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JRRT

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  1. JRRT

    Learning Matoran: Lesson 1

    By JRRT,

    Ke ovahi o kii vahi,
    Mata Nui uamo.
    inihe ka usmo ia ngie,
    ke orna hu Matoran,
    lhe ii arta.
     
    In the time before time
    The Great Spirit descended
    Out of the Heavens carrying we,
    The ones called the Matoran
    To this paradise.
     
    --First lines of "The Legend of Mata Nui"
     
    =l Preface l=


    First, I must make a confession. For the past ten (or so) years, my primary hobby has been an obsession with constructing languages: "conlanging". In the words of J.R.R himself, it is the "secret vice". And, as might be expected, I have not been able to keep it from spilling over into my interest of Bionicle. This is the result: an attempt to formulate a grammar of the Matoran Language (using the basis of the dictionary already posted elsewhere in the blog).
     
    As a basic principle, I have attempted to imitate some grammatical structures common to Polynesian languages such as Hawaiian, Māori, and Samoa. Ultimately, however, the majority of the grammar is more or less arbitrary (or "a-priori"). And, of course, this means that (almost) the entirety of the grammar presented here is non-canon.
     
    But now to the point! This grammar will be posted in a series of lessons designed specifically for "beginners" (or, at least, "people who aren't hard-core linguistics-people"). A good general knowledge of "grammar" and "phonetics" will be an advantage to any reader here, but I will aim to present linguistic concepts in the least jargon-heavy manner I can come up with (no promises ). I'll be starting out with a discussion of phonology in this post, followed by posts on Nouns, Verbs, the Matoran Alphabet itself, Adjectives, Syntax (Sentence Structure), etc.
     
    Enjoy, if you will.
     
    Or as the Matoran say:
     
    A kanga ri o'atukhe.
     

    =l Lesson 1 l=


    Basic Pronunciation
     
    First, it's best to establish that, while Matoran obviously don't have the same vocal organs as humans (teeth? tongues? what?!), they are capable of producing a similar array of sounds; or, at least, similar enough that we humans can come pretty close.
     
    With that said, here's a basic list of the principal sounds of Matoran with English equivalents where necessary. Unless otherwise specified, all sounds are pronounced as in English:
     
    -Consonants:
     
    b
    c – as <k>, except at the beginning of some words, where it is pronounced as <s> (an unfortunate hold-over from English orthography...>.<)
    ch – always <k>
    d
    f – also spelled <ph> (a more archaic orthographic convention in Matoran)
    g – always as in "dog"
    h
    kh –like the German <ch>, harsher than English <h> (would be called a "velar fricative")
    j – optionally pronounced as in "jar" or "yard" (like <y>)
    k
    l
    m
    n
    ng – as in "sing" at the beginning of a word; as in "finger" in all other positions
    p
    r – trilled, as Spanish <r>
    rh – not trilled, more like English <r>
    s
    sh
    t
    th – as in "think" (very rare)
    v
    w
    y
    z
     
    -Vowels:
     
    a – as in "all"
    e – as in "rate"
    i – as in "machine"
    o – as in "go"
    u – as in "loose"
    y – as German <ü> (rare sound). Pronouncing <i> ("machine") while rounding the lips like <u> ("loose") gives a close approximation.
     
    All vowels can be either short or long. Long vowels are written simply by doubling the letter (aa, ee, oo, etc.) and are held twice as long as short vowels.
     
    If you haven't dealt with spelling systems other than English before, the most important thing to remember is that every letter represents a sound—every letter is pronounced. There are no "silent letters" in Matoran, and there are only a few "digraphs" (two consonants with one sound: th, ch, etc.).
     
    -----
     
    And that concludes Lesson 1. Thanks for reading if you got this far. Next up: Lesson 2--Intro to Nouns, which will hopefully be a little more interesting.
     
    JRRT
  2. JRRT

    Learning Matoran: Lesson 2

    By JRRT,

    Oe a gauru ur a terenye.
    Vemo Mata Nui na lhihke lhia,
    K’a kaihe a karnye a terevua.
    Oe lhe na veta ovemo.

    We were separate, and without purpose
    So the Great Spirit gave us the Three Virtues:
    Unity, Duty, and Destiny.
    And these gifts we embraced.

    --from “The Legend of Mata Nui”

    =l Intro to Nouns l=
    At the most basic level, Matoran and English nouns are, well, nouns. They represent persons, places, things, ideas, etc. Grammatically, however, Matoran nouns exhibit some features that are quite different from those in English.

    The most pervasive feature of Matoran nouns is the system of grammatical particles by which the roles of different nouns are defined. Particles are function words which can indicate the grammatical roles of nouns, verbs, and/or adjectives in a sentence. In English, some prepositions actually approach the category of “particle” in some verbal constructions.

    There are 9 particles in all, split into 3 distinct groups: Case, Motion, and Time/Location. The first group—Case particles—is the most vital to understand and will be discussed first.

    [Although the other two categories of Motion and Time/Location should technically also be considered cases, I will separate them here because of the fact that they have much in common with adverbial elements.]

    Case Particles:
    First, it would be appropriate to explain the concept of Case. If you know or have taken a language like German, Dutch, or even Latin, you’ll know exactly what case is: the role that a noun plays within the structure of a sentence.

    In English grammar, the roles of Subject, Direct Object, Indirect Object, Possessive, etc. are all functions of case. These roles are primarily indicated in English grammar by “word-order”: the placement of a noun in a sentence.

    For example, the subject of a sentence is usually placed before the verb, while a direct or indirect object normally follows the verb. In many other languages, these roles can be indicated in a variety of different ways (inflection, for example), and word order is not emphasized as much.

    This is the situation in Matoran, with different cases being indicated by particles, rather than word-order or inflection (suffixes, prefixes, etc.). As mentioned above, there are three particles to indicate case: subject, object, and possessive.

    Subject (Nominative) Case
    The Subject (or Nominative) Case, as evidenced by its name, marks the Subject of a sentence—the noun which performs the action of the verb.

    It can be indicated by the particle word i, but this is not actually required and can frequently be dropped. Therefore:

    matoran “Matoran”
    (i) matoran “Matoran (as subject of sentence)" << Parentheses indicate that the particle is optional.

    As can be seen, this particle is always placed before the noun. There is also a plural form of the particle: ne (also placed before the noun):

    ne matoran “Matoran (pl., as subject of sentence)”

    Object (Objective) Case
    The Object (or Objective) Case marks a noun as the Direct or Indirect Object of a sentence—the noun which receives the action of the verb or to/for whom the action is done.

    It is indicated by the particle a or ea (both are interchangeable). Like the Subject Particle, these are also placed before the noun. The plural forms of the Object Particle are na or nea. Examples:

    a/ea matoran “Matoran (as direct or indirect object of verb)”
    na/nea matoran “Matoran (pl.)”

    Distinguishing whether or not the Objective Case is used as a direct or indirect object is a topic that will be discussed in a later lesson.

    Possessive (Genitive) Case
    The Possessive (or Genitive) Case indicates the possessor of an object—a noun which possesses another noun.

    It takes the particle ui or wa (also interchangeable), which differ from the other two case particles in that they can be placed before or after the noun, depending on the sentence. The plural forms of the Possessive Particle are mi or ma. Examples:

    rahi ui/wa matoran – “Matoran’s Rahi” (Matoran = possessor)
    rahi matoran ui/wa – “Matoran’s Rahi”
    rahi mi/ma matoran – (pl.)
    rahi matoran mi/ma – (pl.)

    Although the particle can be placed before or after the noun, it should be noted that the possessor-noun (here matoran) always follows the noun which is possessed (rahi).

    Etymologically, the origin of the two distinct particle forms for the Genitive Case can be traced to a much earlier stage of the Matoran Language when ui and wa indicated, respectively, possessor and possessed. In time, the role of wa was decreased, and eventually it came to be used simply as a variant of ui.

    -------

    Now that we have these three basic cases, we are one step closer to being able to compose simple sentences. The only thing lacking is Verbs, and these will be covered (somewhat) in the next lesson: Lesson 3—Intro to Verbs. Stay tuned.

    JRRT
  3. JRRT

    Simplicity Kit [update 2]

    By JRRT,

    [update 9/17/10: Toa Inika]

    I realized that I never actually posted this here...

    This is the Simplicity Kit. A kit which you will probably need glasses to see (and, if you don't have glasses yet, you just wait). The goal of this was basically to amuse myself spriting something tiny, easy, simple. That sort of thing. It may not be useful to anyone, but it was very fun. So fun, in fact, that I may just have to find time to update it in future.

    Until then, enjoy:




    JRRT
  4. JRRT

    The Fate Of Makuta

    By JRRT,

    All tests are taken. All papers are presented. All finals are over.
     
    Finally. Long sigh of contentment.
     

    =ll= 
    Today I've been looking through some topics related to how Teridax (henceforth referred to only as Makuta or The Makuta, since that's really what he is now) will be defeated in 2010, reading some of the different speculations and ideas that members have. While I don't usually spend much time reading speculation anymore (it takes a lot of time...which I don't have), this has really caught my attention...
     
    So, here's my ideal imagining of how The Makuta will ultimately be overthrown and the Toa and Mata Nui will be victorious (in the most epic way possible):
     
    -Makuta arrives on Bara Magna. The Toa Nuva and Takanuva escape from the "Makutaverse" (probably with help from the Ignika) and Tahu is reverted to his original Mata form (reason for this: the "golden armor" needs a Toa in the "un-armored" form of the Mata).
    -By this time, Mata Nui has been successful in retrieving the ancient power source of the Great Beings and has been able to use it to repair the gigantic prototype synthezoid.
    -The Toa fight the remnants of the Skrall on Bara Magna while searching for the pieces of the golden armor. They find it and assemble it. Tahu dons the armor.
     
    *unknown what the purpose of the armor is, skipping ahead!*
     
    -The Toa enter the prototype synthezoid as Mata Nui rises from the desert to face the towering Makuta.
    -Epic "Battle of the Monolithic Giants" ensues. Complete with epic orchestral/vocal score. The portrayal of this battle ranges from physical action (shattering mountains, etc.) to mental action, as the minds of Mata Nui and Makuta battle across the robotic systems of their respective bodies.
    -Mata Nui's body is severely damaged, he departs from Bara Magna into space. Makuta pursues him into the dark void.
    -Makuta eventually catches up with Mata Nui somewhere in interplanetary space. Mata Nui and the Toa have constructed a plan.
     
    *unknown what plan is, skipping ahead!*
     
    -Result of the plan is that, after an incredibly intense struggle, Makuta and Mata Nui switch places. The Toa Mata find themselves faced with their old Enemy in the mind of the prototype. Makuta manifests himself as the Void once more, and the Mata fight him in a reflection of their first battle in Mangaia. Makuta is too strong. They are almost defeated!
    -Takanuva, the Toa of Light, finally exerts his power in the conflict. Makuta cannot withstand the Element of Light. He retreats into the shadows, taunting the seven Toa...
    -Suddenly Makuta realizes the damage that has been done to his body in the battle with Mata Nui. The prototype body is nearly falling apart. Makuta feels the sting of fear as it dawns upon him that he is trapped, imprisoned. He is too weak to strike back at the Toa now. Mata Nui, now in his rightful body, speaks across the void between the two synthezoids, telling Makuta to look "outward".
    -Makuta looks into space and finds himself floating beside a Red Star, but it is not the Red Star of the Great Beings. This time it is a real one, and it is something that his present body cannot withstand. Makuta says that he will take the Toa with him to the grave. Mata Nui says that he will not.
    -The Toa Mata and Takanuva are transported from the mind of Makuta, along with the Ignika (maybe using the same mechanisms that the Mask of Life used to transport the Mahri to Metru Nui?). Makuta is left alone, finally the Great Spirit of his own universe--a broken and lifeless shell. He screams rage and terror into the minds of the Toa and every living being within the universe of the Matoran as Mata Nui hurls him headlong across the blazing Void.
    -Makuta's last words as he hurtles into the inferno of the Star are "You cannot destroy me, for I am Nothing." He laughs, and then silence.
     
    I have to write this. Bye.
     
    JRRT
  5. JRRT
    [bump'd, 4/21/11. Because I wanted to. So there.]
     
    [Wouldn't you know it: I go to add new material to this, and it tells me I've reached the limit for a blog entry. So be it. I've thus split this "dictionary" into two "volumes" (because "volume" just sounds so much more important).
    In terms of describing the content of this "update": I've added around 120-130 new entries in all, in addition to modifying and revising older entries. Most of the words have to do with plants, landforms, colors, and the Matoran body. So enjoy, if you will. I know I did.]
     
     

    =ll=
     
    A Dictionary and Etymology of the Matoran Language
     
    =l Volume I l=
     
    As inscribed by the Scholar Ihu of the Knowledge Tower Oroko in Ko-Metru in the Great City of Metru Nui.
     
    This record being written in the ninth century of the Golden Age of Metru Nui: the year 79908 since the Beginning and the Time of the Great Beings.
     
    Prefatory Notes:
    The organization of this dictionary is according to the order of the first letter of the Matoran word, in the sequence in which these letters appear in the Alphabet of the Matoran. Thus Volume I begins with those words which start with A and continues until L, while Volume II begins with M and continues to Z.
    Each entry gives a description of the basic meaning and classification of a word, followed by a more thorough explanation of the word's usage, as well as its etymological history, form, and development. Those words whose etymologies are uncertain are labeled as such.


    -A-
     
    aan, n. being, individual [etymology uncertain; also used as the name for the letter a]
    aavel¹, n. brightness, shining [Derived from the elemental word avo "elemental light"; it originates from an ancient stem modification involving the suffix -li and the reduplication of the stem vowel as a prefix, forming the hypothetical form *aavoli, eventually to aaveli, with usual vowel change of o > e and eventual loss of -i, finally becoming aavel]
    aavel², adj. bright, shining, luminous [Originates as an adjectival form of the noun aavel¹ (see entry); used frequently in compounds]
    aka, n. power, ability [An independent augmented form of the original element ka (see entry ka)]
    akaku, n. cmpnd. the power of vision [From the elements aka "power, ability" and aku "sight, vision"]
    aki, n. courage, bravery, ambition; (honorific) leader, lord [Historically a conjunction of the semantic suffix -ak, at the time meaning something like "active" or "intensified" (although now it has come to have negative connotations), and the general nounal suffix -i; basically synonomous with the term tai (see entry)]
    aku, n. sight, vision
    akuavo, n. sun, star; title of one of the twin suns of Metru Nui [Originates as a conjunction of the ancient elemental stem avoi "light" and the term aku "sight, vision". The word's usage as a title for one of the twin suns in the city of Metru Nui is probably historically based upon the fact that vision is given through light (as in the light of the eyes of the Matoran), and more colloquially upon the idea that the twin suns somehow represent the "eyes of Mata Nui", an idea which is afforded very little credence by the educated community]
    akuhii, n. lit. things of sight; eye(s) [Formed from the elements aku "sight" and the suffix -hii "thing, object, place"]
    amahti, n. hand, grip; lit. "thing that holds, grips" [From the modified stem (a)mat "hold, grip, contain" with addition of the suffix -hii "thing, object, place"]
    amakii, n. finger; lit. "part of hand/grip" [From the modified stem (a)mat "hold, grip, contain" with addition of the suffix -ki(i) "part/piece of"]
    amakii-ovo, n. cmpnd. fingertip [A compound formed from the elements amakii "finger" and -ovo "end, finish"]
    apalikavo, n. cmpnd. lit. light-power in hardness; lightstone [Originates from the archaic word apali "hardness, rigidity" (see entry opoli) and the compound form kaavo "light power/energy"(from the elements ka "energy" and avo "elemental light")]
    arratu, n. resonating musical instrument [From the word coinage artra (see entry) with addition of the nounal suffix -tu, denoting a thing or concept that embodies the stem meaning]
    arta, n. refuge, haven
    arti, n. prison; banishment
    ar(t)ra, n. echo, resonance [From a word coinage artra, based on a reversible syllable structure meant to reflect the sound of an echo; variants include eastern ardra, ardro and southern arthra, arthro]
    ar(t)rau, adj. echoing, resonant [From the word coinage artra (see entry) with addition of the adjectival suffix -u]
    aso, n. sand [Derived from the stem aes "sand, gravel, dirt" with addition of the suffix -o denoting a substance or physical concept; also appears as a variant form aswe with alternate suffix -we]
    aso-mahri, n. cmpnd. sea-shore, beach [Formed from the elements aso "sand" and mahri "ocean, sea"; also see synonymous entry asorho]
    asorho, n. beach; lit. "sand-shore" [Formed from the element aso "sand" and the suffix/prefix rho "line, edge"; also see synonymous entry aso-mahri]
    aswe; see entry aso
    atu, n. mind, will [etymology uncertain; it appears that the word atu may have diverged from the ancient stem maet "mind, thought" at a very early point. In meaning it refers specifically to the Will of an individual, as distinct from thought or intellect (ideas associated with the similar term metye (see entry))]
    atuma, v. to think, consider [Formed from the element atu "mind, thought, will" with addition of the verbal suffix -ma]
    avaku, n. sun, star; title of one of the twin suns of Metru Nui [Originates as a conjunction of the ancient elemental prefix av(o)- "light" and the term aku "sight, vision"; also see entry akuavo for further discussion of origin and usage]
    avenerui, n. lightvine [Originates as a conjunction of the ancient elemental prefix av(o)- "light" and the term enerui "vine, creeper"]
    avo(h), n. elemental light [Originally avoi, still attested in some rare cases; also found as the adjectival prefixes av- and avo-]
    av(o)ta, n. (a) light, torch [From the elemental word avo "elemental light" with addition of the nounal suffix -ta, denoting a concept or thing that embodies the stem meaning]
     
    -B-
     
    barra, n. war, conflict
    Barraki, n. cmpnd. lit. war-leader; (honorific) Warlord [From the elements barra "war, conflict" and aki "leader, lord" (see entries)]
    bohye, n. vigilance, watchfulness [From the ancient stem bo "vigilance, watchfulness" with addition of the nounal suffix -hye, denoting a general universal concept; also realized simply as boh]
    bora, n. watcher, guard [From the ancient stem bo "vigilance, watchfulness" with addition of the agental suffix -ra]
     
    -D-
     
    daika, n. note, music [Originally a compound of the ancient stem dae (an augmented form of the elemental word dei "elemental sound") and the element ka "creative power" with development of the diphthong ae > ai]
    deh, n. elemental sound [Originally dei, still attested in some rare cases; also found as the adjectival prefix de-]
    dema, v. to make noise/sound (base-stem) [From the stem deh "elemental sound" (older dei) with addition of the general verbal suffix -ma]
    deta, n. voice, mouth [From the elemental word deh "elemental sound" (older dei) with addition of the suffix -ta, denoting a thing or concept that embodies the stem meaning]
    detarui n. cmpnd. jaw; lit. "joint of mouth" [Composed of the elements deta "mouth" and -rui "joint" (see entry)]
    dika¹, n. whistle, tune; rahi-noise, cry [A further progression from the term daika "note, music" (see entry) with development of the original diphthong ae > ai > i]
    dika², n. rahi, beast [Developed from the similar dika¹, meaning "whistle" or "tune", but more importantly "rahi-noise, cry" (see entry), eventually embodying the concept of a beast or a thing that makes rahi-noises; also found as diika]
     
    -E-
     
    edrai, v. to control, rule (ai-stem, e-declens.) [Derived historically from the ya-stem verb terya "to influence, persuade" (see entry; originally from the obscure ancient word form ter(e)n "guidance, direction, purpose") with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned fully outward (tereya > eterai > etrai > edrai)
    ehel, n. flow, course, current [Historically from elemental word gae; it derives from an ancient stem modification involving the suffix -li and the reduplication of the stem vowel as a prefix, forming the hypothetical form *agali, eventually to egeli, with usual vowel change of a > e and loss of -i, finally becoming ehel (with eventual weakening of intervocalic g)]
    ekama, v. to move (something); to send (away) (base-stem, e-declens.) [Derived from the base-stem verb kama "to move" with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward]
    ekurma, v. to anger, enrage (base-stem, e-declens.) [Derived from the base-stem verb kurma "to rage, be angry" with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward]
    elesma, v. to listen; eavesdrop (base-stem, e-declens.) [Derived from the base-stem verb lesma "to hear" (see entry) with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward]
    emaima, v. to lift, raise (base-stem, e-declens.) [Derived from the base-stem verb maima "to rise" (see entry) with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward]
    ematya, v. to take, possess (ya-stem, e-declens.) [Derived from the ya-stem matya "to master, use" with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward]
    eneh, n. stem [Derived from the ancient elemental stem nei "elemental plant-life" (modern neh)]
    eneh-palnehu, n. cmpnd. bamboo, tree-trunk; lit. "woody-stem" [Composed of the noun eneh "stem" and the adjective palnehu "woody"]
    enerui, n. cmpnd. vine, creeper; lit. "jointed stem" [Composed of the elements eneh "stem" and -rui "joint" (see entry)]
    eterma, v. to plan, arrange (base-stem, e-declens.) [Derived historically from the base-stem verb terma "to guide" with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned fully outward]
    ezai, v. to attack, strike at (ai-stem, e-declens.) [supplanted older archaic zya; originally from the same root zaa "violence, retribution" with addition of the prefix e-, denoting that the action is turned outward, along with the verbal suffix -ya, forming the hypothetical *ezaaya > *ezaai > ezai]
     
    -F/PH -
     
    fanne, n. sky; ceiling, roof
    phantoka, n. cmpnd (archaic) lit. spirits of the sky; birds, flying things [From the older element phane "sky" (see modern fanne) and -tika "spirit, form, shape" with alteration of -tika to -toka in accordance with historical vowel pattern a-o-a]
     
    -G-
     
    gah, n. elemental water [Also has connotations of peace, purity, and serenity; Originally gae, still attested in some rare cases; also found as the adjectival prefix ga-]
    gahre, n. weight, mass, importance [From older garahye, originally from the ancient stem gar(a), with addition of the suffix -hye, denoting a generally universal concept; also attested as garye]
    galinyohi, n. cmpnd. jungle; lit. "wet-forest" [Composed of the elements gal- "wet" and inyohi "forest"; also found as galinyo-wahi]
    galinyo-wahi; see entry galinyohi
    galno; see entry galnu
    galnu, n. mud, swampy earth [Contracted from an older compound gal-onu "wet earth"; also found as a variant galno]
    galonuhi n. swamp; lit. "watery earth" [Derived from the older compound gal-onu with addition of the nounal suffix -hii "thing, place"]
    galonu-wahi; see entry galonuhi
    garai, v. 1 (phys.) to weigh 2 (meta.) to consider, weigh, ponder [From the ancient stem gar(a) with original addition of the verbal suffix -ya (garaya > garai)]
    garye; see entry gahre
    gauru, adj. discordant, conflicting; separate [Probably derived from an intermediary term *gauur (elemental gah and suffix -uur, see entry guur) with adjectival suffix -u]
    gea(-o), adj. blue [Originally from an augmented form of gae "elemental water" with addition of the usual adjectival color-suffix -o]
    gehel, n. river, stream [Contracted from the original compound ga-ehel "flow, current of water" (see entry ehel)]
    graal, n. rahi bear; Ash Bear [Originally an onomatopoeic word symbolizing the roar of the Ash Bear]
    gukko, n. rahi bird species [The term is a southern dialectal form of the original word goko (still used in some dialects), which was historically gokua; goko is used to define a specific species of rahi bird, including the kahu, kewa (or goko-kahu) and taku and originates as a compound of the onomatopoeic word goh (imitating the call of the kahu subspecies) and the element kua "flying thing" (related to stem kua "free, free-flowing, flying")]
    guur, n. discord, fragmentation, separation [A perversion of the elemental word gae with addition of the negative suffix -uur]
     
    -H-
     
    hah, adj. calm, peaceful [From the stem hah "peace, calm, safety"]
    hahu, adj. calm, peaceful [From the stem hah "peace, calm, safety" with addition of the general adjectival suffix -u]
    hara n. rope; flax [etymology uncertain; may be descended from a hypothetical stem *haar(a) "fiber, weave"]
    harakeke, n. cmpnd. lit. "flax-bush" or "rope-bush" [Composed of the elements hara "flax, rope" and keke "bush, shrub"]
    hau, adj. defending, protecting; used as the name of the Kanohi Mask of Shielding [Originates from the ancient stem haa (also attested as hoh) "protection, defense" with addition of the adjectival suffix -u, denoting an "active" or "outwardly focused" meaning]
    haye, peace, security, calm [From the stem hah "peace, calm, safety" with addition of the nounal suffix -hye, denoting a universal concept]
    hoi, n. shield, protecting thing [Originally hohii, from the ancient stem hoh "protection, defense" with addition of the suffix -hii "thing". Originally used in reference to the protective Kanohi shell of the Hoi Turtle, the first of which were actually Kanohi Hau (to which the word hoi is etymologically related)]
     
    -I-
     
    ihnenu, n. tall/high grass [Formed from a conjunction of the elements iih "high, high up" and nenu "grass"]
    ihneye, n. tree [Formed from a conjunction of the elements iih "high, high up" and neye "plant"; also found as contracted forms inye, inyo (see entries)]
    i(h)no; see entry ihnu
    ihnu, n. hill/mound [Formed from the conjunction of the elements iih "height, high up" and (o)nu "elemental earth"; also attested as later forms ihno and ino]
    iihe, n. high place; mountain-top [From the stem iih "height, high up" and the suffix -hii with alteration of -hii to -he due to the presence of preceding long i in the stem; also see related entries iiho and iiho-nuyo]
    iiho, n. peak, crest [From the stem iih "height, high up" with the nounal suffix -o, denoting a physical concept; also see related entries iihe and iiho-nuyo]
    iiho-nuyo, n. cmpnd. mountain peak, crest [Composed of the elements iiho "peak, crest" and nuyo "mountain"; also see related entries iihe and iiho]
    iiho-yehonu, n. cmpnd. ridge [Composed of the elements iiho "peak, crest" and yehonu "slope, incline"]
    iihu, n. high, far-seeing; wise, transcending (as a proper noun) [From the stem iih "height, high up" with addition of the adjectival suffix -u]
    ik(i), adj. high, tall; happy [A Le-Matoran dialectal convention derived from the stem iih "high up"; also found as ikh(i) and ih(i)]
    Inai(tea), n. the Red Star [From the stem inaeh "star", along with the adjectival tea-o "red, fiery"; also attested as Initeo]
    ini, n. star [Historically inaeh or iniih]
    inihe, n. lit. star-places, the heavens [Formed from the modified stem iniih "star" (descended from an earlier inaeh) and the suffix -hii with alteration of -hii to -he due to the presence of a preceding (historically) long i in the stem.]
    inika, n. cmpnd. lit. star-energy/power, energy of a star [Formed from the elements ini "star" and ka "power, energy"]
    ino-nui, n. cmpnd mountain [Composed of the noun ino "hill, mound" (from ihno) and the adjective nui "great, mighty, vast". Synonyms: (o)nuiwe, (o)nuyo]
    inye n. tree [Contracted from the older ihneye "tree"; also found as a variant inyo]
    inyo; see entries ihneye, inye
    inyo-galnu swamp tree
    inyohi n. forest, wood [A more modern term derived from the word inyo "tree" (itself contracted originally from the earlier ihneye) with addition of the nounal suffix -hii "thing, place"; also found as a variant compound inyo-wahi]
    inyo-wahi; see entry inyohi
     
    -J-
     
    jaga, n. rahi scorpion
    johve, n. subtlety, cleverness [From older jovohye, originally from the ancient stem jov(o), with addition of the suffix -hye, denoting a generally universal concept; also attested as jovye]
    jota, n. detail, complexity [Originally from the ancient stem jov(o) with addition of the suffix -ta, denoting a thing or concept that embodies the stem meaning]
    jovye; see entry johve
    jutma, v. to collapse, decay
     
    -K-
     
    ka, n. power, energy; ability, (creative) potential [Theoretically is may have developed from a form *kae; also spelled cah or ca (using the old orthographic c); also realized as aka, akha, kan, kar, kha(r ) and in very rare cases as the prefix gah- (separate from the elemental ga-)]
    kaatu, n. color [Derived from a hypothetical root *kaa "energy, light, color" (related to ancient stem *kae) with addition of the abstract nounal suffix -tu]
    kaatuhi, n. flower [Derived from the word kaatu "color" with addition of the suffix -hii "thing, object"]
    kai, n. skill, talent, ability [An augmented form of ka "power, ability, potential" (see entry) with addition of general abstract suffix -i]
    kaihe, n. Unity [Developed from the older compound form ka "energy, potential", the adjectival form yi "together, combined", and the nounal suffix -hye, denoting a universal concept; also see analogous entry kaita]
    kai-o, adj. colorful [Originally from an augmented form of ka "power, energy, light" with addition of the usual adjectival color-suffix -o]
    kaita, n. lit. potential combined/together; unity [Developed from the older compound form kayita, which is composed of the elements ka "energy, potential", the adjectival form yi "together, combined", and the abstract, nounal suffix -ta; also see analogous entry kaihe]
    kama¹, v. to move [From the element ka "energy, potential" with addition of the general verbal suffix -ma]
    kama², n. motion, speed [Originates as an abstract nounal form of the verb kama¹ (see entry)]
    kan; see entry ka
    kane, n. energy, passion; rahi bull [This term has come to be associated principally with the species of rahi-bull; kane "power, energy, passion" is formed of the element kan "power, energy" and the general nounal suffix -e]
    Kane-ra, n. cmpnd. wild bull [used to describe the Kane-ra species of bull; it is formed of the word kane "bull" (see entry) and the term ra "wild" used here as a type of adjectival compound]
    kano, n. mask [used as an alternate term for kanohi; the term kano originated as a craft-word used by those of the mask-making profession and only passed into common use after the origination of the kanoka disks, in which word it is used (see entry kanoka for further historical notes)]
    kanohi, n. cmpnd. mask of power [Formed from the word nohi "face, mask" and the element ka "power, ability"]
    kanoka, n. cmpnd. disk of power [The etymology of this term is rather complex. When the first of the disks of power, from which Kanohi masks are more easily forged, were created, the Scholars decided upon the term kanoka by considering the history of the word kanohi, since the two objects—disk and mask—are closely related. Kanohi comes originally from nohi, which means both "face" and "mask". And nohi, in turn, derives from its ancient form noihii, made up of the elements -hii "thing, object" and noi, the elemental word for the substance of Protodermis. The Scholars chose to form a new word—noka—from the elements noi and ka "power" to define the concept of the disks, which, in essence, utilize the power of Protodermis, and they made the further addition of the element ka to better distinguish the Disks of Power as unique. Thus, the term kanoka was formed and has since passed entirely into common use.]
    kar; see entry ka
    kara; see entry kharra
    karahe, adj. passionate, rash, reckless; unstable [From the compound element ka-ra (ka "energy", ra "wild, untamed") and the adjectival suffix -he "having"]
    karda, n. heart, core, engine [From the element kar "energy, power" (see entry ka) and the suffix -ta, denoting a concept or thing that embodies the meaning of the stem, with eventual assimilation of t > d, due to the preceding r]
    kau, n. breath [From the element kau "breathing, free-flowing"]
    kea, n. rahi shark
    keke, n. bush, shrub [etymology uncertain]
    kha(r ); see entry ka
    kharma, v. to make, form [Originally from the element khar "energy, ability, potential" with addition of the verbal suffix -ma]
    kharra, n. maker, builder, shaper [Formed from the element khar "energy, ability, potential" and the agental suffix -ra; also attested in a simplified form kara]
    kh(i)ye, n. that/the place, thence [A grammatical function word. It originates historically from a conjunction of the suffixes -hii "place" and -hye "abstract concept", forming the hypothetical compound *hiihye, which was then later contracted and strengthened to khiye]
    kini, n. temple
    koh, n. elemental ice [Also has connotations of sternness, and severity, as well as silence, calm, and composure; originally koi, still attested in some rare cases; also found as the adjectival prefix ko-]
    koro, n. village, town; walled city [Originally from a stem (o)kor "wall, barrier, landform", which is derived from an older hypothetical form *kaer "hinder, repulse" under influence of a coeval stem rho(k) "boundary, ring, edge". The term has gradually shifted its meaning from "wall, barrier" to a "walled city" and thence to "village, town"; see related entry korwe]
    korwe, n. wall, barrier [Originally from a stem (o)kor "wall, barrier, landform" (see entry koro for full etymology) with addition of the nounal suffix -we "substance, physical concept"]
    korwe-mahri, n. cmpnd. sea cliff [Composed of elements korwe "wall, barrier[/i] and mahri "sea, ocean"]
    kou adv. external, outside; around [etymology uncertain]
    koyo, adj. white [Originally from an augmented form of koi "elemental ice" with addition of the usual adjectival color-suffix -o]
    kraah, n. elemental shadow [Originally krae; also found as the adjectival prefix kraa-]]
    kraahkan, n. cmpnd. power/energy of shadow [From the elements kraah "elemental shadow" and kan "energy, power"]
    kraata, n. cmpnd the will of shadow [Formed from the elements kraah "elemental shadow" and atu "will, mind, thought", with eventual assimilation of final -u to -a]
    kua, n. bird, flying thing; liberty, independence
    ku-amahi, n. cmpnd. palm; lit. "mid-palm" [Composed of the initial element (u)ku "middle, half" (modified from an older stem keu(n)) and the form amahi, contracted from amahti "hand" (see entry)]
    ku-ino, n. cmpnd valley; lit. "between hills" [Composed of the initial element (u)ku "middle, half" (modified from an older stem keu(n)) and the form ino "hill" a variant of ihno (see entry)]
    ku-mirehe, n. cmpnd. elbow; lit. "mid-arm" [Composed of the initial element (u)ku "middle, half" (modified from an older stem keu(n)) and the word mirehe "arm" (see entry)]
    ku-noiwe, n. cmpnd. see entry ku-noyo
    ku-noyo, n. cmpnd. waist, lit. "mid-body" [Composed of the initial element (u)ku "middle, half" (modified from an older stem keu(n)) and the word noyo "body" (see entry); also appears as a variant form ku-noiwe]
    kuta, n. knowledge
    kur, n. anger, rage [A perversion of the elemental word koi with addition of the negative suffix -uur]
    kurma, v. to rage, be angry (base-stem) [From the stem kur "anger, rage" with addition of the general verbal suffix -ma]
    ku-warehe, n. cmpnd. knee; lit. "mid-leg" [Composed of the initial element (u)ku "middle, half" (modified from an older stem keu(n)) and the word warehe "leg" (see entry)]
     
    -L-
     
    leh, n. elemental air [Originally lei, still attested in some rare cases; also found as the adjectival prefix le-]
    ler, n. acid, poison; sickness, illness [A perversion of the elemental word lei with addition of the negative suffix -uur; also found as luur]
    leru, adj. acidic [From the stem ler with addition of the general adjectival suffix -u]
    lehel, n. wind, breeze, wind current [Contracted from the original compound le-ehel "flow, current of air" (see entry ehel); synonymous with the later term lehelye (see entry)]
    lehelye; see entry lehel [A synonymous term for "wind, breeze" derived from lehel with the abstract nounal suffix -hye]
    leo, adj. green [Originally from an augmented form of lei "elemental air" with addition of the usual adjectival color-suffix -o; also found as ly in southern dialects (with shift of diphthong eo > y]
    lesma, v. to hear (base-stem) [From the verbal stem les "hear" (from lus, older lues) with addition of the general verbal suffix -ma]
    lhihke, n. righteousness, virtue, honor [From the stem lhi(k) "virtue, justice" with addition of the nounal suffix -hye (lhihkye > lhihke)]
    lhii, adj. virtuous, right, honorable [From the stem lhi(k) "virtue, justice" with addition of the adjectival suffix -ii; also found as hli in some compounds and as a feature of Le-Matoran dialects (see entry)]
    lhikhe, n. just, fair [From the stem lhi(k) "virtue, justice" with addition of the adjectival suffix -he]
    lusak, n. deafness [A more colloquial word used to describe deafness that is unnatural or was caused by something and has negative results; originates from the stem lus "hearing" (older lues) with addition of the negative suffix -ak; common southern dialect forms include lesek (with common alteration of -ak to -ek) and shorter lesk (lek in compounds or names); also see entry lusuur]
    lusse, n. listening, hearing [From the stem lus "hearing" (older lues) with addition of the general abstract suffix -e]
    lusta, n. ear [From the stem lus "hearing" (older lues) with addition of the suffix -ta, denoting a thing or concept that embodies the stem meaning]
    lusuur, n. deafness [From the stem lus "hearing" (older lues) with addition of the negative suffix -uur; primarily used as a scientific or medical term; also see entry lusak]
     
    Here ends Volume I. Volume II continues with entries M-Z.
     
    JRRT
  7. JRRT

    Dear all

    By JRRT,

    You people have brought many a smile to my face the past few days. After the time invested in the Matoran Dictionary project over the last several years, the sudden boost in exposure and overall positive response—both on BZP (thx news!) and off—means a lot. I’m glad to see so many people delving into it and having fun. In the end, that was the impetus for this project: my own personal enjoyment and enjoyment for other members of the Bionicle fandom. It’s all very satisfying. Heartfelt thanks.
     
    JRRT
  8. JRRT

    somebody help

    By JRRT,

    bionicle |n.cmpd.| biological chronicle; lit. "chronicle of biology ('the all-living') [bionicle < boyanikul < boya-nai-akul, from boya "biology" (nominalized from bo-ya "to grow, live", see also bo "elemental plant-life; living, growing"), nai "all", and akul "chronicle; lit. "(that which is) seen/known" (< aku-li, from aku "sight, vision" and the adjectival particle -li)]
     
    This has gone too far. ._.
     
    JRRT
  9. JRRT
    [There has been some recent interest in my
    very old, very outdated Matoran Dictionary as of late; due, I think, to the discussions in this very interesting topic. Well, interest breeds motivation, and I've worked up the motivation to work out some significant revisions to the Dictionary, bringing it up-to-date with my most recent conceptions of Matoran etymology, as discussed at length in the "Meaningless Names" series. So enjoy this "Second Edition", if you will.]






    [update 8/6:
    It is finished. Rejoice! I have split the completed dictionary into a series of Volumes, due to the fact that our silly blog software cannot handle formatting at this level of intensity. Stay tuned.]






    A Matoran Dictionary



    2nd Edition




    Original materials compiled by the Scholar Ihu, 80m., Ko-Metru, Metru Nui. This dictionary is organized according to the order of the first letter of the Matoran word, in the sequence in which these letters appear in the General Alphabet of the Matoran ( through ). Each entry provides a description of the basic meaning(s) of the word and parts of speech, followed by an explanation of the word’s usage, etymological history, form, and development. Words whose etymologies are uncertain are labeled as such.







    † Entries marked with this symbol are entirely “non-canon”, i.e., they are reconstructed from authentic lexical elements but are not themselves attested in any Matoran source document. These entries are solely the fabrications of the human writing under the alias “Tolkien” and should be denoted as such in academic references.


     

    VOLUME I :: A-D


     
    -A-
     
    aft |n.cmpd.| bright mind [aft < av-et, from av “elemental light” (variant of avo, see entry) and et, a heavily reduced form of atu “mind/will”]
    agi-ya |v.| to wash over, immerse [From the modified verbal stem agi “elemental water; washing, immersion” (see entry ga) and the verbal particle ya]
    agni |n.| guard, soldier; lit. “great bravery” [agni < aki-nī, from aki “courage, bravery; aptitude, capability” and nī, a reduction of nui “great, significant”]
    ahkmou |adj.| 1. fitting, proper; lit. “according to measure”; 2. subversive, dishonest; lit. “through deception/trickery” [ahkmou < a-hiki-mou, from hiki (multiple meanings, see entries hiki¹, hiki²) and the split-particle -amu (a...mou) “through, by (transitional-instrumental)”]
    ai |pro.| he/she/it [3rd pers. sg., subject form - FD: LM#7]†
    ai-nā |pro.| they [3rd pers. pl., subject form - FD: LM#7]†
    aiye |vn.| collecting, assembling, gathering up [aiye < a-yi-i, from the verbal complex yi-ya “to collect, gather, bring together” (see entry) with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya. Variant forms: ayi, ai, ī]
    aiyeto |n.cmpd.| assembly, construction [aiyeto < aiye-et-ō, from aiye “collecting, assembling, gathering up”, et, a heavily reduced form of atu “mind, will” (see entry), and the nounal particle ō]
    aiyetoro |n.cmpd.| assembly-line, construction process [aiyetoro < aiyeto-ro, from aiyeto “assembly, construction” and ro “line, edge” (variant of rho, see entry)]
    aju |adj./n.| intelligent; intelligence [aju < atu-zu, from atu “mind, will” and zu “tactical”]
    -ak |p.| intensive particle
    aka(i) |vn.| power, empowerment, ability; lit. “energizing, empowering, actualizing/activating [akai > a-ka-i, from the verbal complex ka-ya with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle]
    akaku |n.| x-ray vision; lit. “sight-of-sight” [akaku < aku-aku, from an intensivizing reduplication of aku “sight, vision”]
    akamai¹ |n.cmpd.| mastery of courage/bravery [akamai < aki-amayi, from aki “courage, bravery” and amayi “adeptness, flexibility, mastery”]
    akamai² |n.cmpd.| unified mastery of power [akamai < akai-mayi, from akai “power, empowerment, ability” (see entry) and the stem-compound ma-yi “unified-mastery”]
    akamu |adv.| skillfully; lit. “through skill” [akamu < aka-amu, an adverb grammaticalized from the nounal complex aka-amu, from aka(i) “power, empowerment, ability” and the particle -amu “through, by (transitional-instrumental)”]
    akari |vn.| exertion, resistance; lit. “exerting, applying power” [akari < a-kar-i, from the verbal complex kar-ya with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle]
    akataiku |n.cmpd.| (Kanohi) lit. “empowerment of heat-vision” [akataiku < aka-taiaku, from akai “power, empowerment, ability” and taiaku “heat-vision”. Variant forms: akataku, akatāku, akataiaku - FD: NM]†
    akawi |vn.| flying, soaring, moving freely [akawi < a-kau-i, from the verbal complex kau-ya, with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya]
    aki |n.| courage, bravery; aptitude, capability; (honorific) leader, lord [aki < akai-ī, from akai “power, empowerment, ability” and the nounal particle ī, with slight metaphoric semantic shift]
    akili |n.| athletic-skill, skillfulness, adeptness [akili < aki-li-ī, from aki “courage, bravery; aptitude, capability”, the primeval modifying particle li and the nounal particle ī]
    akilini |n.| great athletic-skill [akilini < akili-nī, from akili “athletic-skill, skillfulness, adeptness” and the particle nī, a reduction of nui “great, significant”. Used as a term for a highly competitive and skill-intensive Matoran sport]
    aku |n.| sight, vision [etymology uncertain; possibly from a primeval verbal stem akoi, derived from ko “elemental ice; clarity, focus” via verbal modification, i.e., addition of the verbal particle ya, with splitting+displacement (ko-ya > a-ko-i > akoi > aku)]
    akuavo |n.| sun, star; title of one of the twin suns of Metru Nui [Originates as a conjunction of the ancient elemental stem avo "light" and the term aku "sight, vision". The word's usage as a title for one of the twin suns in the city of Metru Nui is probably historically based upon the fact that vision is given through light (as in the light of the eyes of the Matoran), and more colloquially upon the idea that the twin suns somehow represent the "eyes of Mata Nui", an idea which is afforded little credence by the educated community]†
    akuhi |n.| eye(s); lit. “sight-things” [akuhi < aku-hī, from aku "sight, vision" and the particle hī "thing, object, place"]†
    akuta |n.| knowledge [akuta < aku-tau, from aku “sight, vision” and the u-modified elemental stem tau “elemental fire; spirit/essence, result of process”]
    aku-ya |v.| to know [From aku “sight, vision” and the verbal particle ya]†
    ally |vn.| excellence, kindness, good-naturedness; lit. “being good/excellent” [ally < a-la-i, from the verbal complex la-ya “to be good/kind” with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya. Variant form: alai]
    amahti |n.| hand, grip; lit. "thing that holds, grips" [amahti < amat-hī, from the stem amat "use, hold, utilize" and the particle hī "thing, object, place". Variant form: amahi]†
    amaja |n.| council; lit. “using/expounding strategy” [amaja < amat-za, from amat "use, hold, utilize" and the stem za “planning, tactic”]
    amaki |n.| finger; lit. "part of hand/grip" [amaki < amat-kī, from the stem amat "use, hold, utilize" and the particle kī "part, piece, portion of". Variant form: amatki]†
    amana |n.| (re)forming, (re)making; (Kanohi-) healing [etymology uncertain; - FD: NM]
    amat |v./stm.| use, hold, utilize [etymology uncertain; possibly amat < a-mat-i via verbal modification, i.e., addition of the verbal particle ya, with splitting+displacement]
    amaya |n.| lit. “jack of all trades” [amaya < amayi-ha, an independent lexicalization of the nounal complex amayi-ha, from amayi “adeptness, flexibility; lit ‘unified mastering’” and the particle ha “from, out of (origin)”]
    amayi |vn.| adeptness, flexibility, mastery; lit. “unified mastering” [amayi < a-mayi-i, from the verbal complex mayi-ya “to accomplish, achieve; lit. ‘master (a) unified whole’”]
    -amu |p.| through, during (transitional-instrumental) [Variant forms: o(u)...ma, a...mou, o...m/n (splitting+displacement) - FD: LM#8]†
    ān |n.| being, individual [Variant form: -ann (Skakdi variant)]
    ana |n.| group, host; many beings [ana < ān-nā, from ān “being, individual” and the plural particle nā]
    anae |vn.| proliferation, multiplying [anae < a-nai-i, from the verbal complex nai-ya “to multiply, proliferate” with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya]
    antai |vn.| enlightenment [antai < a-nita-i, from the verbal complex nita-ya “to uplift, enlighten” with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya]
    antro |n.| administration, rule; lit. “guidance of beings” [antro < ān-trē-ō, from ān “being, individual”, trē (< tēr) “guide, guiding force”, and the nounal particle ō]
    antroz |n.cmpd.| tyrant; lit. “violent ruler” [antroz < antro-azi, from antro “administration, rule” and azi (variant of zī, see entry) “violence, predatory”]
    aodhan |n.| traveler [aodhan < aodhi-ān, from aodhi “travel (on foot)” (variant of aoduhi, see entry) and ān “being, individual”]
    aoduhi |vn.| travel (on foot) [aoduhi < a-oduh-i, from the verbal complex oduh-ya “to walk, travel on foot” (see entry) with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya. Variant forms: aduhi, aodhi]
    arktinen |n.cmpd.| glacier-climber [arktinen < ari-kotini-ān, from ari “striving, struggling; climbing” (variant of rī, see entry), kotini “glacier”, and ān “being, individual”]
    arta |n.| bondage, hindrance, limitation; (a) prison; lit. against-the-spirit” [arta < ār-ta, from the particle ār “applied, application (of)” (with later semantic shift to “(applied) against, resistance, hindering”) and ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence” - FD: MN#6]
    artakha¹ |n.| (archaic) forger, crafter [artakha < ar-takha-a, from the split-particle ār (ar...a) “applied, application (of)” and takha “crafting, craft” (see entry) - FD: MN#6]
    artakha² |n.cmpd.| (modern) (a) refuge, safe haven; lit. out-of-bondage [artakha < arta-ha, from arta “bondage, hindrance, limitation” and the particle ha “from, out of (origin particle)” - FD: MN#6]
    arthra |n.| echo, resonance [From a word coinage meant to reflect the sound of an echo via a reversible syllable structure. Variant forms: atra, artra, arthro]
    arthron |n.cmpd.| (Kanohi-) sonar-user; lit. “one who echoes/resonates” [arthron < arthro-ān, from arthro “ech, resonance” (variant of arthra) and ān “being, individual”]
    artidax |n.cmpd.| lit. “bondage/imprisonment-toward-greater-order”; paraphr. “prison to promote greater order” [artidax < arta-īda-ak-si, from arta “bondage, hinderance, limitation; prison” (see entry), the nounal complex ī-da “toward order”, the intensive particle -ak, and the comparative adjectival particle si - FD: MN#6]
    aso |n.| sand [etymology uncertain; possibly from a primeval stem ās with a rough meaning of "shifting/dispersing earth/sand" and the nounal particle ō - FD: MN#2]
    aso-mahri |n.cmpd.| sea-shore, beach [From aso "sand" and mahri "ocean, sea"; also see synonymous entry asoro]†
    asoro |n.| beach; lit. "sand-shore" [asoro < aso-rho, from aso "sand" and rho "line, edge"; also see synonymous entry asomahri]†
    atu |n.| mind, will [etymology uncertain; possibly from a primeval verbal stem atoi, derived from tō “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence” (variant of tā with final ā > ō vowel shift, see entry) via verbal modification, i.e., addition of the verbal particle ya, with splitting+displacement (tō-ya > a-tō-i > atoi > atu). Variant forms: et, at, oth]
    atui |adj.| willful; of the mind [atui < atu-ui, from atu “mind, will” and the adjectival particle ui. Variant forms: atti, atī]
    atu-ma |v.| to want, will [From atu "mind, will" and the verbal particle ma]†
    auhno |n.| mimicry, impersonation; lit. “many imitations” [auhino < auhi-nā, an independent lexicalization of the nounal complex auhi-nā, from auhi “imitation, practice” (variant of auhui, see entry) and the plural particle nā (with final ā > ō vowel shift). Variant form: ōhno]
    auhui |vn.| imitation, practice [auhui < a-uhu-i, from the verbal complex uhu-ya “to practice; imitate” with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle ya. Variant forms: auhi, ōhi]
    avahi |n.| (period of) time [avahi < avai-hī, from avai “time, progression” and hī “thing, object, place”]†
    avai |vn.| progression (of time); lit. “progressing of time” [avai < a-vā-i, from the verbal complex vā-ya, with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle]†
    avak |n./adj.| great brightness; blazing/painfully bright [avak < av-ak, from av “elemental light” (variant of avo, see entry) and the intensive particle -ak]
    avaku |n.| sun, star; title of one of the twin suns of Metru Nui [avaku < avo-aku, from avo "elemental light" and aku "sight, vision"; also see entry akuavo for further discussion of origin and usage]†
    avo |n./stm.| elemental light [avo < āvo, from the primeval elemental stem āvo “elemental light”. Variant form: av]
    avoborui |n.cmpd.| lightvine [avoborui < avo-oborui, from avo “elemental light” and oborui “vine, creeper” (see entry)]†
    avohkah |n.cmpd.| (Rahi-) thing of light and energy [avohkah < avohi-kahi, from the compound avohi “light-thing” and kahi “power/energy-thing”]
    avohkī |n.cmpd.| (Kanohi-) lit. “measurer/measurement of light” [avohkī < avo-hīkī, from avo “elemental light” and hīkī (> hiki) “measurement” (see entry hiki¹)]
    avotai |n.| (a) lit torch [avotai < avo-ta-hī, from avo "elemental light", ta “elemental fire”, and hī “thing, object, place”]†
    avsa |n.| (Kanohi-) hunger for light [avsa < av-sā, from av “elemental light” (variant of avo, see entry) and the primeval stem sā “hungering, devouring, scattering” (related to ās "shifting/dispersing earth/sand", see entry aso)]
    avu |adj.| revealed, (newly) discovered, exposed [avu < avo-u, from avo “elemental light” and the adjectival particle u. Variant form: ava]
    awai |vn.| (Kanohi-) growth; lit. “becoming large, increase” [awai < a-wa-i, from the verbal complex wa-ya, with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle - FD: NM]†
    axalara |n.cmpd.| boundless capability; lit. “more excellent untamed capability” [axalara < axo-la-ra, from axo “greater capability” (see entry), the modifying particle -la “good, excellent”, and ra “wild(ness), untamed”]
    axo |n.| greater capability, valor [axo < aki-si-ō, from aki “brave, courageous, capable” (see entry), the comparative adjectival particle si, and the nounal particle ō. Variant forms: akso]
    axon |n.cmpd.| valorous/capable being [axon < axo-ān, from axo “greater valor” and ān “being, individual”. Variant form: axonn]
    azahi |n.| crime [azahi < azai-hī, from azai “violence” and hī “thing, object, place”]†
    azai |vn.| violence; lit. “attacking” [azai < a-zā-i, from the verbal complex zā-ya, with splitting+displacement of the verbal particle]†
    azibo |n.| pressure, strain; structural stress [azi-bā, from azi (variant of zī) “violence, predatory” and the elemental stem bā “elemental gravity; weight” (with final ā > ō vowel shift)]

    -B-
     
    ba |n./stm.| 1. elemental gravity; 2. weight, consideration, pondering [ba < bā, from the primeval elemental stem bā “elemental gravity”. Variant forms: ba-, bal (l-modification), bō (ā > ō / __#)]
    bahrag |n.cmpd.| lit. “elder of the followers, vigilant/waiting elders” [bahrag < boh-raga, from boh “vigilance, watchfulness; awaiting, on-standby, ready-to-respond” and raga “elder, wise one” - FD: MN#2]
    balta |n.| pondering spirit [balta < bal-ta, from the l-modified elemental stem bal “elemental gravity; weight, consideration, pondering” and ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence”]
    barra |n.| war, conflict; instability, imbalance, chaos [barra < ba-ār-ra, from ba-ār “stability, balance; lit. application-of-gravity” (compound of ba “elemental gravity” and ār “applied, application (of)”) and ra “wild(ness); untamed” - FD: MN#5]
    barraki |n.cmpd.| warlord, military leader [barraki < barra-aki, from barra “war, conflict; instability, imbalance, chaos” and aki “leader, lord” - FD: MN#5]
    bitil |n.cmpd.| attentive/mindful one, one who is aware of surroundings [bitil < bi-til, from the stems bi (< vibi < fi-pi) “subtle creature” and til (< ti-el) “attentive(ness); lit. ‘sense of space’”]
    bo |n./stm.| 1. elemental plant-life; the Green; 2. living, growing, thriving [bo < bō, from the primeval elemental stem bō “elemental plant-life”. Variant forms: bo-, bol (l-modification), boul/bul (u/l-modification)]
    boga |n.| (plant-)sap; blood [boga < bo-ga, from bo “elemental plant-life” and ga “elemental water”. Variant form: bogga]
    boggarak |n.cmpd.| lit. “scourge of sap/blood; dehydrator” [boggarak < bogga-rak, from bogga “(plant-)sap; blood” (variant of boga, see entry) and rak “menace, scourge”]
    boh |stm.| vigilance, watchfulness; awaiting, on-standby, ready-to-respond [etymology uncertain - FD: MN#2]
    bohi |n.| (a) plant; form of vegetation [bo-hī, from bo ”elemental plant-life” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]†
    bohrok |n.cmpd.| awaiting commands, vigilant for commands; vigilantly awaiting/following words [bohrok < boh-oro-ak, from boh “vigilance, watchfulness; awaiting, on-standby, ready-to-respond”, oro “word, unit of communication”, and the intensive particle -ak - FD: MN#2]
    boki |n.| leaf; branch [boki < bo-kī, from bo “elemental plant-life” and the particle kī “part, piece, portion; segment”]†
    bolo |n.| fruit [bolo < bol-ō, from the l-modified elemental stem bol “elemental plant-life” and the nounal particle ō]
    bomba |n.cmpd.| trunk, branch, limb of plant [bomba < bo-mī-ba, from bo “elemental plant-life”, mī “up, upward, above” and ba “elemental gravity”, yielding a sense of “plant that rises against gravity”]
    bomo |n.cmpd.| hunter, tracker; lit. “master of vigilance/patience” [bomo < boh-mā, from boh “vigilance, watchfulness” and mā “mastery, control” (variant of ma(t), see entry, with final ā > ō vowel shift)]
    bomonga |n.cmpd.| lone hunter/tracker [bomonga < bomo-nga, from bomo “hunter, tracker” and nga “one; first, lone”]
    bonu |n.| grass [bonu < bo-onu, from bo “elemental plant-life” and onu “elemental earth”]†
    bonu-leru |n.cmpd.| acid-grass [From bonu "grass" and the adjective leru "acidic". A term for the species of acid-grass found in the Northern Continent and in the island of Xia]†
    bordakh |n.cmpd.| lit. “vigilant judge/law-keeper” [bordakh < bor-dahki-ak, from bor (reduction from bohrok, see entry), dahki “judge, law-keeper”, and the intensive particle -ak - FD: MN#3]
    boreas |n.cmpd.| jungle-bird [boreas < bo-reas, from bo “elemental plant-life” and reas “bird; nesting creature” (variant of ris, see entry). Variant form: boris]
    botar |n.cmpd.| overseer, monitor; lit. “vigilant guide” [botar < boh-tar, from boh “vigilance, watchfulness; awaiting, on-standby, ready-to-respond” and the stem tār (< tēr) “guidance; guiding force”]
    bour |n./stm.| wilderness, barrenness [bour < bo-ūru, from bo “elemental plant-life; living, growing, thriving” and ūr(u) “un-, negative, not”. Variant forms: bouru, buuru]
    brakas |n.cmpd.| rahi-monkey; lit. mischievous-kau [brakas < brā-kau-s, from the stem b(e)rā “antagonistic, warlike, rogueish, mischievous”, the onomotapoeic element kau (an imitation of the kau-kau call of the Brakas monkey), and the Rahi-designation affix -s. Variant forms: brākas, brakashi, berakas - FD: MN#5]
    brander |n.cmpd.| mischief-maker, practical-joker; lit. “application-of-cunning-mischief” [brander < brā-nidi-er, from the stem b(e)rā “antagonistic, warlike, rogueish, mischievous”, nidi “cunning, slyness; thievery” and the particle er (< ār) “application of” - FD: MN#5]
    brutaka |n.cmpd.| warlike lesser-spirit of power [brutaka < brautaka < brā-ūta-ka < brā-ukuta-ka, from the stem b(e)rā “antagonistic, warlike, rogueish, mischievous”, uk(u)ta “lesser-spirit, being-of-lesser-rank; (a) kuta-level being”, and ka “power, energy, force, ability” - FD: MN#5]
    bula |n.| good fruit, berry [bula < bol-la, from the u/l-modified elemental stem boul “elemental plant-life” and the modifying particle la “excellent, good”]
     
    -D-
     
    dahki |n.| judge, law-keeper; lit. measurer-of-authority/order [dahki < da-hiki, from da “authority, order” (< za-ta) and hiki¹ “measurement, extent” (see entry). Basically synonymous with the parallel term vahki (see entry)]†
    daikau |adj.| rahi-like, beast-like [daikau < daika-u, from daika (variant of dika²) “rahi, beast” and the adjectival particle u. Applied to a species of carnivorous plant]
    dalu |n.| confidence, self-assuredness; lit. “orderly awareness” [dalu < da-lu, from da “authority, order” (< za-ta) and the u-modified elemental stem leu “elemental air; listening/hearing/speaking”]
    damek |n.| efficient organization [damek < dame-ak, from dame (variant of dami, see entry) “organization, engineering” and the intensive particle -ak]
    dami |n.| organization; engineering; lit. “increasing in order” [dami < da-mī, from the stem da “authority, order” and mī “up, upward, rising”]
    darex |n.cmpd.| high command; highest authority [darex < da-rex, from da “authority, order” and rex “superior command, upper echelon” (variant of orix). Variant form: drex]
    daxia |n.cmpd.| authority/order over planning/schematics [daxia < dā-xia, from dā “authority, order” and xia “planning, schematic, engineering” (variant of zia, see entry)]
    de |n./stm.| elemental sound [de < dē, from the primeval elemental stem dē “elemental sound”. Variant form: de-]
    defilak |n.cmpd.| lit. “very cunning voice” [defilak < dei-fili-ak, from dei (< dehi) “voice, mouth”, fili “subtle, cunning”, and the intensive particle -ak]
    dehi |n.| voice, mouth [From de "elemental sound" and hī “thing, object, place”]†
    deika |n.| note, music [From dei “(physical) noise, sound” (from de “elemental sound” and the nounal particle ī) and ka "(creative) power, energy, force, ability"]†
    dekar |n.cmpd.| distress call, cry of distress; lit. “struggling cry” [dekar < deka-ari, from deka “rahi-noise; cry” (variant of dika¹, see entry) and ari “striving, struggling; climbing” (variant of rī, see entry)]
    de-ma |v.| to make noise/sound [From de "elemental sound" and the verbal particle ma]†
    derui |n.cmpd.| jaw; lit. "joint of mouth" [derui < dehi-rui, from dehi "mouth" and rui "joint". Variant form: dehirui]†
    destral |n.cmpd.| guidance system, charted course; lit. “guided/controlled course” [destral < desi-trali, from desi (< duisi) “course, passage” and trali “guided controlled” (see entries)]
    dezalk |n.cmpd.| warning cry; lit. “voice sensing great danger” [dezalk < dei-zali-ak, from dei (< dehi) “voice, mouth”, zali “foreboding, premonition, sense of danger”, and the intensive particle -ak]
    dika¹ |n.| whistle, tune; rahi-noise, cry [dika < dīka < deika, an independent lexical item derived from older deika “note, music”]
    dika² |n.| rahi, beast [A further lexicalization from dika¹ "whistle, tune; rahi-noise, cry" (see entry), eventually embodying the concept “beast; thing that makes rahi-noises”]
    dikapi |n.| Rahi-bird; lit. “whistling creature” [dikapi < dika-pi, from dika¹ “whistle, tune; rahi-noise, cry” and the particle pi “creature”. Variant form: daikapi]
    dosne |n.cmpd.| vein of rock/earth [dosne < dosi-onew, from dosi “course, passage” (variant of duisi, see entry) and the u-modified elemental stem onew (also onuw) “elemental earth; firm, steadfast; earthy”]
    dui |n.| limb, appendage; extension [dui < du-hī, from the stem du “extension, scope, reach; influence” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    duisi |n.| course, passage [duisi < du-isi, from du “extension” and isi “possible; possibility”. Variant forms: desi, dosi]
    dume |n.| influence, (political) power; lit. “extending (one’s) reach” [dume < du-mē, from du “extension, scope, reach; influence” and mē “up, upward, rising” (variant of mī, see entry)]
     
    ---------------
     
    Key:
    |adj.| - Adjective
    |adj.cmpd.| - Adjective Compound
    |adv.| - Adverb
    |aff.| - Affix
    |n.| - Noun
    |n.cmpd.| - Noun Compound
    |p.| - Particle
    |p.cmpd.| - Particle Compound
    |pro.| - Pronoun
    |stm.| - Stem
    |v.| - Verb
    |vn.| - Verbal Noun
    |vn.cmpd.| Verbal Noun Compound
     
    Some entries are marked with FD “Further Discussion”, followed by a reference to a blog entry containing more explanatory content related to that etymology. The references are as follows:
     
    NM - “Nameless Masks”
    MN#1-X... - “Meaningless Names #1-X...”
    LM#1-X - “Learning Matoran, Lesson 1-X...”
     
  10. JRRT
    A Matoran Dictionary



    2nd Edition







    VOLUME VIII :: V-Z


     
    -V-
     
    vā |stm.| 1. (abstract) time; 2. timeline, progression, advance, headway [Variant forms: vō (ā > ō / __#), vah-]
    vahi |n.| (Kanohi) lit. “time-thing” [vahi < vā-hī, from vā “(abstract) time” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    vahki |n.| judge, law-keeper; lit. “measurer of limits” [vahki < fā-hiki, from fā(n) “limit, barrier, restriction; roof/ceiling, sky” and hiki¹ “measurement, extent” (see entry) - FD: MN#3]
    vakama |n.cmpd.| (the) future; lit. “movement of time” [vakama < vā-kama, from vā “time” and ka-ma “to move”]
    vako |n.| species of Rahi-bull; lit. “part of stampede/charge” [vako < va-kī-ō, from vā “time; timeline, progression, advance, headway”, the particle kī “part, piece, portion of” and the nounal particle ō. The term is applied in reference to the behavior of vako herds]
    valma |vn.| awaiting; lit. “seeking (a particular) time” [valma < vā-elma, from vā “time” and el-ma “to seek, search”]
    valmai |n.| (archaic) place of awaiting; cursed place [valmai < valma-hī, from valma “awaiting” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    vamprah |n.cmpd.| always feeding/devouring; lit. “continuously made strong/satiated thing” [vamprah < vamu-pra-hī, from vamu “always, continuously”, the stem pra “strengthened, made strong” (variant of par, see entry), and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    vamu |adv.| always, continuously [vamu < vā-amu, an adverb grammaticalized from the nounal complex vā-amu, from vā “time; progression, advance” and the particle amu “through, by (transitional-instrumental)”]
    varian |n.| 1. time-struggler; lit. “one who strives against time”; 2. prisoner; lit. “one who strives against bonds/limits” [mult. potential etymologies; one proposed etymology is varian < vā-ari-ān, from vā “time”, ari “striving, struggling; climbing” (variant of rī, see entry), and ān “being, individual”; another proposed etymology is varian < fā-ari-ān, from fā(n) “limit, barrier, restriction; roof/ceiling”, ari “striving, struggling; climbing” (variant of rī see entry), and ān “being, individual”]
    vatuka |n.| (Rahi-) limited will-power [vatuka < fa-atu-ka, from fā(n) “limit, barrier, restriction; roof/ceiling”, atu “mind, will”, and ka “power, force, ability”. Applied to the elemental vatuka rock-creatures, in reference to their apparently half-sentient nature]
    veli 1. |vn./adj.| (archaic) awaiting, abiding; 2. |n.| (modern) riddle, secret knowledge [veli < vel-ī, from vel-, a contraction of earlier valma “awaiting” (vel- < vā-el- < vā-el-ma) and the nounal particle ī]
    velika |n.cmpd.| 1. powerful abiding/awaiting one; 2. riddler, keeper of secret knowledge [velika < veli-ka, from veli “awaiting, abiding; riddle, secret knowledge” and ka “power(ful), force, ability”]
    vezo |n./adj.| double, twofold [etymology uncertain]
    vezok |n.| duplicity, treachery; lit. “very two-faced” [vezok < vezo-ak, from vezo “double, twofold” and the intensive particle -ak]
    vezon |n.| double, twin, doppleganger [vezon < vezo-ān, from vezo “double, twofold” and ān “being, individual”]
    vhiso |n.| scholar; lit. “desiring subtle-things/facts” [vhiso < fi-hī-sā, from fi “subtle, fine, cunning; web”, the particle hī “thing, object, place”, and the primeval stem sā “hungering, desiring”]
    vhisola |n.cmpd.| excellent scholar [vhisola < vhiso-la, from vhiso “scholar” and the modifying particle -la “good, excellent”]
    vika |n.cmpd.| cunning power/ability [vika < fi-ka, from the stem fi “subtle, fine, cunning; web” and ka “power, force, ability”. Variant form: vica]
    vikan |n.cmpd.| one with cunning ability [vican < vika-ān, from vika “cunning power/ability” and ān “being, individual”. Variant form: vican]
    vira |n.| 1. wildly cunning; 2. sprawling web [vira < fi-ra, from fi ”subtle, fine, cunning; web” and ra “wild(ness), untamed”]
    vis |n.| Rahi-spider; lit. “web-creature” [vis < fi-s, from fi “subtle, fine, cunning; web” and the Rahi-designation affix -s]
    viso |n.| poison; lit. “spider-substance” [viso < vis-ō, from vis “spider” and the nounal particle ō]
    visorak |n.cmpd.| poisonous scourge, menace [visorak < visou-rak, from visou “poisonous” and rak “extreme wildness, lawlessness, violence; menace, scourge”]
    visou |adj.| poisonous [visou < viso-u, from viso “poison” and the adjectival particle u]
    vo |n./stm.| elemental lightning [vo < vō, from the primeval elemental stem vō “elemental lightning”. Variant forms: vo-, vol (l-modified)]
    vohi |n.| spark; discharge [vohi < vo-hī, from vo “elemental lightning” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    voho |n.| static, static charge [voho < vohi-ō, from vohi “spark; discharge” and the nounal particle ō]
    vohon |n.| static/charged being [vohon < voho-ān, from voho “static, static charge” and ān “being, individual”]
    vohta |n.| discharging/aggressive/volatile spirit [vohta < vohi-ta, from vohi “spark; discharge” and ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence”]
    vohtarak |n.cmpd.| lit. “volatile/aggressive menace” [vohtarak < vohta-rak, from vohta “discharging/aggressive/volatile spirit” and rak “menace, scourge”]
    voli |adj.| flickering, flashing, wavering [voli < vo-li, from vo “elemental lightning” and the primeval modifying particle li]
    volitak |n.cmpd.| (Kanohi-) stealth; lit, “flickering/wavering spirit” [volitak < voli-ta-ak, from voli “flickering, flashing, wavering”, ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence”, and the intensive particle -ak]
    volo |n.| vitality, energy (substance) [volo < vol-ō, from the l-modified elemental stem vol “elemental lightning” and the nounal particle ō]
    vopo |n.| time-passing, age, erosion, entropy [vopo < vapo < vā-pā, from vā “time” and pā “elemental stone” (with final ā > ō vowel shift), yielding a sense of “time’s effect on stone; erosion”]
    voporak |n.cmpd.| lit. “scourge of time/entropy” [voporak < vopo-rak, from vopo “time-passing, age, erosion, entropy” and rak “menace, scourge”]
    vor |n.| hunger, energy-draining [vor < vō-ūr, from vo “elemental lightning” and the particle ūr(u) “un-, negative, not” - FD: MN#1]
    vorahk |n.cmpd.| lit. “devouring wild thing; devourer” [vorahk < vor-rahk, from vor “hunger, energy-draining” and rahk “wild/untamable thing” - FD: MN#1]
    voriki |n.cmpd.| (a) lightning bolt, shaft of lightning [voriki < vo-rī-kī, from vo “elemental lightning”, rī “wild, uncontrolled, violent”, and kī “part, piece, portion of”]
    vorzakh |n.cmpd.| lit. “great restricting judge/law-keeper” [vorzakh < vor-zatahki-ak, from vor (< fā-oro, a compound of fā(n) “limit, barrier, restriction” and oro “word, unit of communication” in imitation of boh-oro, see entry bohrok), zatahki “judge, law-keeper” (an earlier form of dahki, see entry), and the intensive particle -ak - FD: MN#3]
    vo-ya |v.| to conduct energy, flow (along), journey [From vo “elemental lightning” and the verbal particle ya]
    voya-nui |n.cmpd.| great journey [From voya “journey, current” (nominalized from the verbal complex vo-ya) and nui “great, significant”]
    vua |n.| great energy; power-reservoir [vua < vo-wa, from vo “elemental lightning” and wa “wide, great, large”]
    vuata |n.| power source; lit. “essence of great energy” [vuata < vua-ta, from vua “great energy” and ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence”]
    vuata-maca |n.cmpd.| power source and power distributor [From vuata “power source” and maca “power distributor”]
    vultraz |n.cmpd.| bird of prey; lit. “predatory sky-wing” [vultraz < fultriazi < faol-tiri-azi, from the stem faol “sky, ceiling” (u/l-modified from fā(n)), tiri “wing, flat appendage”, and azi “violence, predatory” (variant of zī, see entry)]
     
    -W-
     
    wa |adj./stm.| wide, great, large
    wahi |n.| region, place [wahi < wa-hī, from wa “wide, great, large” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    wai- |p.| possessive particle [wai < *uai, originally denoting an object as being possessed (by something). Variant form: -ui (see entry) - FD: MN#7]
    waikiru |n.| (Rahi) possessing tusks [waikiru < wai-kiru, from the possessive particle wai (originally denoting possession of the object) and kiru “tusk, tooth”]
    wairuha |n.| possessing wisdom [wairuha < wai-ruha, from the possessive particle wai (originally denoting possession of the object) and ruha “contemplation, stillness; wisdom” (variant of rua, see entry)]
    whe |n.| underground [whe < uw-hī, from uw “under, lower, below” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    whenua |n.cmpd.| hidden/secret underground [whenua < whe-nua, from whe “underground” and nua “hidden, unseen, secret”]
     
    -Y-
     
    -ya |p.| verbal particle [Variant forms: i...a, a...i (splitting+displacement)]
    yi |adv./stm.| together, combined
    yi-ya |v.| to collect, gather, bring together [From the stem yi “together, combined” and the verbal particle ya]
     
    -Z-
     
    za |n./stm.| planning, tactic [etymology uncertain; undoubtedly related to the set of stem-forms zī, zē, zai “strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory” (see entry zī). Variant form: xa]
    zadakh |n.cmpd.| lit. “great judge/law-keeper” [zadakh < zatahki-ak, from zatahki “judge, law-keeper” (an earlier form of dahki, see entry) and the intensive particle -ak - FD: MN#3]
    zahi |n.| plan, schematic, strategy [zahi < za-hī, za “planning, tactics” and the particle hī “thing, object, place”]
    zakaz |n.| war-zone, extreme violence; lit. “violence of violence” [zakaz < zai-ak-azi, from zai “violence” (variant of zī, see entry), the intensive particle -ak, and azi “violence, predatory” (variant of zī, see entry)]
    zakta |n.| very cunning spirit; lit. “spirit of great strategy/tactics” [zakta < za-ak-ta, from za “planning, tactic”, the intensive particle -ak, and ta “elemental fire; spirit, being, essence”]
    zaktan |n.| lit. “one with a very sly/cunning spirit” [zaktan < zakta-ān, from zakta “very cunning spirit” and ān “being, individual”]
    zali |n.| foreboding, premonition, sense of danger [zali < zai-el-ī, from zai “strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory” (variant of zī, see entry), the stem el “seeking/searching; detection, sense”, and the nounal particle ī]
    zamor |n.| sphere [etymology uncertain; one proposed etymology attributes the development of zamor to a rarely-attested primeval form sferu (sferu > sefur > zevor > zamor), frequently appearing as part of a compound sferu-makna. The meaning of this term is uncertain, although it is found exclusively in texts related to the Great Beings. It does not appear to be Matoran in origin]
    zaria |vn.| retaliation; counterattacking, counter-strategy [From the verbal complex zari-ya “to retaliate, counterattack”]
    zari-ya |v.| to retaliate, counterattack [zari-ya < za-ari-ya, from za “planning, tactics”, ari “striving, struggling; climbing” (variant of rī, see entry), and the verbal particle ya]
    zatth |n.cmpd.| (Kanohi-) summoning; lit “mind/will of authority” [zatth < zata-ath, from a primeval compound za-ta (later da) “authority, order” and ath, a heavily reduced form of atu “mind, will”]
    ze |adj./stm.| empty, emptied out, drained [Variant forms: zi, se]
    zemi |n.| absence, excavation; lit. “increasing emptiness” [zemi < ze-mi, from ze “empty, emptied out, drained” and mi “up, upward, rising”]
    zem-ya |v.| to excavate, empty/hollow out [zem-ya < zemi-ya, from zemi “absence, excavation” and the verbal particle ya]
    zī |n./stm.| strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory [Variant forms: zai, zē, zy, xi, azi]
    zia |vn.| planning, schematic, engineering [From the verbal complex zī-ya “to strategize”. Variant form: xia]
    zivon |n.| creature of violent energy [zivon < zī-vo-ān, from zī “strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory”, vo “elemental lightning; energy”, and ān “being, individual”]
    zu |adj.| tactical [zu < za-u, from za “planning, tactics” and the adjectival particle u]
    zya |v.| (archaic) to strategize, attack [zya < zī-ya, from zī “strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory” and the verbal particle ya]
    zyglak |n.cmpd.| lit. “extremely treacherous/traitorous power” [zyglak < zy-kal-ak, from zy “strategy, planning, scheming; violence; predatory” (a variant of zī, see entry), the modified stem kal “power, force, ability”, and the intensive particle -ak]
     
    --------------------
     
    Key:
    |adj.| - Adjective
    |adj.cmpd.| - Adjective Compound
    |adv.| - Adverb
    |aff.| - Affix
    |n.| - Noun
    |n.cmpd.| - Noun Compound
    |p.| - Particle
    |p.cmpd.| - Particle Compound
    |pro.| - Pronoun
    |stm.| - Stem
    |v.| - Verb
    |vn.| - Verbal Noun
    |vn.cmpd.| - Verbal Noun Compound
     
    Some entries are marked with FD “Further Discussion”, followed by a reference to a blog entry containing more explanatory content related to that etymology. The references are as follows:
     
    NM - “Nameless Masks”
    MN#1-X... - “Meaningless Names #1-X...”
    LM#1-X - “Learning Matoran, Lesson 1-X...”
     
  12. JRRT
    I've posted a few examples of texts in the Matoran language on this blog so far, and if you lurk elsewhere on the internet, you may have seen quite a few more. Most of these translations make use of a particular model of Matoran grammar, one that has undergone many alterations over the years. At this point, I thought it might be useful/interesting to share that grammar in its current state. So here's a basic overview—a cheatsheet, if you will. Have fun with it.
     
     
     

    ==============================



    Matoran Grammar: A Primer



    ==============================






     
    1. Syntax I:

    Before getting into the nitty-gritty details of nouns, verbs, inflections/affixes, etc., here are some general principles governing how words are organized syntactically in Matoran. Keep these rules in mind as you encounter examples of clauses and other syntactic units in the following sections!
     
    - Rules for clauses

    #1: The verb goes last. That's basically the only rigid rule.
    #2: The subject goes first.
    #3: Object(s) go after the subject (but before the verb).
     
    The combination of these three rules yields the following overall syntactic pattern for clauses in Matoran: Subject – Object – Verb (SOV).
     
    - Other rules
     
    #4: A modifier (an adjective/adverb) that is placed before the unit it modifies will yield a concrete/physical meaning:
     
    nui – jaga "big scorpion"
    kofo – jaga "small scorpion"
    nui – rama "big flying-insect"
     
    #5: A modifier (an adjective/adverb) placed after the thing it modifies will yield an abstract/evaluative meaning:
     
    mata – nui "great spirit"
    rahi – nui "great Rahi"
    mana – ko "silent/still monster"
     
    ==============================
     
    2. Verbs:
     
    Verbs are generally distinguished by the presence of a derivative suffix -ya or -kha attached to the stem. All other inflections are added after this suffix. Verbs are inflected for tense and negation, as well as aspect/mood (not discussed here). This section will also provide information on the formation of interrogative clauses (questions).
     
    - Tense
     
    Tense is marked on verbs by a series of suffixes added to the verbal complex, as follows:
     
    Past: -nu
    Present: -pa/-po (optional)
    Future: -ko
     
    Examples (check Section 6 for a glossary with full definitions—all words used in examples are marked with * in the wordlist):
     
    (1) Matoran voya-nu. "The Matoran went/travelled."
    (2) Toa zya(-pa). "The Toa attacks."
    (3) Turaga akuya-ko. "The Turaga will see (it)."
     
    **Note: You can also form imperative constructions (i.e. commands) by using the basic, uninflected form of the stem: Manas zya! "Attack the monster!"
     
    - Negation
     
    Negation (English "not") is marked on verbs by adding the suffix -rhu (can be reduced to -ru) to the verbal complex after all other suffixes have been added.
     
    Examples:
     
    (4) Matoran voya-nu-rhu. "The Matoran did not go/travel."
    (5) Toa zya-rhu. "The Toa does not attack"
    (6) Turaga akuya-ko-rhu. "The Turaga will not see (it)."
     
    - Questions
     
    Three types of questions are distinguished in Matoran. Two of them correspond to "information questions" (or "wh-questions" in English); they are used to question the subject (Who did that?) and object (She did what?) of a verb, respectively. The remaining question-type is the standard yes/no-question ("Did you do that?").
     
    Info-Q Subject: ke-
    Info-Q Object: -ki, -kai
    Yes/No-Q: i-...-ka
     
    Examples:
     
    (7) Rahi ke-zyanu? "Who/what attacked the Rahi?"
    (8) Toa zyanu-ki? "Who/what did the Toa attack? / The Toa attacked who/what?"
    (9) Toa i-zyanu-ka? "Did the Toa attack?"

    - "To be" (the copula verb)
     
    There is no Matoran equivalent of the English verb "to be"! Instead, English constructions such as "X is Y" or "Y is X" (basic equative or copula constructions) are simply expressed as "X Y" or "Y X" in Matoran. Such constructions can involve a noun and an adjective (N+A), two adjectives (A+A), or two nouns (N+N).
     
    But if there's no overt verb corresponding to "to be", you might ask, how is tense (or negation, or a question) marked in such constructions? Simply put, the necessary affixes (tense, negation, etc.) are attached to whichever element (N or A) is placed in final position (where the verb would normally go).
     
    Examples:
     
    (10) Matoran kofo. "The Matoran [is] small." (N+A)
    (11) Nui kofo. "Big [is] small." (A+A)
    (12) Rahi jaga. "The Rahi [is] a scorpion." (N+N)
    (13) Toa matoran-nu. "The Toa was a Matoran."
    (14) Manas rahi-pa. "The Manas is a Rahi."
    (15) Matoran toa-ko-rhu. "The Matoran will not be a Toa."
    (16) Ke-matoran-nu? "Who was the Matoran?"
    (17) Toa-pa-ki? "Who is the Toa? / The Toa is who?"
    (18) Toa i-matoran-nu-ka? "Was the Toa a Matoran?"
     
    ==============================
     
    3. Pronouns:
     
    Pronouns stand in for full nouns. They come in three different flavors: first person, second person, and third person. Number (i.e. singular vs. plural) is not marked. Pronouns are inflected according to their function in the clause, subject or object:
     
    - Subject form
     
    1st o, oa "I, we"
    2nd ou "you, you all"
    3rd ai, oi "she/he/it, they"
     
    Examples:
     
    (1) o voya. "I/we go/travel."
    (2) ou zya. "You/you all attack."
    (3) ai akuya. "She/he/it/they sees."
     
    - Object form
     
    1st ako, akoa "me, us"
    2nd akou "you, you all"
    3rd akai "her/him/it, them"
     
    Examples:

    (4) Matoran ako zyanu. "The Matoran attacked me/us."
    (5) Toa akou zyanu. "The Toa attacked you/you all."
    (6) Turaga akai zyanu. "The Turaga attacked her/him/it/them."
     
    - Possessive form
     
    Pronouns are also used to denote possession relationships, in which case they are suffixed to the noun that is possessed.
     
    **The third person affix -ai/-oi can also be used to indicate possession when a full noun possesses another full noun. In such a case, it is suffixed to the noun which is possessed, and the possessor noun is usually placed directly before the possessed noun (see examples 10 and 11).
     
    1st -o, -oa "my, our"
    2nd -ou "your"
    3rd -ai, -oi "her/his/its, their"
     
    Examples:
     
    (7) ni-o "my/our star"
    (8) koro-ou "your village"
    (9) madu-ai "her/his/its/their tree"
    (10) Toa rahi-ai "the Toa's Rahi; lit. 'The Toa, her/his/their-Rahi"
    (11) Matoran koro-ai "the Matoran's village; lit. 'The Matoran, her/his/their-village"
     
    ==============================

    4. Nouns:
     
    Nouns come in many different forms! They can be modified by adjectives (see Section 1) as well as by an array of different affixes. Affixes can be suffixes (attached to the end of the noun-stem), prefixes (attached to the beginning of the noun-stem), or circumfixes (attached "around" the noun-stem, basically a combination of a prefix and a suffix). I include four different categories of affixes, containing twelve affixes total.
     
    **All of the affixes discussed in this section can also be added to pronouns!
     
    - Basic location/direction
     
    #1 - of, from; after: i-, ai-
    #2 - in, on, at; during: i-...-a
    #3 - to, toward; before: -i, -ai
     
    Examples:
     
    (1) i-ni "of/from a star"
    (2) i-koro-a "in/at a village"
    (3) madu-i "toward a tree"
     
    - Upward orientation
     
    #4 - up away from (motion): mi-, mai-
    #5 - up at (location): i-...-ma
    #6 - up toward (motion): -ma, -mai
     
    Examples:
     
    (4) mi-ni "upward, away from a star"
    (5) i-koro-ma "up at a village"
    (6) madu-ma "upward, toward a tree"
     
    - Downward orientation
     
    #7 - down away from (motion): u-, au-
    #8 - down, under, below (location): u-...-a
    #9 - down toward (motion): -a, -au
     
    Examples:
     
    (7) u-ni "downward, away from a star"
    (8) u-koro-a "under/below a village"
    (9) madu-a "downward, toward a tree"
     
    - Transitional/instrumental
     
    #10 - through away from (motion): mo-, mua-
    #11 - through, via (location): a-...-mu
    #12 - through toward (motion): -mua
     
    Examples:
     
    (10) mo-ni "through, away from a star"
    (11) a-koro-mu "through/via a village"
    (12) madu-mua "through, toward a tree"
     
    ==============================
     
    5. Syntax II:
     
    Now that you've got a sense of the possibilities for nouns and verbs, we can get a bit more detailed on how to put them together. While SOV is the standard word order for clauses in Matoran, the order of subject and object (Rules 2 and 3 from Section 1 above) can be subverted. For example, if you want to put the object first, you can add one of the affixes from section 4 to explicitly mark it as the object. This makes for a lot of potential variation. We'll start with the following standard sentence:
     
    (1) Toa rahi zyanu. "The Toa attacked the Rahi."
     
    Now, if we wanted to switch this sentence up by placing the object first, we might add an affix like #3, -i "to, toward", to the object:
     
    (2) Rahi-i toa zyanu. "The Toa struck at/toward the Rahi."
     
    From the paraphrase you can see how this alteration might subtly change the meaning of the sentence as a whole. Let's try some other affixes, such as #4, -mi "upward (movement)", #8, u-...-a "down, down on (location)", or #9, -a "downward (movement)".
     
    (3) Rahi-mi toa zyanu. "The Toa struck upward at the Rahi."
    (4) Rahi-a toa zyanu. "The Toa struck downward toward the Rahi."
    (5) U-rahi-a toa zyanu. "The Toa bore down on the Rahi."
     
    **Final note: All of these variations with nominal affixes could also be expressed using the standard SOV order! An object-first ordering could, however, be used to emphasize the object.
     
    ==============================
     
    6. Glossary:
     
    This glossary should provide you with a basic vocabulary to start with. Check out the volumes of the Matoran Dictionary for a (slightly) wider selection.
     
    **All of the words used in the examples above are marked with *!
     
    - Verbs
     
    akuya* "to see, sense; know"
    aruya "to take"
    boya "to grow, live; remain"
    haya "to protect, maintain systems-normality"
    kokha "to cool (smthg.), calm (smthg.) down; clarify"
    kya "to do, act, take initiative"
    mya "to control, use"
    orukha "to build, construct"
    oruya "to work, labor"
    pakuya "to read; lit. 'to see carvings'"
    peya "to carve"
    rokha "to speak (to)"
    roya "to determine, single out; name"
    s(a)uya "to consume, convert"
    seya "to think"
    takha "to make, craft; forge"
    v(a)ukha "to conduct, transmit"
    vokha "to empower, energize"
    voya* "to go, journey, travel"
    zya* "to attack, strike; plan, scheme"
     
    - Nouns
     
    aki "valor, courage, initiative"
    bohi "plant; form of vegetation"
    dau "direction, extension; route"
    dehi "mouth; lit. 'sound-thing'"
    fani "sky; lit. 'star-field'"
    gadu "pool (of water/liquid)"
    gura "disintegration, disruption"
    hahi "shield; guardian"
    hau "shielding, protection"
    hiki "measurement; deception, trickery"
    jaga* "(Rahi) scorpion"
    ka "power, energy"
    kanohi "mask; lit. 'object-of-power/energy'"
    kau "breath, spirit; lit. 'life-process'"
    kini "temple"
    koro* "village"
    kua "(Rahi) bird; freedom"
    kura "anger, rage"
    ledu "wind, breeze"
    lera "poison, toxicity"
    madu* "tree"
    mana(s)* "monster"
    mata* "spirit; lit. 'master-spirit'"
    matoran* "Matoran-unit; lit. 'builder/worker-of-Mata'"
    mehi "head, skull"
    metru "city"
    ni* "star"
    nohi "object (of protodermis)"
    paka "strength, sturdiness"
    panura "fragmentation"
    peki "shard, fragment, pebble"
    rahi* "wildlife, beast"
    rama* "(Rahi) flying-insect"
    ro "unit, individual; name; (honorific) sister/brother/comrade"
    rua "wisdom"
    tahi "flame (substance); spirit"
    taka "light, illumination"
    taki "spark, ember; lit. 'part-of-fire'"
    toa* "hero, protector"
    tura "fear, cowardice"
    turaga* "elder"
    vahi "time"
    vora "hunger, energy-draining"
    wahi "region, place"
     
    - Adjectives
     
    baui "measured, balanced"
    gaui "blue, watery; calm, peaceful"
    kofo* "small, little; lesser"
    koui "white, icy; silent, clear"
    laui "good, positive, happy"
    leui "green, airy; light, cheerful"
    noui "black, earthy; deep, secret, hidden"
    nui* "large; great"
    nuva "new, original"
    paui "brown, stony; strong, firm"
    taui "red, fiery; spirited, lively, living"
  13. JRRT
    [oh
    a tumblr what]


    Treatise: Translating the Avohkii



    : Part 3 :


     
    Take a stroll through the previous posts for all the juicy, juicy previous details. For now, here’s where we’re at in the translation process:

     
    The bolded parts have been translated as follows:
     
    The string ke-whenu-ka consists of the word whenu(a) "hidden/secret underground" modified by two particles: the basic locative particle manifesting as ke- "in/at/on" and the origin particle manifesting as -ka "from, out of". The entire complex therefore translates, roughly, to "from within (a) secret underground (place)".
     
    The string ak-ila consists of an imperative (command) form of the verb il-ya (< el-ya) "to seek out", modified by the 3rd-singular object pronoun particle ak- "him/her/it". The entire complex translates to "seek out him/her/it".
     
    Combined, these yield an (incomplete) meaning of “Seek out (a thing/person) originating from within a secret underground (place)”.
     
    Now that you’re up to speed, for the first half of the inscription, all that’s left is mapaku and kitu. We also still need to identify the thing that ke-whenu-ka describes and the thing that must be sought out. Let’s start with kitu: because of its position between ke-whenu-ka and ak-ila, it seems reasonable to group kitu into the same syntactic/semantic unit with them, and also to take kitu as a candidate for the thing modified by ke-whenu-ka and the overt object of ak-ila. Whatever the meaning of kitu, I’d therefore expect it to incorporate some notion of “thing”, “type”, “kind”, “person”, etc., if we want to stay consistent with the previously-translated material. Unfortunately, there’s no ready-to-hand dictionary entry to help us out, and the deciphering of kitu will, therefore, be a matter of reconstruction. Here’s what I propose:
     
    kitu |n.| individual, individuality; lit. “spirit (that is) part (of a whole)” [kitu < kī-tu, from the particle kī “part, piece, portion of” and tu “spirit/essence; result of process”]
     
    Both of these elements, kī and tu, are (I think) pretty well-motivated in Matoran etymology, so I don’t feel too bad about applying them here to create a previously unattested term. Even so, tying everything together once again, we have:
     
    ... ke-whenu-ka kitu ak-ila “Seek out an individual originating from within a secret underground (place)”
     
    This leaves only mapaku. A surface glance brings up possibilities using ma(t) “mastery, control”, pa “elemental stone”, and perhaps aku “sight, vision”, but no cohesive translation—partly because there are a thousand different ways we could go with this one. Let’s try a slightly different tack: returning to the actual audio from MoL. If we can rely on Nokama’s pronunciation to some extent, there may be something significant to be found within the actual spoken data. And in fact, I believe there is: In the audio, there is a distinct pause after Nokama pronounces mapaku—almost as if this term is an introductory word—and the rest of the inscription seems to occupy its own intonational unit as well. On those grounds, I will choose to analyze mapaku as something disconnected from the rest of the clause—something used, say, to indicate the start of the text. Does that get us any further? Might not seem like it, but it’s a start. After some really arbitrary reconstructive etymology, here’s the proposal:
     
    mapaku |n.| (archaic) reader; lit. "master(y) of reading/letters" [mapaku < ma-paku, from ma(t) "mastery, control" and the stem-compound paku “reading; lit. ‘sight/vision of carvings’”. Frequently appears in inscriptions as a vocative element introducing a command or exhortation for the reader of a text]
     
    And here’s the original source for paku, as reference:
     
    paku |stm.cmpd| reading; lit. "sight/vision of carvings" [paku < pe-aku, from pe “carve, chip; carving, sculpting, paring down” and aku “sight, vision", yielding an original sense of “to see carvings; to look at carved letters”]
     
    Okay, let’s put the final nail in the coffin for this half of the inscription:
     
    Mapaku ke-whenu-ka kitu ak-ila
    “Reader, seek out an individual originating from within a secret underground (place)”
     
    Whew. We’re only halfway there, but at this point we can make some comments on the relevance of this translation to the overall context of the Bionicle storyline. As hinted in the previous posts, I do indeed have an ulterior motive for following this particular path of translation: We must consider who inscribed this text on the Avohkii and why they did it. I have so far theorized that the inscription contains some kind of instructions for someone who might possess the Avohkii at a future point after its creation. We’ve already noted that the mask was made in Artakha, and that its purpose was to counteract a rebellious Brotherhood of Makuta should that ever become a reality.
     
    Therefore, the Avohkii was always meant to be the catalyst for the creation of a Toa of Light, and so it makes sense that it was intended to be used on an Av-Matoran. Where did the vast majority of the Av-Matoran in the MU originally live? That’s right: in secret underground cities beneath the surface of the Southern Continent.
     
    Thus, the phrase ke-whenu-ka kitu would literally be a stand-in for Av-Matoran: an individual who originates from a secret underground place. Really, the only reason I latched onto this particular avenue as a guide for the translation was because I originally translated whenua as "secret underground (place)" all those years ago. Happy coincidence, I guess. Who would’ve thought? And if all of this crazy theorizing is to be believed, the inscription seems to take on the form of a riddle. Who knows? In my own headcanon, I’ve imagined a chuckling Velika scratching these letters into the otherwise-flawless surface of the mask. But the extent of the riddle-making is yet to be seen. The other half of the inscription still needs translating!
     
    Next time.
  14. JRRT
    If you’re someone who remembers BZPower back before the archive deletion and downtimes (I confess, I’m getting murky) and roughly prior to '08-'09, you might know me as a different person. I mostly lurked 'round this little forum called Artwork II, which was the place where all the shops and "sprite kits" were safely hidden from the world. Back then, most of my contribution to BZP came in the form of pixel art. Yeah, it was a different time.
     
    Well, I haven’t done any pixel art for quite a while—nothing worth posting, at least. Even so, I get the hankering every now and then. And in fact, for a long time I’ve been wanting to start something long-term: a project to fiddle with in my spare time. Pixel art is quite cathartic, I find, and it’s actually a great stress-reliever. Go figure.
     
    Unfortunately I haven’t really had that much spare time lately. That is, until last week. It was spring break...for students, at least. =P Even so, in between the grading, I did find a few moments to get creative:
     

     

     
    The project is a roughly to-scale isometric map of the island of Mata Nui; 1 pixel = ~.25 kio (these images are at about x3 magnification). I find landscapes to be very enjoyable to do, and isometric pixeling suits that pretty well. The images above should be kinda familiar: the Mangai Volcano and the southern tip of the island coast. This is only a few hours’ work, so it’s absurdly rough, but you should get the general idea.
     
    So yeah, the plan is to keep messing around with it, and maybe post some updates as things progress. I confess, even now I’m still pretty much an amateur at this, but I hope I can do it justice. =P
     
    JRRT
  15. JRRT

    The Glyphs of Okoto

    By JRRT,

    Since the release of the Bionicle 2015 media, various people have taken note of the system of symbols or glyphs that consistently appear throughout the island of Okoto. They show up in nearly every one of the story animations--on ruins, statues, the Temple of Time...even the Mask of Creation is covered in them. This has, unsurprisingly, generated questions about whether or not these symbols are purely decorative or if they in fact constitute a functioning writing system, along the lines of the G1 Matoran Alphabet. After a good deal of discussion, however, the consensus (which I agree with) appears to be that these symbols are purely aesthetic and do not carry any linguistic significance.
     
    But even so, using a bit of creativity, it may still be possible to derive something meaningful from these symbols for use by Bionicle fans. My goal here is not to construct a complete "Okotoan Alphabet", but instead to simply take a first step in that direction and see where it leads; hopefully inspiring the creativity of others along the way. With that said, let's begin:
     
    There are two main sources from which I will draw examples of the relevant symbols: those found on the Mask of Creation and those found in the Temple of Time. This is because these sources provide very clear and consistent examples of the glyphs, without heavy modification due to, e.g. the simplified style of the animations, and also because the primary string of symbols that can be derived from these sources shows up only in bits and pieces elsewhere (sometimes partly obscured), rather than being attested in full, as it is in these two contexts.
     
    So, first, here is a facsimile of the symbols found on the Mask of Creation (click here for a hi-res version of the original picture).
     
    1.

     
    Next, a facsimile of the block of symbols found on the interior of the Temple of Time (see this image--specifically the symbols on the left side of the temple, middle row, far right column). The lefthand vertical column of this block is a full 180-degree rotation of the righthand vertical column, and the righthand column partially matches the central vertical crest on the MoCr.
     
    2.

     
    It’s pretty clear at this point that there is actually only one string of symbols involved in both cases. This string is modified/truncated/mirrored/rotated in various ways to fit whatever space is required. Here is the primary string in isolation (basically identical to the righthand column of the Temple of Time version, but mirrored horizontally to match that on the MoCr):
     
    3.

     
    Next, let’s focus on how this string is implemented on the Mask of Creation, since the MoCr provides good examples of repetition of specific sequences of glyphs and truncation of the primary sequence. My goal is to use whatever patterns of repetition/omition that can be found in order to decompose the primary string into individual units, which might then serve as independent “letters” (or graphemes). Here we go:
     
    - The central vertical crest exhibits the full primary string, plus a partial repetition. I have coded the repeated segment in blue, the non-repeated segment in green:
     
    4.

     
    - The two lesser vertical crests exhibit a non-repeating version of the full string which is nevertheless truncated via removal of the largest symbol (marked in red on the original string). Note that the left crest is oriented identically to the central crest, and the right crest is a horizontal mirror of the left.
     
    5.

     
    - The two internal vertical sequences on the “forehead” of the mask include the entire segment that is repeated twice on the central vertical crest, plus one additional symbol. I have preserved the blue-green coloring from (4) to illustrate this.
     
    6.

     
    - The four horizontal crests on the lower edges of the mask all make use of the primary sequence rotated 90 degrees, but with nearly half the sequence omitted. The upper horizontal crests have one glyph more than the lower horizontal crests, which are also flipped vertically. Once again, I have preserved the blue-green color-coding to better illustrate the extent to which certain sequences are preserved and/or omitted.
     
    7.

     
    With these observations in place, here is an updated version of the full schematic of the MoCr with blue-green color-coding.
     
    8.

     
    Now, as stated previously, my goal here is to figure out which symbols are independent and separable and which symbols form “blocks” with each other in order to dissolve the primary string into its constituent units. The patterns of omition on the MoCr give some good clues about this. For example, the fact that a symbol can be omitted from the primary string on the lesser vertical crests (the symbol marked red in (5) above) shows that this symbol is a separable glyph. Likewise, the individual glyphs that are added to fill space on the internal vertical crests (see (6)) and the horizontal crests (see (7)) show that these specific glyphs are also independent and separable. All of these observations lead to the following:
     
    9.

     
    And now, to bring us full circle, we can apply the color-coding to the primary string only, as follows:
     
    10.

     
    As can be seen, my assumption here is that the glyphs that are colored identically form a unit with one another, and based on this assumption, I have broken up the primary string into 8 separate units. Note that the decision to separate 1 and 2 was my own, since, if these symbols had been combined, it would make for a very complex symbol indeed. In addition, the decision to include the single horizontal line as a part of symbol 2, rather than a separate symbol, was made based on the observation that (1) these two components are never separated, and (2) that the two components are clearly printed as a single unit on the lesser vertical crests of the MoCr.
     
    Now the question is, where to go from here? I don’t really know. As a fun creative exercise, we could, of course, assign an alphabetic value to each of the eight “letters” represented here—preferably values that together form some significant eight-letter word without any repeating letters (assuming that this is an alphabetic writing system, similar to the G1 Matoran alphabet). A couple of ideas occur to me:
     
    First, there is the word CREATION. It has eight letters, non-repeating. If we do the value-assignment as suggested, that would make our primary string spell out as follows (Note that, because we have no indications as to which way to read the glyphs (upwards or downwards), either way could work, and so I have provided both up-down and down-up value-assignments):
     
    11.

     
    Secondly—and perhaps more interestingly—there is the word BIONICLE, which is also eight letters, but has a repetition of the letter <i>, which makes it not quite as practical if we want to maximize the number of letters we have at our disposal. However, this problem can be partly resolved by the following observation: The word does have a repetition of the letter <i>, but both occurences have completely different phonetic values, i.e. the first <i> is the sound in “bite”, while the second is the sound in “bit”. If we can withstand this slight complication, this version might very well work.
     
    12.

     
    I will leave it at that. I hope you enjoyed this detour into possible Okotoan orthography, and I also hope that the ideas sketched out here--legitimate or not--serve to generate further creativity on the subject. Have fun.
     
    JRRT
  16. JRRT
    [also hey look
    a tumblr]


    Treatise: Translating the Avohkii



    : Part 1 :



    It has come to my attention that the novelization of the Mask of Light film includes the following passage:


    This is supposed to be Nokama’s reading of the inscription found on the Avohkii. Interesting, no? Even if the novelization is only semi-canon, this could provide material for expanding our (admittedly completely made-up) knowledge of the Matoran language. Where to begin?
     
    I began by seeking out the scene from the film itself where Nokama translates the inscription. I remember watching this years ago and hearing her utter some gibberish, but it never occurred to me that it might have been meaningful gibberish. Unfortunately for linguists attempting to reconstruct Matoran, the comparison of the film and the text from the novelization raises some problems. The bad news: The passages aren’t completely identical. The film-version is definitely truncated. The good news: While the film-version is shorter, it actually shares many elements with the novel-version. Both of these passages clearly come from the same source, and it appears that the film-version may be a pared-down form of the version presented in the book.
     
    So which one do we use? Maybe we can use both. First off, however, we need a transcription of the passage from the film. Here’s mine:

     
    Notes:
    - ' indicates stress on the following syllable. This won’t play a huge role, but it does help in determining some of the word breaks.
    - <break> indicates a brief pause, which I take to indicate a word-break in most cases.
    - ? in brackets [?] indicates an indistinct sound. The first [??] indicates that there may have been something within the break, but it was indecipherable.
     
    If we compare this transcription with the text from the novelization, we can further refine the analysis to include the more well-motivated word-breaks:


    I’ve put a dash between wenu and kakit[?] based on the orthography of the novel-version (wehnua-hakeeta). Likewise, for now I’ve kept [?]ke separate from wenu based on ...kanokee wehnua...
     
    [Real world intrusion here—this strikes me as very Maori, and I would not be surprised if we were dealing with a non-phonetic version of Maori text in the novelization, with the actress who voiced Nokama in the film just reading it off the script phonetically (hence the extreme reduction). That doesn’t work for everything, of course, since the novel-version includes words that don’t seem likely to be completely lost through pure phonological reduction: rahun-akh, panokeeta, etc.]
     
    Anyways, now that we’ve compared both versions a bit, the next question is: Which one is canon? As far as I know, the novelization is only semi-canon, while the film is full-canon, at least when it comes to events. It would be easy to just drop the novel-version, but then we’d lose a significant piece of potential data. Ideally, we should be able to come up with an analysis that accounts for and is informed by both.
     
    So here’s the plan: I will start with the film-version, taking it at face value, rather than as a truncation of the “full” version in the novelization. If we can come up with a bare-bones translation for that, the translation of the novel-version should come easily. With that in mind, I’ll revise the transcription from the film:

     
    Full disclosure: In anticipation of the final analysis below, I’ve filled in the [?]-gaps from the original in a way that I think is plausible (kit[?] > kitu, [?]hano > ahano, tak[?] > taka). I’ve also modified the spelling slightly (wenu > whenu). There is definitely some potential for error here, and there will be a few more modifications before we’re finished, but this should work for now.
     
    Next step: What could this possibly mean? We never get a straightforward translation. Here’s what Nokama says after translating the passage (taken directly from MoL): “This is the great Kanohi Mask of Light. A mask to be worn by a seventh Toa...A Toa of Light.”
     
    That’s pretty much it. Main points: The inscription may identify the mask as the Mask of Light, but then again, it may not, since the Turaga already knew what it was—they were the ones who hid it, after all. Likewise, the fact that it can only be worn by a “Seventh Toa” wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense in the inscription, since a seventh Toa isn’t all that special—there were hundreds (more on that later!). I think it’s likely that most of the dialogue related to the inscription was, in fact, theatrics. The Turaga simply revealed to the Matoran that the mask was the MoL and that there would be a “seventh” Toa—all of which the Turaga knew beforehand.
     
    Instead, in attempting to translate this inscription, it may be more useful to look at the origins of the MoL itself. Who wrote this inscription and why? The MoL was made on Artakha, and it was created for the specific purpose of combatting the Brotherhood of Makuta should they ever leave the straight and narrow. Artakha himself may have been the one to write the inscription, but regardless, the mask had a purpose from the beginning, and it would make sense for the inscription to pertain to that purpose: If the Makuta ever go bad, take this mask and find an Av-Matoran. I think it makes sense, at least! But we won’t know until we’ve got a translation, will we? This post has set the stage for just such an endeavor...
     
    Next time.
     
  17. JRRT
    [cross-post]
     
    Another year, another birthday, and today’s mine. Seems like a good occasion for gift-giving, so here’s one for you all.
     
    Several months ago, I posted a link on tumblr to an unfinished Matoran Language translation of the script of Bionicle: Mask of Light. At the time, it was only about 25% complete. Well, some time (and procrastination) has passed since then...and now it’s 100% complete.
     
    Link to the document
     
    There’s the link to the Google doc, with comments enabled. And just to give you a taste of what the document contains, I'll conclude with a few short snippets. Enjoy!
     
    ==========
     
    JALLER
     
    ENG: Toa Tahu, Takua? He didn’t…? You’re alive! Kohli-head! You could’ve been lava bones!
     
    MAT: Toa Tahu, Takua? Ai-rhu...? Ou ikau-pa! Kohlii-meki! Ou tanuzaki-nuse!
     
    TAKUA
     
    ENG: Could’ve been, but I’m not.
     
    MAT: O hi-nuse, fa o-rhu.
     
    ==========
     
    POHATU
     
    ENG: Always a pleasure Gali. You two still so ill-at-ease? Put your petty differences aside, rejoice!
     
    MAT: Ta o hiki-po! Avamu rukhapo, Gali. Ou-anga ihua uluraiwa-po? Kofo-khuhi’u ihiki kya, ladeya!
     
    GALI
     
    ENG: Ha, I think my brother is afraid of having his fire extinguished.
     
    MAT: Ha, o ge seyaga ge ro'o ge turyaga ge tahai gamayago.
     
    TAHU
     
    ENG: Hahaha! Sister, against me you’d be nothing but steam. Hot air as they say.
     
    MAT: Hahaha! Ro'o, o'i ou igalorhu-se. Lo-taui, ke ai rokha.
     
    ==========
     
    MAKUTA
     
    ENG: The earth shudders my brother. The seventh Toa has begun its approach. Again the prophecies of the Matoran oppose my will. Must I release those who should never see the light of day? I must preserve your slumber. Their Unity will be poisoned. Their Duty will be broken. Their Destiny I must shatter. Go my sons, use the shadows and keep my brother asleep.
     
    MAT: Onu voya, ro’o. Toa-Nanga hiki'i voyata. Anga imatoran-vakamaja atu'o rakha. O akai ki rhui avahi akuyasu ikuakaryasuka? O voko'u mayasu. Kaita'ai lerayako. Maita'ai guurayako. O vaita'ai panrayasu. Shi'o voya. Krahi maya. Ivoko'a ro'o maya.
     
    ==========
     
    LEWA
     
    ENG: Walk? Ha, not-never! If you ride with me, there be no foot-walking, just air-flying. Ever wind-fly a Gukko-bird?
     
    MAT: Odai? Eke, ru-ru! Oi usai-sa, odi-dai-koru, nga le-mirai. Vai Goko leki-mirai?
     
    TAKUA
     
    ENG: I’ve been a second, but I’ve never flown one myself. (MNOG ref ftw)
     
    MAT: O khanga-nu, fa o nga mirukhanu-rhui.
     
    LEWA
     
    ENG: Then today is for quick-learning. Stay sharp and follow well.
     
    MAT: Le iki-aku. Kee no yai-yai.
  18. JRRT

    Learning Matoran: Lesson 3

    By JRRT,

    Ke ovahi o kii vahi,
    ne kharra noie ma
    ke kraa o karho,
    Kii usmo Mata Nui
    A avo inihe ka.

    In the time before time
    The builders of this world
    Labored in Darkness,
    Before the Great Spirit brought
    Light out of the Heavens.

    --From "The Legend of the Bionicle"

    =l Intro to Verbs l=
    Verbs in Matoran are slightly different from Nouns in that they do not rely solely on grammatical particles. There are some areas where particles are used, but overall these are not prevalent.

    Verbs in Matoran indicate Tense (present, past, etc.), as well as Aspect—the “nature” of an action, finished or unfinished (if this is important to express). These functions are indicated by inflections, either in the form of suffixes or in the form of a process I will refer to as “gradation”, both of which are applied to the stem of the verb.

    In this lesson, the three Tenses—Present, Past, and Future—will be discussed, in addition to the overall appearance of verbs.

    General Appearance
    Verbs in Matoran can be identified by their distinctive endings, which take the form of suffixes affixed to the verbal stem. There are a variety of these suffixes, but the four most common are -ma, -ha, -ya and -ai.

    Examples:

    -ma – kama “to move”
    -ha – oraha “to speak”
    -ya – matya “to use”
    -ai – terai “to struggle, strive”

    Other suffixes include -ne, -re, and -we. These will be discussed in later lessons.

    Basic Present Tense and Gradation
    The present tense of a verb indicates an action which occurs in the present time.

    The present tense is indicated by applying gradation to the verb-stem. Gradation refers to a process by which the consonants of the verbal suffixes are altered. The four primary suffixes listed above are gradated in the following way:

    -ma becomes -nna
    -ha becomes -kha
    -ya/-ai* does not undergo gradation (although some exceptions)

    *To clarify, the -ya/-ai suffixes are not normally gradated, but there are some verbs in which they undergo irregular changes. These instances will be discussed later.

    The following are some examples of gradation at work in forming the present tense. I have listed the infinitive form of the verb (equivalent to the English “to [verb]”), followed by the present tense form. It can be seen that, in the case of the -ya/-ai stems, the present tense form is the same as the infinitive.

    kama – “to move”
    kanna – “move”

    oraha – “to speak”
    orakha – “speak”

    matya – “to use”
    matya – “use”

    terai – “to struggle, strive”
    terai – “struggle, strive”

    Basic Past Tense
    The basic past tense indicates an action that occurred before the present time.

    It is formed with the suffix -o, which replaces the final vowel of the verb stem. Thus:

    kama – “to move”
    kamo – “moved”

    oraha – “to speak”
    oraho – “spoke”

    matya – “to use”
    matyo – “used”

    terai – “to struggle, strive”
    teraio – “struggled, strove”

    Note the past tense inflection of terai, where the suffix does not replace a final vowel and is instead added directly to the stem.

    Basic Future Tense
    The basic future tense indicates an action occurring in the future, after the present time.

    It is formed by a combination of gradation and the suffix -e, which replaces the final vowel of the verb stem in the same way as the past tense suffix.

    kama – “to move”
    kanne – “will move”

    oraha – “to speak”
    orakhe – “will speak”

    matya – “to use”
    matye – “will use”

    terai – “to struggle, strive”
    teraie – “will struggle, strive”

    As in the past tense, the inflection of terai shows that the future tense suffix does not replace the final vowel.

    -------

    Next up: Lesson 4—Nouns Continued.

    JRRT
  19. JRRT

    Comic #6 Reaction...

    By JRRT,

    So far: two thumbs way way up.
     

    » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «First off, I want to say Thank You Greg, for skipping the whole Teridax-is-his-real-name thing. Makuta is Makuta and he is The Makuta. That's how he started out, and by Mata Nui that's how he's going to end! 
    Secondly, and more importantly, I loved the "You have nothing, Makuta. You are nothing." aside. I as an ancient fan highly appreciate the nod to MNOG.
     
    Also: I think that, for the first time since D'anda left as the comic artist, I find myself really enjoying the art again. Mhan has succeeded in getting the giant-robot sense of scale right. It's fitting, then, that Bionicle began with great comic art and will end with great comic art.
     
    Also again: does anyone else think that Mhan took a cue from the Mask of Elemental Energy when drawing the prototype synthezoid's face? It would make things all that much sweeter.
     
    Oh yeah, and so far the events match up pretty well with the ideas in the previous blog entry. Who would've guessed?
     
    JRRT
  21. JRRT

    Learning Matoran: Lesson 8

    By JRRT,

    LEARNING MATORAN



    - LESSON 8 -


     
    I. Objective Particles:
     
    You have already encountered the subject, basic objective, and possessive particles in previous lessons, but there are many particles that remain to be discussed. The particles discussed in this lesson can also be classified as objective particles, but, in contrast to the basic objective particle, they provide information on the spatial and temporal positioning of a noun, as well as on nature of the action denoted by the verb. Six particles will be discussed in this lesson, and these can be organized into two series of three particles each: The first three are “locative” in nature, while the last three deal with concepts such as the endpoint, origin, and transition/path of an action.
     
    Ia. The Basic Locative Particle.
     
    The basic locative particle specifies a position spatially in/at/on or temporally during the noun with which it is paired. The exact interpretation (i.e. temporal or spatial) is up to the context and the denotation of the noun itself.
     
    The basic form of the particle is two-fold, depending on its placement with respect to the noun. Recall from the previous lesson the discussion of “variable placement” with the possessive particle: wa(i) before the noun, but ui/u’i after the noun. The basic locative particle exhibits a very similar case of variable placement, although it is more analogous to the variable placement of the verbal particle ya, which can be “split” into a- and -i (see Lesson 6, section I.).
     
    To begin, the basic form of the particle is oki when it is placed after the noun. This particle can be “split” into a particle ki or ke (interchangeable) which is displaced before the stem, and a particle ō which remains after the stem. A few examples will be useful to illustrate the variation (the particle ō can vary with ou, particularly if it follows a vowel):
     
    1) a. matoran-oki OR ki-matoran-ō, ke-matoran-ō “in/on/at the Matoran”
    b. wahi-oki OR ki-wahi-ou, ke-wahi-ou “in/at the Wahi”
    c. aval-oki OR ki-aval-ō, ke-aval-ō “in/during the time/period” (aval “time, period (of time)”)
     
    IIb. The Ante-Locative Particle.
     
    The ante-locative particle specifies a position temporally before/preceding/prior to or spatially behind/on the other side of the noun with which it is paired. The exact interpretation (i.e. temporal or spatial) is up to the context and the denotation of the noun itself.
     
    The basic form of the particle is oki or okī (interchangeable) and it is always placed before the noun. Additionally, the o- of the particle can optionally be dropped (oki > ki, okī > kī). Note that the basic form of this particle is identical to that of the previous particle except for its position with respect to the noun.
     
    2) a. (o)ki-nuyo, (o)kī-nuyo “behind/on the other side of the mountain”
    b. (o)ki-matoran, (o)kī-matoran “behind/on the other side of the Matoran”
    c. (o)ki-azal, (o)kī-azal “before/prior to the attack”
     
    IIc. The Post-Locative Particle.
     
    The post-locative particle specifies a position temporally after/subsequent to or spatially after/in front of/on this side of the noun with which it is paired. The exact interpretation (i.e. temporal or spatial) is up to the context and the denotation of the noun itself.
     
    The basic form of the particle is hi, and it is always placed after the noun.
     
    There are a few variations in the form of the particle, depending on the form of the stem: If the stem ends in a short vowel, hi is strengthened to khi (hoto-hi > hotokhi). If the stem ends in a long vowel, hi becomes gi (kolhī-hi > kolhīgi). If the stem ends in a consonant, hi becomes ki (brakas-hi > brakaski), unless the consonant is n, in which case hi becomes gi (matoran-hi > matorangi).
     
    In addition, there is some variability that is the consequence of etymological developments in noun stems. For example, if a noun stem ends in a long vowel, the particle would usually become gi (kolhī-hi > kolhīgi). Historically, many noun stems ended in long vowels which have since shortened, leading to variation between the khi and gi forms of the particle. One common example involves the derivational nounal particle hi (as in wa-hi, kano-hi, etc.), which has been shortened from older hī. As a result, the form of the post-locative particle when it is attached to such stems frequently varies between khi and gi: wahikhi vs. wahigi, kanohikhi vs. kanohigi, etc.
     
    3) a. ihnu-khi “in front of/on this side of the hill” (ihnu “hill”)
    b. matoran-gi “in front of/on this side of the Matoran”
    c. daika-khi “after/subsequent to the music” (daika “music, notes”)
    d. azal-ki “after/subsequent to the attack”
     
    IId. The Endpoint Particle.
     
    The endpoint particle specifies that the noun with which it is paired is the endpoint of the action of the verb. It will usually be translated into English as “to”. Depending on the context and the denotations of the noun and verb, an endpoint can manifest in many different ways. For example, with a verb expressing some kind of movement, the endpoint could be expressed as the location to which the subject moves (“Kopaka went to Ko-Koro.”). Conversely, with a verb expressing an event where the subject affects an object in some way, the endpoint could be the person or location at which the object ends up (“Tahu gave the mask to Gali.”). Additionally, there is an interplay between this particle and the basic locative particle discussed above, particularly with verbs expressing the latter situation. This interplay will be noted in a later lesson.
     
    The basic form of the particle is ī or ih, and it is always placed before the noun. The ī form is usually used before a stem beginning in a consonant (ī-matoran), while the ih form is used when a stem begins with a vowel (ih-akaku).
     
    4) a. ī-metru “to/toward the city”
    b. ī-matoran “to/toward the Matoran”
    c. ihazal “to/toward the attack”
     
    IIe. The Origin Particle.
     
    The origin particle specifies that the noun with which it is paired is the origin-point of the action of the verb. It will usually be translated into English as “from” or “out of”. Depending on the context and the denotations of the noun and verb, an endpoint can manifest in many different ways. For example, with a verb expressing some kind of movement, the endpoint could be expressed as the location from/out of which the subject moves (“Kopaka came from Ko-Koro.”). Conversely, with a verb expressing an event where the subject affects an object in some way, the endpoint could be the person or location from which the object originates (“Tahu took the mask from Gali.”). Additionally, as with the other particles, there is an interplay between this particle and the other objective particles, particularly with verbs expressing the latter situation. This interplay will be examined in a later lesson.
     
    The basic form of the particle is ha, and it is always placed after the noun.
     
    There are a few variations in the form of the particle, depending on the form of the stem (note that these variations mirror the variations exhibited by the posterior-position particle hi): If the stem ends in a short vowel, ha is strengthened to kha (hoto-ha > hotokha). If the stem ends in a long vowel, ha becomes ga (kolhī-ha > kolhīga). If the stem ends in a consonant, ha becomes ka (brakas-ha > brakaska), unless the consonant is n, in which case ha becomes ga, frequently strengthened to gō, from earlier *gā (matoran-ha > matoranga, matorangō)
     
    In addition, just as with the post-locative particle hi, there is a degree of variability that is the consequence of etymological developments in noun stems. For example, if a noun stem ends in a long vowel, the particle would usually become ga (kolhī-ha > kolhīga). Historically, many noun stems ended in long vowels which have since shortened, leading to variation between the kha and ga forms of the particle. One common example involves the derivational nounal particle hi (as in wa-hi, kano-hi, etc.), which has been shortened from older hī. As a result, the form of the post-locative particle when it is attached to such stems frequently varies between kha and ga: wahikha vs. wahiga, kanohikha vs. kanohiga, etc.
     
    5) a. ihnu-kha “from/away from/out of the hill”
    b. matoran-ga, matoran-gō “from/away from the Matoran”
    c. metru-kha “from/away from/out of the city”
    d. azal-ka “from/away from the attack”
     
    IIf. The Transitional-Instrumental Particle.
     
    The transitional-instrumental particle specifies that the noun with which it is paired is the path, transition, or instrument by which the action of the verb progresses. It will usually be translated into English as “through” or “by” or “with”. Depending on the context and the denotations of the noun and verb, a path/transition meaning can manifest in many different ways. For example, with a verb expressing some kind of spatial movement, the transition could be expressed as the location through or by means of which the subject moves (“Kopaka came/went through Ko-Koro.”). Conversely, with a verb expressing an event where the subject affects an object in some way, the transition could be expressed as the instrument through or by means of which the object is affected (“Tahu attacked the Rahi with his sword.”). Additionally, as with the other particles, there is an interplay between this particle and the other objective particles, particularly with verbs expressing this latter instrumental situation. This interplay will be examined in a later lesson.
     
    Mirroring the basic locative particle, the basic form of the transitional particle is two-fold, depending on its placement with respect to the noun (“variable placement”). To begin, the basic form of the particle when it is placed after the noun is amu when the stem ends in a consonant and mu when the stem ends in a vowel. This particle can be “split” into a particle u or ou (interchangeable) which is displaced before the stem, and a particle ma (with a truncated variant -n) which remains after the stem. A few examples will be useful to illustrate the variation:
     
    6) a. matoran-amu OR (o)u-matoran-ma “through/by the Matoran”
    b. wahi-amu OR (o)u-wahi-ma, (o)u-wahi-n “through/by the Wahi”
    c. azal-amu OR (o)u-azal-ma “through/with the attack”
    d. onoto-amu OR (o)u-onoto-ma, (o)u-onoto-n “by/with the tool”
  22. JRRT

    Nameless Masks

    By JRRT,

    What do you know: looks like I’m still on a Matoran Language streak these days, despite another interstate relocation (back to my natural habitat in the dry-bare-sandy southwest US...it’s good to be home). This time though, I’m taking a break from those pretentious Lessons in order to play around with a tangent on nameless Kanohi masks, i.e. official (and some unofficial) Kanohi masks that never received official (or unofficial) Matoran names. With a universe as sprawling as that of Bionicle, you can be sure that there are quite a few. Here are some musings on what some of those masks might have been called if they had only been important enough:
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Vaamaku, n.cmpd. “Mask of Psychometry; allows the wearer to see the history of an object/place through physical contact” [variant vāmaku]
     

    Etymology:


     
    vā, stm. “time (absract)”
    -amu, p. “through, during (transitional-instrumental particle)”
    aku, n. “sight”
     
    The element vā-amu translates straightforwardly to “through/across time”, with the application of the transitional-instrumental particle (see Lesson 8, section IIf.). This is combined with aku “sight” to yield the historical compound vā-amu-aku “through/across-time sight”, modern form vaamaku.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Amana, n.cmpd. “Mask of Healing; allows the wearer to heal visible/known physical injuries” [variant form mana]
     

    Etymology:


     
    amana, n. “(re)forming, (re)making; healing”
     
    The element amana is of uncertain etymology. It is almost certainly related to (or even directly derived from) the ancient stem ma(t), denoting “control, mastery, use, etc.”, with a variant meaning of “form, shape, create”. See dictionary entries <mat> and <manta>.
     
    One possible solution involves an etymology patterned after the name Mata (lit. All-Master: cf. Mata Nui “the Great Spirit”), which derives from the ancient stem mat combined with a (generally intensive) particle ā. Application of such a particle to a hypothetical stem ?man could yield a form ?man-ā, with displacement of the particle (“variable placement”*) resulting in a further form a-man-a, dividing the particle ā (literally aa) into two units: a and a. This would be in accord with the variant form mana (see variant form above) and with the attested dialectal variants of the Mata-name, namely Amata, as well as with the obscure title Amana Nui, which, in Matoran cosmology, may in fact be a further pseudonym for Mata Nui himself, with a meaning roughly analogous to “Great Healer”, “Great (Re)Former”, or (post-Bara Magna) “Great Melder”.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Onweku, n.cmpd. “Mask of Intangibility; allows the wearer to become intangible (non-solid)”
     

    Etymology:


     
    onwe, adj. “solid, stable”
    -ku, p. “non-, un- (negative particle)”
     
    The element onwe derives from the metaphoric meaning of the elemental stem onu “earth”, with application of the (relatively rare) adjectival particle -ee (onu-ee > onwe). This is combined with the general negative particle ku, yielding the compound onwe-ku “non-solid; intangible”.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Isima, n.cmpd. “Mask of Possibilities; allows the wearer to subtly alter fields of probability”
     

    Etymology:


     
    isi, n. “possibility”
    ma(t), stm. “mastery, control”
     
    The element isi combines straightforwardly with the element ma(t), yielding the compound isi-ma(t) “control of possibility”, modern form isima.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Awai, n.cmpd. “Mask of Growth; allows the wearer to increase in physical size” [variant forms waia, waya, waaya]
     

    Etymology:


     
    wā, stm. “great, large, broad; large size”
    ya p. “verbal particle”
     
    The original stem wā denotes “great, large, broad; large size”. This stem is verbalized by the addition of the verbal particle ya, yielding a compound wā-ya roughly with the meaning of “become large”. The particle ya exhibits “variable placement”*. It can be “split” into two separate units i and a, with the latter unit being displaced before the stem to which the particle is applied. In this case, this yields the form a-wā-i, modern form awai. This basic verbalization of a stem with displacement of the verbal particle is frequently used to denote a generalized (nounal) event, equivalent to a gerund (or possibly infinitive) in English: “becoming large, increasing, growing”. Variants of this mask-name do appear without the displaced particle (see variant forms above), but they are dialectically very restricted.
     
    -----------
     
    Kanohi Mautru, n.cmpd. “Mask of Mutation; allows the wearer to mutate organisms”
     

    Etymology:


     
    mautru, n. “change, mutation”
     
    The original stem maut denotes “change, differentiation”. Application of the (relatively rare) nounal particle -rū, denoting an object or place embodying a concept, yields the compound maut-rū, modern form mautru.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Mutuku, n.cmpd. “Mask of Emulation; allows the wearer to analyze and replicate the powers of other beings temporarily”
     

    Etymology:


     
    mutu, adj. “different, unlike”
    -ku, p. “non-, un- (negative particle)”
     
    The element mutu derives from the older stem maut “change, differentiation”, with application of the adjectival particle -u (maut-u > mut-u). This is combined with the general negative particle ku, yielding the compound maut-u-ku “not-different, not-unlike”, modern form mutuku.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Mautatu, n.cmpd. “Mask of Charisma; allows the wearer to convince others to agree with the wearer’s perspective/will by subtly altering their perception of the world”
     

    Etymology:


     
    maut, stm. “change, differentiation”
    atu, n. “mind, will”
     
    The original stem maut denotes “change, differentiation”. In combination with atu, this yields the compound maut-atu “lit. change-mind/will; changing/altering the mind or will”.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Eyi, n.cmpd. “Mask of Fusion; allows the wearer to forcibly fuse with one or more beings to form a single, larger being”
     

    Etymology:


     
    e-, p. “make/cause X (causative particle)”
    yi, adj/adv. “together”
     
    The adjectival element yi is combined with the causative (verbal) particle e-, yielding a semi-verbal compound e-yi “make together; cause-to-be-together”.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Konomau, n.cmpd. “Mask of Biomechanics; allows the wearer to interface with and assume mental control over (bio)mechanical systems” [variant form konomatu, konoimau, konoimatu; noimatuko, noimauko]





    Etymology:


     
    uko, p. “outside, external (locative particle)”
    noi, n. “(physical protodermic) body”
    ma(t), stm. “control, mastery”
     
    The elements noi and ma(t) combine to form the compound noi-ma(t) “body-control”. The element noi is used in reference to the (bio)mechanical nature of the Matoran body. The particle uko exhibits “variable placement” (see Lesson 7 IIId., Lesson 8 Ia.). It can be “split” into two separate units u and ko, with the latter unit being displaced before the stem to which the particle is applied. In this case, the particle uko is applied to the compound noi-ma(t), yielding the form ko-noi-ma(t)-u “external body-control; body-control from outside“, modern forms konomau (-noi- > -no-) and konomatu. Variants of this mask-name also exist using the unsplit form of the particle (see variant forms above).
     
    ----------
     
    [Note: the following masks are not officially confirmed Kanohi powers, but they are powers that (I think) could be exhibited by Kanohi (e.g. Makuta/Rahkshi powers)]
     
    Kanohi Koramau, n.cmpd. “Mask of Rahi Control; allows the wearer to exert control over various species of Rahi” [variant forms korahimau, korahimatu; rahimat-uko, rahima-uko]
     

    Etymology:


     
    uko, p. “outside, external (locative particle)”
    rahi, n. “Rahi, animals, fauna (general term)”
    ma(t), stm. “control, mastery”
     
    The elements rahi and ma(t) combine to form the compound rahi-ma(t) “rahi-control”. The particle uko exhibits “variable placement”*. It can be “split” into two separate units u and ko, with the latter unit being displaced before the stem to which the particle is applied. In this case, the particle uko is applied to the compound rahi-ma(t), yielding the form ko-rahi-ma(t)-u “external rahi-control; rahi-control from outside“, modern forms koramau (-rahi- > -ra-) and koramatu. Several variants of this mask-name did exist early on using the unsplit form of the particle (see variant forms above) but these were dialectically very restricted.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Kokrimau, n.cmpd. “Mask of Insect Control; allows the wearer to exert control over various species of Insect Rahi” [variant forms kokirimau, kokirimatu; kirimat-uko, kirima-uko]
     

    Etymology:


     
    uko, p. “outside, external (locative particle)”
    kiri, n. “insects (general term)”
    ma(t), stm. “control, mastery”
     
    The elements kiri and ma(t) combine to form the compound kiri-ma(t) “insect-control”. The particle uko exhibits “variable placement” (see Lesson 7 IIId., Lesson 8 Ia.). It can be “split” into two separate units u and ko, with the latter unit being displaced before the stem to which the particle is applied. In this case, the particle uko is applied to the compound kiri-ma(t), yielding the form ko-kiri-ma(t)-u “external insect-control; insect-control from outside“, modern forms kokrimau (-kiri- > -kri-) and kokrimatu. Several variants of this mask-name did exist early on using the unsplit form of the particle (see variant forms above) but these were dialectically very restricted.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Akataiku, “Mask of Heat Vision; allows the wearer to project beams of heat along the wearer’s line of sight” [variant forms akataku, akatāku, akataiaku]
     

    Etymology:


     
    aka, n. “power, ability” [independent augmented form of ka, see dictionary entries <aka>, <ka>]
    taiaku, n.cmpd. “heat-vision” [from ancient compound tae-aku; also tāku]
     
    The element aka combines straightforwardly with the element taiaku, yielding the compound aka-taiaku “power of heat-vision”, modern form akataiku (also see variants above).
     
    ----------
     
    [Note: the following masks are not actually nameless. They have official names, but no official etymologies. Here are unofficial etymologies for them.]
     
    Kanohi Komau, n.cmpd. “Mask of Mind Control; allows the wearer to exert mental control over a target” [variant forms komatu, matuko, mauko]
     

    Etymology:


     
    uko, p. “outside, external (locative particle)”
    ma(t), stm. “control, mastery”
     
    The particle uko exhibits “variable placement”*. It can be “split” into two separate units u and ko, with the latter unit being displaced before the stem to which the particle is applied. In this case, the particle uko is applied to the stem ma(t), yielding the form ko-ma(t)-u “external control; control from outside“, modern forms komau (more frequent) and komatu. Variants of this mask-name did exist early on using the unsplit form of the particle--mat-uko and ma-uko—but these were dialectically very restricted.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Suletu, n.cmpd. “Mask of Telepathy; allows the wearer to communicate with others telepathically, along with a range of other telepathic abilities” [variant form selatu]
     

    Etymology:


     
    seu(l), stm. “elemental Psionics” (modified form of elemental prefix se-, ce-)
    atu, n. “mind, will”
     
    The element seu(l) is an elaboration of the elemental Psionics prefix se- (also spelled ce-) modified along a similar pattern as, e.g. ga > (a)gal- (see dictionary entries <gah>, <ehel>, <galnu>). This is combined with atu (from older *aetu) to yield a compound seul-aetu “psionic will; mental will”, modern forms suletu (more frequent), selatu.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Mahiki, n.cmpd. “Mask of Illusion; allows the wearer to create and manipulate visual illusions”
     

    Etymology:


     
    ma(t), stm. “control, mastery”
    hiki, n. “deception, trickery”
     
    The ancient stem ma(t) combines with the element hiki to form the compound ma-hiki “control of deception/trickery”. The etymology of hiki is somewhat interesting to note. The concept of deception or trickery in the emergent Matoran culture appears to have been associated with “incompleteness”, “part of a whole”, or “something held back”. The composition of hiki reflects this association: the element ki denotes “(a) part, piece”, while hī denotes “(a) thing, place”, with the original meaning of hiki being “part of a thing”.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Akaku, n.cmpd. “Mask of (X-Ray) Vision; allows the wearer to see with enhanced vision, even through solid matter”
     

    Etymology:


     
    aka, n. “power, ability” [independent augmented form of ka, see dictionary entries <aka>, <ka>]
    aku, n. “sight, vision”
     
    The element aka combines straightforwardly with the element aku, yielding the compound aka-aku “power of vision”, modern form akaku.
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Kakama, n.cmpd. “Mask of Speed; allows the wearer to move at extremely high speeds” [variant form kamaka]
     

    Etymology:


     
    ka, n. “power, energy”
    ka-ma, v. “to move”
     
    The element ka combines with the verbal complex ka-ma to form the compound ka-kama “power of moving/movement”. In order to express the generalized (nounal) event of “moving, movement” intended here, the verbal particle is also sometimes displaced (“variable placement”*), yielding the variant verbal complex ma-ka (and the variant form kamaka, see variant form above).
     
    ----------
     
    Kanohi Vahi, n.cmpd. “Mask of Time; allows the wearer to control the flow of time itself”
     
    vā, stm. “time (abstract)”
    hī, stm. “thing, place”
     
    The elements vā and hī combine straightforwardly to yield the compound vā-hī, literally meaning “time-thing”, modern form vahi.
     
    [*see Lesson 6 I., Lesson 7 IIId., Lesson 8 Ia. for more information on “splitting” particles and “variable placement”]
  23. JRRT

    Learning Matoran: Lesson 5

    By JRRT,

    Hi folks. It's been a terribly long count of years (months), but I'm still, here, writing this stuff. I think it helps keep me sane. . .Whatever the case, if you're here to read this new lesson on the Matoran Language, it might do to read up on some of the older stuff. I don't know, maybe like the previous four lessons?
     
    Lesson 1
    Lesson 2
    Lesson 3
    Lesson 4
     
    And now that that it's all fresh in your mind, move on to Lesson Five: Pronouns I:

    =l Pronouns I l=


     
     
    Matoran pronouns have much the same function as they do in English: they replace nouns, serving as the subject or object of a sentence, and fulfill most of the roles played by nouns. Consequently, Matoran pronouns are modified for the same functions that nouns are: Case, Motion, and Time/Location.
     
    However, the current means of modification is through inflection, rather than a particle system. Although pronouns were previously modified by particles, these particles have since become “eroded,” in a sense, and have now developed new pronoun forms.
     
    Pronouns and Case:
     
    Pronouns are inflected for the same three-fold case system of Nominative (Subject), Objective (Object), and Genitive (Possessive).
     
    Now, in English, whereas nouns function in these roles by their Word Order in a sentence, pronouns also have the extra feature of inflection. For example, the Nominative (Subject) form of the first person pronoun is “I”, while the Objective (Object) form is “me” and the Genitive (Possessive) form is “my”. These characteristics manifest in the other persons as well. Third person Nom. “he/she/it”, Acc. “him/her/it”, Gen. “his/her/its”. Second person Nom. “you”, Gen. “your”, etc.
     
    Matoran features a similar—if a bit more complex—structure, with pronouns being marked for the various cases and numbers (singular or plural). As with nouns, we’ll start off with the Case Pronouns:
     
    -Nominative:
     
    As is the case with all the pronouns, there are three Persons: first, second, and third. These come in singular and plural forms, the plurals being historically formed from the singulars by a particle -ee, which has since been assimilated to the pronoun stem. There is also a "fourth" person, which is the equivalent of English "one," as in "One is bored when one has nothing to do." This is classified as the "impersonal" subject and has no plural form.
     
    Here are the forms of the nominative pronouns, beginning with the singulars:
     
    1 o – “I”
    2 oa – “you”
    3 ia, ai – “he/she/it”
    4 hua – “one”
     
    Now the plurals:
     
    1 oe, u – “we”
    2 ue – “you (pl.), you all”
    3 ie – “they”
     
    These pronoun forms are usually placed directly before or after the verb, regardless of the verb’s position in the sentence. This is a pretty strict placement rule.
     
    -Objective:
     
    Next, the objective case forms. Historically the singulars were formed with the addition of a particle aak-. The plurals were formed by a combination of the ee particle and the addition of the n-prefix from the nounal case particles.
     
    Singular:
     
    1 ako – “me”
    2 akoa – “you”
    3 akia, akai – “him/her/it”
    4 ahua – “one”
     
    Plurals:
     
    1 ngoe, ngu – “us”
    2 ngue – “you (pl.), you all”
    3 ngie – “them”
     
    -Genitive:
     
    Lastly, the genitive pronouns. Singulars are formed with the addition of the genitive particle ui (which you should recognize from the general nounal particles). Plurals are formed by the further addition of plural ee and the n-prefix (with subsequent assimilation):
     
    Singular:
     
    1 uio – “my”
    2 uikoa – “your”
    3 uikia, uikai – “his/her/its”
    4 uihua – “one’s”
     
    Plural:
     
    1 moe, mu – “our”
    2 mue – “your (pl.)”
    3 mie – “their”
     
    Genitives are placed after the nouns they modify in the same way that genitive-case nouns are.
     
    -Usage and Examples:
     
    The usage of the different cases with respect to pronouns is the same as with nouns. Thus, nominative pronouns are used as subjects, objectives are used as direct or indirect objects, and genitives are used to show possession. I will now offer some examples of these different cases forms:
     
    Ia teryo ea matoran.
    “He/she/it attacked the Matoran.”
     
    Teryo i rahi uikia akia.
    “His/her/its Rahi attacked him/her/it.”
     
    O kanna wo wahi a.
    “I went through the region.”
     
    Na oro orakhe oa.
    “You will say words.”
     
    Matoran akia kharmo.
    “The/a Matoran made it.”
     
    Oe kamo ii koro uio.
    “We went toward my village.”
     
    Na kanohi moe kharmo ie.
    “They made our Kanohi (pl.).”
     
    [Note once again that the word order is not crucial in these examples (except for the placement of genitive pronouns, of course): it is the case inflection that determines the role of a noun or pronoun in the sentence.]
     
    This concludes the discussion of case for pronouns. Still to come: Time/Location Particles on Nouns, Motion/Time/Location and Pronouns, Adjectives. Stay tuned.
     
    JRRT
  24. JRRT

    An Excerpt...

    By JRRT,

    ...from something bigger.
     

    =ll= 
    “You have seen him? He is the Makuta. He will destroy us if I do not go.”
     
    Mata Nui turned away. “Goodbye, brave Glatorian. You have shown yourselves worthy of redemption. Remember these things and survive. For my destiny and the destiny of my people lies elsewhere in the universe. I will strive to repair your world, and perhaps then the Great Beings shall return…”
     
    “Goodbye, Great Spirit. We will not forget.”
     
    There was a moment of silence as Mata Nui turned from the Glatorian and faced the empty, cavernous space. The silence of the moment seemed a shock compared to the chaos raging outside the chamber.
     
    Mata Nui raised his hands to his mask, gripped the golden edges of it, and pulled it free.
     
    Instantly the cavern was lit with a blinding light and the Glatorian fell back toward the entrance. Only Ackar remained, watching silently as the golden-armored form of Mata Nui dissolved before his eyes, scattering into clouds of sand that swirled and billowed in the blazing air.
     
    “—a thing that only clothed itself in the dust of our world.”
     
    Far above him, in the ceiling of the great chamber, lights flashed to life like a million sparkling stars—clearer than any stars that he had seen—beautiful in their dizzying intricacy yet terrifying in their size and radiance.
     
    He was small in the presence of such great things: only a dark speck against the light of distant beings...
     
    And then even Ackar fled.
     

    =ll= 
    JRRT
  25. JRRT

    ya for verbs

    By JRRT,

    [and tumblr too]
     
    This post, we're taking a brief detour from other projects to talk about something slightly more mundane: Is there something in the Matoran Language that marks verbs as verbs and distinguishes them from non-verbs? I would like to propose that there is at least one verb-marker expressed as a suffix (or "derivative particle") -ya.
     
    What's the evidence? Admittedly, there is only one canon piece of evidence, since we have only one confirmed verb in Matoran: zya "to attack". This verb occurs in the phrase Manas zya! "Attack the monster!" The verb is technically in the imperative (command) form, and so one might argue that it is a special form and shouldn’t be representative of what verbs in Matoran look like overall. However, making use of some insights from human language, this argument may be countered:
     
    Imperative verb-forms frequently represent the basic, unmodified state of verbal-morphology (witness English "Go!" same as present tense "They go" and infinitival "to go"). It stands to reason that the Matoran Language could follow the same pattern for purely functional reasons (e.g. commands must be transmitted quickly and efficiently). For this reason, I will assume that zya does in fact reflect the basic form of the Matoran verb.
     
    Back to the proposal: How can we apply the postulated verb-marker -ya elsewhere? Does it provide us with any insights? Enter voya:
     
    voya "journey" (cf. Voya Nui "Great Journey")
     
    This word is presented as a noun; however, it isn't unreasonable to allow the possibility that voya could be a deverbal noun derived from an older verb vo-ya. This is indeed what I propose, as exemplified by the following entries from the Matoran Dictionary:
     
    vo-ya |v.| to conduct energy, flow (along); to journey [From vo “elemental lightning” and the verb-marker -ya]
    voya-nui |n.| great journey [From voya “journey, current” (nominalized from the verbal complex vo-ya) and nui “great, significant”]
     
    So, the application of -ya in this case has provided us with some interesting insights into the history of voya (notice the fortuitous incorporation of the elemental stem vo "elemental lightning/electricity"). Where else can we go with this? For the purposes of this post, I will simply list several sets of words that might provide further support for the -ya proposal, with comments:
     
    amaya (a Ga-Matoran)
    maglya (a Ta-Matoran)
    zemya (an Onu-Matoran)
     
    Based on the proposal, all of these words could also be analyzed as verbs (or deverbal nouns derived from older verbs). Check out their respective dictionary entries for some possible etymologies.
     
    The words in the next set do not directly exhibit -ya, but could potentially contain a spelling variant -ia (once again, see corresponding dictionary entries for proposals):
     
    pelagia (a Ga-Matoran)
    zaria (a Toa of Iron)
    xia (a placename for the island inhabited by the Vortixx species)
    daxia (a placename for the island where the Order of Mata Nui has its primary base)
     
    The words in this final set all contain ia word-internally (either in stressed or unstressed position), but because of other factors the possibility that this is an example of -ya is even more remote. Hopefully they are helpful as reference:
     
    radiak (a Shadow Matoran, formerly Av-Matoran)
    spiriah (a Makuta)
    varian (a Toa of Psionics)
    chiara (a Toa of Lightning)
    niazesk (an swarming insect-Rahi)
    piatra (a Po-Matoran)
     
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