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Messages - Reuben22

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1
Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki News and Updates
« on: January 16, 2018, 02:44:11 pm »
Great news! I'm also going to re-commit to checking out this forum and commenting and posting more.

I know some folks have taken on long form translations of other works (books, the Bible, etc.). I'm making it my New Year's resolution to do the same, except I'll steer clear of "the canon" in academic and do something more millennial and fun. I welcome any suggestions!

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Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki Survey
« on: January 16, 2018, 02:16:31 pm »
1.   What is your age? 34
2.   What is your gender? male
3.   What is your educational level? Masters degree in Fine Arts (Creative Writing)
4.   What is your nationality? I'm multi-ethnic (Black, Indigenous American, and others)
5.   Have you ever studied linguistics or related subjects? Yes, part of my major in undergrad was Linguistics
6.   Do you consider yourself a Game of Thrones/ASOIAF fan? Yes
7.   How long have you been learning Dothraki? over 2 years now
8.   What would you consider your proficiency level to be? Proficient in reading and hearing, getting better at speaking.
9.   What methods have you used for learning Dothraki? Memrise e-courses, independent study, translating
10.   Why do you study Dothraki? All sorts of reasons! Mostly I find it fun. I work in a demanding field and it's important to carve out time for hobbies. In undergrad, one group assignment I had was to create a language in small teams and attempt to get fluent in it. This was one of my favorite class projects and I still remember some of the ritual prayers and chants we made up.
On a more personal level, I identified with the Dothraki people on the show but not their portrayal. I saw them, like all Indigenous peoples, as being represented through a colonial lens, and not in their own words. When the language was released I was excited to learn about them through their own (albeit fictional) tongue.
Also, as someone who grew up with Indigenous roots but for complicated family/historical reasons, doesn't have official tribal affiliations, I've always wanted to get more in touch with Indigenous languages but at the same time didn't want to culturally appropriate them. With Dothraki, there's no fear of cultural appropriation, for me at least.
11.   Do you feel that there is a Dothraki culture and if so, are you a part of it? Please explain. Yes, I do. We have some community here on this message board. But also, learning Dothraki on my own, affords me to build out some of my own culture too. There's also a Dothraki Altas that Choyosor and I are working on.
12.   What would you describe as the most important aspects of the development of the Dothraki language? I'm excited for how speakers are changing/adding/mutating the language. David Peterson is still the foremost expert, but with time I hope we as a community can significantly build on to it.
13.   In which way do you think Dothraki has been influenced/changed by the fact that the language now is used for human communication? Recently, some one, I think Choyosor posted the root words all at once and i think this is super helpful in the creation of new words and manipulation of current words.
14.   Do you think that any Dothraki speakers or the related Web sites have influenced David Peterson in coining new words or developing new grammar? Please give examples. I don't actually follow David Peterson that closely. But I did create my own words for cell phones, tv, computers and screen technology.
15.   Do you think the Dothraki language, as known today, has all the vocabulary and all the grammar that is necessary for extensive human communication in all fields of life? Please give examples. I do because although there aren't words for automobiles/air planes etc. We can create our own based on our understanding of how the Dothraki people would create words for those objects.
16.   Do you think Dothraki will need more speakers to survive as a language? Probably
17.   How do you think Dothraki can attract more speakers? I think this will be super local. I teach my friends and family words here and there and find ways to bring the language into my daily life. Eventually, those around will pick up more and it'll expand.
18.   How do you think Dothraki will develop in the future? I get excited about using Dothraki in activist circles as a language of "the resistance" but it's been slow going.
19.   Do you have any other comments on the development of the Dothraki language? Not right now but I'll PM you.

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Announcements / Re: Can anyone translate?
« on: December 08, 2017, 03:31:00 pm »
According to Google translate it said stuff about proxy servers and had a link to buy something. Might be spam.

4
As we gear up for Halloween, I decided to translate Michael Jackson's Thriller into Dothraki. It's a straight forward translation, not timed to music or set to rhyme. I'd love any feedback/corrections!

Verse 1
Me addo ajjalan qisi, m'ato mel fonay mr'athaozar
Torga shekhikhi k'ajjalani, yer tihi lei fin chir annakha zhor yeri
Yer kis awazi vosm' athrokhar ficha mem hatif yeri laz memi
Yer ezi jesholat m'athrokhar tihie mra tihi yeri nakhaan, yer vo laz nem eyeo

Chorus 1
Haji jinoon rokhakoon, ajjalan ki rokhaki
Ma vosak avijazeroe yera ha ivezhosoon fin hethka ildat
Me nem nesa me rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
Yer lajay h'atthiraraan yeri mr'ajjalan ki lanqoyi, k'athrokhari

Verse 2
Yer chari m'emrakh jona, ma yer tihoe fini os sandi vo vekho
Yer frakhoe qora fish ma zali tihat shekh save hezhahhe
Yer joni tihi yeri, ma zali fini jini attirarido
Vosma evoon, yer chari rhoa filkay irge yeroon, vo vekho kashi zinay

Chorus 2
Haji jinoon rokhakoon, ajjalan ki rokhaki
ma vo vekho ovrakh akataki ha vekhikhoon ma tihisoon chitor
Rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
Yer lajay h'atthiraraan yeri mr'ajjalan ki lanqoyi, k'athrokhari

Bridge
Ivezho jalani assie
m'athdrivarak eza iffat vitteyqoyisaan
Vo vekho athserisar ha vortosoon k'ivezho ajjin
Jin nakho k'atthirar ha yeraan

Verse 3
Mori jadi ha yeraan, ivezho jona qisi yer
Mori adothrae yera hash yer vo esinasoo okrenegwin yeri
Ajjin me kashi fin yer m'anha nem qorae qisi
Vi ajjalanaan, anha avijazerok h'athrokharoon mra zhor yeri, anha vittek yera

Chorus 3
Jin rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
haji anhoon laz rokhak yera ale ei ivezhosoa
Jin rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
Qorasolates anha yeraan ma majilates
ajjalan ki lanqoyi, k'athrokhari
ajjalan

Chorus 3 (again)
Jin rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
haji anhoon laz rokhak yera ale ei ivezhosoa
Jin rokhak, ajjalan ki rokhaki
Qorasolates anha yeraan ma majilates
ajjalan ki lanqoyi, k'athrokhari
ajjalan

Vincent Price monologue
Athaozar ohara yomme hranna
kashi k'addo ajjalani me qisi
ivezho filka vezat qoya
ma fona yanqosor yeri
ma hash mori ezi voj ei
oma oakah h'ezhiray
Mevoj eth kovara ma hatifa jan k'athdrivar
ma rikhoe mr'ilek ki khadokh

Achrakh arikhanaz qayee she chaf
Achrakh ki firesof chitor dalen
ma ivezho heme h'ikhoon k'athdrivari ei
loji h'eleisosakhoon ei
Ma kash yer laji thirolat
khado yeri eza vichiterat
hajinaan vo lajak laz najaho
h'athmelaroon ki rokhak



Dothraki-to-English

Verse 1
It's midnight nearly, and something evil is hunting within the darkness
Under the little light of the moon, you see a ghost that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but fear/terror takes the sound before you can make sound
You start to freeze and fear/terror looks completely within your eyes,
you can't move yourself

Chorus 1
Because this is Thriller, night of the Thriller
And nobody will save you from the beast that's ready to strike
It is known it's Thriller, night of the Thriller
You're fighting for your life within the night of killing sprees, of fear

Verse 2
You hear the gate close, and you realize a safe path doesn't exist
You feel a cold hand and hope to see the sun again someday
You close your eyes, and hope that this is a dream
But all the while, you hear an animal crawling (like a catepillar) behind you, there's no time left

Chorus 2
Because this is Thriller, night of the Thriller
and there's no second opportunity from the thing with 40 eyes
Thriller, night of the thriller
You're fighting for your life within the night of killing sprees, of fear

Bridge
Night beast call
and the Dead start to walk toward the feast
there's no freedom from the teeth of the beast now
this is end of life for you

Verse 3
They come for you, beasts close around you
They will ride you, if you don't change your house
Now is time that you and I hold ourselves close
through the night, I will save you from the terror within your heart, I will test you in action

Chorus 3
This is Thriller, night of the Thriller
Because I can scare you more than any beast
This is Thriller, night of the Thriller
Let me hold you and let's share
A night of killing spree, of fear
tonight

Vincent Price Monologue
Darkness falls upon the grass
Time of midnight, it's near
beasts crawl to search blood
and hunt your people
and if they find anyone
without soul for dancing
they must stand and face dogs of death
and rot within the skin of a corpse

The rottenest smell floats upon the wind
the stink of 40 thousand years
and furry beasts from all the ashes of death
hit from every via point
and while you fight to survive
your body starts to shiver
because no warrior can win victory
from the evil of the thriller



Actual Thriller lyrics

Verse 1
It's close to midnight and something evil's lurkin' in the dark
Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes,
You're paralyzed

'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

Verse 2
You hear the door slam and realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand and wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination, girl
But all the while you hear a creature creepin' up behind
You're outta time

Chorus 2
This is thriller, thriller night
There ain't no second chance against the thing with the forty eyes, girl
Thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

Bridge
Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time (they're open wide)
This is the end of your life

Verse 3
They're out to get you, there's demons closing in on every side
They will possess you unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time for you and I to cuddle close together
All through the night I'll save you from the terror on the screen,
I'll make you see

Chorus 3
That this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghoul could ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, chiller
Thriller here tonight

Chorus 3
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul could ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller

Vincent Price monologue
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'all's neighborhood
And whomsoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell

The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grisly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller

5
Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki Prayer
« on: September 05, 2017, 08:28:07 pm »
Thanks! I'm glad I got it good enough the first time, even if i wasn't perfect.

This wasn't part of a larger ceremony (though I hope to learn more water ceremony next summer when I visit my friend on a rez in Canada). This was mostly based on our conversations around wanting to thank the river for the big spiritual role its played in my life. My friend who's Ojibwe says when you want to talk to the river, place some tobacco in its waters (or waters that will eventually feed into the river) and send your thoughts, wishes, hopes and desires. The river will hear you.

Thanks for the edits! I'll incorporate them for the next time I get some alone time with the nearest river.

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Dothraki Language Updates / Dothraki Prayer
« on: August 23, 2017, 05:55:50 pm »
M'ath eyak! I'm going on a camping trip this weekend and I'm bringing some sage and gear for ceremony on this inlet that leads into a river. Full disclosure: I'm only part Native American but have learned some ceremony from my mentor who's Native Hawaiian and a colleague who's Ojibwe. I decided to say my prayer to the water in Dothraki and wanted to share it and get some feedback on my grammar skills (and catch any little mistakes I may have made).

Azhi jin azho ashefaan h'anhaan. Ashefa inavva shakfi ma meme azhi kisha atthirar. San athchomari shafkaan ha finaan ei shafka ray azh anna. Anha zalak astat ashefaan fin anha zigererak mae. Anha ray haj ma ray ver hezhah vosm' ashefa ray vitha mra oakah anni ayyey. Anha vek m'anha vo nesok finne anakhak. Anha qafak fin ashefa rhelae anna vezat gachezhor anni. Kesse anna finnesaan anha movekkhak. San athchomari shafkaan.


[Translation: Give this gift to the river for me. The river is your sister and she gives us life. Thank you for all that you have given me. I want to say to the river that I miss her. I have grown strong and have traveled far but the river has always flowed in my soul. I will be going and I do not know when I will stop. I ask that the river help me find my "home" (heartplace). Carry me to where I am meant. Thank you.]

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Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki Astrology
« on: July 26, 2017, 04:43:02 pm »
San athchomari shafkea, zhey Choyosor!

Yes, I'd love for my astrology system to be included in the Dothraki Atlas and I'd love to take part in the building out other parts of it. Now that I've changed jobs I've had a lot of work/life balance so I can pursue more of my hobbies. Sekosshi, frakhas anhaan vi PMaan ma me vallayafa anna rhelalat!

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Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki Astrology
« on: June 18, 2017, 09:18:31 am »
Methodology
Like I said, most of this is just made up by me because I like both astrology and the Dothraki language. But I tried my best to stay true to both, add in some culture, and seriously consider how the Dothraki might develop an astrology system.

We know off the bat that seasons in the way we think of them don't quite work in ASOIAF and GoT. There, winters last for years and only the very oldest of people alive at the time of the books/show can remember winter. I take this to mean that the actual orbit of this planet around its central star is actually quite long. Therefore, cultures would need something else to track the passage of time beyond season changes.

Hatifasavva are the Dothraki's way of doing this. On the eastern most tip of the horizon, the constellation Vezh appears more-or-less at the same time every year. Over the course of months it travels across the night's sky and sets in the west. At the exact time Vezh is setting, a new constellation appears in the east, Inavva Zhokwa. After she sets in the west, Chaf appears, and after Chaf sets in the west, Eyel appears and after Eyel sets, Vezh appears again. I imagine, though, that as the seasons do change, the length of time that each constellation appears changes as well. Meaning that during the summer, Vezh moves slower over the sky and Chaf moves faster. Vice versa during winter. This means that during these decades-long seasons, you are more likely to be born under the current season's sign, but not always.

I added the second dimension of gach'asshekh to complicate this but also reenforce the unusual season cycle. Seasons, alone, are incomplete in providing enough detail. Because the Dothraki don't have sophisticated tools like telescopes to track other constellations or celestial bodies, they use the time of day people are born: Dawn, Morning, Day, Sunset, Night, Late night/early morning. These stations of day correlate to the general life/work duties that take place throughout the day. For instance, Dawn is seen as the place where dreams exist because it's just before we wake up. Therefore it's called Ido, taking from the Dothraki word for dream, atthirar ido (to live a wooden life). Because wood has a connotation of being "not-real," dawn is associated with this aspect. Many born here are dreamers and thinkers and not always movers and shakers. Morning begins people's actual "work day." As the eat breakfast, they plot out what's going to happen or what needs to happen throughout the day. Because of this morning-born signs are forward thinkers. During the day, work and labor takes hold and people have a break for lunch. This attitude shows up in Hranna signs. The sunset, for its beauty and its signal that night is approaching, is highly sexualized in Dothraki culture. Night time is a time for socialization and communal-bonding, very much the opposite of the dream-like dawn state, and thus is labeled tawak (metal, which has the connotation of being real, authentic and legitimate). Late at night, pre-dawn, is when most people are asleep and when most spirits are active. As such jalan-born are deeply associated with spirituality and typically are loners.

I kept in mind too, that these stations of day are not fixed and/or equal in their duration. Like on Earth, sunrise and sunset vary in length with relation to solistices and equinoxes. On the planet where ASOIAF and GoT take place, even with seasons being prolonged, I would imagine the same is true. For this reason, there's a greater likelihood of being born during the longer parts of the day: hranna and tawak. That, compounded with the greater likelihood being being born under the current hatifasavva, gives the Dothraki people generational astrology as well. When the summers last for decades, there's a stronger likelihood that the majority of the people are more in tune with Vezh, fighting, roaming and demanding tribute. Whereas in the decades-long winter, there's a greater likelihood that the Dothraki focus inward and moreso on spirituality.

I would love to hear feedback from people!

9
Dothraki Language Updates / Re: Dothraki Astrology
« on: June 18, 2017, 09:17:46 am »
Gach'asshekh
Aside from knowing which season you were born in, in Dothraki Astrology, you will also need to know at what time of day you were born. There are 6 stations of the day: Ido (Dawn, lit. wood), Aena (morning), Hranna (Day, lit. grass), Athdrivar Shekhi (Sunset), Tawak (Evening, lit. metal), and Jalan (Late night/pre-dawn, lit. moon). Keep in mind that these stations of the day are not equal in duration. Hranna and Tawak are the longest parts of the day and Ido, Athdrivar Shekhi are the shortest. Aena and Jalan are somewhere inbetween in length.

Ido and its meaning: Ido said to be the dreamers as this is the place where dreams take place. These people are more creative but don't always have the follow through with their commitments. They can be prone to moodiness. Chafido are said to be aimless dreamers but highly spiritual and also loners. They are said to die early and also prone to health problems. Some khals would consider them weak.

Aena and its meaning: Aena are said to be intelligent and self motivating. They are direct with what they want, they set goals and go after them. Future oriented, they can often have tunnel vision and usually aren't the best at social situations. Vezhaena are said to make the best khals.

Hranna and its meaning: Hranna are said to be dutiful, funny and happy go lucky. They take pleasure in the simple things in life and are driven by the need to have good and fulfilling experiences. They are also said to be bulky, strong or as having a large physical presence. Betraying a hranna is bad but hurting their feelings is much worse. Hranna torga Eyel is said to be the best position for hranna. Hranna are said to make great warriors but not necessarily great khals.

Athdrivar Shekhi and its meaning: Athdrivar shekhi are said to be outgoing and exceptionally good looking. They have a lot of natural charisma and are believed to have many lovers throughout their lives. Ironically, marriage is often not the best station for athdrivar shekhi. Aside from charm and good looks, they are also said to become expert craftspeople and are good at working with their hands. Most usually aren't suited for battle or fighting.

Tawak and its meaning: Tawak are said to be highly social and tend to have a broad network of friends and allies. Moreso than other day signs, they know diplomacy and tact naturally and are also believed to be cunning and clever. Tawak torga Inavva Zhokwa is the best position for this sign and those people are thought to be master manipulators. Manipulation doesn't always mean bad or evil, though. Tawak make great tradespeople and are know for their negotiation skills. Tawak don't like to be the center of attention.

Jalan and its meaning: Jalan are said to be outside the box thinkers and are always a bit of an enigma, even to those closest to them. This is because their thought/emotional process is so different from what is typically thought of as normal. Jalan can make great khals but usually don't ride with a khalasar. They don't like taking orders, especially from people they don't have deep respect for. Like Ido, they are typically loners.

These two levels combine to make 24 distinct signs (gach'asavva asshekhqoyi). The signs themselves are referred to as DAY STATION under HATIFASAVVA, for example Ido torga Vezh (Dawn under Vezh). People born in that sign are called STATION HATIFASAVVA, or Chafido (Wood Wind).

Ido torga Vezh, Vezhido (Wood Stallion)
Vezhido have a lot of initiative and come up with good actionable ideas. However, this is not the strongest position to be born under Vezh. Ido torga Vezh are usually thought to have egos that are bigger than their bodies. Old folklore, in fact, also refers to them by their smal stature. But that doesn't mean they don't have positive qualities too. Vezhido make good fighters and typically make good khasi. They are fiercely loyal. With family, they show their kinder side that the public typically never sees.

Aena torga Vezh, Vezhaena (Morning Stallion)
Vezhaena are natural-born leaders and usually portented to become Khal one day. Often blunt when speaking to people, they lack social graces but make up for it in their proficiency with weapons, fighting and horse-riding. Believed to be well-behaved children and babies, when Vezhaena grow into puberty and adulthood, they are often headstrong, and occasionally stubborn. Vezhaena are the most exalted form of Vezh. Families are considered lucky to one among their ranks.

Hranna torga Vezh, Vezhhranna (Grass Stallion)
Vezhhranna are the Dothraki equivalent of "Gentle Giants," large, strong and loyal and obidient, they are indispensible in khalasars. Typically quiet in nature, most people mistakenly assume that Vezhhranna are dim-witted, but they are surprisingly adept at poetry, art, and storytelling. That is when they trust the people around them enough to let their guard down.

Athdrivar Shekhi torga Vezh, Vezhshekh (Sun Stallion)
Vezhshekhi develop a reputation as a heartbreaker early on in life. In fact, much of how they were reared as children is said to effect their adulthood. When there is a strong presence of both male and female role models, those born Athdrivar Shekhi torga Vezh grow up well-rounded and balanced. When one of those elements is missing, they over-compensate for that as adults. For instance, a boy who is Vezhshekhi and grew up without a father will often be aggressive, womanizing and egotistical. A boy Vezhsheki who grew up without a mother, though, will be concerned with their good looks and preoccupied with finding a mate.

Tawak torga Vezh, Vezhtawak (Metal Stallion)
Vezhtawak are known for the quick wit, but also their quick temper. Said to be rambuctous children, when Vezhtawak don't get their way, watch out. In folklore Vezhtawak are sometimes painted as the villain in classic tales but the hero in revenge tales. They are the type to plot carefully and quietly in the background and then wait for their time to strike. Because of this natural disposition, they make some of the best hunters.

Jalan torga Vezh, Vezhjalan (Moon Stallion)
Prone to extremes, they usually internalize all the attributes of Vezh and externally appear to reject them. For example, Vezhjalani can internalize the Vezh spirit of fighting by conquering their inner fears and demons, while at the same time rejecting war and espousing peace. This is because they experience the presence of Vezh on a much deeper level. Typically, Vezhjalani are said to never marry or produce children, although some will go in the exact opposite and have big families.

Ido torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvaido (Wood Sister)
Inavvaido are typically scattered brained, but not unintelligent. The presence of Inavva Zhokwa makes these people family and community-oriented. Superstitiously, Inavvaido are said to make better aunts, uncles, and babysitters than actual parents. Good intentioned and mild-mannered, their biggest flaw is their short attention span and lack of focus. But they are highly intuitive, particularly in gauging the vibe of the community.

Aena torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvaena (Morning Sister)
They make ideal parents. Inavvaena are humble and give freely of themselves but they are not pushovers. Often, they are the ones who will defend weak and defenseless people. They don't abide bullying -- especially not when it comes to their own children. In general, Inavva Zhokwa has the best moral compass, and Aena torga Inavva Zhokwa manifest this particularly well. They don't just have a strong sense of right and wrong; they have a refined sense of right and wrong. They are capable of handling nuance and complexity. These people are the best arbiters of disputes.

Hranna torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvahranna (Grass Sister)
They might be better known for the cooking skills than for their military prowess. Inavvahranna take great pride in their hobbies and pursuits and are well suited to host and entertain others. They show their affection boisterously with lots of gifts and hugs. These people are expressive and have trouble lying convincingly. While many are extroverts, they excel at any hobby or skill that involves long periods of solitude. Happy Inavvahranna find that serving other is the best use of their personality and they skillsets.

Athdrivar Shekhi torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvashekh (Sun Sister)
Inavvashekhi make great entertainers, concubines, companions, or even spies. Inavvashekhi have a knack for getting intimate -- in and out of the bedroom. They are driven by a social desire to connect with people and are innately curious about others. As such, their origins and backgrounds are often mysterious, as they'd rather focus on you than vice versa. Inavvashekhi are particularly good at arts: singing, dancing, playing instruments. Performing, for them, is more about the audience than their own ego, which is why they are so good at it. They also tend to be sexually fluid and open-minded in the bedroom.

Tawak torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvatawak (Metal Sister)
Tawak is exalted in this position as the presence of Inavva Zhokwa blends excellently with Tawak. To say these folks have "the gift of gab" isn't just an understatment it's an over simplification. Inavvatawak have the gift of conversation. They know how to keep a conversation lively and engaging. They also make great storytellers and are the people you look to around a campfire. As they get older Inavvatawak become the keepers of history for their community, and as such often educate the youth.

Jalan torga Inavva Zhokwa, Inavvajalan (Moon Sister)
They often struggle with a sense of belonging, as Jalan and Inavva Zhokwa don't particularly mesh well together. These people are defined by their desire for community and companionship but are similarly defined by their unconventionality. The khalasar structure just doesn't work for them and their propensity to be a loner often fuels them to travel to distant lands and cultures. This is where Inavvajalani thrive, actually. Open-minded, curious, and not held down by rules of convention, these people have the best adventures and feel most at peace when they are far from home.

Ido torga Chaf, Chafido (Wood Wind)
Chafido would rather spend their time philosophizing than doing manual labor. These people are great thinkers. The presence of Chaf is exalted here in Ido so these people have the reputation for being aimless dreamers. Chafido will lead unconventional lives and likely would not survive in a khalasar. They thrive when pursuing knowledge for its own sake and creative arts.

Aena torga Chaf, Chafaena (Morning Wind)
There's a great sense of adventure with Chafaena. Unlike a lot of other Chaf signs, these folks often want to walk the walk rather than being all talk. They often know from an early age what they want to accomplish as their life's pursuit and, surpringly, already have fleshed out plans to do it. Chafaena are Dothraki version of Type A personalities. This actually makes them great in khalasars and particularly great as khasar.

Hranna torga Chaf, Chafhranna (Grass Wind)
Chafhranna may seem like stoic silent types at first but when you get to know them you'll find that there's much more under the surface and that they are often much more intelligent than they let on. These people do not like the limelight and scarcely ever take on high profile leadership positions. They're also super loyal to there loved ones, their khal, or they're lovers. Tread carefully with their admiration and even more carefully with their hearts. Chafhranna make the best advisers and any khal would be wise to keep council with them.

Athdrivar Shekhi torga Chaf, Chafshekh (Sun Wind)
The Chaf presence in Athdrivar Shekhi makes Chafshekhi the most mysterious, beautiful and highly sought after sign for romance. These folks would feel right at home as royal courtesans in another civilization or time. Aside from their reputation as great lovers, these people are also highly adept social movers and shakers, to the point where they are highly intuitive, if not outright psychic. They are often overlooked, however, for their artistic prowess. These folks are less likely to be great singers or storytellers much more likely to produce great scupltures, tapestries and drawings.

Tawak torga Chaf, Chaftawak (Metal Wind)
Chaftawak are nature's great teachers and mentors. Highly intelligent, and very cooperative, these people don't just seek knowledge and skills for the sake of having them or amassing power. Chaftawak know that true power isn't held within one person but shared, and that the loyalty and alliegiance that comes from teaching and mentoring isn't easily broken. People in this sign make excellent parents and it's widely believed that their offspring will accomplish great things. They also possess a great deal of patience and are said to have a long fuse to their temper. But be warned, once ignited, these people don't forgive, and especially don't forget.

Jalan torga Chaf, Chafjalan (Moon Wind)
Chafjalani are the most spiritual of the Chaf signs (which are by nature more spiritual than the other hatifasavva). Like the Chafsheki, people under this sign ride the border of highly intuitive and outright psychic ability, but with Chafjalani this is more concentrated, as the Jalan is the most exalted in Chaf. From a young age these people are able to grasp the big picture, 50,000 feet up, in a way that even elders of other signs aren't fully able to. Chafjalani are often loners and their presence is at times off-putting to others. These are old souls and they find things like class distinction and political power as pointless as children's toys.

Ido torga Eyel, Eyelido (Wood Rain)
Eyelido are the great Dothraki hedonists. These folks love celebration and don't need an excuse to throw a party. That's because, for them, there is always a good reason to celebrate. To them life is full of surprises (big and small) and the world is a continually surreal and magical place. Ever the optimist, these folks have great epic childhood adventures but must be careful and guided through into adulthood. Rules and responsibility don't come naturally to them, but on the flip side aggression and conquest don't either. These people would have made generous and kind kings and queens in another time and civilization. But in Dothraki culture they are seen as the kids who, for better or worse, never quite grow up.

Aena torga Eyel, Eyelaena (Morning Rain)
Eyelaena make great scientists. The presence of Eyel makes them naturally curious about the world but the direction and guidance of Aena focuses that into practical applications. These are the people who will come up with new techniques of making and building the same things, but faster, less costly and more efficient. The downside is, like all of science, their great insight rely on experimentation and trial and error. These people will fail as often as they succeed. Thankfully, the presence Eyel help mitigate the fears and shames that come with failure. In fact, folks under this sign have a remarkable ability to jump back up after any blow.

Hranna torga Eyel, Eyelhranna (Grass Rain)
Hranna is exalted under Eyel, as the rain makes the grass grow. Even though the Dothraki culturally dislike farming, these people carry a farmer's motto: "tend to the land and it will bear fruit." These people find their greatest joy in finding their niche, the one thing they do better than anyone else and doing it. Unlike our culture's stigma on the word "follower," Eyelhranna understand the truest nature of that concept: find your place, and then excel. A downside for Eyelhranna is that until they do find their life's mission, they can be flighty and easily distracted. These folks benefit greatly from mentorship.

Athdrivar Shekhi torga Eyel, Eyelshekh (Sun Rain)
Eyelshekhi embody the concept of cuddling; they are just great nuturers and use their whole minds and bodies to this end. They are extremely loyal and, it is said, make the best spouses. These people are driven by an intense curiosity of others, but not the global sense of others, moreso on the microscale of just one or two people. If the people in their lives are like open books, Eyelshekhi are voracious readers. When they encounter people who are cold and not emotionally forthright they are often aloof to them.

Tawak torga Eyel, Eyeltawak (Metal Rain)
Eyeltawak are highly observant, even if they aren't very extroverted (although many are). These people are great "cold readers" and can pick up on quick a bit just from observing someone's facial expressions while they tell a story, how they ride a horse, and even how they fight in battle. Whether they use their skills to enrich themselves or for the greater good is often up to them. Still, these are the kinds of people you want as a emissary to a foreign culture or civilization.

Jalan torga Eyel, Eyeljalan (Moon Rain)
Eyeljalani tend to be introverted and secretive. Not because they are malicious and scheming, quite the opposite. These people live in a rich world of imagination that most people (adults especially) can't access. In Dothraki mythology, Eyeljalan takes on the role of The Fool in the tarot. Risk-takers, sometimes (lots of times) gullible, these people also contain a great streak of luck and are thought to, as adults, go on many adventures. These are also the kinds of people who have just as strong of a tie to their dreaming life as they do their waking life. For them, they are always straddling two very different worlds. When these worlds are at odds with each other, their nature luck disappears.

10
Dothraki Language Updates / Dothraki Astrology
« on: June 18, 2017, 09:17:15 am »
I threw this up on reddit a little bit ago but I created a Dothraki astrology system. I saw that Choyosor is developing an Dothraki Atlas and I'd be interested to see how this can mesh with that.

Below, I'll go deeper into the basis and underpinnings of Dothraki Astrology but I figure people want to know what their signs are first. There are 2 "levels" to Dothraki Astrology: the hatifasavva (sky face) and gach'asshekh (day place). Together they make the gach'asavva asshekhqoyi (birthday sky place).

Let's start with hatifasavvasi. They are 4: Vezh (Great Stallion), Inavva Zhokwa (Big Sister), Chaf (Wind), and Eyel (Rain). These 4 correspond to our Earth seasons Vezh = summer, Inavva Zhokwa = fall, Chaf = winter, Eyel = spring.

Vezh and his astrological meanings: Vezh is the primary deity in Dothraki culture. As such he starts their calendar year. Vezh usually takes the form of a horse, but as a supreme deity he can take anthropomorphic forms as well, presuming they are still horse-like in nature. Vezh rules strength, leadership, war, fighting, sex as a top or dom, and is associated with khals, fatherhood. He is also the only explicitly male hatifasavva.

Inavva Zhokwa and her meanings: Like the rest of these lesser spirits, I've made them up entirely. Inavva Zhokwa is a mythical figure in Dothraki storytelling. Think of her like the Dothraki version of Hercules or Gilgamesh. Her stories involve the many fights, trials and tribulations Inavva Zhokwa endured (and succeeded) to save her family. Myth says that when she died, Vezh placed her in the sky as a constellation, giving her the prized position of coming first after him. Inavva Zhokwa rules family, teaching, bringing people together, food, nurturing, sex as a voyeur, and is associated with storytelling tradition and oral history. As a hatifasavva, she is seen as more female than male.

Chaf and its meanings: Chaf is the last surviving of the Old Spirits, existing before Vezh, often taking the form of an old woman. Chaf rules emotions, travel, spirituality, sex as a bottom or a sub, and is associated wisdom and the kind of knowledge that can't be taught, the dosh khaleen, motherhood, widowhood and older age. Chaf is the only explicitly female hatifasavva.

Eyel and its meanings: Eyel is sometimes known in folklore as a mischievous and trickster spirit, but in this astrology system takes a more neutral form. Eyel rules childhood, creativity, intuition, learning, intelligence, sex as an exhibitionist, games and play, optimism, naivete, and is associated with strategic thinking. Eyel is considered more male than female.

Gach'asshekh
Aside from knowing which season you were born in, in Dothraki Astrology, you will also need to know at what time of day you were born. There are 6 stations of the day: Ido (Dawn, lit. wood), Aena (morning), Hranna (Day, lit. grass), Athdrivar Shekhi (Sunset), Tawak (Evening, lit. metal), and Jalan (Late night/pre-dawn, lit. moon). Keep in mind that these stations of the day are not equal in duration. Hranna and Tawak are the longest parts of the day and Ido, Athdrivar Shekhi are the shortest. Aena and Jalan are somewhere inbetween in length.

Ido and its meaning: Ido said to be the dreamers as this is the place where dreams take place. These people are more creative but don't always have the follow through with their commitments. They can be prone to moodiness. Chafido are said to be aimless dreamers but highly spiritual and also loners. They are said to die early and also prone to health problems. Some khals would consider them weak.

Aena and its meaning: Aena are said to be intelligent and self motivating. They are direct with what they want, they set goals and go after them. Future oriented, they can often have tunnel vision and usually aren't the best at social situations. Vezhaena are said to make the best khals.

Hranna and its meaning: Hranna are said to be dutiful, funny and happy go lucky. They take pleasure in the simple things in life and are driven by the need to have good and fulfilling experiences. They are also said to be bulky, strong or as having a large physical presence. Betraying a hranna is bad but hurting their feelings is much worse. Hranna torga Eyel is said to be the best position for hranna. Hranna are said to make great warriors but not necessarily great khals.

Athdrivar Shekhi and its meaning: Athdrivar shekhi are said to be outgoing and exceptionally good looking. They have a lot of natural charisma and are believed to have many lovers throughout their lives. Ironically, marriage is often not the best station for athdrivar shekhi. Aside from charm and good looks, they are also said to become expert craftspeople and are good at working with their hands. Most usually aren't suited for battle or fighting.

Tawak and its meaning: Tawak are said to be highly social and tend to have a broad network of friends and allies. Moreso than other day signs, they know diplomacy and tact naturally and are also believed to be cunning and clever. Tawak torga Inavva Zhokwa is the best position for this sign and those people are thought to be master manipulators. Manipulation doesn't always mean bad or evil, though. Tawak make great tradespeople and are know for their negotiation skills. Tawak don't like to be the center of attention.

Jalan and its meaning: Jalan are said to be outside the box thinkers and are always a bit of an enigma, even to those closest to them. This is because their thought/emotional process is so different from what is typically thought of as normal. Jalan can make great khals but usually don't ride with a khalasar. They don't like taking orders, especially from people they don't have deep respect for. Like Ido, they are typically loners.

These two levels combine to make 24 distinct signs (gach'asavva asshekhqoyi). The signs themselves are referred to as DAY STATION under HATIFASAVVA, for example Ido torga Vezh (Dawn under Vezh). People born in that sign are called STATION HATIFASAVVA, or Chafido (Wood Wind).

11
Beginners / Re: Conversations in Dothraki
« on: December 19, 2016, 09:23:04 pm »
M'ath! Anha fonay ha kashiaan neak.* Vosma anha zin zalak astolat mra yeri she Skype firesof sash!


*(I am hunting for a long time = busy with work)

12
Beginners / Re: Conversations in Dothraki
« on: December 11, 2016, 03:16:16 pm »
San athchomari, zhey Choyosor ma Alizia. Anha vo mra qora Skype ajjin vosma anha viyanqak maan! Hakesi tawak anhoon Tihirizh. Anha layafak ezat vojji eshna ma astolat Dothraki! Anha viyanqak Skype silokh.

13
Beginners / Re: Conversations in Dothraki
« on: December 07, 2016, 05:15:07 pm »
M'ath! Hake anni Reuben. Anha thirak mra Brooklyn. Anha ray nesoy Dothraki m'anha disse. Hash voj loy thira mra NYC, anha vizalak shilolat m'astolat niyanqoy. Hash vos, me chek akka. Hash voji zin jinne?

14
Beginners / Translating songs (would love for someone to check my grammar)
« on: September 19, 2016, 12:17:06 pm »
Hi everyone!

I'm new here, but have been studying and reading about Dothraki for several months. I decided to take the plunge by translating some of my favorite karaoke songs into Dothraki. Obviously, direct word for word translation doesn't exactly line up, so I'm having some fun interpreting the meaning, feelings, and creativity inito Dothraki. But I would love for someone to read my translations to see if they make sense grammatically.

So is there anyone out there who has both a high understanding of Dothraki grammar and a fan of 80s and 90s R'n'B? Please let me know!

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