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==== Publication History ====
==== Publication History ====
AD&D 1e had five main languages for the Flanaess: Suloise, Flan, Ancient Baklunish, Old Oeridian and Common, along with six dialects: Ferral, Nyrondese, The Cold Tongue, Keolandish, Velondi, Lendorian<ref name=":0" />(p.11). AD&D 2 in 1992 introduced these categories as in universe lore with Revort Leyhar, a linguist and sage from the Grey College of the University of Greyhawk, having wrote a 44 volume work on the languages of the Flanaess (Exegesis of Linguistic Usage by the Flanaess peoples) declaring these five 'dialects' the most widely used enough to be considered languages. AD&D 2 also changed the nature of Old Oeridian from being an isolated language to an open one <ref name=":6">Greyhawk Adventures: From the Ashes, Carl Sargent, 1992, 2e, ISBN 1-56076-341-8</ref>( p.13). The Rhenee Cant was expanded in 1998<ref name=":7">Greyhawk Player's Guide, Anne Brown, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1248-0</ref>(p.15),<ref name=":8">Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins, Roger E. Moore, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1249-9</ref>(p.73).
AD&D 1e had five main languages for the Flanaess: Suloise, Flan, Ancient Baklunish, Old Oeridian and Common, along with six dialects: Ferral, Nyrondese, The Cold Tongue, Keolandish, Velondi, Lendorian<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.11)</sup>. AD&D 2 in 1992 introduced these categories as in universe lore with Revort Leyhar, a linguist and sage from the Grey College of the University of Greyhawk, having wrote a 44 volume work on the languages of the Flanaess (Exegesis of Linguistic Usage by the Flanaess peoples) declaring these five 'dialects' the most widely used enough to be considered languages. AD&D 2 also changed the nature of Old Oeridian from being an isolated language to an open one <ref name=":6">Greyhawk Adventures: From the Ashes, Carl Sargent, 1992, 2e, ISBN 1-56076-341-8</ref><sup>( p.13)</sup>. The Rhenee Cant was expanded in 1998<ref name=":7">Greyhawk Player's Guide, Anne Brown, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1248-0</ref><sup>(p.15)</sup>,<ref name=":8">Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins, Roger E. Moore, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1249-9</ref><sup>(p.73)</sup>.
 
----


==== <u>'''Baklunish'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Baklunish'''</u> ====
'''[[Ancient Baklunish]]''' is one of the ancestors of [[Common]], though little resemblance remains between the two in the present day. It is used for formal and commercial dealings <ref name=":6" />(p.13) The people of Paynim speak a modern variation<ref name=":0">World of Greyhawk (Boxed Set), Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e</ref><sup>(pg.16) </sup>and variations are also spoken in Ekbir, Ket, Tusmit, Ull, Zeif and the Tiger and Wolf Nomads <ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.31)</sup>.  It is the language of all official and religious documents west of the [[Yatil Mountains]].
'''[[Ancient Baklunish]]''' is one of the ancestors of [[Common]], though little resemblance remains between the two in the present day. It is used for formal and commercial dealings <ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.13)</sup>. It is the language of all official and religious documents west of the [[Yatil Mountains]] and typically used for literary works instead of Low Baklunish<ref name=":10">Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, Gary Holian, Frederick Weining, 2000, 3e</ref><sup>(p.12)</sup>.
* '''[[Low Baklunish]]''' is descended from Ancient Baklunish but much has changed by time. Low Baklunish encompasses the contemporary, colloquial Baklunish dialects.
* '''[[Low Baklunish]]''' is descended from Ancient Baklunish but much has changed by time. Low Baklunish encompasses the contemporary, colloquial Baklunish dialects<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>. The people of Paynim speak a modern variation<ref name=":0">World of Greyhawk (Boxed Set), Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e</ref><sup>(p.16) </sup>and variations are also spoken in Ekbir, Ket, Tusmit, Ull ('''Ulagha''')<ref name=":10" />, Zeif and the Tiger and Wolf Nomads ('''Ordai''', which is similar to the Paynim dialect<ref name=":10" />) <ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.31)</sup>.   


Examples:
Examples:
* ''Tufak''- a soft, white stone made from volcanic ash<ref name=":6" />(p.66). Likely [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuff Tuff].
* ''Tufak''- a soft, white stone made from volcanic ash<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.66)</sup>. Likely [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuff Tuff].


----
==== <u>'''Common'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Common'''</u> ====
'''Common''' is a hybrid language, a combination of the dialect of [[Old Oeridian]] spoken in the [[Great Kingdom]] and Ancient Baklunish. It is the trade tongue of the [[Flanaess]].<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>
'''Common''' is a hybrid language, a combination of the dialect of [[Old Oeridian]] spoken in the [[Great Kingdom]] and Ancient Baklunish. It is the trade tongue of the [[Flanaess]].<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>. It borrows on Baklunish syntax and grammer and Oeridian elements. The most common dialect of Common is the Overking's Common Tongue, standardised by the spread of the Aerdi Kingdom<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>.
* '''''Nyrondese''''': A dialect of common with High Oeridian influences. Spoken mostly by the peasants and trade folk around Nyrond.<ref name=":0" /> <sup>(pg.16)</sup>. This is believed to be used due to mistrust of non-Nyrondese<ref name=":6" />(p.14).
* '''''Nyrondese''''': A dialect of common with High Oeridian influences. Spoken mostly by the peasants and trade folk around Nyrond.<ref name=":0" /> <sup>(p.16)</sup>. This is believed to be used due to mistrust of non-Nyrondese<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.14)</sup>.
* Cants, argot and jargon such as the Thieves', Beggar's and Assassin's cants  and Guild jargons of Greyhawk are based on common<ref name=":8" />.
* Cants, argot and jargon such as the Thieves', Beggar's and Assassin's cants  and Guild jargons of Greyhawk are based on common<ref name=":8" />.
----


==== <u>'''Flan'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Flan'''</u> ====
'''[[Flan (language)|Flan]]''' is probably the oldest language spoken to any notable extent, although dialects vary considerably through the Flanaess and have mutated with time. A stagnant language, it is difficult to translate modern concepts (such as magic) into Flan. The people of Tenh speak a more modern version<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>.(FtA, p.13) Variations are also spoken in Geoff and by the Rovers of the Barrens <ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.31)</sup>.
'''[[Flan (language)|Flan]]''' is probably the oldest language spoken to any notable extent, although dialects vary considerably through the Flanaess and have mutated with time. A stagnant language, it is difficult to translate modern concepts (such as magic) into Flan. The people of Tenh speak a more modern version<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>,<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.13)</sup> Variations are also spoken in Geoff and by the Rovers of the Barrens <ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.31)</sup>.
* Druidic: a secret language spoken by Gnarley Rangers and Druids across the Flanaess, Druidic has enough similarities to Flan that it's possible it evolved from it, although it is clearly a distinct and not comprehensible to Flan speakers<ref name=":8" />(p.74)
* '''Druidic''': a secret language spoken by Gnarley Rangers and Druids across the Flanaess, Druidic has enough similarities to Flan that it's possible it evolved from it, although it is clearly a distinct and not comprehensible to Flan speakers<ref name=":8" /><sup>(p.74)</sup>. It's a static language that doesn't evolve with use, being primarily used for religious and secret purposes to refer to matters of the natural world<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>.
----


==== <u>'''Oeridian'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Oeridian'''</u> ====
'''Old Oeridian''' was completely free of outside influences<ref name=":0" /> until the [[Great Migration]]<nowiki/>s<ref name=":6" />. Its grammar is thus unique and it is almost impossible to translate it into any language other than Common<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>. Many of the books, records, and holy texts of the [[Aerdi]] were written in Old Oeridian. 'Oeridian' is spoken in the Great Kingdom and Ratik<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.31)</sup>. Old Oeridian is the primary language of written literature in the Flanaess as a form of academic elitism and job security, restricting literacy to those who speak it<ref name=":6" /> (p.13). However it was apparently beginning to die out as a spoken language by 583 CY<ref name=":8" />(p.73).
'''Old Oeridian''' was completely free of outside influences<ref name=":0" /> until the [[Great Migration]]<nowiki/>s<ref name=":6" />. Its grammar is thus unique and it is almost impossible to translate it into any language other than Common<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>. Many of the books, records, and holy texts of the [[Aerdi]] were written in Old Oeridian. 'Oeridian' is spoken in the Great Kingdom and Ratik<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.31)</sup>. Old Oeridian is the primary language of written literature in the Flanaess as a form of academic elitism and job security, restricting literacy to those who speak it<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.13)</sup>. However it was apparently beginning to die out as a spoken language by 583 CY<ref name=":8" /><sup>(p.73)</sup>.
* '''''Ferral:''''' A secret tribal oeridian language, used by the officials of The Iron League, purely for command and identification purposes and was more a set of code words than a true surviving dialect<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16) </sup>. After the fall of Iron League, this dialect is now found mostly in documents saved from the fall <ref name=":6" />(p.14) and the surviving officials<ref name=":7" />(p.15).
* '''''Ferral:''''' A secret tribal oeridian language, used by the officials of The Iron League, purely for command and identification purposes and was more a set of code words than a true surviving dialect<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16) </sup>. After the fall of Iron League, this dialect is now found mostly in documents saved from the fall <ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.14)</sup> and the surviving officials<ref name=":7" /><sup>(p.15)</sup>. A 'magic-laced' version is being created in an attempted to protect the language from the Scarlet Brotherhood<ref name=":10" />.
* '''''Velondi:''''' A tribal language spoken by rural people along the Furyondy-Veluna border<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>, more so in Veluna<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.31)</sup>. No written form.
* '''''Velondi:''''' A tribal language spoken by rural people along the Furyondy-Veluna border<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>, more so in Veluna<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.31)</sup>. No written form.
* '''''Keolandish:''''' Spoken around Keoland, Gran March and the Yeomanry<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.31)</sup>, it's a dialect that is based on Old High Oeridian, with local variants.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>
* '''''Keolandish:''''' Spoken around Keoland, Gran March and the Yeomanry<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.31)</sup>, it's a dialect that is based on Old High Oeridian, with local variants.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>
Examples:
 
'Aerdi' may be old Oeridian for 'Sky People', as it is said to mean in the 'old tongue' of Ahlissa.<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.23)</sup>
----
 
==== <u>'''Olman'''</u> ====
Olman is spoken by the Olman people of the Amedio Jungles and those Olman who were enslaved by the Sea Princes. It has a complex pictograph script.<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>
----


==== <u>'''Rhopan'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Rhopan'''</u> ====
Also known as the 'Rhenee Cant', '''[[Rhopan]]'''<ref name=":8" /> is the secret tongue of the Rhennee. Descended from some non-[[Oerth|Oerthly]] tongue, it has incorporated terms from the criminal argot of many peoples, mostly from Oeridian and Common. While called a cant, it is a true language<ref name=":7" />(p.15).  
Also known as the 'Rhenee Cant', '''[[Rhopan]]'''<ref name=":8" /> is the secret tongue of the Rhennee. Descended from some non-[[Oerth|Oerthly]] tongue, it has incorporated terms from the criminal argot of many peoples, mostly from Oeridian and Common. While called a cant, it is a true language<ref name=":7" /><sup>(p.15)</sup>.  


(''Note: First mentioned in WoG (Boxed Set)''<ref name=":0" /><sup>''(pg.47)''</sup>'', but not expanded upon.)''
(''Note: First mentioned in WoG (Boxed Set)''<ref name=":0" /><sup>''(p.47)''</sup>'', but not expanded upon.)''
----


==== <u>'''Suloise'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Suloise'''</u> ====
'''Suloise''' is an ancient and widespread language that became almost extinct after the destruction of the [[Suel Imperium]]. It is rarely used in modern time aside from the [[Scarlet Brotherhood]]( FtA, p.13), a few isolated scholars,<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup> and lawyers in Greyhawk<ref name=":7" />(p.15).
'''Suloise''' is an ancient and widespread language that became almost extinct after the destruction of the [[Suel Imperium]]. It is rarely used in modern time aside from the [[Scarlet Brotherhood]]<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.13)</sup>, a few isolated scholars,<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup> and lawyers in Greyhawk<ref name=":7" /><sup>(p.15)</sup>. It is reported to be dangerous to use in spellcasting, as many inflections and spoken use of the language have been lost<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>
* '''''The Cold Tongue''''': Also known as ''Fruz'', is a strong dialect based on Suloise with Flan influence, spoken by the Snow, Ice and Frost Barbarian. It is unrelated to common and difficult to understand even to speakers of Suloise.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>
* '''''The Cold Tongue''''': Also known as ''Fruz'', is a strong dialect based on Suloise with Flan influence, spoken by the Snow, Ice and Frost Barbarian. It is unrelated to common and difficult to understand even to speakers of Suloise.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>
** Examples: Rhizia (The name of the peninsular), Fruztii (The name of the frost barbarians), Schnaii (The name of the Snow Barbarians), Cruskii (The name of the Ice Barbarians)<ref name=":6" />.
** Examples: ''Rhizia'' (The name of the Thillonrian peninsular), ''Fruztii'' (The name of the frost barbarians), ''Schnaii'' (The name of the Snow Barbarians), ''Cruskii'' (The name of the Ice Barbarians)<ref name=":6" />.
* '''''Lendorian''''': An obscure dialect based on suloise, it's mostly used as a secondary language to Common in the Lendore Isles.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(pg.16)</sup>. Comprehensible to both Suloise and Common speakers, it's mainly used by sea farers and has many terms relating to meteorology<ref name=":6" />(p.14). It's nearly extinct especially after the human exodus from Lendore in 583 CY<ref name=":7" />(p.16).
** The extra 'i' at the end of Cruskii and Schnaii is dropped by 590 CY/3e D&D <ref name=":10" />
* '''[[Amedi]]''' is a corrupt form of [[Ancient Suloise]] spoken in the [[Amedio Jungle]].
** Fruz may be based on Germanic languages. Compare the Proto-Germanic [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/snaiwaz Snaiwaz] (Snow) and [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/frustaz Frustaz] (Frost). However Ice is ''[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/%C4%ABs%C4%85 īsą] ''in Proto-Germanic and similarly pronounced and written in other germanic languages and is closer to the etymological roots of '[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/crust Crust]' which are more Ancient Greek based. This may be combined with Slavic languages, such as the '-[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ski ski]' suffix added to animate nouns to form adjectives.
* '''''Lendorian''''': An obscure dialect based on suloise, it's mostly used as a secondary language to Common in the Lendore Isles.<ref name=":0" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>. Comprehensible to both Suloise and Common speakers, it's mainly used by sea farers and has many terms relating to meteorology<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.14)</sup>. It's nearly extinct especially after the human exodus from Lendore in 583 CY<ref name=":7" /><sup>(p.16)</sup>.
* '''Amedi''' is a corrupt form of Ancient Suloise spoken in the [[Amedio Jungle]].<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.12)</sup>
----


==== <u>'''Ur-Flan'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Ur-Flan'''</u> ====
'''[[Ur-Flan (language)|Ur-Flan]]''' was an ancient language used by the Ur-Flannae people thousands of years ago in the Flanaess. It died along with the Ur-Flan empire and is never spoken aside from by a tiny number of scholars. Some fragmentary writings survive. Unsurprisingly, Flan is closely related.
'''[[Ur-Flan (language)|Ur-Flan]]''' was an ancient language used by the Ur-Flannae people thousands of years ago in the Flanaess. It died along with the Ur-Flan empire and is never spoken aside from by a tiny number of scholars. Some fragmentary writings survive. Unsurprisingly, Flan is closely related.
----


=== '''Demihuman/Non-Human Races Languages''' ===
=== '''Demihuman/Non-Human Races Languages''' ===
Demihuman languages apparently share common enough roots and are supported by divine means that while the dialects vary across the Flanaess, any speaker of the same racial tongue could understand each other no matter how far they travel. Outside of communication between two members of the same race, these languages see use in official documents from places such as Greyhawk, that send letters in the appropriate racial language as well as common<ref name=":8" />(p.73).  
Demihuman languages apparently share common enough roots and are supported by divine means that while the dialects vary across the Flanaess, any speaker of the same racial tongue could understand each other no matter how far they travel. Outside of communication between two members of the same race, these languages see use in official documents from places such as Greyhawk, that send letters in the appropriate racial language as well as common<ref name=":8" /><sup>(p.73)</sup>.  


==== <u>'''Beastfolk'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Beastfolk'''</u> ====
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==== <u>'''Elven/Elvish'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Elven/Elvish'''</u> ====
AD&D 1e: High, Grey speak Elvish along with many other tongues<ref name=":2">Monster Manual, Gary Gygax, 1977, 1e</ref> <sup>(p.39)</sup>. Aquatic elves speak only Elvish<ref name=":2" /><sup>(p.39)</sup>, which may be a different dialect as Tritons only know elven as spoken by sea elves <ref name=":2" /><sup>(p.96)</sup>(MC2). Wood elves <ref name=":2" /> <sup>(p.40)</sup> and wild elves<ref name=":3">Monster Manual II, Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e</ref><sup>(p.63)</sup> speak some woodland tongues and Elvish, this may be a different dialect to other sylvan as Satyrs speak an elven only understandable by wood elves <ref name=":2" /> <sup>(p.85)</sup> called Sylvan Elvish (MC1). Drow speak their own language <ref name=":4">Fiend Folio, Editted: Don Turnbull, 1981, 1e</ref> <sup>(p.34)</sup> which is described as a strange version of elven (MC2).
High, Grey speak Elvish along with many other tongues<ref name=":2">Monster Manual, Gary Gygax, 1977, 1e</ref> <sup>(p.39)</sup>. Aquatic elves speak only Elvish<ref name=":2" /><sup>(p.39)</sup>, which may be a different dialect as Tritons only know elven as spoken by sea elves <ref name=":2" /><sup>(p.96)</sup>(MC2). Wood elves <ref name=":2" /> <sup>(p.40)</sup> and wild elves<ref name=":3">Monster Manual II, Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e</ref><sup>(p.63)</sup> speak some woodland tongues and Elvish, this may be a different dialect to other sylvan as Satyrs speak an elven only understandable by wood elves <ref name=":2" /> <sup>(p.85)</sup> called Sylvan Elvish (MC1). Drow speak their own language <ref name=":4">Fiend Folio, Editted: Don Turnbull, 1981, 1e</ref> <sup>(p.34)</sup> which is described as a strange version of elven (MC2).


After 583 CY, the elves of the Lendore/Spindrift isles speak Lendorian Elvish, a language divinely given to elves who linger on the isles<ref name=":6" />(p.30).  
After 583 CY, the elves of the Lendore/Spindrift isles speak Lendorian Elvish, a language divinely given to elves who linger on the isles<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.30)</sup>.  


It is also known as 'Olve- Vocca' in Flan. Elven post 583 CY is rarely heard outside of elven settlements, as many elves have withdrawn and communication with outsiders is rarer<ref name=":8" />(p.73).   
It is also known as 'Olve- Vocca' in Flan. Elven post 583 CY is rarely heard outside of elven settlements, as many elves have withdrawn and communication with outsiders is rarer<ref name=":8" /><sup>(p.73)</sup>.   


==== <u>'''Dwarven'''</u> ====
==== <u>'''Dwarven'''</u> ====
Dwarven is guarded carefully and not easily shared with nondwarves <ref name=":1">Greyhawk Adventures, James M. Ward, 1988, 1e*</ref><sup>(p.124)</sup>
Dwarven is guarded carefully and not easily shared with nondwarves <ref name=":1">Greyhawk Adventures, James M. Ward, 1988, 1e*</ref><sup>(p.124)</sup>
Duergar speak a language (MM2, p.61)  that is described as a dialect of dwarven (2MM, p.97).
Duergar speak a language (MM2, <sup>(p.61)</sup> that is described as a dialect of dwarven (2MM, <sup>(p.97)</sup>.


Also known as 'Dwura-Vocca' in flan.
Also known as 'Dwura-Vocca' in flan.
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The trade tongue of the subterrenean races such as Duegar, Drow<ref name=":5" /><sup>(p.11)</sup>, Kuo-toans<ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.59)</sup>. Also known as the Underworld Cant <ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.85)</sup>.
The trade tongue of the subterrenean races such as Duegar, Drow<ref name=":5" /><sup>(p.11)</sup>, Kuo-toans<ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.59)</sup>. Also known as the Underworld Cant <ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.85)</sup>.


The Silent Language <ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.34)</sup> or the Silent Tongue: A combination of complex hand signals, facial expression and body language that subterranean races use to silent communicate, but only fully mastered by the drow<ref name=":5" /><sup>(p.11)</sup>.Duergar are known to use it (2MM, p.97). It's implied the version that Drow use is their own (MC2).  
The Silent Language <ref name=":4" /><sup>(p.34)</sup> or the Silent Tongue: A combination of complex hand signals, facial expression and body language that subterranean races use to silent communicate, but only fully mastered by the drow<ref name=":5" /><sup>(p.11)</sup>.Duergar are known to use it (2MM, <sup>(p.97)</sup>. It's implied the version that Drow use is their own (MC2).  




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'''Legend:''' '''MM,''' AD&D Monster Manual<ref name=":2" />, '''MM2, ''' AD&D Monster Manual II<ref name=":3" />, '''GA,''' Greyhawk Adventures<ref name=":1" /> (Note: Greyhawk Adventures was designed for 1e, but published during 2e's era). '''FF,''' Fiend Folio<ref name=":4" />. MC1, Monstrous Compendium Volume 1, '''MC5''', Monstrous Compendium 5/ Greyhawk Monstrous Compendium Appendix, MC14, Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio. Page numbers are given where the language is mentioned, and where possible, as the same page as the creature it is named for. Monstrous Compendiums lack page numbers but are ordered alphabetically.
'''Legend:''' '''MM,''' AD&D Monster Manual<ref name=":2" />, '''MM2, ''' AD&D Monster Manual II<ref name=":3" />, '''GA,''' Greyhawk Adventures<ref name=":1" /> (Note: Greyhawk Adventures was designed for 1e, but published during 2e's era). '''FF,''' Fiend Folio<ref name=":4" />. MC1, Monstrous Compendium Volume 1, '''MC5''', Monstrous Compendium 5/ Greyhawk Monstrous Compendium Appendix, MC14, Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio. Page numbers are given where the language is mentioned, and where possible, as the same page as the creature it is named for. Monstrous Compendiums lack page numbers but are ordered alphabetically.


Languages in Bold are confirmed to be used in AD&D 1e and 2e. Those in italics are only confirmed in 2e. Those with a '†' next to them are confirmed to be 1e only and changed later. Alignment languages were used more so in AD&D 2e Greyhawk, due to growing unrest and unease<ref name=":6" />(p.20). Atomie went from being a dialect of sprite to seemingly it's own language and Aspis were noted not to have a true language but rather scent and pheromone based communication<ref name=":9" />.  Grig no longer had a language of their own, but poke other fairy languages. Mindflayers no longer had a spoken language, but spoke purely telepathically. Trolls no longer have a language of their own but a particular way of speaking goblinoid languages(MC1).
Languages in Bold are confirmed to be used in AD&D 1e and 2e. Those in italics are only confirmed in 2e. Those with a '†' next to them are confirmed to be 1e only and changed later. Alignment languages were used more so in AD&D 2e Greyhawk, due to growing unrest and unease<ref name=":6" /><sup>(p.20)</sup>. Atomie went from being a dialect of sprite to seemingly it's own language and Aspis were noted not to have a true language but rather scent and pheromone based communication<ref name=":9" />.  Grig no longer had a language of their own, but poke other fairy languages. Mindflayers no longer had a spoken language, but spoke purely telepathically. Trolls no longer have a language of their own but a particular way of speaking goblinoid languages(MC1).
 
Examples
 
'''Tjalf''<nowiki/>' meaning 'Toil' in giant<ref name=":10" /><sup>(p.49)</sup> (Unspecified which type, due to 3e D&D moving away from AD&D's more subdivided languages).


=== References ===
=== References ===
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Languages]]
[[Category:Languages]]

Revision as of 11:29, 11 June 2019

This page may be a Stub or not include some information. For a full article on the topic with citations, please see Languages at Greyhawkonline.com.

Human Languages

Publication History

AD&D 1e had five main languages for the Flanaess: Suloise, Flan, Ancient Baklunish, Old Oeridian and Common, along with six dialects: Ferral, Nyrondese, The Cold Tongue, Keolandish, Velondi, Lendorian[1](p.11). AD&D 2 in 1992 introduced these categories as in universe lore with Revort Leyhar, a linguist and sage from the Grey College of the University of Greyhawk, having wrote a 44 volume work on the languages of the Flanaess (Exegesis of Linguistic Usage by the Flanaess peoples) declaring these five 'dialects' the most widely used enough to be considered languages. AD&D 2 also changed the nature of Old Oeridian from being an isolated language to an open one [2]( p.13). The Rhenee Cant was expanded in 1998[3](p.15),[4](p.73).

Baklunish

Ancient Baklunish is one of the ancestors of Common, though little resemblance remains between the two in the present day. It is used for formal and commercial dealings [2](p.13). It is the language of all official and religious documents west of the Yatil Mountains and typically used for literary works instead of Low Baklunish[5](p.12).

  • Low Baklunish is descended from Ancient Baklunish but much has changed by time. Low Baklunish encompasses the contemporary, colloquial Baklunish dialects[5](p.12). The people of Paynim speak a modern variation[1](p.16) and variations are also spoken in Ekbir, Ket, Tusmit, Ull (Ulagha)[5], Zeif and the Tiger and Wolf Nomads (Ordai, which is similar to the Paynim dialect[5]) [1](p.31).

Examples:

  • Tufak- a soft, white stone made from volcanic ash[2](p.66). Likely Tuff.

Common

Common is a hybrid language, a combination of the dialect of Old Oeridian spoken in the Great Kingdom and Ancient Baklunish. It is the trade tongue of the Flanaess.[1](p.16). It borrows on Baklunish syntax and grammer and Oeridian elements. The most common dialect of Common is the Overking's Common Tongue, standardised by the spread of the Aerdi Kingdom[5](p.12).

  • Nyrondese: A dialect of common with High Oeridian influences. Spoken mostly by the peasants and trade folk around Nyrond.[1] (p.16). This is believed to be used due to mistrust of non-Nyrondese[2](p.14).
  • Cants, argot and jargon such as the Thieves', Beggar's and Assassin's cants and Guild jargons of Greyhawk are based on common[4].

Flan

Flan is probably the oldest language spoken to any notable extent, although dialects vary considerably through the Flanaess and have mutated with time. A stagnant language, it is difficult to translate modern concepts (such as magic) into Flan. The people of Tenh speak a more modern version[1](p.16),[2](p.13) Variations are also spoken in Geoff and by the Rovers of the Barrens [1](p.31).

  • Druidic: a secret language spoken by Gnarley Rangers and Druids across the Flanaess, Druidic has enough similarities to Flan that it's possible it evolved from it, although it is clearly a distinct and not comprehensible to Flan speakers[4](p.74). It's a static language that doesn't evolve with use, being primarily used for religious and secret purposes to refer to matters of the natural world[5](p.12).

Oeridian

Old Oeridian was completely free of outside influences[1] until the Great Migrations[2]. Its grammar is thus unique and it is almost impossible to translate it into any language other than Common[1](p.16). Many of the books, records, and holy texts of the Aerdi were written in Old Oeridian. 'Oeridian' is spoken in the Great Kingdom and Ratik[1](p.31). Old Oeridian is the primary language of written literature in the Flanaess as a form of academic elitism and job security, restricting literacy to those who speak it[2](p.13). However it was apparently beginning to die out as a spoken language by 583 CY[4](p.73).

  • Ferral: A secret tribal oeridian language, used by the officials of The Iron League, purely for command and identification purposes and was more a set of code words than a true surviving dialect[1](p.16) . After the fall of Iron League, this dialect is now found mostly in documents saved from the fall [2](p.14) and the surviving officials[3](p.15). A 'magic-laced' version is being created in an attempted to protect the language from the Scarlet Brotherhood[5].
  • Velondi: A tribal language spoken by rural people along the Furyondy-Veluna border[1](p.16), more so in Veluna[1](p.31). No written form.
  • Keolandish: Spoken around Keoland, Gran March and the Yeomanry[1](p.31), it's a dialect that is based on Old High Oeridian, with local variants.[1](p.16)

Examples:

'Aerdi' may be old Oeridian for 'Sky People', as it is said to mean in the 'old tongue' of Ahlissa.[5](p.23)

Olman

Olman is spoken by the Olman people of the Amedio Jungles and those Olman who were enslaved by the Sea Princes. It has a complex pictograph script.[5](p.12)

Rhopan

Also known as the 'Rhenee Cant', Rhopan[4] is the secret tongue of the Rhennee. Descended from some non-Oerthly tongue, it has incorporated terms from the criminal argot of many peoples, mostly from Oeridian and Common. While called a cant, it is a true language[3](p.15).

(Note: First mentioned in WoG (Boxed Set)[1](p.47), but not expanded upon.)

Suloise

Suloise is an ancient and widespread language that became almost extinct after the destruction of the Suel Imperium. It is rarely used in modern time aside from the Scarlet Brotherhood[2](p.13), a few isolated scholars,[1](p.16) and lawyers in Greyhawk[3](p.15). It is reported to be dangerous to use in spellcasting, as many inflections and spoken use of the language have been lost[5](p.12)

  • The Cold Tongue: Also known as Fruz, is a strong dialect based on Suloise with Flan influence, spoken by the Snow, Ice and Frost Barbarian. It is unrelated to common and difficult to understand even to speakers of Suloise.[1](p.16)
    • Examples: Rhizia (The name of the Thillonrian peninsular), Fruztii (The name of the frost barbarians), Schnaii (The name of the Snow Barbarians), Cruskii (The name of the Ice Barbarians)[2].
    • The extra 'i' at the end of Cruskii and Schnaii is dropped by 590 CY/3e D&D [5]
    • Fruz may be based on Germanic languages. Compare the Proto-Germanic Snaiwaz (Snow) and Frustaz (Frost). However Ice is īsą in Proto-Germanic and similarly pronounced and written in other germanic languages and is closer to the etymological roots of 'Crust' which are more Ancient Greek based. This may be combined with Slavic languages, such as the '-ski' suffix added to animate nouns to form adjectives.
  • Lendorian: An obscure dialect based on suloise, it's mostly used as a secondary language to Common in the Lendore Isles.[1](p.16). Comprehensible to both Suloise and Common speakers, it's mainly used by sea farers and has many terms relating to meteorology[2](p.14). It's nearly extinct especially after the human exodus from Lendore in 583 CY[3](p.16).
  • Amedi is a corrupt form of Ancient Suloise spoken in the Amedio Jungle.[5](p.12)

Ur-Flan

Ur-Flan was an ancient language used by the Ur-Flannae people thousands of years ago in the Flanaess. It died along with the Ur-Flan empire and is never spoken aside from by a tiny number of scholars. Some fragmentary writings survive. Unsurprisingly, Flan is closely related.

Demihuman/Non-Human Races Languages

Demihuman languages apparently share common enough roots and are supported by divine means that while the dialects vary across the Flanaess, any speaker of the same racial tongue could understand each other no matter how far they travel. Outside of communication between two members of the same race, these languages see use in official documents from places such as Greyhawk, that send letters in the appropriate racial language as well as common[4](p.73).

Beastfolk

Beastfolk speak their own language[6], which is a complex language using spoken word, gestures, body language and using the beastfolk's inherent ability to change the patterning of their fur[7].

Elven/Elvish

High, Grey speak Elvish along with many other tongues[8] (p.39). Aquatic elves speak only Elvish[8](p.39), which may be a different dialect as Tritons only know elven as spoken by sea elves [8](p.96)(MC2). Wood elves [8] (p.40) and wild elves[9](p.63) speak some woodland tongues and Elvish, this may be a different dialect to other sylvan as Satyrs speak an elven only understandable by wood elves [8] (p.85) called Sylvan Elvish (MC1). Drow speak their own language [10] (p.34) which is described as a strange version of elven (MC2).

After 583 CY, the elves of the Lendore/Spindrift isles speak Lendorian Elvish, a language divinely given to elves who linger on the isles[2](p.30).

It is also known as 'Olve- Vocca' in Flan. Elven post 583 CY is rarely heard outside of elven settlements, as many elves have withdrawn and communication with outsiders is rarer[4](p.73).

Dwarven

Dwarven is guarded carefully and not easily shared with nondwarves [6](p.124) Duergar speak a language (MM2, (p.61) that is described as a dialect of dwarven (2MM, (p.97).

Also known as 'Dwura-Vocca' in flan.

Halflingish

Also known as 'Hobniz-Vocca' in flan.

Gnomish

A variant of Gnomish is spoken by Deep Gnomes[11] (p.11), which is different enough that surface gnomes can only understand it a little over half the time[10](p.85).

Also known as 'Nonis-Vocca' in flan.

Undercommon

The trade tongue of the subterrenean races such as Duegar, Drow[11](p.11), Kuo-toans[10](p.59). Also known as the Underworld Cant [10](p.85).

The Silent Language [10](p.34) or the Silent Tongue: A combination of complex hand signals, facial expression and body language that subterranean races use to silent communicate, but only fully mastered by the drow[11](p.11).Duergar are known to use it (2MM, (p.97). It's implied the version that Drow use is their own (MC2).


Humanoid and Other

AD&D Languages

AD&D 1e and 2e, of which Greyhawk was the default setting, had a great deal many languages in addition to those above including:

  • Alignment Languages (DMG, p.24)
  • Animal. Examples:
  • -Woodland (MM, p.40), (MC1)
  • -Serpent, Avian (MM, p.14), (MC1)
  • -Burrowing (MM, P.46), (MC1)
  • -Corvid (MM2, p.105), (MC5)
  • Annis (MM2, p.9), (MC2)
  • -Hag, Green (MC2)
  • Aarakocra (FF,p.8), (MC2)
  • Aspis (MM2, p. 11)†
  • Banderlog (MM2, p.13)
  • Beholder (MM,p. 10),(MC1)
  • Blink Dog (MM, p.10), (MC1)
  • Booka (MC5)
  • Brownie (MM, p. 11), (MC5)
  • Bugbear (MM, p. 12), (MC2)
  • Bullywug (FF, p.17)
  • Cat, Elfin (MM2, p.64)
  • Cat, Giant Lynx (MM, p.64),(MC1)
  • Centaur (MM, p. 14), (MC1)
  • Dark Creeper (FF, p.22),(MC14)
  • Demonic (MM2, p.19)
  • Derro (MM2, p.42)
  • Dire Corby (FF, p.26)
  • Dolphin, (MC2)
  • Draconian, by type (MM, p.30)
  • Draconian Common, by alignment (MC5)
  • -Pan & Shen lung share a tongue (FF,p.29)
  • Drelb (MM2, p.60)
  • Dryad (MM, p.35), (MC2)
  • Dwarves (MM, p.36)
  • Eagle, Giant (MM, p.37), (MC2)
  • Ettin (DMG, p.102)†
  • Firefly, Giant (MM2, p.65)
  • Foo creature (MM2, p.65)
  • Gargoyle (DMG, p.102), (MC2)
  • Giant,by type (MM, p.44)
  • Genie, by type (MM2, p.32), (MC1)
  • Gnoll (MM, p.46), (MC1)
  • -Flind, (MC1)
  • Goblin (MM, p.47),(MC1)
  • Grig (MM2, p.72)†
  • Grippli (MC5)
  • Grung (GA, p.28)
  • Hag, Sea (MC2)
  • Harpy (MM, p. 51), (MC1)
  • Hippocampus (MM, p.51)
  • Hobgoblin (MM, p.53), MC1)
  • -Koalinth(MC1)
  • -Norker (MC5)
  • Hook Horror (FF, MC5)
  • Hybsil (MM2, p.77)
  • Ixitxachitl (MM, p.84)
  • Jermlaine (FF, p.54)
  • Ki-rin (MM, p. 57), (MC2)
  • Kech (MC5)
  • Kobold (MM, p.57), (MC1)
  • Korred (MC1)
  • Kuo-toan (FF, p.59), (MC2)
  • Lammasu (MM, p. 59), (MC2)
  • Lava Child (FF, 61)
  • Lizard man (MM, p. 62), (MC1)
  • Locathah (MM, p.70), (MC2)
  • Lycanthrope, by type (MM, p.63), (MC1)
  • Medusain (MM, p.66), (MC1)
  • Merman (MM, p.70), (MC2)
  • Mephit (FF, p.64), (MC14)
  • 'Mimic (MM, p.70), (MC2)
  • Mindflayer (MM, p.70)†
  • Minotaur (MM, p.71), (MC1)
  • 'Moon Dog (MM2, p.93),(2MM, p.58)
  • Muckdweller (MM2, p.93), (MC2)
  • Naga, by type (DMG, p.102)
  • Nixie (MM, p.74), (MC1)
  • Nymph (MM, p.74), (MC1)
  • Ogre (MM, p.75), (MC1)
  • -Ogre, Aquatic (MM2, p.96), (MC1)
  • Ogre, Japanese/magi (MM, p.76)
  • Orc, by tribe (MM, p.76), (MC1)
  • Otyugh (MM, p. 77), (MC2)
  • Owl, Giant (MM, p.77)
  • Owlbear (MC1)
  • Pegasus (MC1)
  • Peryton (MM, p.78)
  • Phoenix (MM2, p.101)
  • Pixie (MM, p.79), (MC2)
  • Quickling (MM2, p.104)
  • Remohraz (MC1)
  • Sahaugin (MM, p.84), (MC2)
  • 'Satyr (MM, p.85), (MC1)
  • Shedu (MM, p. 87)
  • Slaad (FF, p.80)
  • Sphinx, by type (MM, p. 90), (MC2)
  • Sprite (MM, P.92), (MC1)
  • -Atomie D:(MM2, P.11), L:(MC5)
  • Sprite, Sea (GA, p.31)
  • Subterranean (MM2, p. 61), (MC2)
  • Sylph (MM, p. 93), (MC2)
  • Tabaxi (FF, p.86)
  • Taer (MC5)
  • Tasloi (MM2, p.118), (MC2)
  • Titan (MM, p. 95)
  • Toad, Ice (MC1)
  • Treant (MM, p.40), (MC1)
  • Triton (MM, p.96), (MC2)
  • Troglodyte (MC2)
  • Troll (MM, p.46)†
  • Umber hulk (MM, p.98), (MC1)
  • Unicorns (MM, p.98), (MC1)
  • Wemic (MM2, p.126)
  • Will'o'the'wisp (MC1)
  • Wolf, Dire/Worg (MM, p.101), (MC1)
  • Wolf, Mist (GA,p.33), (MC5)
  • Wolf, Winter (MM, p.101), (MC1)
  • Xvart (FF, p.96), (MC14)
  • Yuan-ti (MM2, p. 130), (MC1)


Legend: MM, AD&D Monster Manual[8], MM2, AD&D Monster Manual II[9], GA, Greyhawk Adventures[6] (Note: Greyhawk Adventures was designed for 1e, but published during 2e's era). FF, Fiend Folio[10]. MC1, Monstrous Compendium Volume 1, MC5, Monstrous Compendium 5/ Greyhawk Monstrous Compendium Appendix, MC14, Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio. Page numbers are given where the language is mentioned, and where possible, as the same page as the creature it is named for. Monstrous Compendiums lack page numbers but are ordered alphabetically.

Languages in Bold are confirmed to be used in AD&D 1e and 2e. Those in italics are only confirmed in 2e. Those with a '†' next to them are confirmed to be 1e only and changed later. Alignment languages were used more so in AD&D 2e Greyhawk, due to growing unrest and unease[2](p.20). Atomie went from being a dialect of sprite to seemingly it's own language and Aspis were noted not to have a true language but rather scent and pheromone based communication[7]. Grig no longer had a language of their own, but poke other fairy languages. Mindflayers no longer had a spoken language, but spoke purely telepathically. Trolls no longer have a language of their own but a particular way of speaking goblinoid languages(MC1).

Examples

'Tjalf' meaning 'Toil' in giant[5](p.49) (Unspecified which type, due to 3e D&D moving away from AD&D's more subdivided languages).

References

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s World of Greyhawk (Boxed Set), Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Greyhawk Adventures: From the Ashes, Carl Sargent, 1992, 2e, ISBN 1-56076-341-8
  3. ↑ a b c d e Greyhawk Player's Guide, Anne Brown, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1248-0
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins, Roger E. Moore, 1998, 2e, ISBN 0-7869-1249-9
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, Gary Holian, Frederick Weining, 2000, 3e
  6. ↑ a b c Greyhawk Adventures, James M. Ward, 1988, 1e*
  7. ↑ a b Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix, Grant Boucher, William W. Connors, Steve Gilbert, Bruce Nesmith, Chris Mortika, and Skip Williams 1990, 2e
  8. ↑ a b c d e f Monster Manual, Gary Gygax, 1977, 1e
  9. ↑ a b Monster Manual II, Gary Gygax, 1983, 1e
  10. ↑ a b c d e f Fiend Folio, Editted: Don Turnbull, 1981, 1e
  11. ↑ a b c Unearthed Arcana, Gary Gygax, 1985, 1e
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