Velenian Speech Particles
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A description of the different speech particles
This public article was written by [Deactivated User] on 27 Aug 2017, 07:56.
[comments] lengrammarsocial conventions
1. Pronouns
Speech Particles are a set of particles that shows that the speaker is either done talking or is done getting their opinion or message across, allowing for other parties to speak.These particles are more or less only used in Monarcia, where there are a lot of strict social conventions regarding conversation. Interruptions are seen as the worst of these, which is why the use of speech particles flourishes. In other regions, they are more reduced to sort of filler-words than actual signals. That said, filler-words are not followed by a speech particle even in Monarcia, as these fillers are viewed as having a quality akin to that of a speech particle; a custom particle, if you will.
Hanyu
The most prominent speech particle is undoubtedly the word "Hanyu". It's described as the "Authoritarian Particle" and is used by teacher and student, employer and employee, elder and youngster, and different societal or military ranks. It is the one of higher rank that will use this to allow a person of lower rank to talk, if at all. In some instances, some will refrain from using the particle, and thereby keep the person of lower rank they're speaking to from speaking.
An example could be a Sniper1 and a Knight2 talking. The Knight has a higher societal rank than the Sniper, and should therefore use this particle whenever they will allow the Sniper to talk. In certain situations, it is perfectly acceptable simply to refrain from giving this permission, for example if the Knight were giving an order to the Sniper. In this example, the Sniper would, even though the speech particle wasn't uttered by their superior, answer with Qū, which means "understood" or "Positive" and is an interjection used almost exclusively by the military when answering to orders and such. Therefore, it is one of the few acceptable words to say, even when one technically has no permission to speak.
Dyu/Dyū
This set of particles is described as the "Teacher/Student Particles". The short form is used by teachers, professors, and mentors interacting with a group of students, trainees, or pupils, while these would use the long form. Short form may appear cold or impersonal when addressing a single or few students, contrary to the more casual Mai or the authoritarian Hanyu.
Mai
This particle is commonly known as the "Familial Particle". It is used in more casual relationships such as friends and near family (though rarely parents or elders). Strangers of same societal or military rank and/or age would also use this. Close friends could, however, take offense to this, as there are other, more casual particles than this.
Vyu
Commonly translated as "please", "excuse me", or "no problem", this particle is actually a speech particle that is also used in requests, much like "please" is in English. It's rather formal, but will never offend anyone. It is expected to be used upon requesting anything from one of higher status or rank. It isn't expected, but is good etiquette to use towards parents/guardians. Between good friends it can contrast with Plē. Vyu may be an indication of a crush towards someone, but it isn't necessarily so; it could also just be a very polite, timid or shy individual.
The Casuals
This list of particles are all very casual. These may be used amongst friends, close family members, perhaps even between tightly-knit co-workers. However, these will most likely offend if there is even a small difference in rank or status, unless the parties are extremely close, despite of their ranks/statuses.
Very close friends, and especially in more modern times, sometimes drop the particles all-together and the social conventions of discourse with them.
- Plē — mostly used with questions - especially when asking "how are you" - or when wanting agreement or acceptance of something
- Zjō — used for emphasis or outbursts, or when asking something angrily or harshly
- Gdā — used when comforting or reassuring someone of something
Qc
A casual speech particle used to both denote end of speech, but also that the speaker is mildly irritated or frustrated over something, and would like either affirmation or comfort
1Gηje
2Breqlun
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