Aeldarin

**Aeldarin**, also known as **Eldarin**, The **Eldar Language**, and derogatorily referred to as **Serpent Speak** by some humans, is the language of the Eldar and one of the most complex and intricate forms of communication that exists in the known Galaxy. Comprising both vocalised words as well as body language, facial expression or tone of voice to convey myriad meanings. Aeldarin is also one of the most ancient functioning languages in the known galaxy, its origins tracing back hundreds of thousands of years.

In some cases, the Eldar become so reliant on body language and other silent communication that an entire conversation can occur in silence.

## History

Aeldarin, although it is ancient, has routes in an even older language: Navarin, the language of the Navir. Navir, translating to 'Ancient', originally referred to the primordial Eldar birthed by Isha being far more primeval and warped compared to their modern-day counterparts. However, over time, the term Navir came to refer to Eldar who were in the presence of the Gods before the Fall.

As the Eldar race grew, expanded and developed, as too did their language; growing into the language that is spoken currently.

## Dialects

### Iyandei

Iyandei, also known as True Aeldarin or Old-Aeldarin is the dialect native to Craftworld Iyanden and is regarded as the purest strain of Aeldarin. Iyandei bares most resemblance to how Aeldarin is traditionally written and spoken and thus, is considered ancient and rich in history. Noble-born Aeldari are often bilingual and speak Iyandei as well as their native dialect as, by royals, it is viewed as the 'true' way to speak.

### Saimharin

The people of Saim-Hann have adapted their Aeldarin dialect to overly focus on plosive and harsh syllables such as; 'B', 'D', 'K' and 'G'. This adaptation came because, as the folk of Saim-Hann primarily ride jetbikes, they required their words to stand out and be distinguishable in such loud, thunderous conditions. Saimharin is sometimes colloquially referred to as 'Thunder Speak' by Aeldari as, when bellowed, it is similar to the roar of a thunderstorm. Furthermore, the hissing 'S' syllable is emphasized in Saimharin as it has always been subconsciously associated with the Cosmic Serpent: the patron mythical beast of Saim-Hann as well as its namesake.

### Alaitar

Alaitar is the dialect of Craftworld Alaitoc and is spoken by numerous other Craftworld for tactical purposes. Alaitoc's Aeldarin dialect is characterised by its breathy and quiet nature; making use of hardly any voiced syllables so it's Rangers can whisper it easier and still be intelligible. Furthermore, Alaitar is unique as it makes use of the most non-verbal communication of any known dialect. This adaptation occurred gradually over time to enable Rangers to communicate easier without being spotted. Alaitar has been adopted by many Ranger Shrines in Craftworlds across the galaxy for tactical advantage; however, those from Alaitoc are considered to have the purest pronunciation and cadence.

### Altarin

Altarin is a very peculiar dialect and it is the strain of Aeldarin native to Craftworld Altansar. Although they escaped the Fall, Altansar was swallowed by the Eye of Terror and, as a result, spent thousands of years locked into the Warp before being released by the Maw of Anarchy, the Warp Storm summoned by the birth of Malal. Due to Altansar's long exposure to the whispers of Daemons, their taunts, screams and battle cries, the very language of Daemons has merged with their own to form modern Altarin. As a result, Altarin is nearly unintelligible to all who hear it; including many syllables, grammatical aspects and words that are completely foreign to Eldar ears. Due to their proximity to the Eye, those of Craftworld Ulthwé are the closest to understanding them on a conversational level.

Furthermore, due to Altansar's grim and dour nature, one other reason Daemon-tongue slipped into their language was so they could use it themselves; to bellow cold threats and icy taunts at their warp-spawned foes, knowing that their hellish enemies understood every word they used to degrade them.

### Ulthwéan

Ulthwéan is the Aeldarin dialect of Craftworld Ulthwé. Ulthwéan is often viewed and stereotyped as a very mystical and eldritch language and, while not essential, it is a mark of good luck and etiquette if an Aeldari seer speaks the names of runes or incantations in Ulthwéan. Ulthwéan has an accented and soft sound, not as breathless as Alaitar but still softer and more sibilant than regular Aeldarin. It is theorised by Aeldari scholars that Ulthwéan has mutated to sound this way due to their long exposure to the Faerie race, this is supported by the fact that the language spoken by them bears some remarkable similarities with the eldar dialect.