Phonology and Sound Flow

Velari is a river-shaped language. Its sound system favors open, flowing forms, especially vowel endings and smooth transitions between roots and suffixes.

Core Sound Shape

Velari words often follow a light syllable pattern:

(C)V(C), (C)VV(C)

This allows simple syllables, consonant-final roots, long vowels, and diphthongs.

Examples:

• mara = to flow / river

• talu = water

• suli = star

• daron = mountain

• aera-vasi = fog

Vowels and Diphthongs

Velari has short vowels, long vowels, and diphthongs.

Short vowels:

• a = /a/

• e = /ɛ/

• i = /i/

• o = /ɔ/

• u = /u/

Long vowel:

• aa = /aː/

Diphthongs:

• ae = /aɪ/

• ei = /eɪ/

• ou = /oʊ/

Weak Vowel Harmony

Velari uses weak vowel harmony. High-vowel roots attract high-vowel suffixes, while low-vowel roots attract low-vowel suffixes.

High vowels:

• i

• u

Low vowels:

• a

• e

• o

Examples:

• suli + au → sulou

• rumi + um → rumim

• mara + um → marum

Locative Flow

The locative suffix changes depending on the ending of the root.

• After vowel-final roots, use -ren

• After consonant-final roots, use -en

Examples:

• talu → taluren

• mara → mararen

• mareth → marethen

Assimilation

When a root ending in a consonant meets another consonant, the consonants may smooth or lengthen together.

Example:

• tal + lume → tallume

IPA Chart

Consonants

Vowels