The mistake of referring to the enemies of the Lannachska as "'...the Lannachska...'" (see Languages II) is repeated near the bottom of p. 239. On p. 245, van Rijn refers to the enemy as "'...the Drak'honai...'" and Trolwen refers to them as "'...Drakska...'" The former is what the Diomedeans of the Fleet call themselves and the latter is the equivalent word in the Flock language.
Van Rijn simultaneously learned the Fleet language from the Fleet and the Flock language, secretly, from a prisoner - at least enough of these languages for immediate practical purposes. He finds Lannachamael easier than Drak'ho because it happens that the former is similar in grammar and sounds to his own language. (IX, p. 192)
2 comments:
Learning languages easily is an ability we all start out with, but most loose in childhood. Some keep it, and Old Nick is apparently one of them... though he learns them all rather badly.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
And centuries later we read in THE REBEL WORLDS of how the Intelligence Academy taught its students HOW to learn new languages as quickly as possible. Because that would be an obvious need for many field agents.
Ad astra! Sean
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