Hirharouk speaks fluent Anglic, using a vocalizer to get the sounds right. Van Rijn replies in Planha. How many languages does van Rijn speak? The answer is in Mirkheim and somewhere on the blog.
Anyone who suddenly speaks in a language unknown to some or all of his hearers displays knowledge in a context where knowledge is power or, at least, communication is an essential part of power. No wonder magicians casting spells and priests reciting liturgies were regarded with awe. Van Rijn's command of alien languages is entirely pragmatic but he is able to translate Shakespeare etc to deliver an inspiring speech on Diomedes.
I cannot speak even one other language fluently. Once, when I saw someone wearing the Esperanto badge, I managed -
Me: Cu vi parolas Esperanton?
He: Jes, jes, flue! Kaj vi?
Me: Ne, ne flue!
And, at a handfast, I recited Poul and Karen Anderson's "Tene Mithra, etiam miles, fides nostris votis nos."
There will be more on languages.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Ha! I remember Old Nick's non-human chief secretary asking him in Chapter VI of SATAN'S WORLD how many languages the old rascal knew. Old Nick's response was: "Twenty-thirty bad. Ten-fifteen good. Anglic best of all." Considering how he comically mangles Anglic, that last bit was really droll!
Of course I'm aware Old Nick was just role playing when he abuses Anglic! Anyone as smart as he was would have no trouble speaking perfect, cultured Anglic.
Happy New Year! Sean
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