Observations on the Languages of Tamriel

Falmer Language

When comparing Falmeris to Ayleidoon one can see many similarities. Words such as “ye” (and), “buro(i)” (slaves), “gandra” (gifts) and many more share the same meaning in both Falmeris and Ayleidoon. This can also be seen in the names of Falmer and Ayleids:

Ayleid — Umaril, Celethelel, Tjurhane

Falmer — Gelebor, Celegriath, Vyrthur

Therefore if the language is similar we can go further and attest that their culture and origins are similar. If so then I’d go and say that the Falmer are actually the Northern subgroup of the larger Ayleid culture. From this we can extract that the Falmer had a similar if not exact replica of the Ayleid pantheon with the same amount of reverence for Magnus, Auri-el and Aetherius. Whether this reverence continued on to Meridia and other Daedra or whether or not the Falmer shared the same passion for torture and enslavery, I am not sure.

Dwemer Language

Dwemeris is the most alien of the languages of Tamriel. Its spellings and its names are different to any other language of Tamriel and its connection to Aldmeris is faint. Names such as Kagrenac, Dumac and Nchunak are for more harsh than the average soft Mer name and placenames such as far more so. Each Dwemer stronghold or city seems to share a part of their name with another which hints at a common name or word between strongholds. Examples of this include the stronghold of Mzuleft in Vvardenfell and Mzulft in Skyrim and the city of Arkngthand in Morrowind and Arkngthamz in Skyrim.

The reason for such a language is unknown but I conclude in saying that the language was a construct of the Dwemer just like everything else in their society. The Dwemer probably found a problem with Aldmeris and so built a new and better one just like they did with their animinculi.

Tamrielic Language Tree

Here is a language tree that I created in order to show the connections between all the various languages of Tamriel. Unfortunately I could not find a way to place Ta’Agra or Yoku within the tree but to all those wondering they come under Ehlnofex, both individually.

As always please feel free to critique, comment and correct me in the replies.