Barebones Pronunciation Guide

I’m no linguist, so this is really only how names (usually) sound in my head, not some definitive guide. Feel free to read in whatever way feels most comfortable.


TU STYLE

Mukkuen: Two syllables, neither particularly stressed. Unlike most other instances of “m,” this M is closer to Hm. Similarly, k in Muk is almost silent. A simple approximation is “mu-kwen.”

Cze prefix: Between an English ch and j sound. For example, Czesiek is approximately “jeh-syehk.” These names are always two syllables, stress on second.

Mieh (rhymes with Pieh): One syllable. “myeh”

Hiom: One syllable, breathy initial. “hyohm”

Tau: One syllable. Beginning of “tower.”

Wei: One syllable. “way”

Khesjit: Two syllables, stress on first. Kh between English k and g. First syllable rhymes with less. “KESS-jeet”

Klanh: One syllable. The a from father. Otherwise read how it looks.

Kuiz: One syllable. Close to “quits.”

Naslin: Two syllables. Rise-fall intonation. Lisped sl. Closer to “NAH-hleen”

Trawnua: Two syllables, first rhymes with draw. Rise-fall intonation. “TRAW-nwah”

Slaz: One syllable. Close to “slots,” sl less articulated like Naslin.

Zhae: One syllable. Approximately English “jay” but ending clipped to be more of an elongated “eh.”


(LOOSELY) SRA

Krengsra: Two syllables, unstressed falling intonation, rolled r in sra. “krehn-srah”

Awat: Two syllables, stress on second. Like the unit of measurement, but the w is closer to English v if you’re talking to a tribesman. Basically, “ah-WAHT” or “uh-VAHT”

Khonua: Two or three syllables, stress/intonation varies. Kho similar to the beginning of corn, same k as Khesjit. Mostly “koh-nwah”

Rathai: Two syllables, stress on second. Soft t, ai like eye. “ruh-TAI”

Nanue: Two, almost three syllables for tribesmen. “nah-NWEH” or rising “nuh-n-weh”


TRIBAL

Aoka: Three syllables, stress on first. “AH-oh-kuh”

Khobishne: Three syllables, stress on second, last one clipped. Same kho as Khonua. “koh-BEE-shneh”

Dangdukais: Three syllables, stress on first (almost rhymes with song), second barely voiced. Rhymes with nice. Approximately “DAHN-d’kice”

Palhem: Two syllables, stress on second, otherwise rhymes with fathom. “puh-THOM”

Ti-Muah: Three syllables, stress on last. “tee moo-AH”

Makabis: Three syllables, stress on second, rhymes with fleece. “muh-KAH-beece”

Kuozslu: Two syllables, stress on first, soft z. “KWOHZ-loo”

Dhuktan: Two syllables, stress on first, dh like the start of they. “THOOK-tahn”

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And the Rivers Sang

Spring & Autumn Pentalogy

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