Tradespeak
A language used by nearly all residents of Legere. Tradespeak was created many hundreds of years ago, used by travelling merchants to communicate with anyone anywhere. It was a very simple language to learn, although it became more complex over time as its use increased.
A patient Endalan customer waits for an Isutan peddler to finish ranting in Tradespeak so that the bartering can continue.
History #
Tradespeak, originally called "Trader's Tongue", was a fusion language created by early Hohmite traders. Its first iteration was born through the combination of Isutan, Eirtung, and Sandarian, and the language evolved over time as its progenitor languages did. Furthermore, the inclusion of other languages pushed Tradespeak into new heights as more and more loanwords were incorporated into it.
Tradespeak's spread across Legere was greatly expedited during the Demon Wars, where a common language was needed to coordinate the United Legerian Forces.
Most nations on Legere were bilingual after the Demon Wars; the everyday citizen would be fluent in both their national tongue and Tradespeak.
Common Words and Phrases #
Profanity #
Profanity has been around society for as long as there have been sufficient ways to communicate, and Legere is no exception. The various languages used by people groups in Legere have spawned many of their own curses, right down to the Tslakla themselves. Since there was no use of profanity in Tradespeak, early merchants utilizing the language would just use words from their own native ones. Thus, curse words from all places of the earth wormed their way into the language over the years. Many years later, the common language most everyone born on Legere learns still holds those words in its vernacular.
Note that the pronunciation of ==aa== sounds like the ==a== in "shallow".
Widespread Curses
Shaal Vahst
/shaal vaa-st/ This expletive is used to express the feeling of pain or distress that arises when something bad happens to you. It is commonly used in the same way as 'f███ my life', but can also be shouted when you stub your toe on a metal pole. Comparatively, it combines the functionality of multiple English swear words, making it one of the most common ones to hear.
Xin Lohs Alvaareen Naal Tashtaf (Kal Va Yo)
/zin lohss ahl-vah-reen nahl tah-sh-tah-f kaal vaa yo/ A very lengthy curse, the meaning of which has been lost to time, but people use it for the truly giant 'f███ my life' moments. The part in parentheses is added when the situation is appropriately dire.
Sluhz
/sluhz/ This is the standard fill-in for 'f███'. Note that it is not used as frequently as its English counterpart due to the presence of Shaal Vahst taking more of its place.
Nüghis
/n-oo-ghis/ A word originating from the ancestor dialect of Isutan, which is still used in its modern form. Calling someone this is about equivalent to calling them an idiot, but it can often be used in a more affectionate manner.
By the Seraphim
The Seraphim's name is commonly used as a stand-in for profanity involving God's name. By the Seraphim is the equivalent of 'omg'. Other common phrases are: 'Seraphim's sake', 'Seraphim sluz it', and 'Seraphim take me'.
To the Demons with it
Tradespeak substitutes English's common catchphrases involving 'Hell' with 'the Demons', a phrase that means a lot more to a world that's actually fought against them. 'To the Demons with you' and 'Go find a Demon' are also other uses.