Re: Whistled Languages

From: Henk Langeveld <henk_at_GkIvGMAKzzHifO2agVMpwHjALx4RKUN0WD5jkeINyjmofcwHrgMPw5BPd5q4IcWPirjT7D9>
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:50:47 +0200

giannieanna:
> There are several real world languages that have a 'whistled' expression
> (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistled_language). These are real
> languages, not coded phrases.
>
> Most of them are used in rugged areas because they enable communication
> between people that would otherwise have to travel kilometres to meet
> each other to have the conversation.
>
> I was thinking about possible Gloranthan applications, maybe between
> mountain Uz?

In Dagori Inkarth you can sometimes hear Longsong - it's a technique for which males are trained to modulate their voice to sound somewhat like a didgeridoo, with its continuous drone accented by sudden twists and changes in rythm. It does not come natural - only a few actually speak the language, but all Uz in the region understand it.

The training for this technique is not without side effects, as their lungs and chests tend to expand over the year, allowing for longer breath, and even lower pitch. Their's some rivalry between singers, and those who can carry lower notes for the longest time gain great prestige amongst their peers.

The songs happen to have a strange, soothing effect on humans and animals in the area, somewhat like the effect of a purring alynx near the hearth fire, but less friendly.

-- 
Henk
oK[]