Magian
| Magian | |
|---|---|
| 魔言 Maigen | |
| Pronunciation | /maɪɡɛn/ |
| Native to | Magia Regnum |
Native speakers | TBA (2020) |
| |
| Official status | |
Official language in | Magia Regnum |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | – |
Magian, also known as "魔言" (pronounced "Maigen"), is a language originating from the Magian people and is the official language of Magia Regnum.
Phonetics
| Front | Central | Back | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close | i | ɯ | |
| Mid | e | o | |
| Open | a |
Magian has five vowels, and vowel length vowel length is phonemic as it corresponds to the visual representation of Ensoji and Mojisai characters. Long vowels are indicated using specific diacritical marks or repetition of the vowel character within the Ensoji script. Mojisai characters may modify the visual representation of vowels to signify elongation. Magian's phonetics and pronunciation are intertwined with its writing system. The visual cues provided by Ensoji and Mojisai characters contribute to the overall aesthetic and functional aspects of the language. The pronunciation of Magian may exhibit slight variations depending on the speaker's interpretation and the specific phonetic rules established within the construction of the language.
Consonants
| Bilabial | Alveolar | Alveolo- palatal |
Palatal | Velar | Uvular | Glottal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal | m | n | (ɲ) | (ŋ) | (ɴ) | ||
| Stop | p b | t d | k ɡ | ||||
| Affricate | (t͡s) (d͡z) | (t͡ɕ) (d͡ʑ) | |||||
| Fricative | (ɸ) | s z | (ɕ) (ʑ) | (ç) | h | ||
| Liquid | r | ||||||
| Semivowel | j | w | |||||
| Special moras | /N/, /Q/ | ||||||
Writing System
The writing system of Magian combines logographic characters, resembling Kanji, with elements of syllabaries akin to Hiragana and Katakana. These written symbols, collectively called "Ensoji," are used to represent both individual words and grammatical elements. The strokes and arrangement of Ensoji often convey meaning beyond mere phonetic representation, allowing for nuanced expression. Ensoji are logographic characters that possess both phonetic and semantic qualities. Each character represents a morpheme or a combination of morphemes, capturing meaning and sound simultaneously. The strokes and arrangement of Ensoji are carefully crafted to convey additional layers of meaning beyond mere phonetic representation, enabling nuanced expression within the language.
Similar to Kanji, Ensoji can be intricate and intricate, embodying a balance of elegance and functionality. The characters are traditionally written with a brush or pen, emphasizing the artistic nature of their creation. However, modern adaptations of Magian may also utilize digital fonts and printing methods to facilitate wider usage and dissemination. Ensoji characters can be classified into various categories based on their semantic and phonetic components. Some characters directly represent specific words or concepts, while others function as radicals or phonetic components that contribute to the pronunciation of a character. This interplay of meaning and sound allows for a rich and multifaceted writing system.
While the precise number of Ensoji characters can vary, a standard set typically comprises several thousand characters. Mastering the Ensoji writing system requires extensive study and practice to acquire both the visual recognition of characters and the understanding of their associated meanings and readings. In addition to Ensoji, Magian also employs smaller, more simplified characters derived from the logographic system. These characters, collectively known as "Mojisai," are reminiscent of simplified forms of Kanji. Mojisai are often used for faster and more informal writing, such as personal notes or casual communication.