Rauataian language

Rauataian tongue is the language of the Rauatai and is one of the two spoken languages there. The language traces its roots back to ancient Huana, and remains in most respects identical to its source material. However, millennia of cultural development while separated from the homeland culminated in new grammar rules and structures to the language, making it in some ways unrecognizable to those who speak in the original form. The alphabets are still similar, though the vocabulary has deviated over time. Spoken Rauataian also adopted sounds of Vailian and Eld Aedyran, which are represented in the alphabet.

Rauataians tend to emphasize proverbial sayings in much of their day-to-day conversation (whether they recognize it or not). The literal meaning of such phrases might prove confusing to a foreigner. To a Huana who understands the words themselves, being deprived of their context or deeper meaning represents a more significant struggle.

Glossary

• Hazanui – title roughly equivalent to "admiral."
• Nui – meaning "big." Often used after a person's name to indicate respect or admiration.
• Rough country – an affectionate Rauataian term for their homeland. "Rough" refers to both the unyielding, rocky soils and the storms that batter the mainland.
• Ruquapa – an elite group of specially-trained warrior who personally carry out the ranga nui's will.
• Scrambleroot – a slang for Rauataians who seek their fortunes abroad, often as mercenaries, bodyguards, and sailors. A hardy Rauataian weed.
• Trencher – a friendly term used to refer to one another. A reference to the omnipresent trenches Rauataians have built to irrigate their soil and protect their homes from stormwater.

Phrases

• A kana Rauataian ō ikoru ne? - "Do you speak Rauataian?"

Sayings

• "Better to shave a bear than your captain's patience."
• "What does it matter which direction the east wind blows?"
• "Strike before the enemy has glimpsed the crown of your head."
• "Truth is a snake knotted to the flagpole."

Trivia

• Rauataian and Huana are based on Māori, an eastern polynesian language spoken by the Māori people, the indigenous population of New Zealand.