Language

From Paragon

An example of an ancient language written on parchment.

Language is a system, used for communication, comprising a finite set of arbitrary symbols and a set of rules (or grammar) by which the manipulation of these symbols is governed. These symbols can be combined productively to convey new information, distinguishing languages from other forms of communication.

Human languages use patterns of sound for symbols. These sounds can be converted into written form with little loss of information. Gestures are a part of human language too. Some invented human languages have been built entirely on visual cues to enable communication.

Many cultures have over time developed many languages. Few of these survive today, partly due to their falling into disuse and partly due to colonisation and cultural suppression. Among the most wide-spread languages of the world include the con-lang English, Dutesh, Bouian, Varras and Antarii. All five have been spread by colonial forces.

Within a national context, languages can be broken into two groups: official and common. Official languages are typically the language used in a nation's legislative bodies and documents, though the law in many nations requires that government documents be produced in other languages as well. However, due to the fallout of the War of Words, English is used by many governments all over Tela and is rarely supplanted as the diplomatic language of choice in international talks. Common languages are languages spoken by a large segment of the national population but are not afforded any special legal status.

List of Languages by Family