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Wistanian: Difference between revisions
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Direction and Time are closely interrelated in the Wistanian language. They correspond with the terms '''mija''' (rising) and '''hina''' (setting), which describe the rising and setting of the sun. Wistanian has two cardinal directions, the rising east and setting west. Time is likewise measured by the rising past and the setting future. This leads to phrases such as "think east" and "go towards the setting" as opposed to English "think back" and "go west". Wistanian has an intrinsic and relative frame of reference, in that when giving directions, they will use the destination's location as described in relation to another object ("towards the lake", in front of my house") as well as using terms for "front", "back", "left" and "right". There is a limited absolute frame of reference with terms for "east" and "west", but no terms for "north" or "south." | Direction and Time are closely interrelated in the Wistanian language. They correspond with the terms '''mija''' (rising) and '''hina''' (setting), which describe the rising and setting of the sun. Wistanian has two cardinal directions, the rising east and setting west. Time is likewise measured by the rising past and the setting future. This leads to phrases such as "think east" and "go towards the setting" as opposed to English "think back" and "go west". Wistanian has an intrinsic and relative frame of reference, in that when giving directions, they will use the destination's location as described in relation to another object ("towards the lake", in front of my house") as well as using terms for "front", "back", "left" and "right". There is a limited absolute frame of reference with terms for "east" and "west", but no terms for "north" or "south." | ||
=== | ===Vulgarity and Taboos=== | ||
Every culture possesses a strong taboo against slurs, which is partly due to the rocky history of racism during the post-war era of the country. Some slurs include '''baubau''', a diminutive of the word Bwolotil, often used to describe things that are dark and ugly. Holding the '''u''' sound can also get a young Wistanian in trouble for its history as a chant against the Uzin. Terms referring to religion are also taboo when used out of context, especially in the Katapu tribes; for example, calling something '''ggauduvahi''' ("great" or "grand") is considered offensive since that term should only be applied to a place of worship. Terms referring to sex or bodily functions are only taboo in the Katapu and, to a smaller extent, the Bwolotil cultures | Every culture possesses a strong taboo against slurs, which is partly due to the rocky history of racism during the post-war era of the country. Some slurs include '''baubau''', a diminutive of the word Bwolotil, often used to describe things that are dark and ugly. Holding the '''u''' sound can also get a young Wistanian in trouble for its history as a chant against the Uzin. Terms referring to religion are also taboo when used out of context, especially in the Katapu tribes; for example, calling something '''ggauduvahi''' ("great" or "grand") is considered offensive since that term should only be applied to a place of worship. Terms referring to sex or bodily functions are only taboo in the Katapu and, to a smaller extent, the Bwolotil and Uzin cultures while the Taliv and Nati are reather comfortable with those topics. | ||
It is considered vulgar over the entire nation to use the name of a family member in vain, especially if that family member is deceased. | It is considered vulgar over the entire nation to use the name of a family member in vain, especially if that family member is deceased. | ||