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Basic Dictionary/Guide
Collection/Compilation of WoW languages.
(Closed Thread) -Special
----Language----
A language is a lexicon of words that various characters use to speak to each other and communicate. In World of Warcraft, most races have a unique language they speak that only they can understand. Each faction shares a common language of the dominant race (Orcish for Horde and Common for Alliance).
A language may or may not have an associated alphabet for writing. Several languages may share the same alphabet, or may have a specific alphabet used only for that language.
It should be noted that traditionally (in the RTS games and the pen & paper RPG) almost all intelligent races speak Common. The ability for player characters to learn additional languages was planned early in World of Warcraft but was not developed, likely due to the tendency of cross-faction communication to be insulting and profane. It seems unlikely that this functionality will ever be added. The Forsaken were originally able to speak Common and communicate with Alliance players, but this was removed with the introduction of Gutterspeak due to, once again, the tendency of cross-faction communication to be insulting and profane.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Humans --> Common ------> Common
Night Elves --> Darnassian -----> Darnassian
Dwarves --> Dwarven -------> (Dwarvish) Runic
Gnomes ----> Gnomish -------> Common
Draenei ----> Draenei --------> Eredic (presumed)
Worgen ----> Worgen --------> Unknown
Horde languages:
The Horde's primary language is Orcish.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Orcs -----> Orc or Orcish ------> Common, Runic
Trolls -----> Zandali (Troll) -------> Unknown
Tauren ----> Taur-ahe (Taurahe) ---> Pictoforms
Undead ---> Gutterspeak -------> Common
Blood Elves --> Thalassian -------> Darnassian
Goblin -----> Common
Other known languages:
Generally, ''less'' civilized races (kobolds, etc.) speak Low Common.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Lesser Races -------> Low Common ------> None
Arakkoa -----------> Ravenspeech
Demons -----------> Eredun (Demonic) ---> Eredic
Elementals --------> Kalimag -----------> Runic
Half-elves --------> Thalassian, Common --> Darnassian
High elves --------> Thalassian ----------> Darnassian
Various ----------> Giant
Various -----------> Elven -------------> Darnassian
Dragons ----------> Draconic -----------> Runic
Naga------------> Nazja -------------> Darnassian
Scourge ---------> Language of Death ----> "strange Symbols"
Titans ------------> Titan --------------> Runic, Glyphs
Murlocs -----------> Nerglish (Murloc) -----> Pictoforms
Makrura -----------> Nerglish -----------> Pictoforms
Furbolgs ----------> Ursine (Furbolg) -----> Pictoforms
Gnolls -------------> Low Common, Gnoll --> Pictoforms
Nerubians ---------> Nerubian ------------> Runic
Tuskarrs ----------> Tuskarr -----------> Pictoforms
Pandaren ---------> Pandaren ----------> Unknown
Giants ------------> Giant, Titan, Kalimag --> Unknown
Various -----------> Kalimdoran --------> Unknown
Various -----------> Abyssal -----------> Unknown
Qiraji -------------> Qiraji --------------> Unknown
Krenka Clan Centaur --> Krenkese ----------> Unknown
Water Elementals --> Aquan ------------> Unknown
Air Elementals -----> Auran -------------> Unknown
Fire Elementals ----> Ignan -------------> Unknown
Earth Elementals --> Terran -------------> Unknown
============================================================================================================
~ORC/ORCISH~
"...Horde is spilling Horde's blood is tearing me apart... if we don't make it through this, I want you to know, you have always been my friend.. my brother, for the Horde.."
—Thrall, son of Durotan
Orcish (called Orc in the pre-WoW Warcraft RPG books) is the primary language of the orcs and is used throughout the Horde faction. All Horde characters understand Orcish speech, even without explicit lore reasons (such as the Forsaken and the Blood Elves). Orcish is written using a combination of Common alphabet and runes.
Orcish is a coarser language than Common, and many words lack the subtlety of Common. Orcs rely on context, repetition and volume to add emphasis or meaning. There are many orc dialects, examples include one spoken by the majority of the Horde, and another by orcs living near Durnholde. Even separate tribes had variations of dialect that differed so much that orcs could not understand each other unless they spoke the common tongue. The main form of the Orcish language used by all the tribes is known as common Orcish.
Here are a few common orcish phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard:
"Aka'Magosh" => "A blessing on you and yours" (A greeting.)
"Bin mog g'thazag cha" => "I will protect you"
"Dabu" => "I obey"
"Dae'mon" => "Twisted soul"; appears to be used in the same way as Man'ari in Draenei.
"Dranosh" => "Heart of Draenor"
"Gar'mak" => "Anguish"
"Gol'Kosh" => "By my axe"
"Grombolar" => "Bowels of the giant"
"Grommash" => "The Giant's Heart"
"Kagh!" => "Run!"
"Lak'tuk" => "Suffering"
"Lo'Gosh" => "Ghost Wolf"
"Lohn'goron" => "Hero's Sojourn"
"Lok-Narash" => "Arm yourselves"
"Lok-Regar" => "Ready for orders"
"Lok'tar!" => "Victory!" (A war cry. Also a greeting while in combat.)
"Lok'tar ogar" => "Victory or death" (A war cry)
"Lok'amon" => Traditional orcish song sung about starting a family.
"Lok'tra" => Traditional orcish song sung about a battle.
"Lok'vadnod" => Traditional orcish song sung about the life of a hero.
"Mag'har" => "Uncorrupted", brown-skinned orcs based in Garadar in Nagrand.
"Mok'nathal" => "The Sons of Nath" (honorable title)
"Nagrand" => "Land of Winds"
"Oshu'Gun" => "Mountain of Spirits"
"Swobu" => "As you command"
"Throm-Ka" => "Well met" (A greeting.)
"Trk'hsk" => "Bloodshed in battle" (some orcs in the Durnholde area use the word with a different meaning, namely "that sacrificed to the earth" in order to make crops grow.)
"Zug-zug" or "Zug zug" => Acknowledgment and agreement; roughly the equivalent of "okay".
~Orcish Names~
Most orcish names derive from words in their language that have some complex meaning or hidden significance to their families. Typically, this is the name of a favorite thing or relative. Family names don't exist: most orcs have last names related to some great deed of heroism or honor. However, in the case of truly incredible deeds, an orc might take on the last name of his father to ensure that the chronicle of that terrific deed lives on. The concept of honor is seen in every level of orc society, even in their naming practices. An orc’s first name is given early in life, often derived from a family name or the name of a great hero. The tribe bestows the second name after the orc reaches maturity, this name based upon some great deed. Such a practice gives rise to surnames such as Doomhammer, Elfkicker, Foe-ender, Skullsplitter, Thumper, and the like. This second name may be changed if a new one seems more appropriate.
Male Names: Grom, Thrum, Drog, Gorrum, Harg, Thurg, Karg.
Female Names: Groma, Hargu, Igrim, Agra, Dragga, Grima.
Family Names: Doomhammer, Deadeye, Forebinder, Elfkiller, Skullsplitter, Axeripper, Tearshorn, Fistcrusher.
~Untranslated Orcish~
Gor'gaz - Fel orc camp in Hellfire Peninsula.
Grangol'var - Shadow Council village in Terokkar Forest.
Grom'gol - Horde camp in Stranglethorn Vale. Probably means "Giant's Axe" or "Giant Axe."
Gor-dook - Warcraft II (phonetic spelling)
Kor'kron - Thrall's elite guard, possibly means "Sons of the Horde".
Kosh'harg - An orcish celebration.
Mak'gora - Said by Garrosh Hellscream, believed to be a challenge.
Mar'n Varb'nov - Found on a stone tablet near Orgrimmar. Probably is a mating call.
Mok'ra - "Greetings!." Or "Hello."
Mok-thorin ka! - said by Commander Kolurg
Mor'shan - Warsong Gulch base camp in the Barrens.
Om'riggor - Orcish rite of adulthood.
Valormok - Horde camp in Azshara.
Zeth'Gor - Fel orc fort in Hellfire Peninsula.
Zeth'kur - Former orcish port town.
Zoram'gar - Horde camp in eastern Ashenvale. This may also be Zandali.
Lok-regar no'gall/on-dabu - Warcraft III (phonetic spelling)
Note that many orc locations are directly named for prominent orcs, including Bladefist Bay, Durotar, Garadar, Grommash Hold, Kargath, Kargathia Keep, Orgrimmar, and Thrallmar. Further, it can be noted that -ar or -mar seems to be a frequent suffix to denote a place named for another orc.
===========================================================================================================
~NIGHT ELVES~
"Darkness covered us in the beginning, and we could not see. We cried for guidance and the moon shone down bright upon us. Her soft light not only illuminated the night for us but also gave comfort. Her light touched us from within, enabling us to see even when the moon was not visible..."
—Tyrande Whisperwind
The night elves, or Kaldorei ("Children of the Stars" in their native tongue of Darnassian), are a powerful and mystical race whose origin extends back to ancient times. The founders of a magical and advanced civilization which at its peak spanned the breadth of Ancient Kalimdor, the night elves came into a horrific conflict with the Burning Legion and achieved a pyrrhic victory that sundered Kalimdor's landmass into the continents of the present age. The devastation wrought by their conceit caused the Kaldorei to abandon the ways of arcane magic entirely, and craft a radically different society centered around the worship of Elune, harmony with the natural world and its denizens and Druidism.
The far-reaching and ancient legacy of the Kaldorei them themselves into a race of very self-sufficient and self-conscious individuals, who often display strong streaks of isolationism. The night elves ended a long period of seclusion in the aftermath of the Third War, standing with refugges from the Eastern Kingdoms during the Battle of Mount Hyjal, and began to associate themselves with the Alliance from the Eastern Kingdoms in response to the Horde's presence in Ashenvale.
These are individual words or syllables whose meaning can be determined individually. Like any language, not everything translates directly into English (the analog of Common on most US realms). Speculation as to direct translations are in Italics.
"Delar" = "Ancient Keepers"
"Dorei" = "Borne" (Since we have not seen "dorei" applied to any non-elven race, it can be assumed that it is only used in regard to Elven races).
"Kal" = "Star"
"Kaldorei" = "Starborne", "Children of the Stars", "Night Elves"
"Kalimdor" = "Land of Eternal Starlight"
"Medivh" = "Keeper of Secrets"
"Quel" = "High"
"Quel'dorei" = "Highborne", "High Elves"
"Quel'Serrar" = "The High Blade"
"Quel'thalas" = "The High Kingdom" or "The High Home" (Curiously, the name Quel'thalas seems to remain, even though it should technically be "Sin'Thalas")
"Rhok" = "Longbow"
"Rhok'delar" = "Longbow of the Ancient Keepers"
"Ronae" = "Peaceful"
"Serrar" = "Blade"
"Shan" = "Honor"
"Shan'do" = "Honored Teacher" (A title and term of respect.)
"Sin" = "Blood"
"Sin'dorei" = "Bloodborne", "Blood Elves"
"Thalas" = "Kingdom"; "Home"
"Thero" = "Student"
"Thero'Shan" = lit. "Honored Student" (A title and term of respect.)
"Zaram" = "Blade"
~Darnassian Phrases~
These phrases cannot be directly translated or even broken into translatable words, as no lexicon of Darnassian has been made available-the words in the previous section were either directly translated, or could have been confirmed by analysis. While translation of these phrases are guesswork, the general idea of the phrase is easy to guess while listening.
"Elune-'adore" => “Elune be with you.” (A greeting.)
"Ishnu-'alah" => “Good fortune to you.” (A greeting.)
"Ishnu-dal-dieb" => “Good fortune to your family.” (A greeting.)
"Ande’thoras-ethil" => “May your troubles be diminished.” (A farewell.)
"Tor ilisar’thera’nal!" => “Let our enemies beware!” (A war cry.)
"Enshu-falah-nah" => Elven goodbye; said by Illidan when he said goodbye to Furion and Tyrande.
"Asha'falah" => Elven goodbye.
"Anu'dora" => An agreement or confirmation.
"Az'thero'dalah'dor" => Some form of confirmation- used often by Shan'do Stormrage.
"Ana'duna thera" => Battle cry.
"Ashra thoraman?" => Often used by Priestesses of the Moon (Eternity's End, etc).
"Andu-falah-dor!" => “Let balance be restored!” (A war cry.)
"Ash karath!" => “Do it!”
"Bandu thoribas!" => “Prepare to fight!” (A challenge to an enemy.)
"Fandu-dath-belore?" => “Who goes there?”
===========================================================================================================
~TROLL/TROLLS~
The Zandali, also known as Troll, is the native language of the trolls. Trolls of all types speak Zandali, which is descended from their ancestral tongue, though some have descended so far into barbarism that they have forgotten this language, instead speaking Low Common. The Troll language is largely syllabic. In World of Warcraft, the language known as Troll and is the secondary language spoken by the Darkspear Trolls of the Horde. It is named for the Zandalar Tribe, or the isle of Zandalar, which is the ancestral home of the trolls.
Here are a few common Zandali phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard, or have actual real world translations:
"aka" = suffix, means "daughter of".
"Atal'Hakkar" = "Devoted to Hakkar" or "In Honor of Hakkar".
"Atal'ai" = "Devoted Ones"
"'jin" = suffix, refers to the tribal chief or elder.
"fon" = suffix, means "loner".
"Juju" = a fetish, charm or amulet used by some tribes.
"Kaz'kah" = "death totem".
"Mojo" = a magic spell, hex, or charm; broadly : magical power (possibly of Fulani origin)
"Mon" = "man" (may represent a form of Low Common, rather than Zandali)
"Voodoo" = a person who deals in spells and necromancy: a sorcerer's spell (a religion derived from Yoruba polytheism which involves ancestor worship and is mostly practised in Haiti.)
"Zulfi" = "baby witch", corruption of the voodoo master prefix, "zul". It is a derogatory term for female witch doctors, but some females have taken on the title as a mark of pride.
"Zul" = prefix, describes a voodoo master.
"Zul'jin" = title/name, used for a "great tribal witch doctor" (rough translation).
~Troll Names~
~Jungle Troll~
Jungle troll youth do not receive public names until they have earned a name in battle. Until then, they are referred to by generic diminutives. Jungle troll names look simple but are surprisingly complex. Their language is largely syllabic, and various syllables can be added to the beginning or end of a troll's name to denote status and ability. Troll given names are usually one syllable, to facilitate the additions of these titles. Some trolls drop their given names altogether and are known purely by their titles.
Male Names: Vol, Ros, Mig, Gal.
Female Names: Shi, Mith, Hai, So.
Family Names: Trolls do not have family names, though they occasionally use their tribe's name in its place.
~Forest Troll~
Forest trolls follow the same naming conventions as jungle trolls, though some of the suffixes and prefixes differ.
Male Names: Doth, Mag, Ran, Vis.
Female Names: Lith, Arn, Din, Mak.
Family Names: Like jungle trolls, forest trolls have no family names.
===========================================================================================================
~TAUREN~
Tauren (shu'halo in their native language of Taur-ahe) are huge nomadic creatures who live on the grassy, open plains of Mulgore in central Kalimdor. Tauren are large, muscular humanoids and bovine in appearance, complete with hooves and horns. Long ago, they grew as tall as 12 feet tall and up to 900 lbs, but recently, due to stress and war, they now stand anywhere from six and a half to nine feet tall and weigh anywhere from 400 to 700 lbs. Their immense bodies are covered with fine, short fur that ranges in color from black, gray, white, red, brown and tan (types of color) and any mottled combinations or variations thereof. After generations of nomadic existence, most of the tauren have recently made permanent settlements in Mulgore and the Barrens.
For the tauren, nature is the mother of the world, and their faith holds a deep and resonant tone within their hearts. Tauren are connected to the ebb and flow of the world. They revere the spirits of the land and of their ancestors, and they turn to these spirits for wisdom and guidance. This connection manifests in their deeply animistic culture, where druids and shamans stand side by side with warriors and hunters. Tauren do not see a separation between the veneration of nature and the hunt; to hunt is to honor the spirits of nature.Tauren speak Taur-ahe and Orcish. Tauren tend to learn languages for trade or exchanging ideas.
The language of the tauren is often harsh and low sounding, which is reflected in the names of their children. The last name of a tauren is usually a family name, handed down through the generations. If the tauren has performed some act that has made an impression on the elders of his tribe, however, he may choose to take on his own last name to commemorate that act. Tauren have several names. They receive a name at birth and another during a ceremony to celebrate reaching adulthood. This adult name describes some event in their lives or some notable individual characteristic: for instance, Blackhide, Earthborn, Halfhorn, Hidemaker, Riverwatcher, Scar, Splithoof, Stormchaser, or Windrunner. A tauren may also acquire a third name that he uses when dealing with outsiders.
Male Names: Azok, Bron, Turok, Garaddon, Hruon, Jeddek.
Female Names: Argo, Serga, Beruna, Halfa.
Family Names: Darkthorn, Thunderhoof, Stormhorn, Quillsplitter, Stonebreaker, Plainstalker, Spiritwalker.
===========================================================================================================
~BLOOD ELVES~
Thalassian is the language of the high elves, half-elves, half blood-elves, and blood elves - a derivative of the Darnassian language of the night elves. It has both written and spoken equivalents. Individuals who are unfamiliar with the language's proper name may refer to it as high elven (not to be confused with the language Elven).
Like Nazja, Thalassian is derived from the Darnassian language. The elder tongue is almost forgotten. Hence, Thalassian is closely related to Darnassian and there is some overlap between the two languages. Further Darnassian utterances have therefore have been preserved in modern Thalassian.
So far, linguistic scholars have adopted on the side of caution in documenting Darnassian terms and phrases that are also considered part of the Thalassian language. Certainly this issue, however delicate, merits further research. Nevertheless, addressing a blood elf (not a high elf, with perhaps a few exceptions, as they are a neutral faction now and some lean toward the alliance) with a Darnassian-specific word or phrase can be considered offensive or foolish, and so the speaker must handle the situation with care.
Here are a few common Thalassian phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard:
"Al diel' shala" = Safe travels.
"Anar'alah" = "By the light"
"Anar'alah belore" = By the light of the sun.
"Anaria shola" = Speak your business.
"Anar'endal dracon" = By the breath of the dragon.
"Ann'da" = Papa
"Anu belore dela'na" = The sun guides us.
"Bal'a dash, malanore" = Greetings, traveler.
"Ban'dinoriel" = "Gatekeeper"
"Band'or shorel'aran" = (Roughly) "Prepare to say farewell"
"Bash'a no falor talah!" = Taste the chill of true death!,
"Belore" = "The sun", though can mean to uncover something hidden or unknown if used in Darnassian.
"Dalah'surfal" = My love
"Doral ana'diel?" = How fare you?
"Felo'melorn" = "Flamestrike"
"Kim'jael" = "Little Rat"
"Medivh" = "Keeper of Secrets"
"Minn'da" = Mama
"Quel'dorei" = "high elves", or "the high elves".
"Quel'Thalas" = "High Kingdom" or "High Home"
"Quel'Zaram" = High Blade.
"Quel'Danil" = High Peak.
"Ronae" = "Peaceful" used in Lordaeron.
"Selama' ashal'anore" = Justice for our people.
"Shindu fallah na!" = They're breaking through!
"Shin'do Sin'dorei!" = Glory to the Sin'dorei
"Shorel'aran" = Farewell.
"Sin'dorei" = Children of the blood. This could also be interpreted as "people of the bloodline", referring to the continuation of the line of the Highborne.
"Tal anu'men no Sin'dorei!" = Death to all who oppose the Children of the Blood.
The past is a burden to the high elves, yet they maintain naming rituals that are millennia old. Many of the names of elven priests and heroes have become the names used for elves in modern times. The high elves share a connection with the sun that is quite prevalent in their choice of family names.
Male Names: Mariel, Athaniar, Anandor, Tharama, Viridiel, Malanior.
Female Names: Anarial, Freja, Driana, Coria, Alanassori, Melanion, Azshara.
Family Names: Boughstrider, Dawnblade, Lightbringer, Morningray, Suntreader.
----------------------------------------------------- Copyright - knight820 -----------------------------------------------------------------
Collection/Compilation of WoW languages.
(Closed Thread) -Special
----Language----
A language is a lexicon of words that various characters use to speak to each other and communicate. In World of Warcraft, most races have a unique language they speak that only they can understand. Each faction shares a common language of the dominant race (Orcish for Horde and Common for Alliance).
A language may or may not have an associated alphabet for writing. Several languages may share the same alphabet, or may have a specific alphabet used only for that language.
It should be noted that traditionally (in the RTS games and the pen & paper RPG) almost all intelligent races speak Common. The ability for player characters to learn additional languages was planned early in World of Warcraft but was not developed, likely due to the tendency of cross-faction communication to be insulting and profane. It seems unlikely that this functionality will ever be added. The Forsaken were originally able to speak Common and communicate with Alliance players, but this was removed with the introduction of Gutterspeak due to, once again, the tendency of cross-faction communication to be insulting and profane.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Humans --> Common ------> Common
Night Elves --> Darnassian -----> Darnassian
Dwarves --> Dwarven -------> (Dwarvish) Runic
Gnomes ----> Gnomish -------> Common
Draenei ----> Draenei --------> Eredic (presumed)
Worgen ----> Worgen --------> Unknown
Horde languages:
The Horde's primary language is Orcish.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Orcs -----> Orc or Orcish ------> Common, Runic
Trolls -----> Zandali (Troll) -------> Unknown
Tauren ----> Taur-ahe (Taurahe) ---> Pictoforms
Undead ---> Gutterspeak -------> Common
Blood Elves --> Thalassian -------> Darnassian
Goblin -----> Common
Other known languages:
Generally, ''less'' civilized races (kobolds, etc.) speak Low Common.
~Race~ ~Language~ ~Writing Forms~
Lesser Races -------> Low Common ------> None
Arakkoa -----------> Ravenspeech
Demons -----------> Eredun (Demonic) ---> Eredic
Elementals --------> Kalimag -----------> Runic
Half-elves --------> Thalassian, Common --> Darnassian
High elves --------> Thalassian ----------> Darnassian
Various ----------> Giant
Various -----------> Elven -------------> Darnassian
Dragons ----------> Draconic -----------> Runic
Naga------------> Nazja -------------> Darnassian
Scourge ---------> Language of Death ----> "strange Symbols"
Titans ------------> Titan --------------> Runic, Glyphs
Murlocs -----------> Nerglish (Murloc) -----> Pictoforms
Makrura -----------> Nerglish -----------> Pictoforms
Furbolgs ----------> Ursine (Furbolg) -----> Pictoforms
Gnolls -------------> Low Common, Gnoll --> Pictoforms
Nerubians ---------> Nerubian ------------> Runic
Tuskarrs ----------> Tuskarr -----------> Pictoforms
Pandaren ---------> Pandaren ----------> Unknown
Giants ------------> Giant, Titan, Kalimag --> Unknown
Various -----------> Kalimdoran --------> Unknown
Various -----------> Abyssal -----------> Unknown
Qiraji -------------> Qiraji --------------> Unknown
Krenka Clan Centaur --> Krenkese ----------> Unknown
Water Elementals --> Aquan ------------> Unknown
Air Elementals -----> Auran -------------> Unknown
Fire Elementals ----> Ignan -------------> Unknown
Earth Elementals --> Terran -------------> Unknown
============================================================================================================
~ORC/ORCISH~
"...Horde is spilling Horde's blood is tearing me apart... if we don't make it through this, I want you to know, you have always been my friend.. my brother, for the Horde.."
—Thrall, son of Durotan
Orcish (called Orc in the pre-WoW Warcraft RPG books) is the primary language of the orcs and is used throughout the Horde faction. All Horde characters understand Orcish speech, even without explicit lore reasons (such as the Forsaken and the Blood Elves). Orcish is written using a combination of Common alphabet and runes.
Orcish is a coarser language than Common, and many words lack the subtlety of Common. Orcs rely on context, repetition and volume to add emphasis or meaning. There are many orc dialects, examples include one spoken by the majority of the Horde, and another by orcs living near Durnholde. Even separate tribes had variations of dialect that differed so much that orcs could not understand each other unless they spoke the common tongue. The main form of the Orcish language used by all the tribes is known as common Orcish.
Here are a few common orcish phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard:
"Aka'Magosh" => "A blessing on you and yours" (A greeting.)
"Bin mog g'thazag cha" => "I will protect you"
"Dabu" => "I obey"
"Dae'mon" => "Twisted soul"; appears to be used in the same way as Man'ari in Draenei.
"Dranosh" => "Heart of Draenor"
"Gar'mak" => "Anguish"
"Gol'Kosh" => "By my axe"
"Grombolar" => "Bowels of the giant"
"Grommash" => "The Giant's Heart"
"Kagh!" => "Run!"
"Lak'tuk" => "Suffering"
"Lo'Gosh" => "Ghost Wolf"
"Lohn'goron" => "Hero's Sojourn"
"Lok-Narash" => "Arm yourselves"
"Lok-Regar" => "Ready for orders"
"Lok'tar!" => "Victory!" (A war cry. Also a greeting while in combat.)
"Lok'tar ogar" => "Victory or death" (A war cry)
"Lok'amon" => Traditional orcish song sung about starting a family.
"Lok'tra" => Traditional orcish song sung about a battle.
"Lok'vadnod" => Traditional orcish song sung about the life of a hero.
"Mag'har" => "Uncorrupted", brown-skinned orcs based in Garadar in Nagrand.
"Mok'nathal" => "The Sons of Nath" (honorable title)
"Nagrand" => "Land of Winds"
"Oshu'Gun" => "Mountain of Spirits"
"Swobu" => "As you command"
"Throm-Ka" => "Well met" (A greeting.)
"Trk'hsk" => "Bloodshed in battle" (some orcs in the Durnholde area use the word with a different meaning, namely "that sacrificed to the earth" in order to make crops grow.)
"Zug-zug" or "Zug zug" => Acknowledgment and agreement; roughly the equivalent of "okay".
~Orcish Names~
Most orcish names derive from words in their language that have some complex meaning or hidden significance to their families. Typically, this is the name of a favorite thing or relative. Family names don't exist: most orcs have last names related to some great deed of heroism or honor. However, in the case of truly incredible deeds, an orc might take on the last name of his father to ensure that the chronicle of that terrific deed lives on. The concept of honor is seen in every level of orc society, even in their naming practices. An orc’s first name is given early in life, often derived from a family name or the name of a great hero. The tribe bestows the second name after the orc reaches maturity, this name based upon some great deed. Such a practice gives rise to surnames such as Doomhammer, Elfkicker, Foe-ender, Skullsplitter, Thumper, and the like. This second name may be changed if a new one seems more appropriate.
Male Names: Grom, Thrum, Drog, Gorrum, Harg, Thurg, Karg.
Female Names: Groma, Hargu, Igrim, Agra, Dragga, Grima.
Family Names: Doomhammer, Deadeye, Forebinder, Elfkiller, Skullsplitter, Axeripper, Tearshorn, Fistcrusher.
~Untranslated Orcish~
Gor'gaz - Fel orc camp in Hellfire Peninsula.
Grangol'var - Shadow Council village in Terokkar Forest.
Grom'gol - Horde camp in Stranglethorn Vale. Probably means "Giant's Axe" or "Giant Axe."
Gor-dook - Warcraft II (phonetic spelling)
Kor'kron - Thrall's elite guard, possibly means "Sons of the Horde".
Kosh'harg - An orcish celebration.
Mak'gora - Said by Garrosh Hellscream, believed to be a challenge.
Mar'n Varb'nov - Found on a stone tablet near Orgrimmar. Probably is a mating call.
Mok'ra - "Greetings!." Or "Hello."
Mok-thorin ka! - said by Commander Kolurg
Mor'shan - Warsong Gulch base camp in the Barrens.
Om'riggor - Orcish rite of adulthood.
Valormok - Horde camp in Azshara.
Zeth'Gor - Fel orc fort in Hellfire Peninsula.
Zeth'kur - Former orcish port town.
Zoram'gar - Horde camp in eastern Ashenvale. This may also be Zandali.
Lok-regar no'gall/on-dabu - Warcraft III (phonetic spelling)
Note that many orc locations are directly named for prominent orcs, including Bladefist Bay, Durotar, Garadar, Grommash Hold, Kargath, Kargathia Keep, Orgrimmar, and Thrallmar. Further, it can be noted that -ar or -mar seems to be a frequent suffix to denote a place named for another orc.
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~NIGHT ELVES~
"Darkness covered us in the beginning, and we could not see. We cried for guidance and the moon shone down bright upon us. Her soft light not only illuminated the night for us but also gave comfort. Her light touched us from within, enabling us to see even when the moon was not visible..."
—Tyrande Whisperwind
The night elves, or Kaldorei ("Children of the Stars" in their native tongue of Darnassian), are a powerful and mystical race whose origin extends back to ancient times. The founders of a magical and advanced civilization which at its peak spanned the breadth of Ancient Kalimdor, the night elves came into a horrific conflict with the Burning Legion and achieved a pyrrhic victory that sundered Kalimdor's landmass into the continents of the present age. The devastation wrought by their conceit caused the Kaldorei to abandon the ways of arcane magic entirely, and craft a radically different society centered around the worship of Elune, harmony with the natural world and its denizens and Druidism.
The far-reaching and ancient legacy of the Kaldorei them themselves into a race of very self-sufficient and self-conscious individuals, who often display strong streaks of isolationism. The night elves ended a long period of seclusion in the aftermath of the Third War, standing with refugges from the Eastern Kingdoms during the Battle of Mount Hyjal, and began to associate themselves with the Alliance from the Eastern Kingdoms in response to the Horde's presence in Ashenvale.
These are individual words or syllables whose meaning can be determined individually. Like any language, not everything translates directly into English (the analog of Common on most US realms). Speculation as to direct translations are in Italics.
"Delar" = "Ancient Keepers"
"Dorei" = "Borne" (Since we have not seen "dorei" applied to any non-elven race, it can be assumed that it is only used in regard to Elven races).
"Kal" = "Star"
"Kaldorei" = "Starborne", "Children of the Stars", "Night Elves"
"Kalimdor" = "Land of Eternal Starlight"
"Medivh" = "Keeper of Secrets"
"Quel" = "High"
"Quel'dorei" = "Highborne", "High Elves"
"Quel'Serrar" = "The High Blade"
"Quel'thalas" = "The High Kingdom" or "The High Home" (Curiously, the name Quel'thalas seems to remain, even though it should technically be "Sin'Thalas")
"Rhok" = "Longbow"
"Rhok'delar" = "Longbow of the Ancient Keepers"
"Ronae" = "Peaceful"
"Serrar" = "Blade"
"Shan" = "Honor"
"Shan'do" = "Honored Teacher" (A title and term of respect.)
"Sin" = "Blood"
"Sin'dorei" = "Bloodborne", "Blood Elves"
"Thalas" = "Kingdom"; "Home"
"Thero" = "Student"
"Thero'Shan" = lit. "Honored Student" (A title and term of respect.)
"Zaram" = "Blade"
~Darnassian Phrases~
These phrases cannot be directly translated or even broken into translatable words, as no lexicon of Darnassian has been made available-the words in the previous section were either directly translated, or could have been confirmed by analysis. While translation of these phrases are guesswork, the general idea of the phrase is easy to guess while listening.
"Elune-'adore" => “Elune be with you.” (A greeting.)
"Ishnu-'alah" => “Good fortune to you.” (A greeting.)
"Ishnu-dal-dieb" => “Good fortune to your family.” (A greeting.)
"Ande’thoras-ethil" => “May your troubles be diminished.” (A farewell.)
"Tor ilisar’thera’nal!" => “Let our enemies beware!” (A war cry.)
"Enshu-falah-nah" => Elven goodbye; said by Illidan when he said goodbye to Furion and Tyrande.
"Asha'falah" => Elven goodbye.
"Anu'dora" => An agreement or confirmation.
"Az'thero'dalah'dor" => Some form of confirmation- used often by Shan'do Stormrage.
"Ana'duna thera" => Battle cry.
"Ashra thoraman?" => Often used by Priestesses of the Moon (Eternity's End, etc).
"Andu-falah-dor!" => “Let balance be restored!” (A war cry.)
"Ash karath!" => “Do it!”
"Bandu thoribas!" => “Prepare to fight!” (A challenge to an enemy.)
"Fandu-dath-belore?" => “Who goes there?”
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~TROLL/TROLLS~
The Zandali, also known as Troll, is the native language of the trolls. Trolls of all types speak Zandali, which is descended from their ancestral tongue, though some have descended so far into barbarism that they have forgotten this language, instead speaking Low Common. The Troll language is largely syllabic. In World of Warcraft, the language known as Troll and is the secondary language spoken by the Darkspear Trolls of the Horde. It is named for the Zandalar Tribe, or the isle of Zandalar, which is the ancestral home of the trolls.
Here are a few common Zandali phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard, or have actual real world translations:
"aka" = suffix, means "daughter of".
"Atal'Hakkar" = "Devoted to Hakkar" or "In Honor of Hakkar".
"Atal'ai" = "Devoted Ones"
"'jin" = suffix, refers to the tribal chief or elder.
"fon" = suffix, means "loner".
"Juju" = a fetish, charm or amulet used by some tribes.
"Kaz'kah" = "death totem".
"Mojo" = a magic spell, hex, or charm; broadly : magical power (possibly of Fulani origin)
"Mon" = "man" (may represent a form of Low Common, rather than Zandali)
"Voodoo" = a person who deals in spells and necromancy: a sorcerer's spell (a religion derived from Yoruba polytheism which involves ancestor worship and is mostly practised in Haiti.)
"Zulfi" = "baby witch", corruption of the voodoo master prefix, "zul". It is a derogatory term for female witch doctors, but some females have taken on the title as a mark of pride.
"Zul" = prefix, describes a voodoo master.
"Zul'jin" = title/name, used for a "great tribal witch doctor" (rough translation).
~Troll Names~
~Jungle Troll~
Jungle troll youth do not receive public names until they have earned a name in battle. Until then, they are referred to by generic diminutives. Jungle troll names look simple but are surprisingly complex. Their language is largely syllabic, and various syllables can be added to the beginning or end of a troll's name to denote status and ability. Troll given names are usually one syllable, to facilitate the additions of these titles. Some trolls drop their given names altogether and are known purely by their titles.
Male Names: Vol, Ros, Mig, Gal.
Female Names: Shi, Mith, Hai, So.
Family Names: Trolls do not have family names, though they occasionally use their tribe's name in its place.
~Forest Troll~
Forest trolls follow the same naming conventions as jungle trolls, though some of the suffixes and prefixes differ.
Male Names: Doth, Mag, Ran, Vis.
Female Names: Lith, Arn, Din, Mak.
Family Names: Like jungle trolls, forest trolls have no family names.
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~TAUREN~
Tauren (shu'halo in their native language of Taur-ahe) are huge nomadic creatures who live on the grassy, open plains of Mulgore in central Kalimdor. Tauren are large, muscular humanoids and bovine in appearance, complete with hooves and horns. Long ago, they grew as tall as 12 feet tall and up to 900 lbs, but recently, due to stress and war, they now stand anywhere from six and a half to nine feet tall and weigh anywhere from 400 to 700 lbs. Their immense bodies are covered with fine, short fur that ranges in color from black, gray, white, red, brown and tan (types of color) and any mottled combinations or variations thereof. After generations of nomadic existence, most of the tauren have recently made permanent settlements in Mulgore and the Barrens.
For the tauren, nature is the mother of the world, and their faith holds a deep and resonant tone within their hearts. Tauren are connected to the ebb and flow of the world. They revere the spirits of the land and of their ancestors, and they turn to these spirits for wisdom and guidance. This connection manifests in their deeply animistic culture, where druids and shamans stand side by side with warriors and hunters. Tauren do not see a separation between the veneration of nature and the hunt; to hunt is to honor the spirits of nature.Tauren speak Taur-ahe and Orcish. Tauren tend to learn languages for trade or exchanging ideas.
The language of the tauren is often harsh and low sounding, which is reflected in the names of their children. The last name of a tauren is usually a family name, handed down through the generations. If the tauren has performed some act that has made an impression on the elders of his tribe, however, he may choose to take on his own last name to commemorate that act. Tauren have several names. They receive a name at birth and another during a ceremony to celebrate reaching adulthood. This adult name describes some event in their lives or some notable individual characteristic: for instance, Blackhide, Earthborn, Halfhorn, Hidemaker, Riverwatcher, Scar, Splithoof, Stormchaser, or Windrunner. A tauren may also acquire a third name that he uses when dealing with outsiders.
Male Names: Azok, Bron, Turok, Garaddon, Hruon, Jeddek.
Female Names: Argo, Serga, Beruna, Halfa.
Family Names: Darkthorn, Thunderhoof, Stormhorn, Quillsplitter, Stonebreaker, Plainstalker, Spiritwalker.
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~BLOOD ELVES~
Thalassian is the language of the high elves, half-elves, half blood-elves, and blood elves - a derivative of the Darnassian language of the night elves. It has both written and spoken equivalents. Individuals who are unfamiliar with the language's proper name may refer to it as high elven (not to be confused with the language Elven).
Like Nazja, Thalassian is derived from the Darnassian language. The elder tongue is almost forgotten. Hence, Thalassian is closely related to Darnassian and there is some overlap between the two languages. Further Darnassian utterances have therefore have been preserved in modern Thalassian.
So far, linguistic scholars have adopted on the side of caution in documenting Darnassian terms and phrases that are also considered part of the Thalassian language. Certainly this issue, however delicate, merits further research. Nevertheless, addressing a blood elf (not a high elf, with perhaps a few exceptions, as they are a neutral faction now and some lean toward the alliance) with a Darnassian-specific word or phrase can be considered offensive or foolish, and so the speaker must handle the situation with care.
Here are a few common Thalassian phrases and words, for which the translations have been officially confirmed by Blizzard:
"Al diel' shala" = Safe travels.
"Anar'alah" = "By the light"
"Anar'alah belore" = By the light of the sun.
"Anaria shola" = Speak your business.
"Anar'endal dracon" = By the breath of the dragon.
"Ann'da" = Papa
"Anu belore dela'na" = The sun guides us.
"Bal'a dash, malanore" = Greetings, traveler.
"Ban'dinoriel" = "Gatekeeper"
"Band'or shorel'aran" = (Roughly) "Prepare to say farewell"
"Bash'a no falor talah!" = Taste the chill of true death!,
"Belore" = "The sun", though can mean to uncover something hidden or unknown if used in Darnassian.
"Dalah'surfal" = My love
"Doral ana'diel?" = How fare you?
"Felo'melorn" = "Flamestrike"
"Kim'jael" = "Little Rat"
"Medivh" = "Keeper of Secrets"
"Minn'da" = Mama
"Quel'dorei" = "high elves", or "the high elves".
"Quel'Thalas" = "High Kingdom" or "High Home"
"Quel'Zaram" = High Blade.
"Quel'Danil" = High Peak.
"Ronae" = "Peaceful" used in Lordaeron.
"Selama' ashal'anore" = Justice for our people.
"Shindu fallah na!" = They're breaking through!
"Shin'do Sin'dorei!" = Glory to the Sin'dorei
"Shorel'aran" = Farewell.
"Sin'dorei" = Children of the blood. This could also be interpreted as "people of the bloodline", referring to the continuation of the line of the Highborne.
"Tal anu'men no Sin'dorei!" = Death to all who oppose the Children of the Blood.
The past is a burden to the high elves, yet they maintain naming rituals that are millennia old. Many of the names of elven priests and heroes have become the names used for elves in modern times. The high elves share a connection with the sun that is quite prevalent in their choice of family names.
Male Names: Mariel, Athaniar, Anandor, Tharama, Viridiel, Malanior.
Female Names: Anarial, Freja, Driana, Coria, Alanassori, Melanion, Azshara.
Family Names: Boughstrider, Dawnblade, Lightbringer, Morningray, Suntreader.
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