This script was invented by Ian James, who was inspired by the language used in James Cameron’s movie Avatar, released in December 2009. The language Na’vi was in turn invented by linguist Paul Frommer. The speakers of this language live on the fictional planet Pandora in a natural symbiosis with the flora and fauna around them. Some information about the language can be found at LearnNavi.org.
The phonology of Na’vi is fairly simple and euphonious. Here, each consonant is shown with the vowel /a/ attached and, where applicable, in its syllabic-final or solo form in the right column. It will be noticed that, except for the liquids and glides, there is a family of base shapes which are modifed for various articulations. In the official transcription used here, the only surprise is the set of ejectives, which have x as their second letter.
Here are the other vowels, shown with the syllable onset /p/ attached. In the second line, the so-called pseudo-vowels /rr/ and /ll/ are shown, as well as a diphthong and a vowel cluster.
(There is still some uncertainty over correct resolution of diphthongs and glides within a string of vowels.)
Punctuation features simple diagonal slashes: one for comma, two for period, three for a stressed comment or exclamation.
There is as yet very little official material available regarding Na’vi dialogue. Here are some words and phrases gleaned from the internet.
1. Oeri ta peyä fahew akewong ontu teya längu.
My nose is full of his alien smell.
2. Fìskxawngìri tsap’alute sengi oe.
I apologise for this moron.
3. Oel ngati kameie.
I see you.
4. Txo new nga rivey, oehu!
Come with me if you want to live!
5. Eywa
the Pandoran deity
6. tiftia kifkeiä
science
In addition, there is a non-cursive alphabet inspired by the look of letters printed in documents of the Sky People (humans).
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Feedback about Nav may be sent to ianrjames[at]hotmail[dot]com
Akkhara Muni, Amethyst, Bostani, Elektrum, Fontok, Klaekson-Zaen, Maui, New Akha, New Maori, New Mong, Pranish, SIGIL, Sigil Panel Script, Slinseng-Fi, Tengwar for Scottish Gaelic, Xylphika
See also: http://www.skyknowledge.com/orthographies.htm
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