Early Hick Lexicon

    Early Hick Lexicon

    The Early Hick lexicon, as attested, consists of mostly noun forms. These nouns can represent a wide range of meanings, including actions, properties, or relationships, which are traditionally the domain of verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in other languages.

    For grammatical information and language overview, see Early Hick.

    Historical Sound Changes

    For Proto-Hick vowel harmony and its development into Early Hick, see: Proto-Hick Phonological Processes

    For stress-related vowel changes, see: Vowel Allophony

    Usage Notes

    1. Cross-references are marked with →
    2. Etymologies are shown in parentheses
    3. Compound derivations are marked with <
    4. Example sentences show full morphological analysis

    Action Terms

    Basic Actions

    • 'ir [ʔir] "movement, motion; action" < Proto-Hick *heru → 'ir (initial fricative change, final vowel loss) Note: Source of verbalizer suffix -'er through grammaticalization. Forms basic verb 'ir'er "to do"
    • tag'er [tag.ʔer] "to make, to craft" < tag-'er "hand-VERB" → tag'er (compound fusion) Note: Shows concrete development from manual action to general creation. Contrasts with abstract 'ir'er "to do". See: Body Parts

    Physical Actions

    • tak [tak] "strike, impact" < Proto-Hick *taku → tak (final vowel loss) Note: Onomatopoeic origin

    Action Terms

    Physical Actions

    • tak [tak] "strike, impact" < Proto-Hick *taku → tak (final vowel loss) Note: Onomatopoeic origin
    • krak'er [krak.ʔer] "to bite" < krak-'er "tooth-VERB" → krak'er (verbalizer suffix)

    Perceptual Actions

    • thren [θren] "watch, observe" < Proto-Hick *threnu → thren (final vowel loss) Note: Basic perception verb
    • hilis [hi.lis] "sight, active vision" < Proto-Hick *hilisu → hilis (final vowel loss) Note: Forms two contrasting verbs:
      • hilis'er "to look" (active/intentional seeing)
      • his'er "to see" (passive/unintentional perception)
    • pir'er [pir.ʔer] "to listen" < pir-'er "ear-VERB" → pir'er (compound fusion) Note: Active perception verb. See: Body Parts
    • pirlas'er [pir.las.ʔer] "to hear" < pir-las-'er "ear-ILL-VERB" → pirlas'er (compound fusion) Note: Passive perception verb using illative to mark reception of sound. Contrasts with active pir'er "listen". See: Body Parts
    • kar'er [kar.ʔer] "to smell" < kar-'er "nose-VERB" → kar'er (verbalizer suffix)

    Motion Actions

    • 'ir [ʔir] "movement, motion;action" < Proto-Hick *heru → 'ir (initial fricative change, final vowel loss) Note: Source of verbalizer suffix -'er through grammaticalization

    • 'irur [ʔi.rur] "repetition, again" < Proto-Hick *heru-heru → 'irur (initial fricative change, compound reduction) Note: From reduplicated form of *heru "action". Forms grammaticalized iterative marker -rur/-ur through phonological reduction

    • sinas [si.nas] "play; drift, passage" < Proto-Hick *senu-asa-u → sinas (final vowel loss, compound fusion) Note: From *senu "float" + *asa (PERL) + *u (NOM), literally "floating through"

      • Primary meaning: "play", connected to free movement
      • Secondary meaning: "drift", related to play

    • barak [ba.rak] "walking, gait" < Proto-Hick *baraku → barak (final vowel loss) Note: Forms verb barak'er "to walk" with -'er suffix

    • mabarak [ma.ba.rak] "march, collective walking" < ma-barak → mabarak (compound fusion) Note: From plural marker + "walk", forms verb mabarak'er "to march". See also barak "walk"

    • sin [sin] "floating" < Proto-Hick *senu → sin (final vowel loss) Note: Forms verb sin'er "to float". See also Maritime Terms

    • dak [dak] "snake" < Proto-Hick *daluku → dak (medial liquid loss, vowel reduction) Note: From root meaning "slither", forms verb dak'er "to slither"

    • norath [no.raθ] "to ride (a mount)" < Eldrim nortʰa "to make run" → norath (borrowed term) Note: Early borrowing from Eldrim, shows cultural contact predating widespread horse domestication. See: Animal Terms, Motion Actions

    • trask'er [tras.kʔer] "to run" < trask-'er "leg-VERB" → trask'er (verbalizer suffix) Note: Shows typical body part → action semantic extension. Forms common compounds: istrask'er "run out", lastrask'er "run in". See: Motion Actions, Body Parts

    Bodily/Life Actions

    • vinuimris [vi.nu.im.ris] "to give birth" < vinu + imris (ELL) → vinuimris (case lexicalization)
    • venuiter [ve.nu.i.ter] "to give birth" < venu-iter "burden-ELL.DIAL" (dialectal case) Note: Inland dialect form preserved in formal greetings, showing retention of older forms away from maritime influence Note: Sacred term for childbirth
    • murvinuiter [mur.vi.nu.i.ter] "to abort" < mur + vinuiter → murvinuiter (compound fusion) Note: Literally "from night-birth"

    Consumption Actions

    • gras [gras] "grass" < Proto-Hick *grasu → gras (final vowel loss) Note: Forms verb gras'er "to graze", typically of animals feeding
    • ter [ter] "flow, fluid motion" < Proto-Hick *teru → ter (final vowel loss) Note: Forms verb ter'er "to drink". Flow meanings use directional affixes instead
    • sinibel [si.ni.bel] "taste" < sin-ibel "float-tongue" → sinibel (compound fusion) Note: Shows metaphorical extension of floating motion to sensory perception See: Taste Terms, Body Parts

    Position/Stance Actions

    • 'irek [ʔi.rek] "stand; firmness" < Proto-Hick *hi-reku → 'irek (initial fricative change) Note: Shows archaic animacy prefix, forms verb 'irek'er "to stand"
    • asamitar [a.sa.mi.tar] "to sit, rest upon" < asam-itar "rest-SUPER" → asamitar (case lexicalization) Note: From asam "rest, resting place" with superessive case, literally "rest upon". Shows common pattern of case suffixes becoming lexicalized into verbs. See: Position/Stance Actions, Basic Terms
    • asamasam [a.sa.ma.sam] "to lie down" < asam-asam "rest-SUBE" → asamasam (case lexicalization) Note: From asam "rest" with subessive case -asam, literally "rest downward". Shows parallel formation to asamitar "sit". See: Position/Stance Actions

    Magical/Sacred Actions

    • kul'er [kul.ʔer] "to perform magic" < kul + -'er → kul'er (verbalizer suffix) Note: Used in ritual contexts

    Emotional/Mental Actions

    • sibris [si.bris] "infatuation, first love" < Proto-Hick *silu-hibrisu → sibris (compound fusion) Note: From "skin-fire", metaphorical extension to passionate but potentially fleeting emotion. Contrasts with meris "enduring love". See: Abstract Concepts
    • meris [me.ris] "romantic love" < Proto-Hick *meru-risu → meris (compound fusion) Note: From "heart-towards", metaphorical extension to deep, lasting emotional bond. Shows archaic lative case usage. See: Abstract Concepts, Case System
    • gnater [gna.ter] "desire" < gnar-ter "correct-flow" → gnater (compound fusion) Note: Forms grammaticalized desiderative suffix -nat through phonological reduction See: Basic Terms, Grammatical Terms
    • 'ilis [ʔi.lis] "knowledge" < dialectal borrowing with animacy prefix Note: Borrowed alongside hilis, shows stative/abstract development of perception root. See: Perception Terms Forms agent noun 'ilisok "teacher"
    • 'ilisimris'er [ʔi.li.sim.ris.ʔer] "to teach" < 'ilis-imris "knowledge-ELL" → 'ilisimris'er (case lexicalization) Note: Literally "to cause knowledge to go out from", showing productive use of ellative for causative meanings. Forms agent noun 'ilisimrisok "teacher"
    • imlis [im.lis] "fear, dread" < im-lis "evil-see" → imlis (compound fusion) Note: Shows semantic development from "seeing evil" to general fear. Forms verb imlis'er "to fear". Contrasts with hilis "sight" and 'ilis "knowledge". See: Emotional Terms, Perception Terms
    • imasam [i.ma.sam] "to cower, hide from fear" < im-asam "evil-rest" → imasam (compound fusion) Note: Shows metaphorical extension of "resting under" to fearful hiding. Forms agent noun imasamok "coward". See: Emotional Terms, Position Terms
    • imlisrur [im.lis.rur] "anxiety, constant fear" < imlis-rur "fear-ITER" → imlisrur (iterative suffix) Note: Shows semantic extension of iterative aspect to ongoing mental state. Forms verb imlisrur'er "to be anxious". Contrasts with acute imlis "fear". See: Mental States, Emotional Terms
    • imlis'er [im.li.sʔer] "to flee, run from fear" < imlis-'er "fear-VERB" → imlis'er (verbalizer suffix) Note: Shows natural development from fear to flight response. Contrasts with trask'er "run (neutral)". See: Motion Verbs
    • imlisitar [im.li.si.tar] "to flinch, startle" < imlis-itar "fear-SUPE" → imlisitar (case lexicalization) Note: Uses superlative case to indicate sudden upward movement from fear. See: Motion Verbs, Body Actions

    Construction/Dwelling Actions

    • vinud [vi.nud] "building, dwelling" < Proto-Hick *venu-wudu → vinud (compound fusion) Note: From 'burden' + 'wood', forms verb vinud'er "to build, to dwell"

    Tool/Craft Actions

    • ar [ar] "cut, cutting action" < Proto-Hick *xaru → ar (initial fricative loss, final vowel loss) Note: Forms verb ar'er "to cut"
    • arum [a.rum] "sketch; draw" < Proto-Hick *xaru-uma → arum (initial fricative loss, compound fusion) Note: From "cut" with archaic allative case, showing semantic extension from physical cutting to artistic marking
    • 'irur [ʔi.rur] "hollow" < Proto-Hick *heru-lumuru → 'irur (compound fusion) Note: Derived from "act of emptying," reflecting the concept of hollowness.
    • 'ihir [ʔi.hir] "to mine (for ore)" < Proto-Hick *heru lu xiru → 'ihir (compound fusion) Note: Literally "move through ore", shows development of specialized mining terminology

    Core Semantic Fields

    Basic Terms

    Basic Terms

    Basic Properties

    Derived Terms

    • ven'er [ven.ʔer] "to carry" < ven-'er "yoke-VERB" → ven'er (verbalizer suffix)
    • venitar [ve.ni.tar] "to lift" < ven-itar "yoke-SUPER" → venitar (superessive case) Note: Lexicalized from superessive case of "yoke" See: Verbal Terms
    • venuiter [vi.nu.i.ter] "to give birth" < venu-itar "pregnancy-ELL" → venuiter (ellative case) Note: Lexicalized from ellative case of "pregnancy" See: Verbal Terms, Sacred Terms // ... existing code ...
    • kabrast [ka.brast] "skilled with hands" < ka-brast "like-dominant.arm" → kabrast (compound fusion) Note: Specifically for craft skills requiring hand coordination; does not extend to martial or athletic dexterity. See: Body Parts
    • brastok [bras.tok] "craftsman" < brast-ok "dominant.arm-AGENT" → brastok (compound fusion) Note: General term for skilled artisans. Shows cultural link between dominant hand and craft skills. See: Body Parts
    • asamitar [a.sa.mi.tar] "to sit, rest upon" < asam-itar "rest-SUPER" → asamitar (case lexicalization) Note: From asam "rest, resting place" with superessive case, literally "rest upon". Shows common pattern of case suffixes becoming lexicalized into verbs. See: Position/Stance Actions, Basic Terms
    • litil [li.til] "small thing" < li-etil "DIM-thing" → litil (compound fusion) Note: Shows productive use of diminutive prefix with basic noun. See: Basic Terms, Augmentative/Diminutive

    Conjunctions

    • ru [ru] "and" < Proto-Hick *storu → ru Note: Grammaticalized from "grow" sense through semantic bleaching See: Basic Terms

    Derived Terms

    • takutak [ˈta.ku.tək] "rhythm" < Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutak (final vowel loss) Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication

    Interrogatives

    Basic Forms

    • 'aka [ʔa.ka] "what" < Proto-Hick *haka → 'aka (initial fricative change) Note: Basic question root, shows archaic animacy marking

    Proximal Forms

    • 'alis [ʔa.lis] < 'aka-'al-is "who" (what-person-PROX.ANIM) Note: Used for visible/known referents and confirmation
    • 'atal [ʔa.tal] < 'aka-tal-is "where" (what-place-PROX.INAN)
    • 'atel [ʔa.tel] < 'aka-tel-is "when" (what-time-PROX.INAN)
    • 'aker [ʔa.ker] < 'aka-'er-is "how" (what-VERB-PROX.INAN)

    Medial Forms

    • 'aleth [ʔa.leθ] < 'aka-'al-eth "who" (sensed person) Note: Used for heard/sensed but not seen referents
    • 'ateth [ʔa.teθ] < 'aka-tal-eth "where" (sensed location)
    • 'ateleth [ʔe.te.leθ] < 'aka-tel-eth "when" (sensed time)
    • 'akereth [ʔa.ke.reθ] < 'aka-'er-eth "how" (sensed manner)

    Distal Forms

    • 'alum [ʔa.lum] < 'aka-'al-um "who" (unknown person) Note: Default form for seeking new information
    • 'atum [ʔa.tum] < 'aka-tal-um "where" (unknown location)
    • 'atelum [ʔe.te.lum] < 'aka-tel-um "when" (unknown time)
    • 'akerum [ʔa.ke.rum] < 'aka-'er-um "how" (unknown manner)

    Abstract Concepts

    Moral & Ethical Terms

    Logical Terms

    Vision & Perception

    • mulis [mu.lis] "dream, vision" < Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis See: Bodily Functions, Sacred Terms
    • mulisthral [mu.lis.θral] "prophetic dream" < mulis-thral → mulisthral (compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)
    • mulisim [mu.li.sim] "nightmare" < mulis-im → mulisim (compound fusion)

    Emotional Terms

    Sensory Terms

    Visual Perception

    • lis [lis] "eye" < Proto-Hick *lisu → lis (final vowel loss) See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms
    • his [his] "see" < reintroduced Proto-Hick *hisu "visible/in sight" Note: Reintroduced to maintain distinction from demonstrative -is See: Sacred Terms
    • 'ilis [ʔi.lis] "knowledge" < PH *lisu dialectal borrowing with animacy prefix Note: Borrowed alongside hilis, shows stative/abstract development of perception root Note: From root meaning 'sight', forms verb 'ilis'er "to know"
    • mulis [mu.lis] "dream, vision" < Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis (compound reduction) See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

    Auditory Perception

    • kamer [ka.mer] "bird-like sound" < ka-mer "like-bird" → kamer (compound fusion)
    • kasak [ka.sak] "wolf-like howl" < ka-sak "like-wolf" → kasak (compound fusion)

    Physical Sensation

    Sound Terms

    • tak [tak] "strike, impact; sound" < Proto-Hick *taku → tak (final vowel loss) Note: Onomatopoeic origin. See: Physical Actions

    • takutak [ˈta.ku.tək] "rhythm" < Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutak (final vowel loss) Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication. See: Derived Terms

    • takimer [ˈta.ki.mɛr] "echo; sound spirit" < taku "rhythm" + imer "spirit" → takimer (compound fusion) Note: Reflects early animistic understanding of sound phenomena. See: Spirit Terms

    Vision & Perception Terms

    Basic Terms

    Derived Terms

    • his-ʔer [his.ʔer] "to see" < his-ʔer "sight-ACT" → hisʔer (verbalizer)

    Taste Terms

    Basic Tastes

    • mel [mel] "sweet" < Proto-Hick *melu → mel (final vowel loss) Note: Associated with ripeness and edibility
    • kras [kras] "bitter" < Proto-Hick *krasu → kras (final vowel loss) Note: Used for both taste and metaphorical bitterness
    • kaketh [ka.keθ] "salty" < ka-keth "sea-like" → kaketh (compound fusion) Note: Literally "sea-like", shows maritime influence on taste terminology See: Maritime Terms, Water Features
    • tir [tir] "sour; wince" < Proto-Hick *tilmuru → tilru → tiru → tir (liquid deletion) (compound reduction) (final vowel loss) Note: Shows semantic connection between taste sensation and facial response

    Derived Terms

    • melter [mel.ter] "honey" < mel-ter "sweet-alow" → melter (compound fusion) Note: Literally "sweet flow", primary sweetener in Early Hick culture
    • krasim [kra.sim] "poison" < kras-im "bitter-evil" → krasim (compound fusion) Note: Shows connection between bitter taste and danger
    • kakethmal [ka.keθ.mal] "brine pool" < kaketh-mal "salty-pool" → kakethmal (compound fusion) See: Water Features

    Intensity Terms

    • tormel [tor.mel] "very sweet" < tor-mel "great-sweet" → tormel (compound fusion)
    • limel [li.mel] "slightly sweet" < li-mel "small-sweet" → limel (compound fusion)

    Usage Examples

    Food & Consumption Terms

    Basic Terms

    • du [du] "meat" < Proto-Hick *duha → du (final vowel loss) Note: Basic term for animal flesh as food. Forms compounds with other food terms See: Body Parts for muscle/flesh meanings
    • duwes [du.wes] "food, nourishment" < Proto-Hick *duha-wesu → duwes (compound fusion, vowel loss) Note: From *duha-wesu "meat-cover", showing development:
      1. Compound: *duha-wesu "meat-cover"
      2. Fusion: *duhawesu > *duwesu
      3. Final: duwes with extended meaning "food" Forms verb duwes'er "to eat" Examples:
      • duwes'er "to eat" (with verbalizer -'er)
      • duwesimris "from food, because of food" (with ellative case)
      • kaduwes "edible" (with adjectival ka-)
    • mil [mil] "tallow, animal fat" < PH melu "liquid" Note: Shows semantic narrowing from general liquid to specifically rendered animal fat used in food preparation and preservation See: Body Parts

    Drink Terms

    • tirai [ti.rai] ", fermented drink" < tir-ai "sour-water" → tirai (compound fusion) Note: Shows cultural knowledge of fermentation process See: Taste Terms
    • melterai [mel.te.rai] "mead" < melter-ai "honey-water" → melterai (compound fusion) Note: Fermented honey drink See: Food Terms

    Preparation Terms

    • milai [mi.lai] "rendered fat, oil" < mil-ai "fat-water" Note: Shows parallel formation with tirai "fermented drink"
    • kirmil [kir.mil] "chest/organ fat" < kir-mil "chest-fat" Note: Prized internal fat used in cooking and preservation
    • palmil [pal.mil] "belly fat" < pal-mil "belly-fat" Note: Distinct type of fat used in specific food preparations
    • sulmil [sul.mil] "liver fat" < sul-mil "liver-fat" Note: Highly valued fat deposit, often preserved for medicinal or ritual use

    Derived Compounds

    • milai [mi.lai] "rendered fat, oil" < mil-ai "fat-water" Note: Shows parallel formation with tirai "fermented drink"
    • terok [te.rok] "drinker; drunkard" < ter-ok "flow-AGENT" → terok (agentive suffix) Note: One who drinks (professionally or habitually)
    • duwesok [du.we.sok] "eater, consumer" < duwes-ok "eat-AGENT" → duwesok (agentive marking)
    • torduwes [tor.du.wes] "feast, great eating" < tor-duwes "great-eat" → torduwes (compound fusion)
    • duwester [du.wes.ter] "meal time" < duwes-ter "eat-flow" → duwester (compound fusion)
    • duwesthral [du.wes.θral] "ritual feast" < duwes-thral "eat-sacred" → duwesthral (compound fusion)
    • duwesimris [du.we.sim.ris] "feed" < duwes-imris "food-ELL" → duwesimris (case lexicalization) Note: Derived from "duwes" (food) with the ellative case, indicating the act of providing food.
    • murduwes [mur.du.wes] "leftovers" < mur-duwes "night-eat" → murduwes (compound fusion) Note: Refers to food set aside for fermentation or preservation, metaphorically described as "night-eat," reflecting the practice of using surplus for future consumption.
    • kaduwes [ka.du.wes] "edible" < ka-duwes "like-food" → kaduwes (similarity prefix) Note: General term for anything that can be eaten. Shows productive use of ka- prefix for potential/capability
    • tir'er [tir.ʔer] "to wince; fermentation" < tir-'er "sour/wince-VERB" → tir'er (verbalizer suffix) Note: Shows connection between taste sensation and involuntary response, as well as the process of fermentation. See: Taste Terms, Bodily Functions, Process Terms

    Natural World

    Elements

    Derived Terms

    • 'ibris [ʔi.bris] "fire" < Proto-Hick *hi-brisu → 'ibris (animacy prefix) Note: Shows archaic animacy marking through glottal prefix, reflecting cultural view of fire as animate force. See: Sacred Terms, Elements
    • kagar [ka.gar] "hard" < ka-gar "stone-like" → kagar (compound fusion) Note: Adjectival form using productive ka- prefix. See: Material Terms

    Water Features

    Landforms

    Precipitation

    • aitar [ai.tar] "rain" < ai-tar "water-fall" → aitar (compound fusion)
    • bramis [bra.mis] "sea mist, coastal fog" < bram-mis "tide-mist" → bramis (nasal deletion)
    • miraitar [mi.rai.tar] "cold rain" < mir-aitar "cold-rain" → miraitar (compound fusion)

    Flora & Agriculture

    Basic Plant Terms

    • ris [ris] "reed" < Proto-Hick *risu → ris (final vowel loss)
    • wud [wud] "wood, tree" < Proto-Hick *wudu → wud (final vowel loss)
    • gras [gras] "grass" < Proto-Hick *grasu → gras (final vowel loss)
    • sed [sed] "seed" < Proto-Hick *sedu → sed (final vowel loss)
    • sar [sar] "leaf" < Proto-Hick *saru → sar (final vowel loss) Note: Also means "green" from leaf association
    • bran [bran] "branch" < Proto-Hick *bahu lu-haranu → bran (lit. "split from father") (compound fusion) (liquid deletion) Note: Preserved compound with ablative lu- marking
    • wen [wen] "flower" < Proto-Hick *venu -> wenu → wen (final vowel loss)
    • asa [a.sa] "vine" < Proto-Hick *hasa → asa (initial fricative loss) See: Flora & Agriculture
    • branlis [bran.lis] "tree berries; fruit" < bran-lis "branch-child" → branlis (compound fusion) Note: Metaphorical extension of "child" to "berries" and "fruit," reflecting cultural view of trees as nurturing figures.
    • 'irurlis [ʔi.rur.lis] "gourd; container" < 'irur-lis "hollow-fruit" → 'irurlis (compound fusion) Note: Combines the concepts of hollowness and fruit, reflecting the physical characteristics of gourds.
    • saresp [sa.resp] "sprout" < sar-esp "leaf-under" → saresp (compound fusion) Note: Metaphorical extension of hidden leaf beneath; reflects cultural view of growth as emergence from concealment. Forms verb saresp'er "to sprout" See: Flora & Agriculture

    Cultivated Plants

    • grased [ˈgra.sed] "grain" < gras-sed "grass-seed" → grased (compound fusion)
    • malris [ˈmal.ris] "water reed" < mal-ris "pool-reed" → malris (compound fusion)
    • ranris [ˈran.ris] "river reed" < ran-ris "stream-reed" → ranris (compound fusion)
    • thirwud [ˈθir.wud] "white wood" < thir-wud "white-wood" → thirwud (compound fusion)
    • marwud [mar.wud] "red wood" < mar-wud "red-wood" → marwud (compound fusion)

    Agricultural Terms

    • sedgral [sed.gral] "field" < sed-gral "seed-earth" → sedgral (compound fusion)
    • sedter [sed.ter] "planting time" < sed-ter "seed-flow" → sedter (compound fusion)
    • granmal [gran.mal] "grain storage" < gran-mal "grain-pool" → granmal (compound fusion)
    • sedok [se.dok] "planter, farmer" < sed-ok "seed-AGENT" → sedok (compound fusion)
    • graswad [gras.wad] "pasture path" < gras-wad "grass-path" → graswad (compound fusion)

    Garden Terms

    • thragral [θra.gral] "garden" < thral-gral "sacred-earth" → thragral (liquid deletion) See: Landforms Note: The dual meaning reflects the sacred nature of cultivated land in Hick culture, where gardens were seen as sanctified spaces
    • kelwud [kel.wud] "orchard" < kel-wud "leaf-wood" → kelwud (compound fusion)
    • riswad [ris.wad] "garden path" < ris-wad "reed-path" → riswad (compound fusion)
    • sedthral [sed.θral] "planting day" < sed-thral "seed-sacred" → sedthral (compound fusion)

    Horticulture Terms

    • wudgral [wud.gral] "orchard" < wud-thragral "wood-garden" → compound simplification → wudgral (compound fusion) Note: Shows connection between sacred garden and orchard

    Derived Terms

    • kabran [ka.bran] "crooked, leaning" < ka-bran "branch-like" → kabran (compound fusion) Note: From metaphorical extension of branch growth patterns. Forms common expression kabran 'irek'er "to lean" (lit. "stand crookedly"). See: Position/Stance Actions

    Sacred & Ritual

    Basic Terms

    • thral [θral] "day; sacred, ritual" < Proto-Hick *thralu → thral (final vowel loss) Note: Resists vowel reduction in compounds See: Time Terms

    • thren [θren] "watch, observe (ritual)" < Proto-Hick *threnu → thren (final vowel loss) Note: Maintains [e] in unstressed positions

    • wad [wad] "path, way" < Proto-Hick *wadu → wad (final vowel loss) See: Maritime Terms

    • ward [ward] "direct, guide" < Proto-Hick *wardu → ward (final vowel loss) See: Maritime Terms

    • thimer [θi.mer] "spiritual nurturing" < Proto-Hick *ha-meru → thimer (vowel reduction, stress shift)

      See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms Note: Preserves original nurturing sense in sacred context

    • mer [mer] "bird; parent" < Proto-Hick *meru "nurture, bird" → mer (final vowel loss) Note: Dual meaning reflects cultural connection between birds and parenting See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms

    • imthral [im.θral] "evil deity" < im-thral "evil-sacred" → imthral (compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term) See: Sacred Terms

    • imurthral [i.mur.θral] "cursed day/time" < imur-thral "evil.force-sacred" → imurthral (compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term) See: Time Terms

    • mulis [mu.lis] "dream, vision" < Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis (compound reduction, final vowel loss) See: Sacred Terms

    Time & Light

    Derived Terms

    • kathrakel [ka.θra.kel] "radiant, beautiful" < ka-thrakel "sun-like" → kathrakel (compound fusion) Note: From metaphorical extension of thrakel "sun". Shows cultural association between beauty and radiance. See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

    Material Culture

    Metals

    • ger [ger] "metal" < Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu (compound reduction) Note: Generalized from copper compound after kur specialized. Shows semantic shift from natural observation (green patina on stones) to material category
    • kur [kur] "copper" < Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu (compound reduction) Note: Specialized from first element of copper compound. Original meaning "moss" preserved in inland dialects
    • ir [ir] "iron" < Proto-Hick *xiru "mined ore" → ir (initial fricative loss, final vowel loss) Note: Basic term for iron, shows early mining culture
    • tin [tin] "tin" < Proto-Hick *tinu → tin (final vowel loss)
    • kurtin [kur.tin] "bronze" < kur-tin "copper-tin" → kurtin (compound fusion)
    • mar [mar] "rust, red metal" < Proto-Hick *maru → mar (final vowel loss) See: Colors
    • grakur [gra.kur] "grey copper" < gra-kur "grey-copper" → grakur (compound fusion)
    • 'ihir [ʔi.hir] "to mine (for ore)" < Proto-Hick *heru lu xiru → 'ihir (compound fusion) Note: Literally "move through ore", shows development of specialized mining terminology

    Maritime Terms

    • mater [ma.ter] "vessel, boat" < Proto-Hick *mataru-heru → mater (compound fusion) Note: From "vehicle-action", specialized for water transport. Unrelated to tre/matre despite similar form. See: Maritime Terms
    • materok [ma.te.rok] "vessel-guide, boatman" < mater-ok "vessel-AGENT" → materok (compound fusion) See: Agentive Suffix
    • rismater [ris.ma.ter] "reed-vessel" < ris-mater "reed-vessel" → rismater (compound fusion)
    • wudmater [wud.ma.ter] "wood-vessel" < wud-mater "wood-vessel" → wudmater (compound fusion)
    • brammater [bram.ma.ter] "river-vessel" < bram-mater "tide-vessel" → brammater (compound fusion)
    • kethmater [keθ.ma.ter] "sea-vessel" < keth-mater "sea-vessel" → kethmater (compound fusion)

    Example: materok-el rismater-im-ris keth-es ward-ter boatman-ERG reed.vessel-PROX-ELL sea-ABS direct-to "The boatman takes the reed boat to sea"

    Cultural Terms

    • 'iruretil [ʔi.ru.re.til] "gift" < 'irur-etil "hollow-thing" → 'iruretil (compound fusion) Note: Shows cultural link between containers and proper gifts. Always inanimate. See: Material Culture

    Flora & Fauna

    Basic Terms

    Animals

    Equestrian Terms

    • norath [no.raθ] "to ride (a mount)" < Eldrim nortʰa "to make run" → norath (borrowed term) Note: Early borrowing from Eldrim, shows cultural contact predating widespread horse domestication. See: Animal Terms, Motion Actions

    Bird Terms (Nocturnal)

    Colors

    With context, the word itself would be enough to mean the color, however to disambiguate from other meanings, the Similarity Prefix ka- is used.

    Some color terms do not have other semantic categories, for example 'gra' lost other meanings by Early Hick, this ka- is unnecessary.

    Magical Terms

    Basic Terms

    Derived Terms

    Time & Celestial

    Basic Terms

    Celestial Bodies

    • thrakel [θra.kel] "sun" < thral-kel "sacred-sky" → thrakel (liquid deletion)
    • murkel [mur.kel] "night sky" < mur-kel "night-sky" → murkel (compound fusion)
    • thurkel [θur.kel] "evening sky" < thur-kel "dusk-sky" → thurkel (compound fusion)
    • brakel [bra.kel] "morning sky" < bran-kel "dawn-sky" → brakel (nasal deletion)

    Body Parts

    Basic Terms

    Face Terms

    Trunk Terms

    • kir [kir] "chest, front" < Proto-Hick *esgiru → kir (final vowel loss) See: Sacred Terms, Person Terms
    • dor [dor] "back, behind" < Proto-Hick *doru → dor (final vowel loss) See: Landscape Terms, Maritime Terms
    • pal [pal] "belly, center" < Proto-Hick *palu → pal (final vowel loss) See: Sacred Terms, Landscape Terms
    • thal [θal] "side, flank" < Proto-Hick *thalu → thal (final vowel loss) See: Landscape Terms
    • vinusam [vi.nu.sam] "shoulder" < PH *vinu xasamu "yoke rest" Note: Names shoulder for its function as resting place for burdens See: Body Parts
    • dorgar [dor.gər] "spine" < dor-gar "back-bone" Note: Transparent descriptive compound See: Body Parts
    • kir'irur [kir.ʔi.rur] "ribcage" < kir-'irur "chest-container" Note: Conceptualizes ribcage as a container/basket, parallel to 'irurlis "gourd/container" See: Food & Consumption Terms for 'irurlis
    • kirgar [kir.gər] "rib" < kir-gar "chest-bone" Note: Single bone of the ribcage; plural makirgar for full set of ribs See: Body Parts, kir'irur "ribcage"
    • brast [brast] "dominant arm" < Proto-Hick *bara-satu "prominent-appendage" → brast (compound fusion) Note: Specifically refers to dominant arm, contrasting with ret "arm (general)". Forms verb brast'er "to reach". Cultural link to tak "right (direction)". See: Body Parts

    Internal

    • mar [mar] "blood, life-fluid" < Proto-Hick *maru → mar (final vowel loss) See: Colors, Sacred Terms, Metals
    • ter [ter] "flow, fluid" < Proto-Hick *teru → ter (final vowel loss) See: Water Features, Maritime Terms
    • mel [mel] "tallow, animal fat" < PH melu "liquid" Note: Shows semantic narrowing from general liquid to specifically animal fat See: Body Parts
    • kirmel [kir.mel] "chest/organ fat" < kir-mel "chest-fat" Note: Distinguishes valuable internal fat deposits from other types
    • du [du] "meat" < Proto-Hick *duha → du (final vowel loss) Note: Basic term for animal flesh as food. Forms compounds with other food terms See: Body Parts for muscle/flesh meanings
    • vinlas [vin.las] "fetus, unborn child" < vin-las "pregnancy-ILL" → vinlas (case lexicalization) Note: Shows lexicalization of illative case marking location within. See: Person Terms, Body Terms

    Derived Terms

    • kawak [ka.wak] "soft" < ka-wak "breast-like" → kawak (compound fusion) Note: From metaphorical extension of wak "breast". Shows cultural association between softness and nurturing. Forms natural contrast with kagar "hard". See: Body Parts, Abstract Concepts

    Bodily Functions & States

    Basic Terms

    Derived Terms

    • vinuimris [vi.nu.im.ris] "to give birth" < vinu-imris "pregnancy-ELL" → vinuimris (ellative case) Note: Lexicalized from ellative case of "pregnancy" See: Verbal Terms, Sacred Terms
    • murvinuiter [mur.vi.nu.i.ter] "abortion" < murvinu-imris "stillbirth-ELL" → murvinuiter (ellative case) Note: Uses ellative case to indicate "from/out of stillbirth" See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms
    • pakupak [ˈpa.ku.pək] "tickle" < Proto-Hick *pakupaku → pakupak (final vowel loss) Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication, shows unstressed vowel reduction See: Basic Terms

    Compound Terms

    Architecture

    Basic Terms

    • iskel [is.kel] "window" < is-kel "out-sky" → iskel (compound fusion)
    • iskelai [is.ke.lai] "window condensation" < iskel-ai "window-water" → iskelai (compound fusion)
    • asad [a.sad] "bridge" < Proto-Hick *hasa-wadu → asad (compound fusion) Note: From 'vine' + 'path', shows typical development of infrastructure terms from natural materials

    Military

    • branlir [bran.lir] "watchtower" < bran-lir "ridge-watch" → branlir (compound fusion)

    Construction Terms

    Vehicular Terms

    Basic Terms

    • tre [tre] "wagon, cart" < Proto-Hick *mataru → matre → tre (final vowel loss) Note: Back-formed from matre through reanalysis of ma- as plural prefix. See: Vehicle Terms
    • matre [ma.tre] "caravan" < ma-tre "plural-wagon" → matre (compound fusion) Note: Original form from *mataru, reanalyzed as plural compound leading to back-formation of tre. See: Vehicle Terms
    • mater [ma.ter] "vessel, boat" < Proto-Hick *mataru-heru → mater (compound fusion) Note: From "vehicle-action", specialized for water transport. From same root *mataru as tre/matre but with different development. See: Maritime Terms

    Derived Terms

    • matre [ma.tre] "caravan" < ma-tre "plural-wagon" → matre (compound fusion) Note: Original form from *mataru, reanalyzed as plural compound leading to back-formation of tre. See: Vehicle Terms

    Household Terms

    • arasaditar [a.ra.sa.di.tar] "table" < arasad-itar → arasaditar Note: From arasad "plank" + -itar (SUPE), literally "elevated plank" See also Construction Terms

    Climate & Weather

    Temperature Terms

    Wind Terms

    Cardinal Winds

    • torulbres [to.rul.bres] "north wind" < tor-ul-bres "mountain-POSS-wind" → torulbres (compound fusion) Note: Literally "mountain's wind". Later replaced by eldalulbres in many regions after Eldrim contact. See: Landforms

    • eldalulbres [el.da.lul.bres] "north wind" < eldal-ul-bres "elf-POSS-wind" → eldalulbres (compound fusion) Note: Emerged after Eldrim conflicts, eventually replacing torulbres in most dialects. Shows cultural trauma associated with northern winds.

    • kethulbres [ke.θul.bres] "east wind" < keth-ul-bres "sea-POSS-wind" → kethulbres (compound fusion) Note: Common in eastern coastal regions. See: Maritime Terms

    • thilulbres [θi.lul.bres] "south wind" < thil-ul-bres "virtue-POSS-wind" → thilulbres (compound fusion) Note: Associated with favorable weather and good fortune. Shows semantic link between moral and natural forces.

    • aitarulbres [ai.ta.rul.bres] "west wind" < aitar-ul-bres "rain-POSS-wind" → aitarulbres (compound fusion) Note: Primarily used in coastal regions, associated with rainfall patterns. Inland regions often used libres. See: Water Terms

    Regional Variations

    • libres [li.bres] "gentle wind" < li-bres "DIM-wind" → libres (compound fusion) Note: Used primarily inland for weakened western winds after mountain crossing. Shows regional variation in wind terminology.

    Seasonal Terms

    Musical Terms

    Basic Terms

    • takutak [ˈta.ku.tək] "rhythm" < Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutak (final vowel loss) Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication
    • 'irur [ʔi.rur] "repetition" < Proto-Hick *heru-heru → 'irur (compound reduction) Note: Shows reduplication of root *heru "action"

    Instruments

    • 'irurtak [ʔi.rur.tak] "drum" < 'irur-tak "hollow-hit" → 'irurtak (compound fusion) Note: Shows cultural connection between hollow objects and percussion instruments

    Person Terms

    Basic Terms

    • 'al [ʔal] "person" < Proto-Hick hi- animacy marker + Proth-Hick *ʔalu "person" → 'al (final vowel loss) See: Political Terms
    • kir [kir] "body, physical form" < Proto-Hick *kiru → kir (final vowel loss) See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms
    • kiris [ki.ris] "outsider" < Proto-Hick *kiru-ʔisu "body-out" → kiris (compound fusion) Note: Shows archaic directional suffix. See: Person Terms
    • kiriter [ki.ri.ter] "foreigner, stranger" < Inland Hick kir-iter "body-ELL" Note: Borrowed from inland dialects with productive ellative suffix -iter (vs coastal -imris). Contrasts with archaic kiris. See: Person Terms, Directional Terms
    • gal [gal] "man" < Proto-Hick garu + ʔalu → gar'el "hard-person" → gal
    • wen'al [wen.ʔal] "woman" < wen-'al "flower person" → wen'al (compound fusion)
    • 'eldal [ʔl.dal] "elf (individual)" < Quenya elda+'al "elf-person" → 'eldal (compound reduction) Note: Borrowing from Sindarin eldrim with native person marker See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms
    • 'eldalok [ʔel.da.lok] "elven people" < 'eldal-ok "elf-AGENT" → 'eldalok (agentive marking) Note: Collective form using agentive suffix to mark social group See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms
    • ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok] "community member" < ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person". See: Person Terms, Political Terms
    • vinok [vi.nok] "baby, infant" < vin-ok "pregnancy-AGENT" → vinok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows semantic extension from agentive to resultative meaning. See: Person Terms, Kinship Terms
    • imasamok [i.ma.sa.mok] "coward" < imasam-ok "cower-AGENT" → imasamok (agentive suffix) Note: Literally "one who cowers". Shows productive use of agentive suffix with compound base. See: Person Terms

    Spirit Terms

    Derived Terms

    • ma'al [ma.ʔal] "community, tribe" < ma-'al "COLL-person" → ma'al (compound fusion) See: Political Terms Note: Collective term implying social/political unity rather than simple plurality
    • vinlas [vin.las] "fetus, unborn child" < vin-las "pregnancy-ILL" → vinlas (case lexicalization) Note: Shows lexicalization of illative case marking location within. See: Person Terms, Body Terms 1

    Name & Identity Terms

    • bar [bar] "name, mark of identity" < Proto-Hick *baru → bar (final vowel loss) Note: Core term for personal and social identity

    Derived Terms

    • barlas [ba.r.las] "personal name" < bar-las "name-ILL" → barlas (case lexicalization) Note: Used for intimate/personal names

    • barimris [ba.rim.ris] "reputation, public name" < bar-imris "name-ELL" → barimris (case lexicalization) Note: Used for social standing and public identity

    • bar'er [bar.ʔer] "to name, to call" < bar-'er "name-VERB" → bar'er (verbalizer suffix) Note: Basic verb for naming/calling

    Compound Terms

    • thralbar [θral.bar] "sacred name" < thral-bar "sacred-name" → thralbar (compound fusion) Note: Used in ritual contexts

    • barul [ba.rul] "name-keeper" < bar-ul "name-POSS" → barul (possessive suffix) Note: One who maintains genealogical records

    • mobar [mo.bar] "unnamed, nameless" < mo-bar "NEG-name" → mobar (negation prefix) Note: Used for both literal namelessness and social outcasts

    Political Terms

    Basic Terms

    • ma'al [ma.ʔal] "community, tribe" < ma-'al "COLL-person" → ma'al See: Person Terms
    • ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok] "community member" < ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person". See: Person Terms, Political Terms
    • im'irok [im.ʔi.rok] "enemy, adversary" < im'ir-ok "ill.intent-AGENT" → im'irok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with abstract concepts. See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms

    Communication Terms

    Social Terms

    Basic Terms

    • paket [pa.ket] "talk" < Proto-Hick *pakata → paket (final vowel loss, vowel reduction) Note: Forms verb paket'er "to speak, to talk" See: Communication Terms
    • ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok] "community member" < ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person". See: Person Terms, Political Terms
    • natlas [nat.las] "friend" < gnater-las "desire-ILL" → natlas (compound fusion) Note: Shows cluster simplification and case lexicalization. From "one in a state of desire/affection" to "friend". Compare grammaticalized desiderative -nat. See: Social Terms, Case System

    Love Terms

    • sibris [si.bris] "infatuation, first love" < Proto-Hick *silu-hibrisu → sibris (compound fusion) Note: From "skin-fire", metaphorical extension to passionate but potentially fleeting emotion. Contrasts with meris "enduring love". See: Abstract Concepts
    • meris [me.ris] "romantic love" < Proto-Hick *meru-risu → meris (compound fusion) Note: From "heart-towards", metaphorical extension to deep, lasting emotional bond. Shows archaic lative case usage. See: Abstract Concepts, Case System

    Exchanges

    • 'iruretil [ʔi.ru.re.til] "gift" < 'irur-etil "hollow-thing" → 'iruretil (compound fusion) Note: Shows cultural link between containers and proper gifts. Always inanimate. See: Material Culture
    • 'irursibris [ʔi.rur.sib.ris] "ceremonial gift, dowry" < 'irur-sibris "hollow-love" → 'irursibris (compound fusion) Note: Used for significant life events and marriage gifts. Shows cultural formalization of gift-giving. See: Sacred Terms

    Kinship Terms

    Basic Terms

    Compound Terms

    • merlis [mer.lis] "offspring" < mer-lis "parent-child" → merlis (compound fusion)
    • bran [bran] "lineage, family branch" < Proto-Hick *bahu lu-haranu → bran (lit. "split from father") (compound fusion) (liquid deletion) Note: Same term used for tree branch; see Flora Terms
    • thirmer [θir.mer] "grandparent" < thir-mer "elder-parent" → thirmer (compound fusion)
    • thirlis [θir.lis] "grandchild" < thir-lis "elder-child" → thirlis (compound fusion)
    • tormer [tor.mer] "ancestor" < tor-mer "great-parent" → tormer (compound fusion)
    • limer [li.mer] "younger parent/aunt/uncle" < li-mer "small-parent" → limer (compound fusion)
    • thirba [θir.ba] "grandfather" < thir-ba "elder-father" → thirba (compound fusion)
    • thirnai [θir.nai] "grandmother" < thir-nai "elder-mother" → thirnai (compound fusion)
    • torba [tor.ba] "ancestor (paternal)" < tor-ba "great-father" → torba (compound fusion)
    • tornai [tor.nai] "ancestor (maternal)" < tor-nai "great-mother" → tornai (compound fusion)
    • liba [li.ba] "uncle (paternal)" < li-ba "lesser-father" → liba (compound fusion)
    • linai [li.nai] "aunt (maternal)" < li-nai "lesser-mother" → linai (compound fusion)
    • vinok [vi.nok] "baby, infant" < vin-ok "pregnancy-AGENT" → vinok (agentive suffix) Note: Shows semantic extension from agentive to resultative meaning. See: Person Terms, Kinship Terms

    Usage Examples

    • merlis-el thirmer-es thren-ʔer
      offspring-ERG grandparent-ABS watch-ACT
      "The offspring watches the grandparent"

    Number System

    Basic Numbers

    • sin [sin] "one" < Proto-Hick *su-inu → sin (counting form) (final vowel loss)
    • tir [tir] "two" < Proto-Hick *tiru → tir (basic form) (final vowel loss)
    • thal [θal] "three" < Proto-Hick *thalu → thal (basic form) (final vowel loss)
    • fen [fen] "four" < Proto-Hick *fen-inu → fen (counting form) (final vowel loss)
    • pil [pil] "five" < Proto-Hick *pilu → pil (basic form) (final vowel loss)
    • sek [sek] "six" < Proto-Hick *seku → sek (basic form) (final vowel loss)
    • pran [pran] "seven" < Proto-Hick *pran-inu → pran (counting form) (final vowel loss)
    • kres [kres] "eight" < Proto-Hick *kresu → kres (basic form) (final vowel loss)
    • sinkres [sin.kres] "nine" < sin-kres "one-eight" → sinkres (compound fusion)
    • tirkres [tir.kres] "ten" < tir-kres "two-eight" → tirkres (compound fusion)
    • keth [keθ] "hundred" < Proto-Hick *kethu → keth (final vowel loss)
    • thran [θran] "thousand" < Proto-Hick *thran-inu → thran (counting form) (final vowel loss)

    Derived Number Terms

    • ma-kres [ma.kres] "many" < ma-kres "PL-eight" → makres (compound fusion)
    • ma-sin [ma.sin] "everyone" < ma-sin "PL-one" → masin (compound fusion)
    • ma-thal [ma.θal] "group (of people)" < ma-thal "PL-three" → mathal (compound fusion)
    • haran [ha.ran] "divide (numbers)" < Proto-Hick *haranu → haran (metaphorical extension from "split") See: Basic Terms

    Suffixes

    • -eth [-eθ] "inanimate ordinal suffix" < Proto-Hick *-ethu → -eth (final vowel loss) Note: Forms ordinals for inanimate objects. Examples:
      • sineth [si.neθ] "first (of things)" < sin-eth "one-ORD.INAN"
      • tireth [ti.reθ] "second (of things)" < tir-eth "two-ORD.INAN"
    • -thir [-θir] "animate ordinal suffix" < Proto-Hick *-thiru → -thir (final vowel loss) Note: Forms ordinals for animate beings, from root meaning "known/visible". Examples:
      • sinthir [sin.θir] "first (of beings)" < sin-thir "one-ORD.ANIM"
      • tirthir [tir.θir] "second (of beings)" < tir-thir "two-ORD.ANIM"

    Negation and Opposition

    Basic Terms

    Compound Terms with imur-

    • imurmal [i.mur.mal] "evil pool, cursed waters" < imur-mal → imurmal (compound fusion)
    • imurtor [i.mur.tor] "evil peak, forbidden mountain" < imur-tor → imurtor (compound fusion)
    • imurwad [i.mur.wad] "evil path, dangerous route" < imur-wad → imurwad (compound fusion)
    • imurthral [i.mur.θral] "cursed day/time" < imur-thral → imurthral (compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term) See: Time Terms
    • imurai [i.mu.rai] "stinky" < imur-ai "bad-air" → imurai (compound fusion) Note: Describes an unpleasant smell, metaphorically derived from the concept of bad air.

    Usage Examples

    • imur-thir-es thral-ʔer evil-KNOWN.ANIM-ABS sacred-ACT "The known evil one is sacred"
    • mo-thral-es ward-ter NEG-sacred-ABS direct-to "Direct (it) to the unsacred one"

    Pastoral Terms

    • gras [gras] "grass" < Proto-Hick *grasu → gras (final vowel loss) Note: Basic pastoral term. Forms two verbs:
      • gras'er "to graze" (animal eating grass)
      • graslas "to herd, take to graze" (from illative: 'into grazing') See also Action Terms

    Borrowed Terms

    Elven Borrowings

    Place Names

    Demonstratives

    • -'is [-ʔis] "this (animate)" < Proto-Hick *'isa → 'is (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • 'al-'is [ˈʔal.ʔis] "this person" < 'al-'is "person-this"
      • gal-'is [ˈgal.ʔis] "this man" < gal-'is "man-this"

    • -is [-is] "this (inanimate)" < Proto-Hick *isa → is (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • tal-is [ˈta.lis] "this place" < tal-is "place-this"
      • mal-is [ˈma.lis] "this pool" < mal-is "pool-this"

    • -tan [-tan] "that (animate)" < Proto-Hick *tana → tan (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • 'al-tan [ˈʔal.tan] "that person" < 'al-tan "person-that"
      • gal-tan [ˈgal.tan] "that man" < gal-tan "man-that"

    • -en [-en] "that (inanimate)" < Proto-Hick *ena → en (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • tal-en [ˈta.len] "that place" < tal-en "place-that"
      • mal-en [ˈma.len] "that pool" < mal-en "pool-that"

    Derivational Patterns

    Compound Formation

    • Element + Element: kurtin "bronze" < kur-tin "copper-tin" → kurtin (compound fusion)
    • Descriptor + Element: grakur "grey copper" < gra-kur "grey-copper" → grakur (compound fusion)
    • Location + Base: brammater "river-vessel" < bram-mater "tide-vessel" → brammater (compound fusion)

    Augmentative/Diminutive

    • tor- [tor] "great" < Proto-Hick *toru → tor (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • tornes [ˈtor.nes] "whale" < tor-nes "great-fish"
      • tomal [ˈto.məl] "lake" < tor-mal "great-pool" Note: Shows liquid deletion and vowel reduction in unstressed syllables

    • li- [li] "small" < Proto-Hick *lisu → li (final vowel loss) Examples:

      • limal [ˈli.məl] "pond" < li-mal "small-pool"
      • limur [ˈli.mur] "small owl" < li-mur "small-owl" Note: Triggers reduction in following syllables

    Agentive Suffix

    • -ok [-ok] "agent" < Proto-Hick *-oku → -ok (final vowel loss) Examples:
      • materok [ˈma.te.ˌrok] "boatman" < mater-ok "vessel-AGENT"
      • wardok [ˈwar.dok] "guide" < ward-ok "direct-AGENT" Note: Receives secondary stress in three-syllable words

    Adjectival Prefix ka-

    • ka- [ka] "like, having quality of" < Proto-Hick *kasa → ka (final vowel loss) Note: Developing from similarity marker to general adjectivizer Examples:
      • kasul [ka.sul] "energetic" < ka-sul "liver-like"
      • kames [ka.mes] "emotional" < ka-mes "heart-like"
      • kamar [ka.mar] "red, ruddy" < ka-mar "blood-like"
      • kagral [ka.gral] "earthy" < ka-gral "earth-like"
      • kalis [ka.lis] "clear, obvious" < ka-lis "eye-like"

    Sound Changes in Compounds

    Liquid Deletion

    Nasal Deletion

    Compound Simplification

    • tor-mur-mer → tomur "great owl"
    • thur-mur-mer → thurmur "dusk owl"
    • li-mur-mer → limur "small owl" See: Compound Simplification

    Tactile Properties

    Basic Terms

    Cross-Reference Index

    Example Sentences

    1. ai-es ter-ʔer
      water-ABS flow-ACT
      "Water flows"
    2. mal-thir-el ai-es ward-ter
      pool-KNOWN.ANIM-ERG water-ABS contain-to
      "The known pool contains water"
    3. tor-thir-es thral-ʔer
      peak-KNOWN.ANIM-ABS sacred-ACT
      "The known peak is sacred"
    4. materok-el kethmater-im-ris keth-es ward-ter
      boatman-ERG sea.vessel-PROX-ELL sea-ABS direct-to
      "The boatman takes the sea vessel to the ocean"
    5. murmer-is-el sak-es thren-ʔer
      owl-PROX.ANIM-ERG wolf-ABS watch-ACT
      "This owl watches the wolf"

    Common Phrases & Expressions

    Greetings & Well-Wishes

    • 'al-el 'ilitar venuiter-es "congratulations on your birth/happy birthday" (lit. "person-ERG good-upon birth-ABS") Note: Formal congratulatory expression using superessive case See: Case System
    • 'imeritares [ʔi.me.ri.ta.res] ~ imeritares [i.me.ri.ta.res] ~ imritares [im.ri.ta.res] "welcome; raised spirits" < 'imer "life" + -itar (SUPE) + -es (ABS) → ('i)meritares (case lexicalization) Note: Formal greeting. Dialectal loss of initial glottal stop allows semantic extension from "upon life" to "raised breath/soul" through reanalysis with imer "breath/soul" + superessive -itar. Common usage leads to simplified form imritares. See: Spirit Terms, Common Phrases
    • 'ilitar sarespes [ʔi.li.tar sa.res.pes] "Happy New Year" (lit. "goodness upon the sprout") Note: Traditional New Year greeting exchanged on sinthir sarespul thrales. Shows cultural link between agricultural cycles and well-wishing. The formal construction with superessive -itar reflects the blessing's ritual nature. See: Time Terms, Sacred Terms, Common Phrases

    Cultural Practices

    • 'irurlises duwesimris [ʔi.rur.lis.es du.we.sim.ris] "gift-giving" < 'irur-lis-es duwes-imris "hollow-fruit-ABS feed-ELL" → 'irurlises duwesimris
      Note: Cultural practice of giving filled gourds as gifts during harvest festivals, metaphorically described as "feeding the gourd."
    • sinthir sarespul thrales [ˈsin.θir sa.ˈres.pul ˈθra.les] "New Year's Day; first day of spring" (lit. "first sprout's day") Note: Marks the agricultural new year when the first sprout emerges. Shows the cultural significance of plant growth cycles in Early Hick timekeeping. The use of animate ordinal (-thir) reflects the personification of the first sprout as an active participant in the yearly cycle. See: Time Terms, Sacred Terms, Flora & Agriculture