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 Nadoresian

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  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.

  after the story. In other words, it's not essential and I am not offended by 'incorrect' pronunciation. I used to have this note at the beginning, but I realised it acted as a barrier to entry and was 'gatekeep-y' as if only those who gave attention to the names could enjoy the story.