Hemmoian languages
The Hemmoian languages are a language group originating from the Hemmoian species, initially from the planet Orceron. They differ remarkably from humanoid languages due to the radically different mechanism of sound production and the brain structure of the Hemmoian physiology.
Contents
Mechanism
The Hemmoian speech organ is located inside the head of the individual, in the forehead region over the eyes. Unlike humanoid species, Hemmoians do not have vocal cords and the production of sound is not linked to breathing or the shape of the mouth, which the Hemmoians lack. Instead, the speech organ consists of a membrane that can be vibrated much like an electromagnetic speaker, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. Thus, the Hemmoians do not have to exhale in order to produce sound; it is likely that they recycle chemicals around the body for this purpose.
Hemmoian hearing is linked with their sense of feeling. The entire outer surface or "skin" layer of their bodies acts as a receiver for resonations in the gas around them, which translate into sensations of sound.
Scripts
Hemmoian script is the most common writing system for Hemmoian languages, including the ubiquituous Hemmoian Standard language. Although read from left to right, the script is highly non-linear and does not cosnsist of "characters" as usually understood. Instead, the multiple symbolic layers are traced from the main script simultaneously by the reader, who navigates the text with the guidance of dot symbols placed at the start and the end of each clause. The dot count at the beginning of each sentence represents the number of starting points.
Computer Hemmoian is a notable exception among the languages, as it has been radically streamlined and linearized to maximize clarity. It is generally represented by a script reminiscent of barcodes.
Languages
There is a very large number of languages in this group, several of which have become mainstream languages of the Galaxy.
- Hemmoian Standard is the most well known Hemmoian language. It is the official language of the Hemmoian Federation and the de facto language of the Delta Quadrant. It is spoken all around the Galaxy to varying degrees.
- Computer Hemmoian is a simplified, streamlined version of the Hemmoian language that is based on logic and principles of efficiency. It combines aspects of a verbal and a programming language and is used in computer networks such as the Collective.
- Riletian dialects, a minor group of variations on Hemmoian Standard that developed in the Riletian colonies.
