The Ilomi Language

Version 2

Last update: 2006-03-06

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Vocabulary development

In developing words and names for Ilomi, these guidelines should be followed.

Considerations for word development

  1. Functionals are rarely developed. If a new functional is needed, make a suggestion on the discussion group. For a description of the form of functionals, see the sample sentences.
  2. As for lexicals, first consider developing a core word as a preposition; second, as a verb; third as a modifier; fourth as a noun. Despite this order of priority, most core words end up being developed as nouns. See below for a description of lexical forms.
  3. Try to avoid developing words that are strongly similar to existing words of the same class. For example, given that atopa is an existing noun, it would be best to avoid developing the words atapo, apato, or apota.

Considerations for adapting names to Ilomi

  1. People can choose their own names as they see fit, and they can choose native, quasi-foreign, or completely foreign forms.
  2. If a place name or name of a religion does not "belong" to any one language, use an international form if possible; otherwise, choose any or all of the variant names and adapt them.
  3. Names of some nations, languages, and religions have already been established. If one is missing from the official name list, make a suggestion on the Ilomi discussion list.

Lexical forms

  1. Names begin with i, nouns with a, verbs with e, modifiers with o, and prepositions with u.
  2. Following the initial vowel, lexicals continue with syllables of the form consonant-vowel, where the consonant is one of f, k, l, m, n, p, s, t, or x and the vowel is one of a, e, i, o, or u. The consonant in each syllable may be preceded by n, which is pronounced as part of the preceding syllable. Lexicals must be at least three letters long.
  3. Lexical compounds consist of core lexicals joined by the compounding hyphen ny.

Phoneme conversion

In adapting foreign words into Ilomi phonology, use native pronunciation as a basis, rather than the spelling, unless otherwise indicated. SAMPA symbology is used.

  1. Convert non-Ilomi vowels and diphthongs as follows:
  2. The schwa can convert to any vowel, but is influenced by the vowel used to spell it in the original language.
  3. Convert consonants as follows:
  4. Any nasal consonant at the beginning of a syllable converts to m or n, whichever is the better fit. Any nasal vowel or nasal consonant at the end of a syllable converts to n; if this would put it at the end of a word, it is dropped.
  5. There are several approaches to dealing with consonant clusters:

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