The Bothan Language

I need a working Bothese language for the fanfic novel that I am writing. I've been working on this novel for over two years and while I did make up the few Bothese phrases that are in the fanfic, it sounds lame and stupid. I'd like to know if anyone knows of a working Bothese language and where I can find it. I need something that sounds more fluid and natural, as opposed to something that sounds extremely lame like I came up with. I'd appreciate it. PM me with the details if you would, thanks.

mtfbwy

 

Slan, Aramys.

The Bothan language (also called Bothan)is referred to in several of the EU novels, as well as RPG sources. In those, it is accredited with considerable contributions to the creation of Basic, the tongue spoken by most sentients within the GFFA. It wouldn't be too hard to postulate a language quite similar to spoken Basic, the way Old English or Old French are similar to their modern variations now.

However, the novels make many references to the concept of Bothan as not necessarily only a spoken language: Bothans read and use body language especially well: hackles being raised and lowered, defensive and offensive postures, even the casual observance of a companion's state of mind are all seen as *part* of Bothan communication.

When I am working on The Martyrs I try to take all of these into account, and write their conversations as far more than just words being exchanged: there are tiny subtle signals being passed at the same time, not just those mentioned above, but also scent markers, and dominance/submission posturing and placement, as I see the Bothans as quite canine in social structure (pack politics).

Language is often reflected in naming practices, and because it just snaps me right out of a story's magic if the names don't fit, I try to follow a naming practice that has some sort of internal logic. In the Martyrs, I tried to stay in keeping with the known Bothan names from the EU sources. So the "sk" ending on a male name is common, (Borsk from the EU) so would be "shk" and "sh" endings (postulating from the modern linguistic awareness that as a language evolves, k --> c --> h). Last names are usually apostrophed, so I followed that practice when naming the Team.

I'd be very happy to share any knowledge, sources or info you would find handy: I adore the Bothans, and can blither on about them for hours, although admittedly, I have some fairly strong ideas about their species and society.

Feel free to respond here or via PM if there's anything more I can add to this reply.


*Derisa*