Earthisms
2 min read · 375 words
The influence of humans on Mars has significantly altered how Kuapianese is spoken, sparking debate over the "correct" way to use the language. These human influences stem primarily from English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, and Arabic (the dominant terrestrial languages spoken by humans on Mars)
Given that humans and Martians have coexisted for at least four decades (a period, sadly, marked by war) the relationship has been defined by conflict, segregation, and the emergence of xenophobic and misanthropic terminology. Over time, we have unconsciously adapted our vocabulary, and the Martians have adopted some of ours; this has given rise to "Kuapisms" and "Earthisms."
A "Kuapism" is a word of Martian origin (from any language native to Mars) that has been adapted into a terrestrial language (such as Niaroumia, Kuaxeu, or Goochtua). An "Earthism" is a word of terrestrial origin (from any language native to Earth) that has been adapted into Kuapianese.
All "Earthisms" derive from these specific linguistic variants, even though other dialects—as well as languages such as German, Turkish, Swedish, and Japanese—are still preserved on Earth (and, to a very limited extent, on Mars).
Some Earth-derived terms used by Martians:
Farm animals, transported from Earth to Mars for livestock farming and to obtain products such as milk or eggs:
Guaianuá: From the Spanish gallina (hen).
Bioeguaianuá: Derived from bioeg (masculine, from the English "boy") and guaianuá (hen).
Shiap: From the English "sheep." Refers to a sheep or a ship.
Goet: From the English word "goat."
Zhoe: From the Mandarin Chinese zhū (猪)-pig.
Human food
Zhoechuawéu: Pork. Derived from Zhoe and the Kuapianese word chuawéu (food).
Siapchuawéu: Mutton/lamb. Derived from Shiap and the Kuapianese word chuawéu (food).
Oeg: Egg. From the French œuf.
Uaroush: Rice. From the Arabic arruz (أرز).
Things that do not exist on Mars
Oukeuuán: Ocean. Possibly derived from the Russian okean (океан).
Shuajuarua: Tree. From the Arabic shajara (شجرة).
Niaoe or puajuarou: Derived from the Chinese niǎo (鸟) and the Spanish pájaro (bird).
Others:
Heumuán: Human. From the English word "human."
Méushoen: A house built by or inhabited by a human being. From the French word maison.
"M4ison was a popular Francophone megacorporation dedicated to creating nuclear shelters during wartime. Consequently, méushoen also means "nuclear shelter" in slang"