Elvish language
An elvish language is a constructed language used typically by elves in a fantasy setting.
Elvish Languages of Middle-earth
The following languages were created for his Elves by author J. R. R. Tolkien to complement his book The Lord of the Rings. His interest was primarily linguistic, and he said his stories grew out of his languages.
In addition to these two he also created several other (partially derived) languages, such as
Telerin.
Professor Tolkien also created the Tengwar and Cirth scripts for his languages.
Pronunciation
Both Sindarin and Quenya have the same pronunciation, which differs significantly from the English.
- Vowels are pronounced the same, regardless of context. For instance, in Oromë, the pronunciation of the second 'o' is not affected by the presence of the final e. (This is not a very good illustration, because the diaeresis over the e demands the same pronunciation.)
- Adjacent vowels are usually pronounced distinctly; for example, Nienor is pronounced nee-en-or, not nee-nor. However, Aiglos is pronounced eye-gloss.
- The letter c is always pronounced like the letter k; for instance, Celeborn is pronounced Keleborn.
- The letter g is never pronounced in the soft form, as in giant. For instance, Region is pronounced unlike the English word region.
- The letter r is lightly trilled, as in the Spanish.
- The digraph dh, as in Caradhras, is prounounced like the th in this.
See also: Languages of Middle-earth
Other Elvish languages
Tolkien was not the only one to create an Elven race and language, but his by far the best known. Other Elvish languages include:
- Ssamath, the language of the Dark Elves or Drow of Dungeons & Dragons,
- Common Elvish, the language of the surface Elves of D&D