MEME: Linguistics

[citycouncil]

Prompted by a conversation on Twitter, let's take a look at the linguistic choices behind the way our characters speak! NERDS. Here are a few prompts, but feel free to talk about anything you feel like with regards to language and your characters.

Where and when are they from originally?
What is their accent?
Do they curse? Under what circumstances?
What influences the way they speak?
Has their speech changed since arriving in Darrow? In what ways does it differ from canon?
Have they picked up any specific language/slang/vocal tics while in Darrow?
What slang do they use, if any?
Do you have anything specific you keep in mind when writing their dialogue?
What else should we know about how they speak?

Let's talk about talking.

Comments

[shok_ebasit_hissra]

Where and when are they from originally? Par Vollen
What is their accent? faded Qunari, which comes across in the way he enunciates vowels sometimes, or the way he'll growl certain letter combinations.
Do they curse? Under what circumstances? Sure does! He's picked up cursing in several languages, including Qunlat, Tevene, Orlesian, Ferelden, and some Elvish dialects. He's picked up more since coming to Darrow. He'll curse when he's in pain or having a good time. Bull does not typically curse when angry.
What influences the way they speak? Bull has spent most of his life away from his people, and has spent 10 years as a spy. Because of this, he tends to pick up language wherever he is to try to fit in more linguistically, since he will never fit in physically. Language also tells one a lot about a culture, so he's naturally interested.
Has their speech changed since arriving in Darrow? In what ways does it differ from canon? Bull has probably picked up different colloquialisms and tries them out on occasion, but other than that, his language has not changed significantly.
Have they picked up any specific language/slang/vocal tics while in Darrow? Probably not? Other than new and fun ways to cuss.
What slang do they use, if any? Bull will occasionally pepper his dialogue with Qunlat, which isn't all necessarily slang, but is generally a complex and symbolic language.
Do you have anything specific you keep in mind when writing their dialogue? Bull flirts, he uses puns, and the way he understands the world comes from the Qun, and that effects how he talks to people.
What else should we know about how they speak? Seriously. This guy.

Just listen to this asshole.