world of the Elder Scrolls.