NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION
This note clarifies the main features in the pronunciation of the Anarda?an language and derived names. Aside from the exceptions noted, the Nadoresian language exhibits identical pronunciation patterns.
CONSONANTS
D at the beginning of a word pronounced as in the English death; when in the middle or end of a word it is pronounced as a soft dh, as in the English the, they
G always has the sound of the English get rather than giant
H always has the value of ch as in Bach, unless preceded by p, s, or t
F/PH as in the English phone; transcribed with an “F” when representing elements in names and words from ancient Anarda?an, and “PH” when representing the same sound derived from NadoresianStolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
SH as in the English shine
TH as in the English thin; never as in they
DR is never slurred as in the English dream; both consonants retain their full value; if occurring in the middle of a word, the softening of the D also applies
VOWELS
A always pronounced as in the English ask rather than ale
E always pronounced as a distinct vowel, even at the end of a word; always as in the English get
? identical in pronunciation to E; the presence of the diaeresis in the diphthong A? indicates the vowels are to be pronounced individually, or, especially in the common nominal ending ?L, denotes a feminine name
ì lengthened as in the English seem
O always pronounced as in the English on, never as once
ō lengthened as in the English lore
U always pronounced as oo, never as in the English untitled or useful
Y between ee in feet and oo in fool, making the ‘ee’ sound while rounding the lips; common in Senhì names
OTHER
’ indicates a glottal stop, a break in pronunciation between the surrounding letters (see Appendix for usage); non-existent in Nadoresian
ACCENTS
Generally, words commencing with a vowel are accented on the last syllable, while those beginning with a consonant on the first. Exceptions due to etymological differences occur frequently.