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Salamdeul Language Won-eo (원어), Jaguk-eo (자국어) , Chonwon-o (천원오) History Foreign Influence The origins of Won-eo can be traced back to the ancient peoples of the Won region, whose early interactions with the Cathantese Imperials and the Oyashiman Samurai played a significant role in shaping our language. Long before the establishment of the Won Kingdom, the region was home to a myriad of clans and tribes, each with their own dialects and forms of communication. These early languages were often rooted in the natural world, mirroring the landscapes and the traditions of the people that had settled there. Trade and migration between these societies gave rise to a proto-version of Won-eo. This early form of communication was fluid and adaptable, as speakers borrowed terms and expressions from one another. With the ascent of Cathantese dominion in Ai-Zho came rigid social structure, bureaucratic governing bodies, as well as writing and linguistic conventions that were adopted by scholars, seeking to align themselves with the distant empire, adopting the use of Cathant characters. Only the highest officials, steeped in years of study, could grasp the meaning of the Li characters, leaving the common folk to labor in the shadows of illiteracy. As the Oyashiman rule cast its shadow over our lands, their language, softer and more fluid than those of Cathant, found favor in the courts and among poets. The Oyashiman language left a mark on our speech. It is from these influences that Won-eo first began to evolve, absorbing elements from the foreign powers that ruled over the peoples of the South. A Language for The People However, it was not until the great Hyeonmi kings that our language found its true form. In its establishment, the challenge of communication among the diverse factions became evident, as the remnants of Cathantese and Oyashiman languages lingered alongside indigenous dialects, and the Lords-Beyond-the-Water struggled with the complexities of the Won language, as well as the writing systems of Ai-Zho. The Sup-e Angyo scholars crafted a writing system that reflected the phonetics of the spoken language while drawing from the aesthetic elements found in traditional Ai-Zho scripts. This effort created a writing system that was accessible, allowing even the most humble of citizens to partake in the art of literacy. This initiative was not just for academic purposes, it was also a statement of cultural reclamation and empowerment in the hopes of a unified national identity. Formalities and Respect in the Won Language The expression of respect and hierarchy is important in Won. As a reflection of Salamdeul society values, the language is imbued with a system of formalities that indicate how one converses with others, depending on their ranke, age, and social standing. This nuanced approach to communication is essential in maintaining harmony and demonstrating the deep respect our culture holds for elders and authority figures. Honorifics and Titles When addressing individuals of higher rank, such as nobles, or officials, one must employ specific honorifics to convey respect. For example: For Royalty: King: “Wang” (왕) is used for a king, and when addressing him, one would say “Wangnim” (왕님). Queen: "Yeowang" (여왕) refers to a queen, with "Yeowang-nim" (여왕님 as the respectful form of address. Prince: For a crown prince, the term "Wangja" (왕자) is used, and when addressing him directly, one would say "Wangja-nim" (왕자님). Princess: A princess is referred to as "Gongnyeo" (공녀), with "Gongnyeo-nim" (공녀님) as the respectful address. Any Royal: “Jeonhae” (전하) is the respectful way to address royals For a High Official: One might say "Seongsaengnim" (선생님) when addressing a learned scholar or government official, meaning "teacher." For Nobles: The term "Gongnim” (공님) is also used for lords and high-ranking individuals, denoting their noble status. Addressing Religious Figures In Won culture, alabaster monks and priestesses are highly revered, and there are specific honorifics and titles used to address them. These terms emphasize respect and reflect their spiritual roles in society. Religious Titles Seunim (스님): Monk Sunyeo (수녀): Priestess When addressing these figures, especially in formal settings, the titles are often used alone or with respectful terms, as follows: Addressing a Monk Seunim-ssi (스님씨): Honorable Monk Seunim gongnim (스님 공님): Your Reverence (for a senior monk) Addressing a Priestess Sunyeo-ssi (수녀씨): Honorable Priestess Sunyeo gongnim (수녀 공님): Your Reverence (for a senior priestess) Addressing Peers and Inferiors The Salamdeul language includes distinct forms for addressing peers and those of lower rank. The choice of language reflects the speaker’s social standing and the degree of familiarity with the other person: To a Senior (Elder): Use -nim as an honorific suffix. Example: Halabeoji-nim (Grandfather) or Eomeoni-nim (Mother). To a Peer: Use the individual's name with -ssi for politeness. Example: Annyeong, Jin-soo-ssi (Hello, Jin-soo). To a Younger Individual: Use the individual's name without honorifics, but still maintain a respectful tone. Example: Myeong-ho, jal jinaess-eoyo? (Myeong-ho, have you been well?) Everyday Words in the Won Language In our daily lives, the Won language is rich with expressions. Below are some fundamental words and phrases that you will encounter frequently. Ne (네): Yes Aniyo (아니요): No Annyeong (안녕): Hello / Goodbye (informal) Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요): Hello (formal) Je ireumeun <name>-imnida (제 이름은 ___입니다): My name is ____ Annyeonghi gyeseyo (안녕히 계세요): Stay well (when you are leaving) Annyeonghi gaseyo (안녕히 가세요): Go well (when the other person is leaving) Jal gayo (잘 가요): Go well (informal) Jebal (제발): Please Gamsahamnida (감사합니다): Thank you Mianhamnida (미안합니다): I’m sorry Eotteoke (어떻게): How? Je (저): I / Me Dangsin (당신): You Geu (그): He Geunyeo (그녀): She Ireum (이름): Name Imnida (입니다): Am / Is Example: “Annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun Moon Seong-Hwa imnida.” Greetings, my name is Moon Seong-Hwa Note: In Ai-Zho, one’s clan or “family” name comes before their given name. Saram (사람): Human Jangsu (장수): Elf Baninban (반인반): Dwarf Dokkaebi (도깨비): Orc Eumsik (음식): Food Bap (밥): Rice Guk (국): Soup Jjigae (찌개): Stew Chae (채): Vegetables Banchan (반찬): Side Dishes Dangsang (당상): Banquet Family Terms: In the Won, family holds a significant place, and there are specific terms to denote family relationships, however they can often be used to denote the relationship of two individuals regardless of blood ties. Abeoji (아버지): Father (formal) Appa (아빠): Father (informal) Eomeoni (어머니): Mother (formal) Eomma (엄마): Mother (informal) Hyeong (형): Older Brother (for males) Oppa (오빠): Older Brother (for females) Unni (언니): Older Sister (for females) Noona (누나): Older Sister (for males) Dongsaeng (동생): Younger Brother/Younger Sister Halabeoji (할아버지): Grandfather Halmeoni (할머니): Grandmother Ajeossi (아저씨): Uncle Ajumma (아줌마): Aunt Sachon (사촌): Cousin Written and published by: Ninth Level Won Court Surveyor, Ceremonial Seventh Level Deputy Assistant Section Chief of Works, Fourth Level Colonial Minister, Childeok Left State Councilor Moon Seong-Hwa. Approved by the Ministry of Heritage