Language

What vowels make up the language?

List them here.

What consonants does this language have?

Are there any rare or unusual consonant sounds?

How does the language handle pitch or tone?

E.g., does the language have tonal distinctions?

What are this language’s phonetic traits?

E.g., does it include clicks, trills, nasalization, etc.?

How does it compare in sound to other languages?

Describe how it sounds from an outsider's perspective.

What is the basic sentence structure?

E.g. does it go Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), Verb-Subject-Object (VSO), etc.?

How are nouns handled in terms of genders?

What about cases and pluralization?

How are verbs conjugated in terms of tenses?

What about moods?

What grammatical rules distinguish this language from others?

Write a short passage illustrating a unique grammatical rule of the language.

What script does this language use, if any?

E.g., is it alphabet, syllabary, logograms, etc.? Is the writing system phonetic (letters represent sounds) or symbolic (characters represent ideas)?

What direction are words written in?

Are there punctuation marks or special symbols?

What significant visual elements exist?

Think calligraphy styles, decorative writing, etc.?

How does the writing system influence the language’s culture?

E.g., is writing seen as a sacred or scholarly art, or is it accessible to everyone?

What base system does the language use?

Is it base-10, base-12, base-60, etc.?

How are numbers written and spoken?

Is the numbering system additive, positional, decimal, binary, etc.?

How are dates and times expressed?

What about measurements?

What numbers are tied to cultural or spiritual beliefs?

What about number-related superstitions or customs?

What are some common phrases used in everyday conversation?

Write a few of the most common phrases used in everyday conversations in this language, focusing on how they reveal aspects of culture and society.

What are the most common proverbs or sayings in this language?

How do these sayings reflect the worldview or philosophies of the region?

What is the slang of this language?

Who uses it?

What words or topics are considered taboo in this language?

Write a scene where a character accidentally uses a taboo word and experiences the social consequences of their slip-up.

What curse words exist in this language?

Are there levels of severity for them?

How do people express politeness, formality, or respect?

Write a short dialogue between two characters who get increasingly polite with each other.

How are greetings, farewells, and other social rituals structured?

Write out a short scene where two characters greet each other.

How do speakers express status or hierarchy?

Write a short dialogue between two characters where the power dynamic is reflected through their speech choices.

How are names created?

Do the names carry meaning?

When and where did this language originate?

E.g., how did early migration, colonization, or social groups contribute to the formation of the language?

How has the language changed over time?

And what is its current status now?

How does the language reflect the culture of its speakers?

E.g., does the language prioritize collectivism, hierarchy, individualism, etc. in its structure and expression?

What historical events influenced the language?

For instance, conquests, trade, religious movements, etc.?

What legends or myths tied to the language's origin might exist?

Write it out.